Maras Moray to Salineras
Can i do it
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Difficulty | easy; moderate |
| Total time: | 4-5 hs. | |
| Route: | "Peruvian" flat (up and down hill); down hill | |
| Highest point: | 3600 m/ 11800 ft a.s.l | |
| Acclimatation suggested: | 1 day |
Maras - Moray - Salt Mines of Pichingoto
We begin our Biking Adventure pedaling along the shore of the beautiful highland Lake of Huaypo. We then begin our downhill cruise of about 35 km. distance to the town of Maras (elev.:3,500 meters - 11,090 feet) and then continue descending, passing by the archaeological site of Moray – once an important agricultural experimental center located some 38 km to the Northwest of Cusco. We also have a chance of taking in and fully appreciating a great deal of beautiful Andean landscape – including impressive views of the snow-capped peaks of La Verónica (elev. 5,682 meters -18,600 feet) and Chicon (elev.:5,530 meters or 18,140 feet)- as well as a significant amount of local cultural features, traditional villages, local folks in traditional dress, etc. Somewhere in the midst of this amazing surrounding, we shall stop for an enjoyable picnic and then carry on downhill, following ancient Inka footpaths, eventually reaching the salt mines of Pichingoto . These are not actually mines, as such, but a rather amazing conglomerate of over 3000 evaporation troughs carved into the hillside where the salt-laden silt gathers and becomes gradually distilled into rock salt. This site is very ancient, but was perfected and developed to a high degree by the Inkas. Depending on our time, we can either stop and visit this fascinating complex or continue straight through to the bottom of the Sacred Valley of the Inkas.
This off-road biking tour is suitable for beginners on up.
Option: We can all return to Cusco on the same day, or spend the night in a hotel in the Sacred Valley and go on to enjoy another mountain biking adventure the following day.
