Cusco: Full-Day Horseback Riding Tour to Maras & Moray

Cusco: Full-Day Horseback Riding Tour to Maras & Moray is a lively way to experience the Sacred Valley’s spectacular landscapes and ancient sites. For $320 per person, you get about eight hours of riding, sightseeing, and culture, with a knowledgeable bilingual guide making the trip smooth and engaging. The tour starts from Cusco or Urubamba, with pickup included, making it convenient to begin your adventure without the hassle of planning transportation.

We particularly appreciate the opportunity to ride among snow-capped peaks and terraced farmland, which makes the scenery memorable and very photo-worthy. The visit to Moray’s circular terraces, where Inca agricultural experiments took place, is a highlight that offers a window into their innovative farming techniques. The salt mines of Maras, still operated by locals today, add a tangible link to the region’s ongoing traditions.

A small caveat is that the tour involves some riding — about 2.5 hours at Huaypo and 45 minutes at Maras — so it’s best suited for those comfortable on horseback. Also, the weight limit of 200 lbs and the need for a moderate level of physical activity might exclude some travelers. This tour is ideal for those who want a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural insights, and stunning views in a manageable day trip, especially if you appreciate authentic experiences away from overly commercialized attractions.

Key Points

• Authentic horseback riding through the Sacred Valley offers both scenic views and a sense of adventure.
• Visit Moray, an impressive archaeological site showcasing Inca farming ingenuity.
• Explore Maras, a charming village with a 400-year-old church and active salt mines.
• Includes a buffet lunch, with vegetarian options, at a local restaurant.
• Small-group size (limited to 10 participants) creates a more personal experience.
• Pickup and drop-off from Cusco or Urubamba makes logistics simple and stress-free.

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A Practical Guide to the Sacred Valley Horseback Tour

Starting with the logistics, this tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Cusco or Urubamba, saving you the hassle of finding your own way. Once you’re on the bus, expect a roughly 70-minute ride to the ranch, during which your guide will give a briefing on the day’s activities. This initial segment sets the tone for an organized, informative day.

Horseback riding at Huaypo is about 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and get comfortable with your horse. For many, this part is the highlight — riding through open farmland with views of snow-capped mountains, feeling the cool breeze, and taking in the tranquility of the landscape. According to reviews, “the views were breathtaking,” and “the horses were well-behaved,” which is reassuring for those new to riding.

Visiting Moray offers a fascinating glimpse into Inca agricultural experimentation. The circular terraces, with their varying microclimates, illustrate how the Incas adapted to different altitudes. Your guide, like Carlos, will explain how Moray was used to cultivate crops at different levels, a technique that allowed for agricultural diversity. Many guests comment that this site feels “like a giant natural laboratory,” and “really helped me understand Inca ingenuity.”

The stop in Maras is charming. This small town boasts a 400-year-old church and a lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a brief walk and photo opportunities. Then, you’ll stop for a buffet lunch at Tunupas Restaurant, which offers vegetarian options. We found that the food was wholesome and served at a relaxed pace, giving you time to enjoy local flavors.

Post-lunch, you’ll leave the horses behind and go in a vehicle to the salt pans of Maras. These salt mines have been worked since pre-Incan times, using small wells filled with water that contains salt particles. The evaporation process is straightforward, but it’s the ongoing tradition that makes it special. Your guide will explain how locals have maintained this craft for centuries. Visitors often say, “it was fascinating to see how the salt is still harvested the same way as hundreds of years ago.”

The return journey takes about 1.5 hours by bus, giving you time to relax and reflect on a full, rewarding day. Arriving back in Cusco around 4:30 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to unwind or explore more of the city.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Departure: The tour begins with hotel pickups from central Cusco or Urubamba. This convenience is a major plus, avoiding the need for additional transportation arrangements. The bus ride to the ranch lasts about 70 minutes, during which your guide will introduce the day’s plan.

Horse Riding at Huaypo: You’ll be fitted with a saddle and safety helmet, and receive a quick riding lesson suited to your experience level. The riding itself is designed to be accessible even for beginners, though some experience helps. The ride takes you through farmland, with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley’s snow-dusted peaks. As one traveler shared, “We loved the way the landscape unfolded around us — it felt like riding through a postcard.”

Visit to Moray: The archaeological site of Moray is about a 45-minute guided tour. The terraces are impressive, and the explanation about Inca farming techniques is accessible and engaging. Your guide will point out the circular terraces and relate them to the Incas’ ability to experiment with crops at various microclimates. The experience is not just about sightseeing but about understanding how the Incas maximized their land.

Exploring Maras: After Moray, you’ll stop in the picturesque village of Maras. Here, you can walk around, see the historic church, and soak in the local atmosphere. It’s a brief stop, but one that leaves an impression of traditional Andean life.

Buffet Lunch: The included meal at Tunupas Restaurant offers a break from the outdoor activities. The buffet is substantial, with vegetarian options, and provides a good chance to chat with your fellow travelers about the morning’s adventures.

Salt Mine Visit: Post-lunch, a short drive takes you to the salt pans. The operation has persisted since pre-Incan times, and you’ll see locals collecting salt from small wells. The process may seem simple, but its persistence over centuries gives it a special significance. Many guests find the salt pans visually striking and culturally meaningful.

Return Journey: The bus ride back to Cusco lasts about 1.5 hours. It’s a good time to relax and review the day’s highlights. The tour concludes with hotel drop-offs in Cusco or Urubamba, ending around 4:30 PM.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews highlight the stunning landscapes as the biggest draw. One guest noted, “The scenery was beyond beautiful, especially riding with the mountains as a backdrop.” Others appreciated the personalized experience of small-group riding, mentioning that “the horses were well-behaved, and the guide made everything easy and fun.” Several mentioned the authenticity of the salt mines, emphasizing that they’re still active, not just a tourist attraction.

On the practical side, travelers praise the organized nature — pickups, timings, and logistics run smoothly. A few noted that riding boots and helmets were provided, making safety straightforward. The buffet lunch received positive remarks for its solid, hearty food, with vegetarian options a welcome feature.

The main concern for some is the physical aspect; the riding requires a moderate level of comfort on horseback, and the weight limit of 200 lbs might exclude some travelers. Plus, the tour duration may feel long for those seeking a more relaxed pace, but most felt it was well-paced given the sights.

Final Thoughts

This horseback riding tour offers a genuine taste of the Sacred Valley, blending adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see more than just the usual tourist spots and are comfortable with some physical activity. The inclusion of Moray’s fascinating terraces and the active salt mines adds depth and authenticity to the experience.

The value lies in the combination of scenic rides, expert guidance, and cultural insights, all wrapped into a manageable, well-organized day. The small-group setting makes it more personal, and the logistics are handled smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

If you’re looking for a memorable way to connect with Andean landscapes and learn about ancient agricultural techniques, this tour is a solid choice. Just be prepared for some riding, and you’ll come away with stories that go well beyond typical sightseeing.

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FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Cusco or Urubamba, making logistics hassle-free.

How long is the horseback riding?
You will ride for approximately 2.5 hours at Huaypo and about 45 minutes at Maras, depending on the group and conditions.

What should I wear?
While the tour provides safety helmets and saddles, comfortable clothing suitable for riding and outdoor activity is recommended. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?
Yes, the buffet lunch at Tunupas Restaurant includes vegetarian options, suitable for different dietary preferences.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of around 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour is best suited for those who are comfortable on horseback. There is a weight limit of 200 lbs (91 kg). Pregnant women are advised not to participate.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $320 per person, which includes most activities, meals, and transportation.

Are entry fees included?
No, entry fees to sites like Moray and the salt mines are not included and need to be purchased separately.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot with a flexible “Reserve & Pay Later” option. Full payment is required 24 hours before the tour.

To sum it up, this horseback riding tour through the Sacred Valley offers a rich blend of natural beauty, ancient sites, and local culture. It caters best to active travelers seeking authentic experiences and picturesque landscapes, with the assurance of small-group intimacy and professional guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious beginner, the journey promises memorable vistas and meaningful connections with Peru’s incredible history and traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby