ATV Tour Maras, Moray and Salt Mines of Cusco

This 6-hour adventure in the Cusco region offers an ideal blend of culture, stunning landscapes, and adrenaline. For $45 per person, you’ll explore Maras, with its famous salt mines, and Moray, the Incas’ experimental agricultural terraces. Led by a friendly guide, this tour is perfect if you’re after a fun, active day that takes you off the beaten path—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its accessibility and authentic flavor. The tour starts with a brief safety and driving instruction, making it suitable even for those new to quad biking. Plus, the visit to Moray’s terraces offers a fascinating peek into Inca ingenuity, while the salt mines of Maras showcase their resourcefulness. The only downside? Because part of the trip involves travel in a bus, the pace can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want more time at each site. Still, this tour appeals most to adventure-seeking travelers eager to combine cultural exploration with a bit of thrill.

If you enjoy active, hands-on experiences and want to get a sense of the Inca ingenuity and local livelihood, this tour is a top pick. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer a small-group, guided experience with logistics taken care of, and are comfortable with the idea of riding a quad in a safe and controlled environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Sites: Visit Maras salt mines and Moray terraces, both important in Inca history.
• Active Experience: Ride an individual ATV, making the tour engaging and memorable.
• Expert Guidance: Tour includes a professional guide who provides a brief and insightful commentary.
• Flexible & Affordable: For $45, you get transportation, safety gear, and a full 6-hour experience.
• Safety & Convenience: Safety devices and instruction are provided, making it accessible for beginners.
• Limited Extra Costs: Entrance fees are not included, but are manageable and clearly listed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour Step-by-Step

Starting Point and Safety Briefing

The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups near or inside Cusco’s historic center at 7:00 am, ensuring you beat the crowds and enjoy cooler morning air. The guide introduces safety procedures and offers a 15-minute quad training session—a wise move since not everyone has prior experience riding an ATV. We found this to be a reassuring step, especially for first-timers, and it helps ensure everyone feels comfortable before heading off on their adventure.

Quad Ride to Moray

Once briefed and equipped with safety gear, the fun begins. The quad ride to Moray takes you through scenic valleys and open fields—a chance to enjoy the landscape and get a sense of the local environment. The route offers a good mix of bumpy paths and smooth stretches, which keeps the ride lively without being overwhelming.

At Moray, a brief guide explains the significance of the agricultural terraces, which served as experimental farms for the Incas. We loved the way these terraces funnel water and experiment with different crop levels—a testament to Inca ingenuity in adapting to the rugged terrain. You’ll get a chance to walk around and snap photos of these amphitheater-like terraces, which seem to go on forever.

Transition to Salt Mines

After exploring Moray, the group heads in a bus for safety reasons to Salineras de Maras. This portion of the tour is quick but impactful: you’ll marvel at thousands of salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since Inca times. The salt mines are still operational, and their unique grid-like layout makes for striking visuals—perfect for memorable photos.

We appreciated the brief guide explanation about how salt is extracted and the importance of the mines for the local economy. The visit is relatively short, but enough to give you a sense of the scale and historic importance of the salt flats.

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Return to Cusco

By around 1 pm, the tour concludes with a comfortable bus ride back to Cusco’s Plateros street, dropping you off close to your hotel. The timing makes for a relaxed morning and early afternoon, leaving space for other activities or simply to unwind.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $45 covers a lot: hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation, a professional guide, your own ATV, safety gear, and driving instruction. This makes it quite a good deal, considering the full 6-hour experience.

However, keep in mind that entrance fees to Maras (S/15 or $5 USD) and Moray (S/70 or $20 USD) are not included, so budget accordingly. While these costs are additional, they are standard for tourist sites in Peru and relatively affordable.

Food is not included, so if you want to grab a snack or lunch afterward, plan to do so in Cusco. Extra expenses, such as souvenirs or additional drinks, are also not covered.

Practical Tips

• Bring your passport for entrance tickets and identification.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Moray and salt mines.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect your skin without harming the environment.
• Carry cash in soles or USD for entrance fees and small purchases.
• The tour not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or seniors over 95—so plan accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Beauty of the Landscape

As we traveled from Cusco, the scenery shifted from bustling city streets to quiet rural valleys. The landscape itself is a highlight—vivid green fields, rugged mountains, and the sprawling terraces of Moray. The quad ride adds an element of fun and freedom, allowing you to feel more connected to the land than if you were just a passenger in a bus.

The Inca Engineering Marvels

Moray stands out as a remarkable example of Inca innovation. The terraces are arranged in concentric circles, each with its own microclimate. We loved imagining how this agricultural experiment helped the Incas discover which crops could thrive at different elevations, a practice that greatly contributed to their ability to sustain a large empire in such a challenging environment.

The Salt Mines of Maras

The Salineras are a photographer’s paradise. Watching the sun cast shadows over the still pools, it’s easy to see why this site has remained in use for centuries. The grid-like pattern of the salt pans illustrates how the Incas and their descendants ingeniously utilize natural resources, turning a simple salt water spring into a sustainable business.

The Balance of Adventure and Culture

This tour manages to strike a good balance—adventure lovers get their thrill in the quad ride, while history buffs appreciate the insights into Inca engineering and traditions. The guide’s explanations enhance the experience without overwhelming it, making it accessible for all.

Value for Money

For just $45, this tour offers exceptional value. It combines transportation, guided insights, and hands-on activity, all within a manageable 6 hours. The additional fee for entrance tickets is reasonable, considering the sites’ importance and upkeep.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure-seekers who want more than just sightseeing, offering an active way to connect with the landscape and history. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of physical activity and enjoy learning through immersive experiences. The small-group format ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.

If you’re after a relaxed cultural tour, with lots of time to wander and explore at your own pace, this may not be the best fit. But if you want to combine fun, scenery, and authentic history in a single morning, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip transportation from your hotel and for site visits, making logistics simple.

Do I need prior experience with quad biking?
No, a 15-minute safety and driving instruction is included, so beginners can feel comfortable.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance to Maras costs S/15 (~$5 USD) and Moray S/70 (~$20 USD), which are paid separately.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for entrance fees and expenses.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s best for those over 12 years old who are comfortable on a quad bike; not recommended for very young children or pregnant women.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking allows you to reserve now and pay later.

Is food included?
No, meals are not part of the package, so plan to eat before or after.

Is there a maximum group size?
While not specified, small groups are typical, which helps ensure personalized service.

Are there any mobility restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old.

This ATV tour in Cusco’s Sacred Valley offers an engaging mix of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery. For those eager to drive through Inca terraces and salt flats, while also enjoying the thrill of quad biking, it’s a fantastic option. Its affordable price point and guided approach make it accessible for many travelers, especially those looking for an active, authentic experience.

While the short site visits mean you won’t spend hours at each location, the combination of hands-on activity and historical insights creates a memorable day out. If you’re comfortable with a bit of physical activity, want a guided experience, and love discovering lesser-known sites, this tour is worth considering.

Overall, if you’re seeking an adventure that combines the best of Cusco’s natural beauty and Inca ingenuity, all packed into a single morning, this tour will serve you well. It’s a lively, authentic taste of the Sacred Valley that leaves you with great stories—and plenty of photos to prove it.

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