Moray Ruins: The Inca Circular Terraces of the Sacred Valley Explained

What Are the Moray Ruins?

The Moray ruins are an Inca archaeological site made of several natural sinkholes reshaped into rings of stone terraces, linked by an irrigation system. The main complex has one large bowl and smaller ones beside it. Seen from the rim, the concentric terraces look like a giant amphitheater carved into the plateau.

Stone steps jut out of the terrace walls, letting people move between levels. The surrounding farmland of the Maras plateau, with snowcapped peaks behind, makes the site one of the most photographed in the Sacred Valley.

Moray sits near the Maras salt pans and on the way to Ollantaytambo's Inca fortress. Carry small soles for the entrance, as explained in our Peru currency guide, and see wider plans in things to do in Cusco.

What Was Moray Used For?

The exact purpose of Moray is unknown, but the most popular theory is that the Incas used it as an agricultural research station. The depth and shape of the bowls trap cold air at the bottom, creating microclimates, so crops could be tested at conditions similar to much higher or lower elevations within one site.

Other researchers see Moray as an Inca ceremonial center, suggesting ceremonial or seasonal ritual use, or combined farming and ritual. Signs and guides often present the laboratory idea as fact, but it remains a hypothesis supported by temperature measurements rather than written Inca records.

Why Is It Colder at the Bottom of Moray?

The bottom of Moray is colder because cold air is heavier than warm air and drains downslope into the closed bowl, especially on calm, clear nights. Heat escapes upward and the cold air stays trapped below. This inversion can make the bottom terraces up to about 27°F (15°C) cooler than the rim.

Moving a planting a few terraces up or down changes its effective climate, which is why the laboratory theory is so appealing.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Moray?

Moray does not sell a single-site ticket for most foreign visitors. Entry is through the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the Boleto Turístico, reported at about S/130 for the full 10-day pass, or about S/70 for the partial Sacred Valley circuit that also covers Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. Check current prices before you go.

The nearby Maras salt mines are not covered by the tourist ticket and charge their own community fee; details are in our Maras salt mines guide.

Can You Walk Down Into the Moray Terraces?

Visitors can no longer walk down into the main Moray terraces. Access to the largest bowl was closed to protect the walls after rain damage and wear, so you walk a path around the rim and view it from above. Rules can change, and some smaller sections may open seasonally.

In early 2010 heavy rains caused partial collapses of some terrace walls, which were later restored. The rim path is easy, but it is at high altitude, so walk slowly.

How Do You Visit Moray and the Maras Salt Mines Together?

Most travelers visit Moray and the Maras salt mines together, since they are about 15 minutes apart by road. Half-day tours from Cusco include both, and many full-day Sacred Valley itineraries add Chinchero. Independent travelers can hire a taxi from Urubamba, Cusco or the Maras turnoff for both sites.

For the full picture, start with our day trips from Cusco guide.

1. Buy your Cusco Tourist Ticket for Moray.
2. Carry cash for the separate salt mines fee.
3. Visit Moray first in the morning for clearer skies.
4. Drive about 15 minutes to the salt mines.
5. Optionally hike down from the salt mines to the Urubamba River.
6. Continue to Ollantaytambo or return to Cusco.

Many itineraries end in Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley rail town for the next morning's Machu Picchu train. Our Sacred Valley tour covers the valley's main sights.