This half-day adventure whisks you from the bustling streets of Cusco into the tranquil beauty of the Sacred Valley, with highlights including Moray, the archaeological agricultural lab, and the Salt Mines of Maras. For just $33 per person, you get roughly six hours of exploration that combines thrilling ATV rides with cultural insights and stunning landscapes.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances adventure and education. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness—one even being called the “best”—making the experience both fun and informative. We also appreciate the personalized feel, with options for individual or shared ATVs, giving you flexibility based on your comfort level.

A possible thing to consider is that the entry fees for Moray and the Salt Mines are paid separately in cash—70 soles and 20 soles, respectively—which adds to the initial budget but allows for flexible entry. This might be a little inconvenient if you’re not prepared for cash payments or prefer all-inclusive pricing.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy active outings with a glimpse into Inca ingenuity and love scenic drives through mountain landscapes. It’s perfect for those who want a dynamic way of seeing the Sacred Valley without spending a full day on more traditional tours.

Key Points

Affordable price for a half-day adventure combining ATV riding and cultural visits
Expert guides enhance the experience with local knowledge and friendly service
Stunning landscapes with mountain views and picturesque Sacred Valley scenery
Flexibility with options for shared or individual ATVs
Inclusion of transportation, pickup, and safety gear simplifies logistics
Cash payments required separately for entry tickets, so budget accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Quad Bike Tour

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What’s Included and Why It Matters

For just $33, you get a well-rounded experience that includes hotel pickup, roundtrip transport from Cusco, safety gear like helmets and gloves, and a bilingual guide. The tour runs approximately six hours, making it a good option if you want a significant snapshot of the Sacred Valley without committing to a full-day tour.

Having hotel pickup is convenient, especially if you’re staying outside the city center—just remember to inform the provider about your hotel details in advance. The transportation is comfortable and efficient, allowing you to relax during the one-hour drive to the ATV base and another during the return trip.

The ATV experience itself is geared toward beginners and experienced riders alike. The guides begin with a brief safety lesson and a practice run, which ensures everyone feels comfortable before hitting the dirt trails. You’ll be riding Honda TRX 250s, which are reliable and suitable for a range of skill levels.

Visiting Moray: An Inca Agricultural Innovation

The first major stop is Moray, an impressive Inca site known for its concentric terraces and microclimates. Guides explain how the Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory, experimenting with different crops and climate zones. It’s a fun and educational site that looks like a giant circular amphitheater—perfect for snapping photos and pondering ancient ingenuity.

Visitors often praise the opportunity to explore at their own pace. One reviewer called it a “great experience” because of the knowledgeable guide and the longer time on the ATVs, giving a real sense of freedom and adventure.

ATV Drive Through the Sacred Valley

Driving your ATV through the mountainous landscapes offers a sense of adventure that’s hard to match. The route takes you through quiet, scenic roads with snow-capped peaks in the distance, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet awe. The ride allows you to connect with the natural beauty of the valley and see it from a different perspective.

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Exploring the Salt Mines of Maras

Next, the journey continues to the Salt Mines of Maras, a fascinating complex of thousands of terraced salt ponds that have been in use since pre-Inca times. Our guide explains how salt is harvested here, and you’ll have a chance to wander around and snap photos of the shimmering pools.

You also get a chance to taste some salted chocolates, adding a fun, tasty element to the visit. The entry fee of 20 soles is paid separately in cash, which some find a minor inconvenience but is common for site visits in Peru.

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Return to Cusco

After the Salt Mines, the group loads back into the transport for the hour-long drive to Cusco, ending your day in the historic city center. The convenience of the pickup and drop-off points near the Plaza de Armas makes it easy to continue exploring or relax after your tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers who want to see the Sacred Valley from a different angle—literally—on a fun ATV ride. It’s also a fantastic choice for travelers who appreciate cultural insights, thanks to the guides’ local knowledge. If you’re traveling with moderately active individuals or families with older children, this tour offers a good balance of excitement and education.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, with one calling Edgar the “best,” and highlight the stunning views they enjoyed during the ride. The affordable price and inclusion of transportation and safety gear make it a valuable option compared to more expensive, full-day tours.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Transport

The tour begins with a pickup at your accommodation in Cusco, or at the designated meeting point if staying in a private apartment. Expect to be collected about 15 minutes before the scheduled start, giving time for a quick briefing and to load up for the one-hour drive toward the ATV base.

The motorcoach is comfortable, and the scenic drive offers a glimpse of rural life and mountain vistas before arriving at the ATV starting point.

Safety Briefing and Practice

Once at the base, guides provide a 15-minute safety briefing and a chance for everyone to practice riding. This step ensures even novices feel confident before heading out on the trails. The bikes are Honda TRX 250s, which are easy to handle, and helmets and gloves are provided.

ATV Adventure to Moray

The actual ATV ride lasts about an hour, taking you through rougher and smoother terrain. The route is designed for a mix of fun and scenic beauty, with stops for photos. At Moray, you’ll have time to explore and absorb the unique circular terraces that showcase Inca engineering.

Your guide will interpret the site’s significance, making this more than just a ride—it’s an educational experience about how the Incas cultivated crops in microclimates.

Visit to the Salt Ponds

After returning the ATVs, the group moves on to the Salt Mines. Guides explain how these salt terraces have been in use for centuries, and you can wander among the ponds and see salt harvesters at work. Tasting the salted chocolates adds a sweet touch to the visit.

Return Journey

The final leg involves loading into the transport for the drive back to Cusco, with drop-offs near the Plaza de Armas. Travelers can then spend their remaining time exploring Cusco’s vibrant streets or relaxing in a café.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Cash for entry fees: Remember, the Moray and Salt Mines entries are paid separately in cash. It’s worth bringing some soles to avoid delays.
Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity and bring a jacket if you’re visiting during cooler months. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Photography: Bring your camera or smartphone—these sites and landscapes are photo-worthy.
Safety: Follow your guide’s instructions, especially during the ATV riding. Helmets and gloves are provided, and safety is a priority.
Children and pregnant women: Not recommended for children under 6 or pregnant travelers, based on the activity’s physical nature.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides roundtrip transport from Cusco, starting with hotel pickup and ending with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is approximately six hours, including transfers, riding, and site visits.

What do I need to bring? It’s best to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, sunscreen, a jacket, cash for entrance fees, and your passport or ID.

Are the ATVs suitable for beginners? Yes, guides begin with a safety briefing and a practice run, making it accessible for most skill levels.

What are the costs for entrance fees? Moray costs 70 soles, and the Salt Mines are 20 soles—both payable in cash at the sites.

Can I ride alone or with others? You can choose individual or shared ATVs—this flexibility lets you ride solo if preferred or share the experience with a travel companion.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s best suited for children over 6 and those comfortable with outdoor, active experiences. Pregnant women are advised against participating.

This quad bike tour offers a lively, engaging way to experience the Sacred Valley’s highlights—Moray and the Salt Mines—while enjoying mountain vistas and cultural stories. The mix of adventurous riding and insightful guides creates a memorable outing suited to those who love a bit of action paired with authentic sights.

The value for money is evident, given the inclusion of transport, safety gear, and expert guidance. The reviews speak to the quality—many travelers have praised guides like Edgar for their friendliness and knowledge, making this not just a ride, but a journey into Andean history and landscapes.

If you’re looking for a fun, active way to explore the Sacred Valley that doesn’t take up a full day, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who want personalized adventure and a glimpse of Inca engineering along with breathtaking scenery—and all at a very reasonable price.

Remember: Bring cash for site entries, dress comfortably, and get ready for a memorable ride through one of Peru’s most beautiful regions.