From Urubamba: ATV Tour to Moray and Maras Salt Pans

From Urubamba: ATV Tour to Moray and Maras Salt Pans — A Thrilling Look into Sacred Valley’s Hidden Gems

If you’re after a way to explore the Sacred Valley that’s a little more exciting than a bus tour, this ATV adventure hits the spot. For $120 per person, you get six hours of off-road fun, visiting two of the valley’s most iconic sites: the Moray archaeological terraces and the Maras Salt Pans. Starting from either Urubamba or Cusco, this tour is packed with sweeping mountain views, authentic cultural encounters, and a healthy dose of adrenaline.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see the landscape from a different perspective—zooming along rugged trails with nothing but the Andean peaks in view. We also appreciate the opportunity to interact with local communities, providing insights into traditional farming and salt harvesting practices.

A potential drawback is that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, or anyone with back, heart, or pregnancy concerns. But if you’re reasonably fit and eager for adventure, this will be a memorable highlight of your trip. Perfect for active travelers wanting a combination of scenic beauty, culture, and a bit of thrill, especially those comfortable with riding ATVs and exploring the outdoors.

Key Points

• Adventurous off-road experience: Ride an ATV through stunning mountain scenery and remote trails.
• Cultural insights: Interact with local communities and learn about traditional salt harvesting and agriculture.
• Unique sites: Visit the fascinating circular terraces of Moray and the cascading salt pans of Maras.
• Flexible options: Choose from two pickup locations, with a private group setting ensuring personalized attention.
• Professional guidance: Experienced guides provide safety briefings and expert knowledge.
• Photo opportunities: Capture breathtaking views of Veronica and Chicon mountains.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Sacred Valley by ATV: An Authentic and Thrilling Journey

This tour offers a refreshing way to see the Sacred Valley. Instead of the usual bus or walking tour, you’ll be riding a quad bike through rugged and scenic terrain. It’s a chance to experience the landscape’s vastness and beauty firsthand, with the added bonus of reaching areas that vehicles can’t easily access.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins with a pickup from either Urubamba or Cusco, depending on your preference. After a roughly 40-minute van ride, you’ll arrive at the starting point where your guided ATV adventure kicks off. The tour is structured to maximize your time at key sites, with two main riding segments separated by visits to Moray and Maras.

First ATV ride (1.5 hours at Maras): You’ll get comfortable with your quad bike and then set out over dirt trails that wind through the Andean landscape. This part is all about the thrill—riding over uneven terrain, navigating turns, and breathing in the crisp mountain air. The views of snow-capped peaks like Veronica and Chicon make for stunning backdrops.

Visit to Moray (20 minutes): Here, your guide will explain the curious circular terraces, believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experiments. We loved the way the terraces seem to spiral into the hillside, offering a glimpse of Inca ingenuity and adaptation to diverse climate zones.

Second ATV segment (1 hour at Maras): Riding back towards the salt pans, you’ll experience a different landscape—more agricultural and less rugged. This ride is shorter but equally scenic, with views of the cascading salt evaporation ponds that shimmer in the sun.

Maras Salt Pans (30 minutes): You’ll stop to explore the salt terraces, learning about traditional salt harvesting that’s been ongoing for centuries. The contrast of glistening white salt against the mountain terrain makes for incredible photos and a tangible sense of history.

What Makes This Tour Special?

We found that the guides were particularly knowledgeable—they shared insights into the history and culture of the sites, making each stop more meaningful. The personalized nature of a private group tour meant we could ask questions and move at our own pace, which is a real bonus.

The scenery truly steals the show. The panoramic views of the mountains and valleys are unforgettable, especially when framed by the rugged dirt trails and the unique landscapes of Moray and Maras.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is designed to be accessible and fun, it’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or anyone with back, heart, or mobility issues. The physical requirement is moderate—if you’re comfortable riding a quad bike and walking short distances, you’ll do just fine.

What to bring: Good walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, water, and your camera. Weather can vary, so dress in layers and be prepared for sun or wind.

Price point: At $120, the tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions—guided visits, safety equipment, and transport. The experience of riding through the Andes and seeing two of the valley’s most iconic sites makes it a worthwhile splurge.

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The Highlights of the Day

First Stop: Pickup and Scenic Ride

The adventure begins with a comfortable van ride through the sacred landscape, giving you a moment to settle in and take in the scenery. The excitement builds as you gear up for your ATV ride, with safety instructions from your guide, Juan or Maria, ensuring everyone feels confident.

Maras Salt Pans: A Glimmering Wonder

The salt pans are a photographer’s dream. Cascading terraces filled with brine and salt crystals form a mesmerizing pattern down the mountainside. As one reviewer put it, “It’s a surreal sight—like a giant mirror reflecting the mountain sky.” Walking among the salt pans gives a sense of the timeless labor involved, with small pools fed by mountain streams, still harvested using methods unchanged for centuries.

Moray: An Inca Agricultural Laboratory

This site is a favorite among travelers for its unusual circular terraces. We loved the way the terraces seem to spiral downward into the hillside, each level with different microclimates. Guides explain that the Incas likely experimented with crops across these varying conditions—an early form of sustainable farming.

The ATV Experience

Riding an ATV over dirt trails and uneven terrain is exhilarating without being overwhelming. We enjoyed the chance to get off the beaten path, feeling the power of the quad beneath us as we navigated the rugged landscape. The guides make safety a priority, providing helmets and instructions, but you’ll find that riding is quite accessible for most.

Interacting with Local Communities

As you pass through small villages and farmland, your guide shares stories about daily life in the Andes. This adds depth to the experience, turning a scenic excursion into a cultural encounter.

Why This Tour is a Solid Choice

For those craving a mix of adventure and culture, this tour hits the right notes. The guides’ deep knowledge enriches the visit, and the views are genuinely breathtaking. The flexibility of a private group ensures you’re not rushing, and the varied stops keep the day interesting.

While it’s not suitable for very young children or those with certain health issues, active travelers will find this to be a rewarding outing. It’s a great way to see some of the Sacred Valley’s highlights from a fresh perspective, with an added adrenaline boost.

Final Thoughts

This ATV tour offers a memorable blend of scenery, culture, and adventure. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a more hands-on experience—literally riding through the landscape—and are eager to learn about local traditions and Inca ingenuity.

The price is reasonable for a full-day guided adventure that takes you beyond the typical sightseeing bus route. The blend of panoramic mountain views, ancient terraces, and salt ponds makes for a rich, visual journey, perfectly suited to those who like a little excitement along with their cultural discovery.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 12, as riding ATVs requires a certain level of physical ability and maturity.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suitable for outdoor activity. Layers are recommended due to weather changes.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase at local stops.

How long is the ATV ride?
The combined riding time is approximately 3.5 hours, split into two main segments—1.5 hours at Maras and 1 hour at Moray.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from your pickup point in Urubamba or Cusco is part of the package.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a guide with us during the ride?
Absolutely. A professional guide will lead and assist you, ensuring safety and sharing insights about the sites.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
The tour runs year-round, but dry season (May to October) typically offers better weather and visibility.

Are there any extra fees for entrance to Moray or Maras?
Yes, entrance fees are not included and must be paid separately on site.

In all, if you’re after a lively way to explore the Sacred Valley’s stunning landscapes, ancient sites, and local culture—with a splash of adventure—you’ll find this ATV tour is a rewarding option. It combines thrill with education, making it a unique highlight on your Cusco itinerary.

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