Things to do in Maras in August

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

August is a great time to visit Maras. The weather is usually moderately chilly and humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 41—63°F (5—17°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 Maras salt mines, take a cooking class to learn traditional Peruvian dishes, take a hot air balloon ride over the Sacred Valley, 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 August trip to Maras. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to August. 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 August. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout August, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Maras? See our Maras Trip Planner.
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app

Best events and things to do in Maras in August

Top experiences in August
Explore the Maras salt mines
The Maras salt mines are a must-see attraction in the Cusco region, and August is a great time to visit. The salt mines have been in operation since Inca times and are still used by local families to harvest salt. The intricate network of terraced salt pools creates a stunning visual display, especially during the dry season in August when the contrast between the white salt and the surrounding landscape is particularly striking.
Take a cooking class to learn traditional Peruvian dishes
August is a great time to immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions of Maras. Taking a cooking class will give you the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes using local ingredients. You'll also get to learn about the cultural significance of different foods and the history behind traditional recipes. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor at the end of the class!
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Sacred Valley
In August, you should take advantage of the clear skies and mild weather to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley from a hot air balloon. This unforgettable adventure will give you a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and traditional villages of the region. You'll have the opportunity to see the Andes in a whole new way and create lasting memories of your time in Maras.
Attend the Virgen de las Nieves festival
In August, the small town of Maras celebrates the Virgen de las Nieves festival, a religious celebration that includes traditional dances, music, and processions. This festival is a unique opportunity to witness the local culture and traditions of the Andean people. The festival also includes colorful costumes, delicious traditional food, and lively music, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Hike to the Moray archaeological site
August is the perfect time to visit the Moray archaeological site, which is located near Maras. This ancient site features circular terraces that were used for agricultural experiments by the Incas. The hike to Moray offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the site itself is a fascinating glimpse into the engineering and agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more
Visit the Chinchero weaving cooperative
In August, you should visit the Chinchero weaving cooperative to learn about the traditional textile techniques that have been passed down through generations. You can watch skilled weavers at work and even try your hand at creating your own textile using traditional methods. This is a great way to support local artisans and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate art of Andean weaving.
Take a day trip to the town of Ollantaytambo
August is a great time to take a day trip to the town of Ollantaytambo, which is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and charming cobblestone streets. You can explore the ancient archaeological site, visit the local market, and enjoy the picturesque scenery of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Ollantaytambo is also a great starting point for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Go horseback riding in the Sacred Valley
August is a great time to explore the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley on horseback. This unique experience will allow you to see the region from a different perspective and enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes. You can choose from a variety of guided horseback riding tours that cater to all skill levels, making it a fun and accessible activity for everyone.
Visit the Maras market
The Maras market is a bustling hub of activity, especially in August when the harvest season is in full swing. Visiting the market will give you the chance to see and taste a wide variety of local fruits, vegetables, and other products. You can also shop for handmade crafts, textiles, and other souvenirs while interacting with the friendly locals.
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more
Holidays in Maras in August
August
  • Battle of Junín (August 6)
  • Santa Rosa De Lima (August 30)
Other notable holidays
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Weather in Maras in August

Temperatures on an average day in Maras in August

The average temperature in Maras in August for a typical day ranges from a high of 63°F (17°C) to a low of 41°F (5°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 August based on historical data.

Visiting Maras? See our Maras Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in August
63°F
highs
41°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly, humid but cool
Feels like
62%
Chance of rain
0.513 in
Amount
7.5 mph
Wind speed
100%
Humidity
11.7 hrs
Daylight length
6:02 AM
Sunrise
5:42 PM
Sunset
45%
Cloud cover
Sweater, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in August
With an average high of 63°F (17°C) and a low of 41°F (5°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and humid but cool. There might also be a moderate 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
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Best attractions for Maras in August

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Maras has to offer for travelers in August, 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 August.
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:

Planning a trip to Maras?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Maras