Throughout the Sacred Valley, the Incas built a vast network of archaeological sites that are preserved to this day; these remains have allowed us to understand the sophistication of a civilization that lived in Peru between 1438 and 1533. Among all these structures, the Moray complex stands out as one of the most fascinating, as it originally worked as an advanced agricultural research center.
Located on a high plateau, this site is famous for its huge concentric circular terraces; it also offers a different view of Inca engineering, focused on science and the adaptation of crops to different altitude levels. It is a testament to how the ancient Peruvians managed to domesticate various plant species in complex geographical conditions.
Visiting the Maras Moray circuit is today one of the most recommended experiences for vacations in Cusco. Moreover, to help you make the most of your visit to this place full of history and ancient knowledge, we have prepared this guide with the essential details about its origin, function and access.
The Moray archaeological complex is located 53 kilometers from the city of Cusco, situated on a plateau within the jurisdiction of the Maras district. The estimated travel time is approximately one hour by bus following the route that connects Cusco with the Sacred Valley.
This research center is located at an altitude of 3,385 meters above sea level. Due to this elevation, it is recommended to have spent at least one day of previous acclimatization to do the tour without breathing difficulties.
Climate
As in the rest of Cusco, in Moray there are two different seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. During the dry season, the average daytime temperature is 20ºC, while at night it falls to 1ºC. In the rainy season, the days have an average temperature of 21 ºC and the nights, 7 ºC. However, in the rainy season the roads are more muddy and, on some occasions, access can be difficult.
Like many other Cusco place names, the word Moray comes from Quechua. There are several versions about the origin of this term. On the one hand, there are those who say that it is a contraction of the words Muyu (round) and Uruy (below or in the lower part) and on the other, those who attribute it to terms such as Aymoray (corn harvest and month of May ) and Moraya or Moray (dehydrated potato).
Before the Incas, this part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas was inhabited by the ethnic group ‘Maras’ and ‘Ayamarcas’ which occupied a large part of the current territory of the Sacred Valley.
After the Inca conquest, the construction of large buildings and platforms began in the territory of the Sacred Valley. Thus, the Moray platforms were built, which were used by the Incas as an important agricultural control center. There the production of the coca leaf was carried out, a plant considered sacred to the Incas.
The investigations do not clearly specify if during the colony (from 1532) the platforms of Moray were worked. The truth is that it was not until 1932 that the Shirppe Johnson’s expedition flew over the place discovering the existence of the platforms, then covered by thick vegetation.
During the 20th century, various investigations were carried out on Moray. Perhaps the most valuable of all was made by the anthropologist John Earls who established that it was an experimental agricultural center.
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When you walk through the different archaeological sites of Cusco, you will come across the famous Inca terraces, an example of the great architectural capacity of this empire.
The platforms distributed throughout the Sacred Valley, including those of Moray, were used as an agricultural research center. Each of them has a different temperature, so they could sow different types of products. Thus and according to studies, in Moray the Incas managed to cultivate more than 250 types of vegetables.
To irrigate all this area, they implemented complex hydraulic systems. In addition, at the bottom of the platforms they developed a method with which they managed to store and reuse rainwater.
But some scholars of the Inca Empire speak of Moray as a center also dedicated to astronomical observation and the prediction of meteorological phenomena.
Every October 8, the neighboring communities of Moray gather in the circular platforms to celebrate the Moray Raymi or the Festival of Moray. This celebration is a cultural performance that honors the land and the agricultural heritage of the Incas in this grand setting.
The celebration stands out for its folk dances, which are closely linked to the farming cycle, including rituals for production, harvest, and community work. During this day, along with local residents, many visitors come to see the Andean traditions that stay alive, offering a unique chance to see the Moray complex in an active ceremonial way.
The Moray Archaeological Complex is located 57 km northwest of Cusco. To get here you have different options:
The Archaeological Complex of Moray will leave you with your mouth open. But for your visit to be perfect, we recommend that you take note of the following tips:
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