ATV Quad Bike Moray and Maras Salt Mines Sacred Valley

This 1-day ATV tour in the Cusco Region offers a lively way to explore some of the most fascinating sights in the Sacred Valley—Moray’s circular terraces and the Maras Salt Mines. For just $40 per person, you’ll spend the day riding your own ATV through stunning landscapes, learning about ancient agricultural techniques, and witnessing salt extraction still done by hand.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the combination of adventure and culture — you’re not just sightseeing but actively engaging with the land on a four-wheel drive. Second, the views across the Sacred Valley are genuinely breathtaking, with panoramic vistas that make every second on the ATV worth it.

A possible consideration is the adventure level—this tour is designed for those comfortable with outdoor activities and riding ATVs. Also, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. If you’re after an authentic, hands-on experience with a small-group vibe, this tour is a great fit.

If you’re craving adventure, stunning scenery, and a taste of local customs, this tour offers a well-balanced day that combines excitement with education.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a full-day adventure exploring the Sacred Valley
• Visit Moray’s circular terraces, an impressive display of Inca agricultural ingenuity
• See the Maras Salt Mines, still operated by local families using traditional methods
• Enjoy your own ATV, with safety gear and minimal training provided
• Includes cultural stops, like a local market showcasing traditional weaving and dyeing
• Transport and guide are included, making logistics simple and relaxed

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Adventure in the Sacred Valley: What to Expect

When you sign up for this ATV tour, you’re signing up for more than just a ride—you’re getting a comprehensive glimpse into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Starting early in the morning, you’ll be picked up from your Cusco hotel or meet at Plaza Regocijos. The journey begins with a comfortable drive to Cruzpata, the base camp, where you’ll receive safety instructions and your riding gear.

The first stop is Moray, an archaeological site famous for its concentric circular terraces. The Incas designed these terraces as a kind of natural greenhouse, likely used for experimenting with different crops or microclimates. Walking through Moray, you’ll notice how the terraces descend in perfect circles, creating a fascinating landscape that looks like a giant, stepped amphitheater. Your guide, who is fluent in both English and Spanish, will explain how this site demonstrates the Incas’ agricultural expertise—an important piece of cultural history packed into a relatively small area.

Following Moray, you’ll transfer to the Maras Salt Mines. Please note that ATVs are not permitted inside the salt pans, so you’ll switch to transportation for this part of the tour. The salt mines are a labyrinth of white salt pools, still mined by local families using traditional techniques. The scene is remarkably photogenic—the bright salt pools contrasting with the green Andean hills. You’ll have about 30 minutes here to take photos and observe the salt extraction process, which has been maintained for generations. Many reviews highlight how special it is to see such a living tradition in action.

After the salt mines, the tour takes a cultural turn with a visit to a local market. Here, local women demonstrate natural dyeing with flowers, bark, and stones, as well as traditional weaving techniques. It’s a great way to see how indigenous crafts are preserved and passed down, adding a deeper layer of understanding to your day.

On the return trip to Cusco, expect a relaxed drive that arrives back around 1 p.m., giving you the rest of the afternoon to explore or relax.

The Details That Matter

Transportation and Duration

The tour begins with a hotel pickup or meeting at Plaza Regocijos around 6:30-7:00 a.m., with the drive to Cruzpata taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The total time on the road, including stops, is about 6-7 hours, making it a comfortably paced day.

The ATV Experience

You’ll receive about 10 minutes of training before hitting the trails. The ATV itself is well-maintained, and the safety equipment—helmets, protective gear—is included. Riding your own ATV means you control your pace, which can be as leisurely or as exhilarating as you like, depending on your comfort level.

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Costs and Entry Fees

The tour price is $40, which includes transport, guides, safety gear, and visits. However, you’ll need to pay additional entrance fees: PEN 70.00 for Moray and PEN 20.00 for the salt mines. These fees are paid on-site and are a small price for access to these sites.

What to Bring

Given the high-altitude sun and outdoor exposure, pack sunscreen, water, and cash for entrance fees or souvenirs. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.

Group Size and Guide

The guide is bilingual, ensuring smooth communication, and the group size is small, which helps create an intimate experience and personalized attention.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

The stunning vistas are the highlight here. From atop Moray’s terraces, you get a sweeping view of the valley, with the mountains stretching endlessly in the background. The salt pools gleam under the sun, offering striking photo opportunities and a tangible sense of traditional life.

We loved the way the tour combines adventure with cultural insight. The visit to the local market is more than a stop—it’s a chance to see how indigenous traditions are kept alive, from dyeing textiles to weaving. The fact that salt is still extracted by hand at the mines makes this a rare glimpse into a craft that has endured centuries, connecting you directly with local people and their way of life.

The free time at the salt mines means you can take your photos without feeling rushed, and the guide will happily answer questions or help you capture the perfect shot. For many travelers, this authenticity is what makes the experience memorable.

What We Liked Most

The stunning panoramic views from Moray’s terraces, which reveal the ingenuity of Inca farming techniques, are truly special. The hands-on nature of the salt mining, still done using traditional methods, adds a genuine sense of connection to local life.

Possible Drawbacks

The lack of ATV access inside the salt pools might disappoint some who hoped for an off-road adventure at every stop. Also, the early start might be a bit challenging for late risers or those not accustomed to early mornings.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers who want to combine thrill with cultural discovery. It’s perfect if you enjoy outdoor activities and want a small-group experience with personalized attention. Travelers interested in Inca engineering, local crafts, and traditional salt mining will find this particularly rewarding.

It’s not suited for those with mobility restrictions or pregnant women, but for most active travelers, it offers a balanced mix of fun, learning, and spectacular scenery.

The Sum Up

This ATV tour through the Sacred Valley offers more than just a ride; it’s a chance to see some of the most iconic Inca sites and traditional salt mines from a fresh perspective. The stunning views and authentic local demonstrations make it a worthwhile addition to any Cusco itinerary, especially if you’re eager for an active, engaging experience.

The price is reasonable considering the inclusion of transport, guides, safety gear, and site visits, making it a good value for those craving a memorable day outdoors. The small-group setup fosters a relaxed atmosphere, and the flexible schedule means you won’t feel rushed.

If you love outdoor adventures, cultural insights, and scenic landscapes, this tour will give you a taste of Cusco’s natural and historical beauty in an exciting way. Just remember to bring your camera, some cash, and an appetite for adventure—and you’ll leave with plenty of stories to tell.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It depends on their comfort with riding ATVs. The experience is generally geared toward adults or older children comfortable with outdoor riding, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

How physically demanding is the ATV ride?
The ride includes a brief training session, and the trails are manageable for most people in good health. It’s designed for fun, not extreme motocross, but you should be comfortable riding a 4-wheeled vehicle.

Can I participate if I have no prior ATV experience?
Yes. The guide will give you a short training before starting, so even beginners can enjoy the ride.

Are there any restrictions for pregnant women?
Yes, this activity is not suitable for pregnant women due to the physical nature and safety considerations.

Is lunch included?
No, the tour does not include food. You may want to bring snacks or plan to have lunch afterward in Cusco.

What is the best way to prepare for the day?
Bring sunscreen, water, cash for entrance fees, and wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity and variable weather.

How long are the stops at each site?
You’ll spend about 30 minutes at the salt mines for photos and exploration, and around 10 minutes for Moray’s guided tour; the market stop is roughly 20 minutes.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Weather can affect outdoor activities. Check the forecast and confirm cancellation policies—full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity.

This adventure provides a lively, authentic way to experience Cusco’s Sacred Valley—combining breathtaking scenery, ancient engineering, and local craftsmanship—all from the seat of an ATV. Perfect for those wanting a memorable, active day that mixes fun with cultural discovery.

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