Things to do in Maras in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Maras. The weather is usually moderately chilly and humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 43—60°F (6—16°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Maras during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Salineras de Maras salt mines, attend the Festival of the Virgin Immaculate Conception, hike to the Moray archaeological site, and more!

Maras has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Maras. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Maras in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Maras in December

Top experiences in December
Explore the Salineras de Maras salt mines
The Salineras de Maras salt mines are a stunning sight to behold, especially in December when the salt ponds are at their most vibrant and picturesque. The contrast between the white salt and the surrounding red earth creates a breathtaking landscape that is perfect for photography and exploration. You can also learn about the traditional methods of salt production that have been used in Maras for centuries.
Attend the Festival of the Virgin Immaculate Conception
In December, Maras celebrates the Festival of the Virgin Immaculate Conception, a religious and cultural event that includes traditional dances, music, and processions. This festival is a unique opportunity to witness the local traditions and customs of the Maras community, and to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the celebrations.
Hike to the Moray archaeological site
December is a great time to hike to the Moray archaeological site, where you can explore the fascinating Inca ruins and agricultural terraces. The mild weather and clear skies make for a pleasant and rewarding hike, and you'll have the chance to learn about the history and significance of this ancient site from knowledgeable guides.
Participate in a traditional Andean cooking class
December is a great time to participate in a traditional Andean cooking class, where you can learn how to prepare and enjoy authentic Peruvian dishes using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. This is a fun and educational experience that will give you a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions of the region.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Sacred Valley
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the Sacred Valley in December. The clear, crisp air and stunning views make this the perfect time to soar above the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, and to gain a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the region.
Go horseback riding through the Andean countryside
December is a great time to go horseback riding through the Andean countryside, where you can enjoy the mild weather and stunning scenery. This is a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the region and to experience the traditional way of life in the Andes.
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Holidays in Maras in December
December
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
  • Battle of Ayacucho (December 9)
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Public Sector Holiday (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Maras in December

Temperatures on an average day in Maras in December

The average temperature in Maras in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 60°F (16°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe the temperature to be moderately chilly. humid but cool

For comparison, the hottest month in Maras, September, has days with highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 42°F (6°C). The coldest month, July has days with highs of 61°F (16°C) and lows of 40°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Maras in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
60°F
highs
43°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly, humid but cool
Feels like
98%
Chance of rain
1.326 in
Amount
7.1 mph
Wind speed
100%
Humidity
12.9 hrs
Daylight length
5:16 AM
Sunrise
6:10 PM
Sunset
14%
Cloud cover
Sweater, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 60°F (16°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and humid but cool. There might also be a very high chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for Maras in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Maras has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Maras that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Maras for December.
Maras
1. Maras
Nature & Parks
Historic Sites
Maras is a town near the city of Cusco in the Sacred Valley of southeastern Peru. It's known for the Maras Salt Mines, thousands of individual salt pools on a hillside, dating back to Incan times. West of the town is Moray, an Inca archaeological site on a high plateau featuring a series of concentric terraces. Surrounding trails offer views of the snow-capped Urubamba mountain range.
Zona Arqueologica Moray
2. Zona Arqueologica Moray
4.7
(12006)
Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
Inca archaeological site on a high plateau featuring a series of concentric terraces.
Slide 1 of 8
Incredible Inca engineering! The circular terraces of Moray are stunning, with mountain views all around. A fascinating mix of history, agriculture, and scenery. We took an ATV tour here which was even better!
Beautiful views interesting history. The use of the terraces and the accuracy is amazing the Incas were truly a master builder and intellectual community of Astrologers, mathematical genius!
Moray is a must-see in the Sacred Valley. The circular terraces are impressive both visually and historically, believed to have been an Incan agricultural laboratory. The surrounding scenery is spectacular, making the visit worthwhile.
The Moray Ruins near Cusco were fascinating to visit! I saw them during a two-hour mountain bike tour that included both the Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, and it was such an incredible experience. The ruins are made up of large circular terraces that the Incas used for agricultural experiments each level has its own microclimate, which helped them study how different crops grew at different altitudes. It’s amazing how advanced their understanding of agriculture was. The views of the Andes all around made it even more stunning. Riding through the countryside and ending up here felt like stepping back in time definitely worth the visit!
We visited the Moray archaeological site in the afternoon, and it was such a peaceful and fascinating experience. Moray is known for its impressive circular terraces, which were used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory to study how different crops grew at various altitudes and microclimates. Walking around this unique site surrounded by mountains was both relaxing and captivating, a perfect stop for anyone interested in Inca history and beautiful landscapes.
Very cool to see this Incan agricultural laboratory. Beautiful surrounding scenery as well - we visited on an ATV tour which beat sitting in a tour van!
Beautiful site! It was part of an ATV tour that I took and I'm glad I did it. It was fun, great history. Great guides.
Moray: The Inca's agricultural laboratory! Moray is easily one of the most unique and visually stunning Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. It consists of large, concentric, circular terraces that sink deep into the earth, creating a striking amphitheater effect. The genius lies in the engineering: each level of the terraces creates its own unique microclimate, with temperature differences of up to 15°C (27°F) between the top and bottom. This leads researchers to believe Moray was used by the Incas to experimentally adapt different crop varieties to various environmental conditions. The sheer scale and sophistication are unbelievable! It’s a slightly remote stop, but it perfectly shows the Incas' advanced agronomical and hydrological skills. A must-see, especially when combined with the nearby Maras Salt Mines!

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Maras?

Get inspired for your trip to Maras with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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