4 Best Things to Do and See in Maras
Exploring Maras on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Maras, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Maras. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Moray
Moray is a fascinating archaeological site in Peru’s Sacred Valley, near Urubamba. Its vast circular terraces, set within a natural depression, create a dramatic and unique landscape. Visitors come for the concentric levels, often linked to Inca agricultural and experimental uses. A visit reveals both the ingenuity of the ancient builders and the harmony between the site and the surrounding Andes.
2. MachuQolqa Viewpoint
MachuQolqa Viewpoint in Urubamba offers a beautiful panorama of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with Andean slopes, agricultural terraces, and mountains on the horizon. This viewpoint lets you admire the surrounding countryside in a peaceful setting, often appreciated for photography and quiet moments of contemplation. Depending on the light and the season, the colors of the landscape change and highlight the scale of the panorama. It is an ideal stop to discover the natural beauty of the region.
3. Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva
Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva, located in Peru’s Urubamba Valley, invites visitors to discover Andean culture in a lively, accessible way. The site showcases local traditions through interpretive spaces, artisan know-how, and displays about daily life in the region. It reflects a strong connection to agricultural heritage, community customs, and the cultural identity of local residents. It is an interesting visit for anyone wanting to better understand the history and traditions of the Sacred Valley in an authentic, welcoming setting.
4. Palacio de Huayna Capac
Palacio de Huayna Capac in Urubamba is a tourist site linked to Inca history and the archaeological heritage of Peru's Sacred Valley. Visiting this place reveals ancient remains and traces of architecture that evoke the region's prestigious past, along with the Andean natural setting that surrounds it. The visit offers a chance to appreciate the site's cultural interest while taking in its peaceful environment of mountains, fertile valley and classic Andean scenery. It is an interesting stop for understanding Urubamba's historical importance.
5. Ceramicas Seminario
Ceramicas Seminario is a popular stop in Urubamba for discovering a workshop-boutique dedicated to Peruvian handcrafted ceramics. Visitors can admire decorative and functional pieces, often inspired by Andean aesthetics, with shapes, colours and motifs that highlight handmade work. The place is also a good spot to buy authentic locally made objects and appreciate the skill of artisans from the Sacred Valley. It is an easy and enjoyable visit for anyone wanting to better understand regional craftsmanship and bring home an original souvenir.
6. Plaza de Armas of Maras
Plaza de Armas of Maras is a pleasant public space in the heart of Maras, in Peru’s Cusco region. This central park offers a calm setting to take a break, watch local life and enjoy peaceful Andean surroundings. Around the square, visitors can see the village’s typical architecture, quiet streets and views of the surrounding landscape. It is a simple but welcoming spot, appreciated as a landmark and meeting point during a visit to Maras.
7. Maras Salt Mines Viewpoint
From this viewpoint over the Maras Salt Mines near Urubamba, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the stepped salt pools that form thousands of small white terraces on the mountainside. The landscape contrasts strongly with the ochre and green tones of the surrounding Andean valley, creating a highly photogenic panorama. Depending on the light, you can also see the shifting reflections in the pools and the scale of the site within its natural setting. It is a favorite spot for admiring the unique layout of the salt pans and the beauty of the Andean scenery.
8. Pushka Chinchero
In Maras, Peru, Pushka Chinchero is a craft museum where visitors can discover local Andean know-how in an authentic setting. You can observe handmade objects, traditional textiles, weaving techniques, and, more broadly, the gestures that keep the region’s craft traditions alive. The museum highlights the creativity of local artisans and the importance of their work in the living culture of the Andes. It is an interesting stop to better understand Peruvian folk art and leave with a concrete overview of local traditions.
9. Mercado Municipal
Mercado Municipal in Maras is the main market where you can discover the daily life of this small Andean town in Peru. In a simple, lively atmosphere, you will find local produce, staple foods, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and sometimes handicrafts and useful everyday items. It is a great place to watch daily exchanges, taste regional flavors, and soak up the local atmosphere. A visit helps you better understand the rhythm of Maras and its deep connection to the culture of the valley.
10. Museo de Qespiwanka
Le Museo de Qespiwanka offre une approche historique d’Urubamba à travers un lieu ancré dans la Vallée sacrée des Incas. On y découvre un espace muséal qui évoque la mémoire locale, les références culturelles andines et les traces du passé régional. Sans chercher l’effet spectaculaire, le musée met l’accent sur la compréhension d’un territoire et sur la manière dont son histoire s’inscrit dans la ville. C’est un point de repère pour saisir le contexte culturel d’Urubamba et l’importance du patrimoine dans cette partie du Pérou.
11. Chicheria YOLA – Museo de la Chicha and Museo de la Salt
Chicheria YOLA – Museo de la chicha y Museo de la Sal offers a visit focused on two important elements of Andean culture, chicha and salt. In this Urubamba museum, visitors learn how these products fit into daily life, food traditions and local customs. The site provides a clear glimpse into a regional heritage linked to the Sacred Valley, with an emphasis on practices still associated with the identity of the Peruvian Andes.
12. Monument in the Plaza de Armas of Maras
The Monument in the Plaza de Armas of Maras stands out in the center of town for its simple presence and strong integration into the urban fabric. Visitors discover a historic landmark that helps structure the main square and contributes to Maras’ identity. The site offers a clear view of the relationship between local memory, public space, and everyday life in a small Andean town in Peru. Located in the heart of Maras, it provides a subtle yet meaningful reading of the historic center.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
