The deep bowl shaped hollows of Moray look like a Roman amphitheater. They are circular in shape and have stair like terraces climbing up to the valley floor above. The full purpose behind these concentric terraces is not fully known. However, it is widely believed that the ruins were once an agricultural laboratory used by the Incas. The circular terraces that lie here are thought to have been used as an agricultural research station. Their depth, design, and their orientation with regard to the sun and wind are all telltale signs that they have a specific purpose. Because of the different conditions at each level of the terraces, there is a difference in temperature of 15 °C (27°F) from the top to the bottom. It is thought that the Incas used the terraces and the different temperatures to test crops and experiment with them. The different microclimates at the different levels allowed them to study wild vegetation. They used hybridization and modification to adapt crops to make them suitable for human consumption. Peru is famous for its many variations of potato. This is down to the Incas. They experimented and played around with science. Now Peru has more than 2,000 varieties of potato. It is no coincidence that the temperature differences at Moray represent the temperature at sea level farmland and the temperature in Andean farming terraces. The Incas were beyond their time in scientific thinking. Studies done on the soil has shown that the soil comes from different regions and must have been brought to the Sacred Valley. This again shows that the Incas were using this area as an experimental zone. Another fascinating point to note about the Moray ruins is that they never flood, even in Peru’s unremitting rainy season. It is thought that there must be underground channels built to allow the water to drain. A trip to Moray ruins is well worth it and can be easily turned into a full day Sacred Valley excursion by including a visit to the nearby salt flats of Maras. You will be awed by its expanse and cleverness and marvel the forward thinking and intelligence of the Incas. Take your time and take it all in.