ATV Quad Bikes in the Sacred Valley to Moray and Salt Mines

Imagine riding a personal quad bike through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, with the wind in your hair and remarkable sights around every corner. For just $45, this 5-6 hour tour offers an exhilarating way to explore two of Peru’s most iconic sights — the archaeological site of Moray and the Salinas de Maras salt mines — all starting from Cusco.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the guided quad bike ride lets you cover more ground than a walking tour, with a sense of freedom and excitement that’s hard to beat. Second, the tour includes hotel pickups, making logistics a breeze, especially in a place where local transportation can often be unpredictable.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the dusty ride and outdoor nature mean you should be prepared for some dirt and wind — it’s not a sit-back-and-relax kind of tour. Still, if you’re craving a hands-on adventure with authentic Peruvian sites, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits adventure seekers, history buffs, and families looking for a fun, active way to get acquainted with the Sacred Valley. It’s also ideal if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive tour that combines culture, scenery, and adrenaline.

Key Points

• Active exploration: Ride your own quad bike through scenic landscapes, rather than just sightseeing from a bus.
• Visit iconic sites: Moray and the salt mines are both rich with history and unique scenery.
• All-inclusive pickup: Hotel pickup from Cusco simplifies logistics, especially for travelers on a tight schedule.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable bilingual guides provide insights into Incan culture and local history.
• Value for money: At $45, the tour offers a full day of adventure, with multiple stops and personal equipment.
• Limited group size: A smaller group ensures more personal attention from your guide and a more relaxed experience.

The Experience in Detail

The tour begins early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel between 6:30 and 7:00 am. From Cusco, a comfortable roundtrip transportation takes you into the Sacred Valley, a lush corridor filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and scenic vistas. The first highlight is Cruzpata, where you’ll switch from bus to quad bike. This is where the real fun begins.

Riding a quad bike through the Sacred Valley allows you to feel connected to the landscape in a way that a bus simply can’t replicate. You’ll have your own bike, giving you freedom to explore the dirt trails and open fields. As you ride, your guide will keep the group on schedule while sharing insights into the Inca culture and local traditions.

Stop 1: Moray — The Agricultural Laboratory

Your first stop is the archaeological site of Moray, a marvel of Inca ingenuity. These gigantic circular terraces are believed to have been used by the Incas as a kind of agricultural laboratory — a place where they experimented with different crops and microclimates. You’ll appreciate the vivid contrast of the terraces against the surrounding Andes, making it a perfect spot for photos and imagining ancient farming practices.

Many reviews praise this stop, with one traveler noting, “We took the ATV tour to two lakes. It’s very dusty, but an enormous thrill to drive an ATV. Good explanation. View on the lakes is beautiful.” While the lakes aren’t part of this specific tour, the dusty ride is a common theme, so packing a bandana or sunglasses might be wise.

Stop 2: Salt Mines of Maras — A Natural Wonder

Next, the journey takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras, a spectacular patchwork of thousands of salt ponds carved into the mountainside. This site is still active, with local families harvesting salt in traditional ways that have persisted for centuries. Many visitors comment on the photogenic quality of the mines — the contrast of white salt against the terraced hillside offers some fantastic photo opportunities.

A reviewer mentions, “Amazing salt mines, a good spot for pictures. It’s very dusty, but an enormous thrill to drive an ATV.” The salt mines are a short stop—roughly 30 minutes—but packed with visual impact and local charm.

Additional Considerations

While the tour offers an authentic experience, some travelers have expressed frustration about short stops at each site, with one review noting, “It was very frustrating that at every point of the tour we were really MAXIMUM 20 minutes.” If you’re someone who loves deep exploration, this might feel rushed, but for those wanting a quick, lively overview, it’s a perfect balance.

The tour includes professional bilingual guides, who are praised for their knowledge and friendly manner. Many reviews mention guides like Romel and Nixon, who go above and beyond, making the experience memorable beyond just the riding.

Practical Details

• Price: At $45 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the included transportation, guide, and personal quad bike.
• Duration: Expect about 5 to 6 hours — enough time for fun, sightseeing, and some photos.
• Group size: The tour caters to up to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Inclusions: Transportation, guide, first aid, and a personal quad bike for each rider.
• Not included: Entrance fees to the sites — these are paid separately but are valid for multiple visits on different days.

What to Bring

Given the dusty rides and outdoor stops, travelers should wear comfortable clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A bandana or face covering can help keep dust out, and sturdy shoes make riding more comfortable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves adventure and hands-on activities, you’ll adore riding your own quad through such a scenic and culturally rich setting. History lovers will appreciate the chance to see Moray and the salt mines up close, beyond just a photo from the bus window. Families with children who are comfortable on bikes will find this a memorable day out.

However, if you prefer longer stops at each site or a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you’re sensitive to dust or prefer fully shaded rides, consider that part of the experience is exposed to the elements.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and scenery, making it more than just a typical sightseeing trip. The personal quad bikes add an element of excitement, and the guides tend to be well-informed and attentive, which enhances the experience. The stops at Moray and the salt mines are genuinely captivating and photographable, while the roundtrip transport and hotel pickup make logistics straightforward.

It’s best suited for adventurous travelers, families, or anyone wanting to experience the Sacred Valley in a lively, active way. The tour’s value for money is clear, given the personal equipment, guide service, and multiple highlights packed into a single day.

If you want to get your adrenaline pumping while ticking off two of the area’s most iconic sites, this tour is a smart pick — just be ready for some dust and a quick pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Cusco hotel between 6:30 and 7:00 am.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours, including transportation, stops, and riding time.

Do I need prior experience to ride the quad bike?
Not necessarily. The guides are experienced and will give instructions. Most travelers find it manageable even if it’s their first time.

Are entrance fees to the sites included?
No, entrance tickets are purchased separately, but they are valid for other visits on different days.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bandana or face covering if dust bothers you.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour limits groups to around 20 people, ensuring more personal attention.

What if I have a problem during the ride?
Guides are equipped with first aid and are very attentive to safety and support.

What is the terrain like?
Expect dirt paths, mountain trails, and uneven terrain — perfect for quad biking but requiring comfortable shoes.

Is this suitable for kids?
Most travelers say yes if kids are comfortable on bikes; always check with the tour provider if you’re unsure.

Can I do this tour if I have limited mobility?
It’s best suited for those able to ride and handle outdoor, uneven terrain. Contact the provider if you have specific concerns.

In brief, this Sacred Valley quad bike tour combines the thrill of riding with cultural stops that reveal the ingenuity of the Incas. Good guides, stunning scenery, and a fair price make it a memorable, active way to experience Peru’s rich history and natural beauty.