MARAS, MORAY & CHINCHERO HALF-DAY TOUR
Group Size:
Up to 10 people
Difficulty:
Easy
Type Service:
Group / Private
Departures:
Daily
Transport:
Van
Max Altitude:
12,303 ft
The tour to the Maras Salt Mines, the archaeological site of Moray, and the traditional textile workshops of Chinchero offers a fascinating experience to discover the cultural and historical richness of the Andes. Along the way, you will learn about ancient salt-harvesting techniques, admire the impressive circular terraces of Moray, and discover the textile traditions that remain alive in the communities of Chinchero. It is an enriching experience that combines history, culture, and local traditions amid some of the most representative landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
ITINERARY
***MARAS, MORAY & CHINCHERO HALF-DAY TOUR
We will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco to begin our tour. Our first stop will be the town of Chinchero, located at 3,750 m (12,303 ft) above sea level, a traditional Andean town renowned for its textile heritage. Here, you will meet local artisans and learn about traditional techniques for washing, spinning, dyeing, and weaving alpaca, llama, and sheep wool. This experience offers a closer look at the textile traditions that remain an important part of the cultural identity of Andean communities.
We will then continue to Moray, located at 3,480 m (11,417 ft) above sea level. This important archaeological site features impressive circular terraces that are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation, taking advantage of differences in temperature and ecological conditions between the various levels.
Next, we will head to the Maras Salt Mines, located at approximately 3,200 m (10,499 ft) above sea level. Here, you will see thousands of salt ponds fed by a natural saltwater spring. The saltwater flows into the ponds built along the mountainside, where it gradually evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals that are traditionally harvested by local families.
After visiting the Maras Salt Mines, we will begin our return journey to Cusco. We expect to arrive at approximately 3:00 p.m., and the tour will end with drop-off near Cusco’s Main Square.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
INCLUDED:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation.
- Entrance ticket to the Maras Salt Mines.
- Professional English-Speaking Guide.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- All applicable taxes.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Cusco Tourist Ticket.
- Meals.
- Extra expenses.
- Tips (optional).
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
The tour is available every day. Prices are listed in US dollars (USD) per person and are available for both shared and private services. You can choose the option that best suits your travel preferences and budget. Availability is subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
GROUP PRICE
ONLY US$55 PER PERSON
PRIVATE PRICE
1 PERSON: US$250 PER PERSON
2 – 3 PEOPLE: US$135 PER PERSON
4 – 6 PEOPLE: US$85 PER PERSON
7 + PEOPLE: US$55 PER PERSON
WHY CHOOSE CALLANGA FAMILY EXPLORERS?
Because we are a local, family-owned travel company with roots in Cusco and a deep connection to the people, culture, and landscapes of Peru. Our story began in Cusco, shaped by a profound connection to the culture, landscapes, and traditions of our region, and by a passion for sharing the authentic spirit of Peru with travelers from around the world.
We believe travel should be about much more than visiting beautiful places. It should create meaningful connections, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the destinations we call home. That is why we combine personalized service and authentic experiences with a strong commitment to responsible tourism.
When you travel with Callanga Family Explorers, you are not simply discovering Peru-you are traveling with a company that cares about its people, communities, and the natural heritage that makes every journey possible.
OUR PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES
Our professional tour guides have extensive experience and knowledge. They will accompany you throughout your journey, sharing valuable insights into history, culture, nature, and local traditions while ensuring you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
SMALL GROUPS
At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe that smaller groups create more meaningful travel experiences. To ensure personalized service, greater comfort, and a closer connection with our guides, our shared tour groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers. This allows us to provide a more flexible, enjoyable, and authentic experience, while giving every guest the attention and care they deserve throughout their journey.
OUR COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
We believe tourism can create a positive impact beyond the journey itself. Through our community and environmental initiatives, we support children and schools in rural Andean communities, organize environmental clean-up campaigns, contribute to reforestation initiatives, and participate in projects that help protect the natural areas of the Cusco region.
Our commitment goes beyond words. Each year, we continue developing initiatives that support local communities and contribute to caring for the landscapes and environments that make Peru such a special destination. We also dedicate a portion of our tour revenue to community development initiatives, allowing our travelers to become part of this positive impact simply by choosing to travel with us.
For us, responsible tourism means giving back to the people and places that make every journey possible and helping build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PAYMENT METHODS
To confirm your reservation, we offer two secure payment methods. Full payment (100% of the total tour cost) is required to secure your booking.
Payment Link: We accept credit and debit cards. We will send you a secure personalized payment link through Izipay, allowing you to complete your payment quickly and safely.
PayPal: You can make your payment directly to our PayPal account at info@callangafamilyexplorers.com. If you prefer, we can also send you a secure PayPal payment request by email, allowing you to complete your payment safely and conveniently. Your reservation will be confirmed once the full payment has been received.
Before confirming your reservation, we require the following information for each participant in your booking:
- Full name
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
***Please also send us a clear copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
CUSCO TOURIST TICKET
When planning your visits to Cusco and its surroundings, you can choose between the Partial Tourist Ticket and the General Tourist Ticket, depending on the attractions you plan to visit.
The Partial Tourist Ticket costs S/70 (approx. US$20) per person. If you use it to visit attractions in the Sacred Valley, it is valid for 2 consecutive days. For other visits, the ticket is valid for 1 day.
For example, if you visit Maras, Moray & Chinchero Half-Day Tour one day and take the Traditional Sacred Valley Tour the following day, you can use the same Partial Tourist Ticket, as long as both visits take place within the ticket’s 2-day validity period.
If you plan to visit different attractions included in the Tourist Ticket over 3 days or more, we recommend purchasing the General Tourist Ticket, which costs S/130 (approx. US$40) per person and is valid for 10 days. Children from 0 to 9 years old enter free of charge. For visitors aged 10 to 17, the 50% discount applies only to the General Tourist Ticket.
The General Tourist Ticket provides access to the following attractions:
- Sacsayhuamán
- Q’enqo
- Puca Pucara
- Tambomachay
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
- Tipón
- Piquillaqta
- Regional Historical Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Museum of Popular Art
- Qorikancha Site Museum
- Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
- Monument to Inca Pachacutec
Important: Admission to the Maras Salt Mines is not included in the Tourist Ticket. At Callanga Family Explorers, we include the entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines as part of our Maras, Moray & Chinchero Half-Day Tour.
You can purchase the Tourist Ticket at Avenida El Sol in the city of Cusco, inside the Municipality of Cusco, just a short walk from Cusco’s Main Square, or when entering the first site you visit. Payment must be made exclusively in Peruvian soles (PEN); credit cards and U.S. dollars are not accepted.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather during the Maras, Moray & Chinchero Half-Day Tour can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Mornings can be cool, while temperatures may feel warmer when the sun is out. Rain showers are also possible, particularly during the rainy season from November to April.
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing, and bringing a light jacket or rain poncho. It is also a good idea to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be strong even when temperatures feel cool.
ARE TIPS MANDATORY?
No. At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe in rewarding our staff through fair wages and responsible working conditions. Our staff are paid fairly for their professionalism, dedication, and hard work.
If you feel that our team has exceeded your expectations and would like to show your appreciation, tips are always welcome but are never expected or mandatory. Any gratuity is entirely at your discretion and is greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for exceptional service.
WHAT TO PACK
-Original passport.
-Valid student ID, if applicable.
-Cash in Peruvian soles (PEN).
-Small backpack.
-Drinking water.
-Light snacks.
-Comfortable walking shoes.
-Camera or smartphone.
-Rain jacket or poncho.
-Fleece or light jacket.
-Sun hat or cap.
-Sunscreen.
-Sunglasses.