Moray: the mystery of the Inca circular terraces
Few Inca sites puzzle visitors like Moray. Huge concentric rings of terraces sink into the earth like a green amphitheatre, and nobody can say with complete certainty what they were for. That mystery is exactly what makes Moray one of the most fascinating stops near Cusco.
What Moray is
Moray is a set of circular agricultural terraces built inside natural depressions on the plateau near the village of Maras. The largest bowl reaches a depth of up to about 30 metres. Retaining walls, stairways set into the walls and irrigation channels show careful engineering rather than simple farm plots.
The leading theory: an agricultural laboratory
The most widely accepted explanation is that Moray was an agricultural research station. Because of its depth and shape, the temperature changes from the rim to the bottom, creating different microclimates in a single place. The Incas may have used these conditions to test and adapt crops such as maize and potatoes to the many altitudes of their empire.
Other researchers stress a ceremonial role as well, or see the site as a combination of both. Your guide will share the different theories on the spot — part of the fun is drawing your own conclusions.
See Moray and Maras in a half day
Inca terraces, salt mines and a Chinchero weaving demo, with transport, guide and hotel pickup included.
Visiting Moray
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Plateau near Maras, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Cusco by road |
| Altitude | Around 3,500 m, higher than Cusco |
| Entrance | Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) |
| What you can do | Walk the paths around the rim and viewpoints; the terraces themselves are protected |
| Time needed | About 1 hour |
Moray and Maras: the perfect half day
Moray is only a few kilometres from the Maras salt mines, so the two are almost always visited together. Our Maras and Moray tour (US $30) covers both in a half day, with a stop at a weaving centre in Chinchero. Moray is also included in our full-day Sacred Valley tour (US $35).
Tips
- The plateau is sunny and windy: bring a hat, sunscreen and a jacket.
- Moray is higher than Cusco, so visit it after a day or two of acclimatization.
- The rainy season turns the terraces bright green; the dry season brings clear skies.
- Carry your Boleto Turístico: it is checked at the entrance.
For the rest of the valley, see the 5 Sacred Valley sites you must see.
Frequently asked questions
The leading theory is that it was an Inca agricultural laboratory, using the microclimates of its terraces to adapt crops to different altitudes. A ceremonial role is also possible.
Yes, entry to Moray is with the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).
Visitors walk the paths around the rim and the viewpoints; the terraces themselves are protected.
The largest bowl reaches a depth of up to about 30 metres.
On a half-day tour from Cusco, such as our Maras and Moray tour, or as part of a full-day Sacred Valley tour.
