Moray

A mysterious Incan agricultural laboratory consisting of concentric circular terraces carved into the earth, likely used for crop experimentation and storage. The site is uniquely beautiful and offers insights into advanced Incan agricultural engineering.

Things to do

• Explore the Circular Terraces — Walk down into the concentric rings of Moray to observe the precise Incan stonework and understand how each level may have maintained different microclimates for agricultural research.
• Visit the Salt Ponds at Maras — Trek to the adjacent salt evaporation pools of Maras, a working tradition since Incan times, located about 4 kilometers from Moray.
• Hike to Surrounding Agricultural Ruins — Follow trails from Moray through the Sacred Valley to encounter additional terraces, storage structures, and viewpoints across the high-altitude landscape.
• Study Crop Terracing Engineering — Examine the drainage systems and soil composition of individual terraces with a local guide to grasp how the Incas conducted agricultural experiments at scale.
• Photograph at Sunrise or Sunset — Arrive early morning or late afternoon when light illuminates the terraced contours and creates dramatic shadows across the circular formations.

Food to try

• Papa a la Huancaína — Boiled potatoes smothered in a creamy cheese and chili pepper sauce, a Peruvian classic that showcases the region's native potato varieties.
• Quinoa Soup — A warming broth made with quinoa, potatoes, and local herbs that reflects the ancient grains cultivated in the Sacred Valley.
• Oca and Chuño (Freeze-Dried Potatoes) — Try these traditional Andean preserved starches at local markets, the same crops the Incas may have tested in Moray's terraces.
• Fresh Trout from Local Streams — Grilled or pan-fried trout caught from the rivers flowing through the Sacred Valley, often seasoned with cilantro and lime.
• Maize-Based Corn Beer (Chicha) — A traditional fermented corn beverage still prepared by local communities, connecting you to pre-Columbian drinking practices.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Incan Sites — Stay on marked paths, do not remove stones or artifacts, and approach the terraces with reverence as they remain spiritually significant to local Quechua communities.
• Hire a Local Guide — Engage a guide from nearby villages like Maras or Ollantaytambo who can explain Incan agricultural methods and share indigenous perspectives on the site's purpose.
• Acclimatize to High Altitude — Moray sits at approximately 3,500 meters elevation; allow time to adjust before arriving and drink coca tea, a local remedy for altitude sickness endorsed by residents.
• Support Local Artisans — Purchase handwoven textiles and crafts directly from Quechua vendors in the Sacred Valley rather than at tourist markets to ensure fair benefit to communities near Moray.