ATV Tour to Moray & Maras Salt Mines the Sacred Valley from Cusco

An Exciting ATV Adventure in the Sacred Valley

If you’re craving an experience that combines adventure, culture, and stunning scenery, the ATV Tour to Moray & Maras Salt Mines from Cusco might just be your perfect day. For about $37 per person, you’ll spend roughly 6 hours exploring the rugged landscapes of the Sacred Valley, riding powerful quad bikes led by knowledgeable guides. The tour takes you to two iconic sites—Moray and Maras Salt Mines—with plenty of opportunities to enjoy panoramic vistas along the way.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible it makes exploring remote Andean sites. The all-terrain vehicles handle the rocky paths with ease, transforming what might be a challenging trek into a thrilling ride. Plus, the guided tours are packed with interesting tidbits about the region, making it both fun and educational. However, keep in mind that entrance fees for Moray and the salt mines are extra and payable in cash on-site.

This tour is especially well-suited for adventure-seekers who don’t mind a bit of dust and dirt and are eager to see the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. Whether you’re a first-time rider or an experienced ATV enthusiast, you’ll find it rewarding. It’s ideal for groups, solo travelers, or couples who want a memorable, active day outside Cusco’s city center.

Key Points

• Accessible adventure: Ride powerful quad bikes over rough terrain with guides to assist you.
• Cultural highlights: Visit Moray’s unique circular terraces and the fascinating Maras Salt Mines.
• All-inclusive: Includes equipment, hotel pickup, and round-trip transfers.
• Extra costs: Entrance fees for sites are paid separately in cash.
• Flexible options: Choose morning or afternoon sessions and upgrade with ziplining or private tours.
• Authentic experience: Guides are bilingual and passionate about sharing regional insights.

Exploring the Sacred Valley by ATV

The Sacred Valley, with its dramatic highland scenery—mountains, open plains, and towering cliffs—serves as a stunning backdrop for this adventure. This tour captures both the landscape’s raw beauty and its archaeological and cultural significance, all from the vantage point of a powerful ATV.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco for the morning session, typically between 7 am. If you opt for the afternoon tour, you’ll meet at Willka Travel’s office. The group then shares a comfortable transfer to Cruz Pata, the base camp situated conveniently in the heart of the Sacred Valley. The ride to this starting point takes about 50 minutes, giving you time to soak in the scenery and prepare for your adventure.

The Itinerary: From Cruz Pata to Moray and Maras

Once at Cruz Pata, you’ll get a quick safety briefing and instruction on handling your ATV. Whether you choose a single or double bike, you’ll be set to explore. The first stop is near the entrance of Moray, a mysterious archaeological site famous for its circular terraces that some say served as an ancient agricultural laboratory.

Many reviews highlight the fun of riding through the valley’s rugged terrain to reach Moray. “We rode the quad bikes through the Sacred Valley until we reached Moray,” one traveler noted, praising the guides’ helpfulness and the breathtaking scenery.

After parking the ATVs, a guide will lead you on a brief tour of Moray. The site’s terraced circles are captivating, with their concentric rings revealing the skill of ancient engineers. The entrance fee here is not included and costs 70 soles (cash only), but many find it worth the extra expense for the opportunity to explore this unique archaeological marvel.

Next, the adventure continues to Maras Salt Mines, an astonishing network of thousands of salt evaporation ponds still used by local communities today. Riding your ATV along scenic paths, you’ll arrive at the salt pans, where you’ll hop off and join a guide for a detailed tour. The white salt crystals shimmering in the sun make for memorable photos, and many reviewers mention how helpful and friendly the guides are.

One reviewer expressed, “The salt mines were incredible, and our guide took beautiful pictures of us.” Entrance to the salt mines costs 20 soles, payable in cash, and is well worth the visit for the remarkable history and ongoing local tradition.

Return Journey and Final Moments

After exploring both sites, you’ll return to Cruz Pata to drop off your ATVs. The group then boards a van for the scenic drive back to Cusco, usually arriving in the city center around 4-5 pm. Many travelers appreciate how smoothly the day runs, with timely pickups and drop-offs.

The Experience on the Ground

The ATV ride itself is a highlight, blending adrenaline with the chance to see the landscape intimately. Guides are bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish, and very attentive to safety. Several reviews emphasize how guides teach beginners and tailor the group based on experience. Whether you’re new to riding or more seasoned, you’ll be in good hands.

The terrain varies from smooth paths to rocky stretches, which adds to the adventure but also means a dusty, sometimes bumpy ride—something many reviewers expect and enjoy, as it authenticates the experience. “The dust and dirt were part of the fun,” said one visitor, highlighting that this is a true off-road adventure.

Authentic Cultural Encounters

While the main focus is the thrill of riding, the stops at Moray and Maras provide cultural insight. The guides share stories about ancient agricultural practices and salt mining traditions that have persisted for centuries. Many appreciate the personalized attention—some mention guides taking photos and giving detailed explanations, making the experience more meaningful.

Extra Options and Flexibility

You can upgrade your experience by adding a zipline or opting for a private tour. The tour also accommodates families with children, provided they are accompanied by an adult. For those who want to extend the thrill, there’s the possibility of combining this with the longer zipline options in the Sacred Valley.

Price and Value Considerations

At just $37 per person, this tour offers an impressive value for the combination of adventure, cultural exploration, and scenery. Given that entrance fees for Moray and the salt mines are additional, you might want to budget around 90 soles in cash for those extras. Many reviewers note that guides are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience.

The inclusion of equipment, transportation, and guides means you won’t need to worry about logistics, making it a hassle-free way to see two major sites. The small group size—capped at 26 travelers—ensures a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This adventure suits those who love outdoor activities and are comfortable on an ATV. If you value authentic experiences and appreciate the chance to see Moray and Maras from a new perspective, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s perfect for adventure lovers, families with older children, or anyone looking for a half-day escape from Cusco that’s both fun and educational.

People who enjoy guided stories—as many reviews highlight their guides’ passion and knowledge—will appreciate the engaging commentary along the way. If you’re not a fan of dust or rough terrain, you might want to consider other options, but for most, this adds to the authentic feeling of off-road exploration.

The Sum Up

The ATV Tour to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines offers an excellent mix of adventure, culture, and spectacular scenery. It’s a well-organized, reasonably priced way to explore the Sacred Valley’s highlights while satisfying your need for excitement. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned ATV enthusiast, the guides’ attention to safety and their local insights make this experience both fun and informative.

This tour is especially good for those who want an active, memorable day that goes beyond a typical bus ride. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, fascinating archaeological sites, and authentic local traditions makes it a standout choice for travelers seeking a genuine taste of the Andes.

If you’re prepared for a bit of dirt and a whole lot of adventure, this trip will deliver unforgettable moments in a stunning setting. It’s a perfect option for those who value guided expertise, scenic splendor, and a unique way to experience the Sacred Valley.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup is included in the morning session for hotels within Cusco. For the afternoon session, you’ll meet at Willka Travel’s office.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for riding an ATV, such as long pants and closed-toe shoes. Helmets and gloves are provided.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but specific age or height restrictions are not detailed. It’s best to check with the provider if you have young children.

How long is the drive from Cusco to Cruz Pata?
The drive takes approximately 50 minutes, providing a scenic start to your adventure.

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

Can I upgrade to a private tour?
Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour or include ziplining, depending on your preferences.

What’s the group size?
The tour caps at 26 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Guides are experienced in teaching newcomers and tailoring the ride to your comfort level.

Will I get enough time at each site?
Yes. The itinerary allows for small walks and photos at both Moray and Maras, with plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

What if I want to visit additional sites?
The tour can be combined with options like ziplining or other Sacred Valley activities, often available through the provider.

In all, this tour provides a memorable way to combine thrill, learning, and spectacular views—a true highlight for your Cusco adventure.