Maras brings together historic portadas and Andean craft traditions in the town, with archaeological landscapes and salt terraces nearby. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus primarily on the town’s history and culture or also include the surrounding landscapes. The mix ranges from buildings and inscriptions to circular terraces and a ritual marking the start of the agricultural year.
Archaeological Landscapes and Salt Terraces
Moray is 7 km from Maras. The archaeological site is known for its circular terraces, which are associated with agricultural research and the use of different Andean altitude zones. Access to the entrance of the archaeological site is level. As access conditions can change, check them before your visit.
The Salineras de Maras are also nearby. Around 4,500 salt ponds are arranged in stepped terraces on the slope of Cerro Qaqawiñay. Moray and the Salineras offer different points of interest: one is known for its circular terraces and their agricultural connection, the other for the stepped arrangement of its ponds on the hillside. Together, the sites showcase two distinct landscapes around Maras.
Crafts and Andean Traditions
In Maras, people make woven Aguasca textiles and handicrafts from carved salt stone. Motifs include Andean animal figures and depictions of maize. Visitors can buy handicrafts and souvenirs both in Maras and at the salt mines. If you are interested in local crafts, take time to appreciate the textiles and carved pieces as distinct forms of craftsmanship.
The Watakallariy ritual is also part of the town’s cultural life. It marks the beginning of the Andean agricultural year. Alongside craft traditions, this custom has significance directly connected to the agricultural calendar. The ritual describes a cultural tradition, not a set date for a visit.
Portadas and the Church in Town
Several portadas in Maras can be seen on a walk through the town’s narrow streets. The Portada de Marco Cusi is located at Jr. Jerusalén No. 216 and bears the inscription “don Marco Cusi R.” Another richly ornamented portada is the Portada Sancho Usca Paucar at Calle Jerusalén No. 245. Its inscription reads “don Sancho Usca Paucar”; Sancho Usca Paucar was the most important cacique of Villa Maras in his time.
The Portada de Ortiz Orue belonged to Captain Pedro Ortiz de Orue, founder of Villa Maras. Together with the inscriptions and ornamentation of the other portadas, this former attribution offers a distinct historical connection. The church of San Francisco de AsĂs was built around the time Villa San Francisco de AsĂs de Maras was founded in 1556. Its façade is designed in the Renaissance style. The portadas and the church thus offer different points of interest during a visit to the town: inscriptions, historical attributions, and architecture.
Exploring Maras on Foot
A walk through the narrow streets is one way to see the historic portadas in town. Maras also has tourist orientation and information signs, as well as walking paths. This information relates to the town itself and can help you plan your time there; each attraction remains a destination in its own right. If you plan to explore on foot, decide in advance which paths and visits to include in your day’s itinerary.
Choosing Maras as a Destination
To decide whether Maras is right for your trip, you can weigh the town’s history and crafts against the archaeological and terraced landscapes nearby. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Maras, this can help you decide whether to focus on the town itself or also visit nearby landscape sites.
Discover more destinations: Calca, Manire, Andahuaylillas, Checacupe, Huarocondo, Quillabamba, Las Cruces, Ocongate
For the overall travel overview: Cuzco.
