Moray Terraces - rice terraces photography
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Moray Terraces

4.7
·12k reviews·Maras, Peru

Witness the Incas' agricultural genius at Moray's concentric terraces, an ancient experimental farm with stunning Andean vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Softer light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Moray Terraces - rice terraces photography

Moray Terraces

Best Time

Morning

Softer light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the Incas' agricultural genius at Moray's concentric terraces, an ancient experimental farm with stunning Andean vistas.

4.7
(12k reviews)

"Incredible Inca engineering! The circular terraces of Moray are stunning, with mountain views all around."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Boleto Turistico is Key

Save money by purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites.

🚗 Taxi or Tour for Access

Taxis or organized tours are the easiest way to reach Moray from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Circular Terraces

The Grand Circular Terraces

Main archaeological site

Witness the awe-inspiring concentric rings, an Inca agricultural laboratory testing crops at different altitudes.

Inca Engineering Marvel

Inca Engineering Marvel

Throughout the site

Marvel at the advanced agricultural and engineering skills of the Incas, a testament to their ingenuity.

Panoramic Sacred Valley Views

Panoramic Sacred Valley Views

Overlooking the terraces

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Sacred Valley and the Andes mountains.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Best Experience

Visit Moray Terraces during the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Mornings offer softer light for photos and a more tranquil atmosphere before tour groups arrive. Consider combining your visit with the nearby Maras Salt Mines for a fuller Sacred Valley experience.

Tickets and Transportation

Entry to Moray is often included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico), which is a cost-effective option if you plan to visit other sites. Alternatively, a separate ticket can be purchased. Taxis or organized tours are the most common ways to reach Moray from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Renting an ATV can also be a fun way to explore the area.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Softer light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for photography
Crowd
Medium
When
Shoulder Seasons (Apr-May, Sep-Oct)
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Giant Moray Eel_ Underwater Encounter & Taste Test!#viral #shorts #SurvivalTips #foryou #IslandSurvival
@catmemeno1
103K likes • 2.8M views

🎟️ Boleto Turistico is Key

Save money by purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites. Reddit

🚗 Taxi or Tour for Access

Taxis or organized tours are the easiest way to reach Moray from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Instagram

Feels like we make a new connection every day with these things. Really facinated and interested in piecing these things together, its like a 4D mind puzzle and it gets more intricate by the day. #ancienthistory #ancienthistorytok #ancientegypt #ancientindia #stolenhistory #megalithic #megalithicmarvels #ancienthighttechnology #historytok #fyp #foryou #spiritualtiktok🧿
@bassforge.us
56.1K likes • 554.4K views
The Moray also known as the Inca Ruin - It is one of the famous Inca ruins near Cusco. It is composed of three groups of circular terraces. The theory behind these rings is that it this allowed the Incas to study the effects of altitude, temperature, and sun absorption on crop growth to determine ecological niches suitable for crops to thrive. 📍Moray 🌎Cusco, Peru HOW TO BOOK? 🔹Must be in Cusco, ...
qtrinhster03
99 likes • 1.6K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the terraces, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

☀️ Sun Protection Essential

The high altitude means strong sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:

Unlocking a secret of the Incans 🥔 The breathtaking Moray Terraces in Peru! #MorayPeru #PeruTravelGoals #DiscoveringPeru #TravelingWithPurpose #BucketListExperience #AncientWonders #TravelPeru #moray #maras #climatepositive #ecotourism #sustainability #lima #cusco #maras #urubamba #aguascalientes #machupichu
caspiantobaltic
449 likes • 12.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Boleto Turistico is Key

Save money by purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites. Reddit

🚗 Taxi or Tour for Access

Taxis or organized tours are the easiest way to reach Moray from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the terraces, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

☀️ Sun Protection Essential

The high altitude means strong sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially if visiting during warmer months. The altitude can be dehydrating. :droplet:

📸 Capture the Rings

The circular terraces are incredibly photogenic, especially from above. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the incredible Inca engineering and the unique agricultural purpose of the Moray Terraces, often describing them as a marvel. The stunning mountain views and the historical significance are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the site itself is fascinating, some reviewers note a lack of visitor enhancement, suggesting more information or interactive elements would improve the experience.

"Beautiful views interesting history. The use of the terraces and the accuracy is amazing the Incas were truly a master builder and intellectual community of Astrologers, mathematical genius!"

Marilyn Flores

"Incredible Inca engineering! The circular terraces of Moray are stunning, with mountain views all around. A fascinating mix of history, agriculture, and scenery. We took an ATV tour here which was even better!"

Geoffrey Bishop

"Wow! This is so beautiful. If you’re in Ollantaytambo you must take the cheap taxi and experience this. Honestly, the drive there was even better than the site itself"

KaiLee Johnson

What People Like

Incredible Inca engineering
Unique agricultural purpose
Stunning mountain views

What People Dislike

Limited visitor enhancement
Basic site experience

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common ways to reach Moray from Cusco are by taxi or as part of an organized tour. Taxis can be hired for a half-day trip, often combined with a visit to the Maras Salt Mines. Many Sacred Valley tours also include Moray. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Instagram+1

Yes, visiting Moray from Ollantaytambo is very feasible. It's a shorter drive than from Cusco, making it a popular option for those staying in the Sacred Valley. Cheap taxis are available, and it's often included in local tours. Reddit

Absolutely! Moray and the Maras Salt Mines are geographically close and are frequently visited together as a combined tour or taxi trip. This offers a comprehensive experience of the Sacred Valley's unique attractions. Instagram+1

While walking around the site is standard, some visitors opt for ATV tours for a more adventurous exploration of Moray and its surroundings. Reddit

From Cusco, the journey to Moray typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. From Ollantaytambo, it's a shorter drive, around 45 minutes to an hour. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Moray is often included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico), which costs 70 soles for a partial circuit or 130 soles for a full circuit. If you don't have the Boleto Turistico, a separate ticket for Moray can be purchased, typically around 15-20 soles. Reddit

While not strictly mandatory if you only plan to visit Moray, the Boleto Turistico is highly recommended if you intend to visit other archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. It's often more economical than buying individual tickets. Reddit

Moray Terraces are generally open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm current hours with your tour operator or local sources. Instagram

Yes, tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance to Moray. However, having the Boleto Turistico or pre-arranged tour tickets can streamline your entry. Reddit

The Boleto Turistico offers different validity periods, which might be considered a form of discount if you plan your visits accordingly. Students and children might have specific rates, but this is less common for the general tourist ticket. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The prevailing theory is that the Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory. The concentric terraces created microclimates, allowing them to experiment with different crops and study the effects of altitude, temperature, and sun exposure to determine optimal growing conditions. Instagram+1

The main site at Moray features four distinct circular terraces. There are also two smaller, less prominent ones located nearby. InstagramReddit

Due to the depth and exposure to sun and wind, there can be a significant temperature difference, reportedly up to 27°F (15°C) between the top and bottom levels of the terraces. Instagram

Yes, there is a basic circuit to walk around the site, allowing visitors to view the terraces from different angles. The terrain is generally manageable, but comfortable shoes are recommended. Reddit

The Incas likely experimented with a wide variety of Andean crops, including potatoes, maize, quinoa, and various medicinal herbs, to understand their cultivation needs at different altitudes. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Mornings offer softer, more diffused light, which is ideal for capturing the textures and colors of the terraces without harsh shadows. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light. TikTok

The most iconic shots are taken from the rim overlooking the entire complex of concentric circles. Walking along the paths provides different perspectives. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your tour operator before flying a drone at archaeological sites in Peru. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the terraces. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant mountain views. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards! :iphone:

Generally, photography is allowed throughout the site. However, always be respectful of the historical significance and avoid disturbing other visitors. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Moray Terraces can be a fascinating educational stop for families. The concept of an 'agricultural laboratory' is often easier for children to grasp than complex historical narratives. Encourage them to imagine the Incas experimenting with different plants and how the rings might have worked. The open space allows kids to move around, but supervision is crucial due to the drop-offs. Consider bringing snacks and water, as facilities are limited. The drive to Moray can also be an adventure, especially if you opt for an ATV tour, which can be a highlight for older children. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

To save money, prioritize purchasing the Boleto Turistico if you plan to visit multiple sites. This often makes visiting Moray more economical than buying an individual ticket. For transportation, look for shared tours or negotiate taxi prices carefully. Packing your own snacks and water will also cut down on expenses. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower tour prices. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Moray offers incredible photographic potential, especially for those interested in ancient architecture and landscapes. The concentric circles create unique geometric patterns that are best captured with a wide-angle lens. Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots. The surrounding Sacred Valley provides a stunning backdrop, so don't forget to capture the panoramic views as well. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Agricultural Ingenuity of Moray

The Moray Terraces are a remarkable testament to the Incas' advanced understanding of agriculture and their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean environment. Unlike typical agricultural terraces found on hillsides, Moray's unique circular depressions, descending up to 98 feet into the earth, served a specialized purpose. The prevailing theory, supported by the temperature variations observed between the top and bottom levels, is that these rings functioned as an experimental agricultural laboratory.Instagram+1

By creating distinct microclimates within each ring, the Incas could meticulously study how different crops responded to varying conditions of sunlight, wind, and temperature. This allowed them to optimize crop cultivation and acclimatize plants to different ecological niches across their vast empire. This sophisticated approach to agricultural research highlights the Incas' deep knowledge of botany, meteorology, and engineering, enabling them to sustain a large population in a demanding landscape. Instagram+1

Visitors can walk along the paths surrounding the terraces, gaining a tangible sense of the scale and complexity of this ancient agricultural system. The site's design is so precise that it's believed to have been able to simulate conditions found at various altitudes throughout the Inca Empire, making it a crucial hub for agricultural innovation. Instagram

Navigating the Sacred Valley: Moray and Beyond

Moray is a jewel within the Sacred Valley, a region rich in Inca history and breathtaking natural beauty. When planning a visit, it's common to consider combining Moray with other nearby attractions to maximize your experience. The Maras Salt Mines, with their thousands of ancient salt pans cascading down a hillside, offer a visually stunning contrast to Moray's agricultural focus.Instagram+1 The vibrant white salt pans against the green valley create unforgettable photographic opportunities.

Many visitors choose to explore Moray and Maras via organized tours departing from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. These tours often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes even lunch. Alternatively, hiring a taxi for a half-day or full-day excursion provides more flexibility, allowing you to set your own pace and spend more time at each location.InstagramReddit For the more adventurous, ATV tours are also available, offering an exhilarating way to traverse the rugged terrain and access these incredible sites.Reddit

When deciding between Pisac and Moray/Maras for a shorter visit, consider your interests. Pisac is known for its impressive Inca ruins and a vibrant artisan market, while Moray and Maras offer a unique glimpse into Inca agricultural innovation and ancient salt harvesting techniques.Reddit Regardless of your choice, the Sacred Valley promises an immersive journey into Peru's rich past and stunning landscapes.

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