Mountain Bike Ride in Moray to Maras and Salt Mines

Discovering the Sacred Valley by Bike: Moray, Maras, and Salt Mines

Imagine pedaling through a landscape where ancient terraces, vibrant salt pools, and mountain vistas come into view around every bend. This guided mountain bike tour in Cusco’s Sacred Valley offers a unique way to experience this region’s rich history and stunning scenery. Starting from Ollantaytambo, for about 4 to 6 hours, you’ll explore some of Peru’s most iconic and lesser-known sites, all at a relaxed pace.

The tour costs around $109 per person, includes all biking gear, snacks, bottled water, and the guidance of a knowledgeable guide. You’ll ride through multi-terraced depressions of Moray, visit the salt pans of Maras, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley’s mountains. One of the things we love here is how the tour combines physical activity with cultural insights, making it ideal for active travelers and history buffs alike. Plus, the small-group setting ensures personalized attention, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

A potential consideration is that the admission fees for Moray and the Salt Mines are not included in the base price, so you should budget about 80 Soles extra. Also, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level since the ride involves some exertion, but it’s suitable for most with a reasonable level of fitness. This tour is perfect if you’re looking for an active, culture-rich day that’s both scenic and educational, especially if you’re eager to skip the typical tourist crowds and discover some local secrets.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you enjoy outdoor adventures with a cultural twist, this ride is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for those who want to explore more than just ruins—they’ll appreciate the chance to see lesser-known sites like Moray and the salt mines while enjoying the fresh mountain air. It’s also well-suited for travelers who value small-group experiences and personalized guides—many reviews highlight the informative and friendly guides that make the trip memorable.

Key Points

• Scenic cycling through the Sacred Valley with stops at iconic sites
• Cultural insights from knowledgeable guides, including lesser-known facts
• All necessary biking equipment and refreshments included for convenience
• Flexible itinerary with options to extend or shorten the tour based on your interests
• Suitable for active travelers with moderate fitness levels
• Not included: entrance fees, which cost approximately 80 Soles total

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Group Size

The tour begins at the Plaza de Armas in Ollantaytambo, a charming town known for its Inca ruins and traditional markets. From here, your guide, likely multilingual, will brief you on the plan and fit you with your bike, helmet, and gloves. With a maximum of 10 travelers, this small-group setting ensures you get personalized attention and plenty of space to ride at your own pace.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Sacred Valley of the Incas (1 hour)

This initial stretch introduces you to the broader canyon landscape of the Urubamba River, which forms the heart of the Sacred Valley. While the actual admission tickets aren’t included, you’ll pass by scenic spots and learn about the area’s importance for agriculture and Inca civilization. The highlight here is the opportunity to see how the landscape itself is a living testament to centuries of human ingenuity.

Salinas de Maras (1 hour)

Next, you’ll descend into the Salt Mines of Maras, a site with origins predating the Incas. What makes this stop special is the spectacular mosaic of thousands of small salt pools that shimmer in the mountain sun. Your guide will explain how the local communities have harvested salt here for generations, making it an important part of the local economy and culture. Entry fees are extra (about 10 Soles), but the view and history are worth it.

Cusco Peru Adventures Stop (20 minutes)

This short stop offers a chance for your guide to share insider stories or answer questions. It’s a brief but valuable opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the region’s living culture and the significance of the sites you’re visiting.

Moray (45 minutes)

The last major stop is Moray, with its amphitheater-like terraces that descend into the earth. Known for their mysterious concentric circles, these terraces are believed to have been an agricultural laboratory, where Incas experimented with microclimates. As one reviewer put it, Moray is “a place with a lot of mystery and history,” and many find it fascinating to walk among its terraces and imagine Inca farmers testing crops here.

What to Expect During the Ride

The ride is generally gentle, with some uphill sections and uneven terrain, but nothing too technical. You’ll stop frequently for photos and explanations, ensuring you’re never rushing. Many reviewers emphasize how guides give travelers the freedom to ride at their own pace, which adds to the relaxed feeling of the tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll receive bottled water, snacks, and biking gear, making the experience comfortable and hassle-free. Helmets, gloves, and bikes are provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment. However, entry tickets for Moray and the Salt Mines cost extra, which is worth considering when budgeting. The admission fees (about 70 Soles for Moray and 10 Soles for the salt mines) are not included in the base price, but many feel they’re a small price for the experience.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback

One enthusiastic traveler, Jorge_M, called the tour an “excellent experience,” praising the “awesome guide, very informative,” and noting how the views were spectacular. The review highlights how important the guides are in making this tour enjoyable, sharing “little-known facts” and letting riders set their own pace. The small group size and personalized attention seem to be a recurring theme, ensuring you’re never just a face in the crowd.

Practical Considerations

While most travelers seem to find the ride enjoyable, having moderate physical fitness is necessary. Expect some hills and uneven terrain, but the overall pace is relaxed enough for most active travelers. Also, just remember to budget for the extra entrance fees, and confirm your pickup details if you’re not staying in Ollantaytambo.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This mountain bike journey offers a wonderful blend of outdoor adventure, cultural learning, and scenic beauty. It’s best suited for active travelers, history enthusiasts, and those eager to experience the Sacred Valley beyond standard tourist spots. The knowledgeable guides, intimate group sizes, and well-organized itinerary make for a memorable day.

If you’re comfortable on a bike and craving a hands-on exploration of Inca and local culture amid beautiful mountain scenery, this tour delivers genuine value. It’s especially appealing if you want to see Moray’s terraces, wander the salt pools of Maras, and learn from guides passionate about the region’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you have moderate physical fitness. The ride is generally relaxed with frequent stops, but some uphill sections may require a bit more effort.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for cycling, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The tour provides helmets, gloves, water, and snacks, so focus on being prepared for the outdoors.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the admission tickets for Moray and the Salt Mines are not included. You should budget roughly 80 Soles total for these.

Can I customize the tour?
The itinerary is fixed, but the small group setting means guides can often answer questions or offer suggestions based on your interests.

What if I want to continue my trip after the tour?
If you need to head to Cusco afterward, the tour can coordinate dropping you off at Urubamba or other locations, making it flexible for your travel plans.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 46 days in advance to secure a spot, especially in peak travel seasons.

In the end, this mountain bike ride through the Sacred Valley blends adventure and culture seamlessly. With well-organized logistics, an engaging guide, and the chance to see some of Peru’s most fascinating sites from a local perspective, it’s a day well spent for those wanting to combine active exploration with cultural discovery.