Quad Bike tour to Maras, Moray and the Salt Mines

Quad Bike Tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines: An Adventure in the Sacred Valley

Imagine cruising on a quad bike through the rugged terrain of the Sacred Valley, with the wind in your hair and spectacular Andean landscapes unfolding around you. For around $47 per person, this 5.5-hour tour offers a lively mix of off-road adventure and visits to iconic Inca sites like Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. Your journey starts with hotel pickup in Cusco and takes you into the countryside, where you’ll explore places that most visitors see only from the comfort of a vehicle.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are two key aspects: first, the chance to get off the beaten path on a personal quad bike—an activity that appeals to those craving a bit of adrenaline and independence. Second, the stunning views of the Sacred Valley’s mountains and terraces are a highlight, making the ride memorable even if you’re not normally an off-road enthusiast.

That said, a potential downside is the additional cost for entrance tickets to Moray, which aren’t included in the tour price. Some travelers have felt this was a surprise or a bit of a letdown, especially if they expected everything to be part of the package. The tour can feel somewhat rushed, with guides pushing for quick visits rather than lingering on the sites.

This tour is best suited for those who love adventure activities combined with cultural exploration. If you’re comfortable on a quad bike and eager to see more than the usual tourist spots, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile addition to your Cusco itinerary. However, if detailed archaeological tours or leisurely visits are your priority, you might prefer other options.

Key Points

• Adventure and Authenticity: The quad bike component provides a fun way to explore the Sacred Valley’s landscapes.
• Unique Accessibility: Off-road riding takes you into areas less accessible by traditional tour vehicles.
• Cultural Highlights: Visits to Moray and Maras Salt Mines add archaeological and historical value.
• Viewpoints and Scenery: Expect breathtaking Andean mountain vistas throughout the journey.
• Group Size and Personal Attention: Limited to 15 travelers, so you get a more personalized experience.
• Additional Costs: Entry fees for archaeological sites are not included, which can be an unwelcome surprise.

A Close Look at the Experience

Starting from Cusco, the tour begins with a comfortable hotel pickup—a plus for travelers who dislike public transport or want to maximize sightseeing time. The journey to Cruzpata, a small community en route to Chincheros, takes about 40 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery from the vehicle.

Once at Cruzpata, you’ll receive a brief instruction session to familiarize yourself with the quad bikes. This is especially helpful if you’re new to riding or haven’t been on a quad in a while. The guides are professional, aiming to keep everyone safe while maintaining an upbeat atmosphere. As you gear up, you’ll appreciate the security equipment provided, which adds a layer of reassurance to the adventure.

The core of the tour is the off-road ride through the Sacred Valley’s agricultural terraces, which offers a perspective that vehicle-based tours miss. We loved the way the rugged terrain brought us closer to the landscape—feeling the roughness beneath the tires as we navigated dirt paths lined with crops and traditional farmhouses. The views of the mountains and terraced hills are truly spectacular, especially as you ascend to higher elevations.

Next, the tour takes you to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site with circular terraces thought to have been an agricultural experiment. Here, you’ll walk around, explore the terraces, and take a break to absorb the quiet, almost mysterious atmosphere. Some visitors, like Laurie, have expressed frustration that the tour’s focus was on the quad riding and not enough on the archaeological site itself. She mentioned that the guide was rushing, and they had to pay extra for a photo rather than a proper guided visit, which felt like a missed opportunity.

The highlight for many is the Maras Salt Mines, a sprawling collection of salt pans that have been in use since Inca times. The sight of thousands of small, rectangular pools shimmering in the sunlight is awe-inspiring. You can walk around, watch salt harvesting in action, and marvel at how the local families have maintained this tradition for centuries. Remember, the entry fee here is not included in the original price, so be prepared to pay an extra 70 soles if you want to get into Moray, which some travelers found a bit inconvenient.

After a few hours exploring, the tour winds down with a descent back to Cruzpata and the return drive to Cusco. The entire journey, including the off-road ride and site visits, covers around 50 km, blending adventure with cultural insights.

Practical Details and Tips

• Cost: At around $46.80, the tour offers good value, considering the transportation, quad bike rental, guide, and site visits. However, keep in mind the extra cost of entrance tickets.
• Duration: About 5.5 hours from pickup to return, making it a manageable half-day activity.
• Group size: Limited to 15 travelers, which generally means more attention from guides.
• What to Wear: Comfortable clothing suitable for riding off-road, sturdy shoes, and perhaps a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
• What’s Included: Your own quad bike, security gear, a professional guide, and round-trip transportation.
• What’s Not: Entrance tickets for Moray and salt pans, and meals.

Authentic Experience Outlook

While this tour offers a thrilling ride and a taste of local archaeology, it might not satisfy those seeking a deep archaeological tour or a relaxed sightseeing experience. Some reviewers have felt rushed or disappointed by the lack of included site entry—something to keep in mind if your priority is immersion.

That said, the stunning views and the chance to ride through unvisited parts of the Sacred Valley make it a worthwhile adventure for active travelers. If you’re comfortable on a quad and eager to explore beyond the usual group tours, this activity adds an exciting twist to your Cusco trip.

The Sum Up

This quad bike tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and scenery that can make your Cusco experience memorable. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of adrenaline, are open to a faster-paced itinerary, and want to see some of the most iconic Inca sites from a different perspective.

While it might not suit those seeking a more relaxed archaeological guide or expecting all costs included upfront, the stunning views and off-road excitement are well worth considering. Just be prepared for the additional entry fees and a potentially quick visit to the sites—so plan your expectations accordingly.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Cusco hotel, making the start seamless and convenient.

How long is the entire tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation, riding, and site visits.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the tour price does not cover entrance tickets. You’ll need to pay extra for access to Moray (around 70 soles), which some travelers find a bit inconvenient.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, sturdy clothing suitable for dirt and movement, along with closed-toe shoes. Sun protection like a hat and sunscreen is also recommended.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable on a quad bike, the provided safety equipment and instructions make it accessible for most.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, which helps ensure more personalized attention from guides.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This adventure promises a lively mix of thrilling riding and spectacular scenery, perfect for those craving a bit of excitement combined with cultural sights. If you’re after a fun, active way to experience the Sacred Valley, this tour might just be the highlight of your Cusco journey.