February 2, 2026
The Amazing Circular Terraces of Moray
The circular terraces of Moray form a unique archaeological site within the entire Inca archaeological heritage. This place consists of three gigantic holes of different sizes, which served as an agricultural laboratory due to the diversity of microclimates at each level. Moreover, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley, it makes for an essential visit. Discover more about Moray and schedule your visit during your tour of Cusco.
General Information
The Moray archaeological complex consists of three large holes with circular terraces built into the inner walls. This site is known as the “Inca agricultural laboratory” because each level has a different microclimate, allowing for the cultivation and harvest of various crops.
The largest circular terrace contains 12 agricultural platforms, each with a different diameter and an approximate depth of 100 meters, with each level maintaining its own unique climate thanks to its irrigation system and the protection of the surrounding mountains.
The origin of its name comes from two Quechua words: “Muyu” (round) and “Uray” (lower), which related the terraces to possible amphitheaters, another function they might have served before being used as an agricultural laboratory.
Another function associated with Moray is its use as an astronomical observatory, where the position of the sun and the shadows cast by the mountains determined agricultural cycles and religious dates. The circular terraces of Moray reflect the extensive agricultural, astronomical, and engineering knowledge of the Inca culture, adapting to the environment to take advantage of every condition.
Where is Moray?
The circular terraces of Moray are located in the community of Mullak’as Misminay, in the district of Maras, province of Urubamba, 65 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The approximate travel time by car from the city is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Moray is situated at 3,500 meters above sea level, from where, for many visitors, the most beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley can be seen, with historic structures blending perfectly with the vast natural surroundings.
Tickets and Fees
Entrance to the Moray archaeological site is only available with the partial Cusco tourist ticket for Circuit 3, which you can purchase in person in the city or buy online through the Ticketcusco website.
By purchasing this ticket, you will also gain access to the main archaeological destinations in the Sacred Valley: the Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress, the Chinchero archaeological site, and the Pisac archaeological park.
The partial Cusco tourist ticket for Circuit 3 costs 29 dollars for foreigners and 19 dollars for Peruvians. Additionally, the ticket is valid for two days, allowing you to plan your visits to the archaeological sites more effectively.
Does the comprehensive Cusco tourist ticket also include a visit to Moray?
Yes, the comprehensive Cusco tourist ticket includes a visit to the circular terraces of Moray. In addition, with this ticket, you will also have access to ten archaeological sites (in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Southern Valley), five city museums, and a cultural center. The price for foreigners is 50 dollars, while for Peruvians it is 30 dollars (students of any nationality pay 30 dollars). Another great benefit of the comprehensive tourist ticket is that it is valid for 10 days, making it ideal for a complete trip around Cusco.
Visiting Hours
The Moray archaeological site is open every day, from Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Moray is part of the classic tours of the Sacred Valley, typically visited in the afternoon, which is the ideal time to have a more intimate and peaceful experience exploring each of the circular terraces.
Recommended Tour
Since Moray is located in the Sacred Valley, it can easily be combined with other significant tourist destinations, making for a much more complete trip. We recommend purchasing the Cusco tourist ticket for Circuit 3 to fully enjoy its potential.
- Tour Start: If you want to explore Moray in a more comprehensive tour, taking advantage of your day, you should purchase the Cusco tourist ticket for Circuit 3. The journey would begin in the morning from the city toward Pisac in the Sacred Valley. Many popular tours follow this route (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero, and sometimes add Maras), usually taking about 12 hours.
- Pisac Archaeological Site: The first destination for an efficient tour with the Cusco tourist ticket for Circuit 3 is the Pisac archaeological site, an impressive Inca citadel located on top of a mountain. This site is known for its religious structures and its extensive agricultural terraces.
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park: The next stop on the route is the Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress, one of the most impressive Inca constructions. Besides the historical structures, temples, and ceremonial areas, you will also be able to enjoy wide views of the entire Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River.
- Moray Archaeological Complex: The circular terraces of Moray are the third destination on the tour. This site is remarkable for its three enormous holes with several terraces inside. Its function is related to being an agricultural laboratory and, previously, a large Inca amphitheater.
- Chinchero Archaeological Site: The final destination, taking advantage of the Circuit 3 tourist ticket for the Sacred Valley, is Chinchero. This archaeological site consists of various historical structures, and it is located next to the ancient temple of the Inca Tupac Yupanqui.
- End of the Tour: The ideal tour for exploring the circular terraces of Moray with the Cusco partial tourist ticket for Circuit 3 ends in the evening. Keep in mind that this ticket is valid for two days, so you can distribute your visits to the tourist sites as you prefer.
Tips for Your Visit
- The tour of the circular terraces of Moray: Requires little effort; if you wish, you can simply take panoramic strolls and enjoy each viewpoint of the area. It is accessible to everyone.
- Before visiting the Moray archaeological site: It is highly recommended to acclimate during the first days of your trip in Cusco. Moray is located at 3,500 meters above sea level, so you should take precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
- The total tour of Moray: Is short, approximately 30 minutes. However, if you take a more immersive visit, exploring each level of the circular terraces, it may take about an hour.
- Every October 8th: The residents of the neighboring communities gather at the circular terraces of Moray to celebrate “Moray Raymi” (Moray Festival), where they present shows related to Mother Earth and agricultural work.
- Enjoy every landscape of the Sacred Valley: During your trip, take your time to explore each destination and appreciate how nature blends perfectly with Inca constructions.
- Close to Moray: You will find the Maras salt mines, a fantastic place with thousands of natural salt ponds. It is ideal to visit if your trip focuses solely on this part of the Sacred Valley. Remember that you will need to purchase an additional entrance ticket at the entrance to the site.
- For all your tours in Cusco: It is essential to bring extra layers to stay warm and, generally, a poncho for the possible rains typical of the Andean climate.
- Remember that with Ticketcusco: You can purchase the comprehensive Cusco tourist ticket, as well as the partial tickets for each of the three tour circuits. Book now and experience unforgettable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the circular terraces of Moray like?
Moray is a unique archaeological site designed as an agricultural laboratory, where each level has its own microclimate. This allowed the Inca culture to experiment with crops under different climatic conditions. We recommend visiting it at a leisurely pace to appreciate how engineering and nature merge perfectly.
2. Where is Moray located exactly?
Moray is located in the community of Mullak’as Misminay, in the Maras district, within the Sacred Valley. From Cusco, the drive takes approximately an hour and a half, passing through beautiful Andean landscapes.
3. How high is Moray and what should I consider?
The site is located at 3,500 meters above sea level. Therefore, we always recommend acclimating in Cusco beforehand and staying hydrated to avoid altitude sickness during your visit.
4. What ticket do I need to enter Moray?
Access to the Moray archaeological site is only allowed with the partial Cusco tourist ticket for Circuit 3 or with the full ticket.
5. How much does the partial Cusco tourist ticket for Circuit 3 cost?
The partial ticket costs approximately 29 dollars for foreigners and 19 dollars for Peruvians. It is valid for two days, allowing you to explore the tourist destinations flexibly and without rushing.
6. What are the visiting hours for Moray?
Moray is open every day, from Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We recommend visiting it in the afternoon when there are fewer visitors, making the experience more peaceful.
7. How long does it take to tour Moray?
A general tour can take between 30 minutes and an hour. If you wish to descend the terraces and observe each level more closely, we suggest reserving a bit more time.
8. Is the Moray tour physically demanding?
The tour is quite accessible and does not require much physical effort. You can opt for short walks or simply enjoy the views from the viewpoints, making it suitable for all types of visitors.
9. Can I combine Moray with other nearby destinations?
Yes, a visit to Moray pairs perfectly with Maras, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. It is one of the most complete routes in the Sacred Valley and an excellent way to take advantage of the Cusco tourist ticket.
10. Is it worth including Moray in my trip to Cusco?
Definitely yes, Moray stands out not only for its archaeological value but also for the landscapes surrounding it. It is a visit that complements any itinerary through Cusco and the Sacred Valley perfectly.