Biking Tour to Maras and Moray- Private Service

Getting a taste of Peru’s famous Andean landscapes doesn’t have to mean just staring at photos or walking along dusty trails. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the Biking Tour to Maras and Moray offers a fantastic way to explore two of the region’s most iconic sights — Moray’s circular terraces and the Salineras de Maras salt pans — all from the seat of a sturdy bike. For $152.06 per person, this roughly six-hour journey takes you from Cusco’s busy streets into the quiet beauty of the surrounding highlands, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who make sure your trip is both fun and safe.

Two things stand out about this tour. First, the scenic route—you’ll pedal through colorful valleys, past shimmering lakes, and under the watchful gaze of glaciers, making the entire trip a visual feast. Second, the authentic access—this isn’t a crowded bus tour; you’re on a private service, ensuring a more personalized experience. One potential consideration is that it’s a moderate physical activity, so travelers should have some fitness to enjoy it fully. This tour is ideal for those who love outdoor adventures, photography, or simply want a more intimate, active way to see Cusco’s surroundings.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Expect breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, and high-altitude scenery.
• Authentic Experience: Guided visits to Moray’s terraces and the salt pans with specialized guides.
• Active Tour: About 35 km of biking, suitable for travelers with moderate fitness.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Bikes with front suspension, safety gear, a box lunch, and professional transport.
• Private Service: Only your group participates, making it more flexible and personalized.
• Budget-Friendly for What You Get: Great value considering transportation, guides, and unique sites.

Exploring Cusco’s Surroundings by Bike: What We Loved

We found this tour to be a wonderful way to combine adventure with culture and scenery. As you start your day, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Cruz Pata, a small community just outside Cusco. From there, the real fun begins—biking through peaceful Andean landscapes that seem to stretch forever, with a guide leading the way to Moray.

One of the standout features is the visit to Moray’s terraces, which resemble a giant, ancient amphitheater with circular levels that descend into the earth. Our guide explained that these terraces might have been used for agricultural experiments—an idea that makes sense when you consider how the landscape itself is a massive outdoor laboratory. We loved how the guide’s insights brought the site alive. Keep in mind that admission tickets are not included, so you’ll want to budget about S/40 for entry.

After exploring Moray, your ride continues downhill to Salineras de Maras, an extraordinary site where over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds fill the hillside like a miniature city of shiny pools. The guide walks you through how salt is harvested here, sharing stories of the centuries-old process still in use today. It’s an impressive sight, and you’ll have a chance to snap plenty of photos of the shimmering landscape. The small entrance fee of S/10 is well worth it for the photos and the insight.

Finally, the tour concludes with a private transfer back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 pm. The 35 km of biking is spread across the day, with enough breaks for rest and photos. The whole experience lasts about six to seven hours, making it a full but manageable day for most visitors.

The Details That Matter

Transportation & Bikes: The tour uses tourist transport with a professional driver, ensuring a smooth trip to the start point and back. The bikes are equipped with front suspension, which helps on uneven terrain and makes biking more comfortable—crucial given the varied altitudes and surfaces you’ll encounter. Helmets and gloves are provided, emphasizing safety.

Guides & Language: Guides are professional and fluent in Spanish or English, so language should not be a barrier. Their knowledge adds a lot to the experience, especially when explaining the history and significance of sites like Moray and Maras.

Duration & Distance: Covering approximately 35 km, the trip can be completed comfortably in about 6 to 7 hours. This includes time for stops, sightseeing, and breaks. Be prepared for an active day, but the pace is manageable for most with moderate fitness.

Cost & Value: At just over $150, this tour offers a lot of value—transport, quality bikes, guides, and entry fees bundled into one price. However, additional costs like the Boleto Turistico (S/70 or S/130) if you plan to visit other sites, or the S/10 salt mine fee, should be factored in.

What’s Not Included: Water, snacks, and tips are extras, so bringing some cash is wise. Also, the ticket to Moray isn’t included, meaning you’ll want to purchase that in advance or at the site.

Who Should Consider This: The tour is tailored for those who enjoy active sightseeing and want to experience authentic sites away from crowded tour buses. Travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity will find it rewarding. Expect stunning views, unique landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transfer

Your day kicks off early at around 8 am, with convenient pickup from your Cusco hotel. The transfer takes you out of the city’s hustle into the peaceful highlands, setting the tone for an immersive outdoor experience.

Moray: An Ancient Agricultural Laboratory

Arriving at Cruz Pata, you’ll immediately feel the change in scenery. The journey involves a short drive from Cusco, but the highlight is the guided tour of Moray, an archaeological site whose terraced circular depressions are unlike anything else you’ll see. The guide’s explanations help you understand how the Incas potentially used Moray for crop experimentation—a reminder of their ingenuity.

Salineras de Maras: Salt Pits of the Ancients

Descending from Moray, you’ll reach the salt pans—a sprawling patchwork of over 3,000 tiny salt evaporation pools. Here, the guides share stories about how salt has been harvested for centuries and how the local communities still rely on this ancient craft. You’ll have time to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the surreal landscape.

Return to Cusco

After the salt pans, the private vehicle will pick you up for the ride back. Expect to arrive in Cusco around 6 pm, tired but fulfilled after a day of breathtaking views and hands-on exploration.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Value

This tour offers more than just sightseeing; it’s about engaging with the landscape and history in an active way. The guided insights at each stop add depth, helping you appreciate the significance of these sites beyond their visual appeal. The quality bikes and safety gear ensure a smooth ride, even on uneven paths, and the private service makes the day flexible and less rushed.

Considering the price point, you’re paying for a well-organized, all-inclusive experience that covers transportation, equipment, guides, and entry fees. It’s a good deal for an adventure that combines nature, history, and culture in a way that feels personal and genuine.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This biking tour is ideal for active travelers who want a more intimate experience of the Andean region. It suits those who enjoy outdoor activities and don’t mind pedaling through varied terrain. It’s also perfect for photographers eager to capture stunning landscapes up close. Since the tour involves moderate physical effort, those with mobility challenges or limited stamina might want to reconsider or prepare accordingly.

If you’re seeking a unique, scenic, and educational day outside Cusco that offers good value and some adventure, this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
While you don’t need to be a pro, a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The ride involves 35 km of biking, mostly downhill or flat, but some physical effort is required.

Is there an age limit?
The tour is suitable for most ages, provided participants are comfortable with moderate activity. It’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or those who find cycling difficult.

Are helmets and safety gear provided?
Yes, the tour provides safety helmets and gloves to ensure your comfort and security during the ride.

What should I bring?
Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, your passport or ID, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and extra cash for souvenirs or additional tickets.

How long is the biking portion?
The total biking distance is about 35 km, spread across roughly six hours, including stops and breaks.

Are meals included?
A box lunch is included, providing energy for the day. Additional snacks or drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.

What are the main attractions?
The highlights are Moray’s terraces, the salineras salt pans, and the spectacular Andean scenery along the route.

This biking tour to Maras and Moray offers a blend of adventure, history, and stunning scenery that’s hard to match. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to see the highlands from a different perspective—on two wheels, away from the crowds, and truly immersed in the landscape.