Maras and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco

Exploring the Maras and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco

If you’re looking to combine a love of cycling with a taste of authentic Inca sites and breathtaking scenery, the Maras and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco offers a well-rounded experience. For $160 per person, this full-day trip takes you into the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you’ll encounter remarkable archaeological sites, learn about ancient agricultural techniques, and enjoy spectacular Andean vistas—all on two wheels. Expect around 7 kilometers of moderate riding along dirt roads and mountain trails, with plenty of opportunities to pause, explore, and take photos.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances adventure and cultural insight. You get a genuine feel for the landscape and history, not just a bus ride past tourist spots. Plus, the inclusion of lunch, bike rental, and hotel pickup makes it a convenient package. One consideration: the ride is described as moderate, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with some physical activity and mountain biking. This tour is perfect for active travelers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path sites while enjoying a guided experience through stunning scenery.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines Inca archaeological sites with scenic cycling through sacred landscapes.
• All-Inclusive: Price includes bike rental, lunch, hotel pickup, and guided commentary.
• Moderate Difficulty: Suitable for cyclists with some experience, featuring dirt roads and mountain trails.
• Stunning Views: Expect panoramic vistas of the Sacred Valley, with stops at Moray and Maras Salt Mines.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Daniel and Jon enhance the experience with local insights.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting early at 8:30 am, you’ll be picked up from your Cusco hotel, making logistics simple and hassle-free. The journey begins with a scenic transfer through the Andes, setting the tone for a day immersed in natural beauty and history. Upon arrival at Cruz Pata, you’ll meet your guide and be fitted with your bike—in our experience, professional quality bikes, helmets, and gloves are provided, ensuring safety and comfort.

Moray: The Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Your first major stop is the circular terraces of Moray, often described as a giant, grass-covered amphitheater. These terraces, built by the Incas as experimental agricultural zones, served as a kind of early biological research station. As one reviewer put it, “the terraces of Moray are like a prototype greenhouse,” allowing the Incas to test growing crops at various altitudes. You’ll have plenty of time here to wander around, take photos, and hear about their innovative use of landscape engineering. It’s a site that encourages reflection on the ingenuity of the ancient Incas.

Cycling into Maras Village and Lunch

Leaving Moray, your bike ride continues downhill toward Maras, a traditional Andean village. The ride itself is approximately 4.5 miles (about 7 km), with a mix of dirt roads and mountain trails—challenging enough to feel rewarding but not overwhelming. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of terraced fields and the surrounding mountains, making it a feast for the eyes.

In Maras, a boxed lunch is served, allowing you to refuel for the afternoon’s adventures. The village offers a glimpse into local life, with elders tending to small farms and artisans weaving textiles, giving your trip an authentic touch. As one traveler noted, “the views from this point are extraordinary,” especially with the Andes framing the landscape.

Maras Salt Mines: An Ancient Resource

Next, you’ll visit the Salineras or Maras Salt Mines, a site that’s fascinating both visually and historically. The terraced pools, hand-built by the Incas, have been used for salt harvesting for centuries. Saltwater flows into these pools, which evaporate in the sun, leaving behind salt crystals that are still harvested today. It’s a vivid example of sustainable resource use, and you’ll find it hard to resist capturing photos of the shimmering pools against the mountains.

Final Leg: Along the Urubamba River

The last section of your ride takes you along the Urubamba River toward the village of Urubamba, where your driver will be waiting. From here, you’ll transfer back to Cusco, ending your day with a sense of achievement and plenty of memories. Many reviews highlight how this segment offers a wonderful blend of nature and cultural scenery, making the entire experience feel complete.

What to Expect on the Day

The tour begins with a briefing the night before, where you’ll learn about the itinerary and what to bring. On the day, expect a moderately challenging ride—not for absolute beginners but manageable for those with some biking experience. The total cycling distance is around 7 km, but the varied terrain means you’ll often be on dirt or mountain trails rather than smooth pavement.

The group size is capped at 12, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized. Guides like Daniel and Jon are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism—they balance providing information with making sure everyone stays safe and enjoys themselves. The bikes are of good quality, with reviews mentioning that some bikes could be updated, but overall, they served their purpose well.

A key highlight is the lunch break in Maras, where you can relax and enjoy traditional flavors while soaking in the striking views. The inclusion of snacks and bottled water keeps energy levels high, especially given the physical activity involved.

The Value of This Tour

At $160, this experience offers a solid value considering it includes bike rental, lunch, hotel pickup, and guided commentary. When compared to other tours that might charge separately for transport or entrance fees, this is a comprehensive package. Plus, the opportunity to see sites like Moray and the Maras Salt Mines—which are often skipped on bus tours—makes it worthwhile for those eager to see more of the Sacred Valley beyond Machu Picchu.

Reviews consistently mention the guides’ expertise and the stunning scenery as highlights, which shows that the tour delivers on its promises. The small group size and personalized attention help make this adventure feel special, not rushed.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This biking tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with moderate physical exertion. It’s ideal if you want to see authentic Inca sites while enjoying spectacular mountain views. Enthusiasts of history and culture will appreciate the explanations at Moray and the salt mines, while nature lovers will revel in the scenery along the river and in the valley.

If you prefer a relaxed sightseeing day or have mobility concerns, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re looking for an adventurous, authentic way to explore the Sacred Valley, this tour hits the sweet spot.

The Sum Up

The Maras and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco offers a unique blend of sport, history, and natural beauty. You get the thrill of mountain biking through stunning landscapes, the chance to explore remarkable Inca sites, and the comfort of an all-inclusive package. With knowledgeable guides and impressive scenery, it’s a memorable way to experience the Sacred Valley beyond the typical bus tour.

This trip is most suitable for active travelers eager to connect with the landscape and history in an intimate setting. It’s a particularly good choice if you want a day full of authentic sights, fresh air, and a touch of adventure—all without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It’s described as a moderate level, so if you have some biking experience and are comfortable on dirt trails and mountain roads, you’ll enjoy it. Beginners may find the terrain challenging.

How long is the biking part of the tour?
The bike ride covers approximately 7 km (around 4.5 miles), mainly on dirt roads and trails, which takes a couple of hours depending on stops and pace.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes bike rental, helmets, gloves, a guided service in English/Spanish, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a boxed lunch.

Are entrance fees included?
No, tickets to Moray (70 soles), Maras Salt Mines (15 soles), and Chinchero are paid separately if you wish to visit those sites.

What should I bring on the tour?
Wear comfortable sport clothing, bring sunblock, sunglasses, a small backpack for personal items, and some extra cash for souvenirs or optional purchases.

Is the tour available year-round?
While not explicitly stated, the tour operates on confirmed booking with flexible cancellation, so it’s likely available most days, weather permitting.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 12, fostering a more personal experience.

What if I get a flat tire or my bike has issues?
Guides are trained to handle repairs quickly, as noted by reviews praising their quick fixes when needed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Do I need a passport?
Yes, a valid passport is required on the day of travel, especially if you plan to visit sites that charge entrance fees.

This full-day biking journey through the Sacred Valley stands out as a superb way to see the region’s highlights while staying active. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just up for a spirited adventure, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Inca ingenuity and stunning memories of Peru’s landscape.