From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour

From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour offers an exciting blend of adventure, culture, and scenery. For $45 per person, you’ll spend about six hours exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley on a quad bike, visiting two of its most iconic sites: Moray, the Inca’s agricultural laboratory, and the Maras Salt Mines. The tour starts with a quick safety lesson before hitting the trails, making it suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how accessible it makes a day in the Sacred Valley. You get to combine adrenaline-fueled riding with cultural exploration, all from the comfort of Cusco. The guides, who speak both English and Spanish, are friendly and helpful, adding a personal touch that boosts your confidence on the ATVs. Another highlight is the stunning scenery—snow-capped mountains, lush terraces, and ancient archaeological sites—viewed from a different perspective.

However, it’s worth noting that entry fees to Moray (70 soles) and the Salt Mines (20 soles) are paid in cash on-site, which could be an extra hassle if you’re not prepared. Also, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or people with mobility issues, so plan accordingly. This tour is perfect for those looking for a fun, active day that showcases both natural beauty and rich history, especially if you enjoy outdoor adventures.

Key Points

• Adventure and Culture Combined: Enjoy quad biking through scenic landscapes while visiting two key archaeological sites.
• Value for Money: At $45, the tour offers a well-rounded experience with transportation, guide, and equipment included.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking vistas of the Andes, with opportunities to photograph snow-capped peaks and terraced fields.
• Authentic Sites: Visit Moray’s ancient agricultural terraces and the Maras Salt Mines, both deeply connected to Inca ingenuity.
• Flexible Booking Options: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for full refund.
• Limited for Some Travelers: Not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or those with mobility challenges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour

An Introduction to the Experience

Starting from Cusco’s bustling Plaza Regocijo, the tour whisks you away on a 6-hour journey into the Sacred Valley. You’ll ride with a group, most likely on a shared quad bike, and receive a quick instruction on how to operate your ATV safely. The initial transfer takes about an hour, giving you time to settle into your seat and enjoy the scenic drive through terraced hillsides and traditional villages.

Once at Cruzpata, where the quad bikes are based, the fun begins. We loved how the guides emphasized safety while keeping the atmosphere relaxed — it’s clear they want everyone to enjoy the ride without stress. You’ll spend approximately 2.5 hours riding through the landscape, taking in views of snow-capped peaks and lush farmland, with plenty of stops for photos and to admire the scenery.

What Makes This Tour Special

Two main highlights make this experience stand out. First, the quad biking itself offers a thrilling way to see the Sacred Valley’s varied terrain—from gentle slopes to rugged trails. We appreciated the chance to navigate the landscape at our own pace, feeling the wind and sun as we zoomed past Inca terraces and rural villages.

Second, the visits to Moray and the Salt Mines add a meaningful cultural layer. Moray, often called an “Inca agricultural laboratory,” showcases circular terraces that researchers believe served as experimental plots for different crops. Our guide explained how the Incas used these terraces to understand microclimates—fascinating insight into their ingenuity. The Salt Mines, with their hundreds of salt ponds, have been producing salt for centuries and are still active today. Walking among the terraces, it’s easy to imagine how this ancient industry thrived, and the guides enrich your visit with stories of local tradition.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Plaza Regocijo:
This lively central square is the perfect starting point. The guides call your name from a passenger list, and you’ll board a shared transportation van heading to Cruzpata.

Transfer to Cruzpata (1 hour):
This scenic drive sets the tone, giving you glimpses of the surrounding mountains and terraced fields. It’s a comfortable way to begin your adventure, especially if you’re new to ATV riding.

Quad biking to Moray (2.5 hours):
The core of the experience. You’ll ride through varied terrain, stopping at Moray for a quick guided visit. The site’s circular terraces are impressive and provide a tangible sense of Inca innovation. As one reviewer put it, “The guides explained how Moray might have been used for crop experimentation, which made the site even more interesting.”

Drive to the Salt Mines (40-minute transfer):
After the Moray visit, you hop back on the quad bikes and continue to the salt ponds. Here, the landscape transforms into a grid of salt terraces — a surreal sight. The guided tour explains how salt has been extracted for generations, a tradition that continues today.

Visit the Salt Mines (40 minutes):
Walking among the salt ponds, you’ll see the characteristic white terraces and learn about the extraction process. Many travelers find this site both visually striking and culturally meaningful.

Return to Cusco (1 hour):
Back in the van, the ride passes quickly, with time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

Arrive at Plaza Regocijo:
You’ll finish where you started, with photographs and memories of a full and rewarding day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Practicalities

The transportation arrangement, with a pickup from your hotel (or nearby), ensures a hassle-free start. The shared van is comfortable enough, and the focus is on making the trip easy and accessible. It’s worth noting that the tour does not include entry tickets—these are paid separately in cash, so bring the exact amount for Moray (70 soles), Salt Mines (20 soles), and a community fee ($1 USD).

Equipment and Safety

The quad bikes are standard and suitable for beginners, with around 3 people not sharing an ATV to ensure safety and comfort. The safety briefing before starting is brief but sufficient, so if you’re used to riding or comfortable on a bike, you’ll be fine. If you’ve never ridden an ATV before, don’t worry — the guides are friendly and patient.

Cost and Value

At $45, this tour offers good value, including transportation, equipment, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide. The sites visited are culturally significant, and the scenery is breathtaking, meaning you’ll find it hard to beat this combination of adventure and insight for the price.

Keep in mind that the entry fees to Moray and the Salt Mines are additional and paid cash on-site. These fees are modest but important to budget for. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, or book now and pay later, adds to the value, especially if your plans are uncertain.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers who want to see the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. It suits those who enjoy outdoor activities but are open to a bit of a bumpier ride. It’s also perfect for travelers eager to learn about Inca innovations through direct exploration of Moray and the Salt Mines. If you’re traveling with friends or family (over 18), this tour offers a fun bonding experience with memorable scenery and cultural insights.

The Sum Up

The From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour strikes a good balance between adventure and cultural discovery. It offers a unique way to see the Sacred Valley’s stunning landscapes—from the saddle of a quad bike—while exploring sites that reveal the ingenuity of the Incas. The tour is well-organized, reasonably priced, and provides a memorable experience for those seeking active fun and authentic sights.

While it isn’t suitable for everyone—no pregnant women, children under 18, or mobility-impaired travelers—it’s a fantastic choice for adventure lovers and curious explorers. The scenery alone makes it worth considering, especially if you’re eager to combine outdoor activities with history.

If you want a thrilling day that’s packed with scenery, culture, and a bit of adrenaline, this tour delivers on all fronts. Just be prepared for a bit of cash for entry fees, and you’ll be ready for a day to remember in the Sacred Valley.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes shared transportation from Cusco to Cruzpata and back, making the logistics straightforward.

How long does the quad biking last?
The total riding time is approximately 2.5 hours, spread out between Moray and the Salt Mines, with breaks and transfers in between.

Are entry fees included?
No, the entry fees for Moray (70 soles) and the Salt Mines (20 soles) are paid in cash on-site. Budget accordingly.

Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. The guides provide a quick safety lesson at the start, and the bikes are suitable for those new to riding.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and cash for entrance fees.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 and pregnant women are not allowed on this tour. It’s designed for adults comfortable with outdoor riding.

This adventure offers a lively, authentic glimpse into Cusco’s surroundings with a dash of excitement. Whether you’re after a fun day outdoors or want to see the Inca sites in a new light, it’s a trip that will leave you with great stories and fantastic photos.

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