Moray Ruins Peru: A Luxury Traveler’s Guide To These Mysterious Circular Creations

Tucked away in the Sacred Valley’s rolling hills, the Moray Ruins in Peru are among the most fascinating and mysterious sites left behind by the Inca civilization.

Famous for their perfectly-circular terraces - a design unlike anything else in Peru - their true purpose is still debated today. Visiting Moray Ruins is simple given its close proximity to Cusco, where we can begin to uncover their hidden secrets and enjoy the unique formations and surrounding plains.

In this guide, we’ll cover the Moray Ruins of Peru, what they are and why they are worth visiting. As well as exploring how you can visit these ruins in a comfortable manner, we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section later in this article.

What Are The Moray Ruins In Peru?

Nestled deep within the Sacred Valley in Peru, Moray Ruins are one of many incredible ruins built by the ancient Inca civilization. However, unlike the more popular Machu Picchu and mind-boggling Sacsayhuamán Ruins, Moray Ruins is quite a unique set to visit. This is because the site is made up of three giant circular depressions, each carved with up to 14 terraces that spiral down into the earth.

These terraces didn’t just serve as impressive architecture, though. Each level creates its own unique microclimate, where temperatures can vary up to 15°C between the top and the bottom circles. This allowed the Incas to simulate different environments and essentially create a laboratory for harvesting crops. Potatoes, quinoa, and corn, are just a few of the staples believed to have been cultivated here, while the ever-useful coca leaf would have also been a priority given its significance and importance to the Inca. 

How To Visit Moray Ruins In Style While Traveling Through Peru

Moray Ruins are located within the Sacred Valley region, just a couple of hours away from Cusco. This means that it’s a very simple day trip to make, where we can easily get to and from the ruins, while also visiting other key nearby sites like the Maras Salt Mines.

At The Luxury Peru Travel Company, we can arrange a private Moray tour during your luxury Peru vacation which allows you to visit the ruins in a comfortable manner - with the option of visiting other nearby destinations too. One of our expert historical guides will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll drive in private transport to and from the ancient site. As well as visiting Moray Ruins, we can also visit the nearby Maras Salt Mine for both their incredible views and rich natural salts, as well as enjoying a gourmet tasting menu at the Mil Restaurant while overlooking the ancient terraces of Moray.

Note: Moray Ruins are a protected ancient site, and as such entries are restricted. Entry is covered by the Boleto Turístico, which can be purchased either in Cusco or at the entrance of the ruins - which also grants access to many other historical and beautiful sites around Cusco during our stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moray Ruins In Peru

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about Moray Ruins in Peru, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Are The Circles Of Moray Used For?

It’s widely believed that Moray Ruins were mainly used for agricultural purposes, given they could grow a wide range of crops by mimicking different biomes. However other theories have emerged as to why Moray was first built, with some believing Moray was a ceremonial site, while others propose that it served as a place for astronomical learning. What can be agreed is that the truth remains a real mystery - which only adds to Moray’s enduring appeal.

Are Maras And Moray Worth Visiting?

While this article focuses purely on Moray Ruins, the nearby Maras Salt Mines also deserves some spotlight. Located close to Moray, here we enjoy a breathtaking view of an Andean valley covered in thousands of brightly-colored salt pools. It’s also possible to buy raw salt from here which we can bring back home, as well as gourmet chocolate and other products. Given these iconic sites are located very close together, it’s easy to visit them both on the same day trip from Cusco before or after your luxury Machu Picchu tour.

What To See In Moray Peru?

Within the site of Moray, we can find three main circular ruins that each have multi-layered terraces extending deep beneath the valley. Aside from learning about the ruins and enjoying the surrounding landscapes during our tour, we can also head on an action-packed ATV Tour around the region, visit the Maras Salt Mines and even eat at the luxurious Mil Restaurant Moray - which overlooks these famous ruins.

Moray Ruins Peru: Plan Your Trip Now To This Iconic Incan Creation

And that’s all for this guide on Moray Ruins in Peru, and why it’s worth heading here during your trip to the Andes.

Visiting these incredible circular ruins is a must when heading to Cusco given we can experience a unique site found nowhere else - and also as it’s located close to other incredible gems such as the Maras Salt Mines. It’s also quite an easy half-day trip to organise too, making it simple to visit during your time in the Peruvian Andes.

When booking your Luxury Peru Tour with us, we can easily arrange a private transfer and experienced tour guide to take you to Moray Ruins from Cusco. As well as flexible visits to the nearby Maras Salt Mines, we can also arrange for you to enjoy an unforgettable lunch at the famous Mil Restaurant Moray which overlooks these mesmerizing ruins.