Maras and Moray ATV Tour: Full Review of a Thrilling Peruvian Adventure

If you’re looking for a way to combine adventure, culture, and stunning scenery during your visit to Cusco, the Maras and Moray ATV tour offers a compelling package. For just $35 per person, you’ll spend around six hours exploring two of the region’s most fascinating sites—Moray’s agricultural terraces and the Salt Mines of Maras—all while riding an ATV. Led by friendly bilingual guides, this trip balances adrenaline with education, making it a favorite for travelers craving a hands-on experience beyond the usual tour bus.

What we really love about this tour is how it transforms sightseeing into a dynamic activity. We are fans of the small-group feel, which allows for personalized attention and the chance to ask questions as you navigate the terrain. Plus, the combination of natural landscapes with cultural heritage—riding through the salt pans and terraced circles—makes for memorable photos and stories.

A couple of considerations? The tour involves multiple stops and about two hours on an ATV, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with physical activity and open to some bumpy rides. While not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain health conditions, the tour is excellent for adventurers eager to see more off-the-beaten-path sites with minimal fuss.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a mix of adventure and cultural insight, especially those who enjoy active excursions and memorable landscapes. If you’re looking for a way to see two iconic sites with a small group and a guide to enrich your understanding, this could be a great choice.

Key Points

Affordable adventure at $35 per person with a 6-hour duration.
Guided ATV rides provide a fun, active way to explore Moray and Maras.
Cultural and natural highlights include archaeological terraces and salt pans.
Includes transportation and safety gear, reducing logistical worries.
Not suitable for pregnant women or those with specific health issues.
Booking flexibility allows cancelation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Maras and Moray ATV Tour

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Starting with Convenience and Comfort

The tour begins with a hotel pickup from Cusco’s historic center, which makes the experience easier and more comfortable than trying to organize transport on your own. The transportation to Cruzpata, the ATV base, takes about an hour, giving you some time to settle in and get oriented before hitting the trails. The small-group style keeps things intimate, and the guides are bilingual in Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication and helpful explanations throughout.

The ATV Adventure: Moray First

Once at Cruzpata, you’ll suit up with safety equipment and hop onto your ATV. The ride to Moray is a highlight—about two hours of riding through scenic landscapes, with stops at the archaeological complex.

Moray itself is a fascinating site, often called “the agricultural laboratory of the Incas,” thanks to its terraced circular depressions. These terraces are believed to have been used for agricultural experiments, and roaming around the site with a guide reveals insights into their purpose.

We loved the way the guide explained that Moray’s design isn’t just pretty—it’s a deliberate and sophisticated way for the Incas to experiment with microclimates. The experience of riding through these terraces gives a tangible sense of history, with panoramic views that help you appreciate the ingenuity of ancient Andean engineers.

Doorstep to the Salt Mines of Maras

After about two hours at Moray, you return to the ATV base, where your guide will switch gears to take you to the Salt Mines of Maras. This site is a true spectacle—thousands of salt pans carved into the mountainside, each one filled with crystallized salt. The guided tour lasts around 45 minutes, during which you learn how the salt is harvested and processed, a tradition dating back hundreds of years.

The vibrant white salt against the earthy landscape creates striking photos, and the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s salt production. Several reviews mention how special it is to see locals still working the salt beds using age-old methods—a reminder of how living history is still part of daily life here.

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Returning to Cusco

The final hour of the trip is spent heading back to Cusco, arriving at the Plaza de Armas around noon. This timing makes it easy to continue exploring the city or head back to your hotel for a rest after a busy morning.

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What’s Included and What to Budget For

Your fee covers everything essential: hotel pickup, transportation, guides, safety gear, and the ATV rides. The only extras you’ll need are the entrance fee to the salt mines (S/20.00 soles) and the partial tourist ticket for Moray (S/70.00 soles). Keep in mind that meals are not included, but the tour’s focus on physical activity and sightseeing makes it a flexible, value-packed option.

The Experience in Practice: Authentic, Active, and Educational

Many travelers describe the tour as “fun, well-organized, and an excellent way to see two iconic sites”. The fact that you ride an ATV rather than walk or ride a bus adds a level of excitement that appeals to many. The guides’ constant advice and safety attention help ensure a smooth adventure, even for those new to off-road riding.

Quite a few reviews mention how much they appreciated the small-group atmosphere, which fosters interaction and personalized explanations. As one traveler notes, “We loved the way the guide explained the terraces at Moray and the salt production process—they made everything so much clearer and more interesting.”

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

Wear comfortable clothes and sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses). The high-altitude sun can be fierce.
Bring your passport or ID, as it might be required for entry to certain sites.
Be prepared for some bumpy rides, especially at Moray and during the drive back.
Since the tour is from 6 hours, plan your day accordingly—this is a full, active experience.

The Value of This Tour

At $35, this tour offers considerable value—combining transportation, guides, safety equipment, and site visits in one package. The price is particularly attractive considering the cost of individual entries (S/20 + S/70), plus the fun of riding ATVs through stunning landscapes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure suits active travelers who want a bit of adrenaline and a lot of genuine cultural exposure. It’s ideal if you enjoy hands-on experiences and are comfortable with physical activity—no lengthy hikes, but some bumpy rides. The tour’s focus on natural scenery and historical sites makes it appealing for those interested in the region’s heritage, especially if you prefer exploring off the typical tourist paths.

However, it’s not designed for pregnant women or people with certain health issues like heart problems, vertigo, or epilepsy. If you’re seeking a leisurely, sit-back sightseeing trip, this isn’t the right fit.

Final Thoughts

The Maras and Moray ATV tour offers a lively, engaging way to see two of Cusco’s most captivating sites while satisfying your sense of adventure. With friendly guides, a well-organized itinerary, and breathtaking scenery, it’s a memorable experience that balances fun with cultural insight.

Travelers who want to inject some energy into their sightseeing and enjoy a bit of local life—like salt farmers working their pans—will find this tour especially rewarding. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history buff, or simply someone eager to see more of the Sacred Valley’s hidden gems, this tour checks a lot of boxes.

If you appreciate small-group tours that combine activity with storytelling, and you’re okay with a bit of physical effort, this is a choice well worth considering. Just be prepared for some bumpy rides and a full morning of adventure that leaves you with plenty of stories to tell back home.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, your tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center and transportation to and from Cruzpata, the ATV base.

How long does the entire tour take? The full experience lasts about six hours, with the itinerary including site visits, rides, and transportation.

What is the cost? The tour costs $35 per person, which covers guides, safety equipment, and transportation. Entry fees to sites are paid separately.

Are there any age or health restrictions? The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, or individuals with heart problems, vertigo, epilepsy, or certain pre-existing medical conditions.

What should I bring? Remember to bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a good option for solo travelers? Absolutely—small-group tours foster camaraderie and personalized attention, making it a friendly experience for solo travelers.

Do I need to know how to ride a quad bike? No special skills are required; guides provide instructions and safety gear to ensure a safe ride.

This Maras and Moray ATV tour combines the best of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery near Cusco. It’s perfect for those seeking an active day that’s both fun and educational—something you’ll be talking about long after you leave Peru.