Moray Archaeological Complex
In the small town of Maras you will find the Moray Archaeological Site, a place with circular terraces that at first glance will seem like amphitheatres built in impressive natural depressions. These concentric terraces superimposed on huge holes, give the impression of being carved in large bowls. Each of these small terraces has its own microclimate, according to the depth at which it is found. Some studies affirm that Moray would have been used as a laboratory, to determine the ideal conditions for the cultivation of each species. There are three holes, one of which has been cultivated with plants of different species. Many people believe that this construction is one of the most impressive made by the Incas; and without a doubt, tour Moray in the sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the best excursions prior to the visit to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
Where is Moray located?
The Moray archaeological group is located 7 km from the town of Maras, at Sacred Valley of the Incas, to 38 km from the city of Cusco already 3,500 meters above sea level. Moray can be reached through a detour from the main road between Cusco and Urubamba.
What does Moray mean?
Moray is the Quechua word that describes "A territory occupied since ancient times", by the peasant communities of Mullak´as and Misminay. Although the origin of the name Moray is not known for sure, it is presumed that it had to do with the corn harvest called Aymoray, or with the month of May named in the same way, or perhaps with the dehydrated potato known as Moraya.
Moray archaeological site
National Geographic describes it as a "Extreme example of Inca landscaping". It is built on a plateau at 3,500 meters above sea level and is an agricultural experimental station created at the beginning of the domain of the Empire of the Incas; It consists of huge circular depressions in terraces, the bottom one is approximately 30 meters deep; These huge bowls could seem to you a "more natural" version of the ladder boxes in India. But studies reveal that these terraces served to concentrate and generate thermal gradients, thus affecting the local climate. Temperatures gradually vary from 20 ° C in the center (hottest) to 15 ° C on the upper terraces, emulating “in one place”, more than 20 ecological zones with different altitude levels that are normally 1,000 meters below. Thus, it is said that each of the Moray terraces.
Vertical stones have been discovered on the terraces, which would mark the limits of the shadows at twilight, during solstices and equinoxes. Locals call these stones "ñustas".
Visiting hours
The Moray archaeological complex receives visitors every day of the year, from 7 am to 5 pm.
Also, the best way to visit Moray is on a tour organized by the
What was the function of the Moray terraces?
It is known that at the time of the Tahuantinsuyo Moray produced 60% of the total species of vegetables, more than 3 thousand varieties of potatoes, corn and many other species, in addition to serving as an acclimatization and domestication center for wild plant species that were adapted for human consumption; but also to cultivate the coca leaf, which under normal conditions could not be successfully cultivated in this place.
Moray customs
Hundreds of people from neighboring communities attend the circular platforms of Moray in the months of September and October, in order to celebrate the Moray Raymi or Fiesta de Moray. The festivities include folk dances related to land, production, harvesting, and agricultural work.
#DidYouKnow
It is possible that the most precious crop that developed in this place, was from coca leaves; the sacred leaf of the Incas.