Quad bikes in Moray and Salineras and Picnic with llamas

A Complete Guide to the Quad Bikes in Moray and Salineras with Picnic and Llamas Tour

If you’re looking to combine adventure, culture, and some of the most stunning scenery near Cusco, this 9-hour tour offers an engaging mix of off-road quad biking, archaeological marvels, and relaxing moments with llamas. Priced at $150 per person, it’s a full-day experience that promises both adrenaline and authenticity, perfect for active travelers eager to explore beyond the typical tourist spots.

What we love most? First, the scenic drive in an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you from Cusco into the Sacred Valley, offering a taste of local landscapes. Second, the guided ATV ride that not only gets your adrenaline pumping but also provides an up-close look at Inca agricultural ingenuity at Moray.

One consideration? The entrance fees to Moray and the salt mines aren’t included in the price, so you’ll need to budget around 90 soles extra for tickets. Also, this tour is best suited for those with good physical fitness, given the active nature of the activities.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing. If you enjoy outdoor adventures, authentic cultural sites, and memorable animal encounters, you’ll find this experience to be a well-rounded, enjoyable day.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of adventure and culture in one day.
• Guided quad biking offers a safe yet exhilarating ride.
• Authentic visits to Moray’s terraces and salt mines provide insight into Inca ingenuity.
• Picnic with llamas creates a relaxed, special ending to the day.
• Small group size (max 10) ensures personalized attention.
• Cost includes vehicle, gear, guide, and picnic, with optional entrance fees.

Exploring the Sacred Valley by Quad Bike

Starting bright and early at 7:00 am, the tour begins with a pick-up from your Cusco accommodation. Within about 50 minutes, you’ll travel through the scenic Sacred Valley, a lush corridor filled with terraces, traditional villages, and sweeping mountain views. We appreciated how the guide quickly set us at ease with safety instructions and a brief practice run on the Honda TRX 250 ATVs.

The sense of anticipation builds as you gear up with helmets and gloves, ready to hit the trail. The quad bikes are easy to handle, making this accessible even if you haven’t ridden one before. The initial stretch on the dirt paths gives you a chance to enjoy the fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery.

Moray: A Masterpiece of Inca Agriculture

Next, the trip takes you to Moray, a site that feels more like a modern experiment than an ancient ruin. Its circular terraces are a marvel of Inca engineering, designed to experiment with diverse crop cultivation across different microclimates.

The 1 hour and 40 minutes round-trip drive includes an off-road segment that lets you feel the thrill of exploring terrain that’s both rugged and beautiful. You’ll love the way Moray’s terraces seem to spiral downward into the earth, creating a natural amphitheater of agricultural innovation. Several reviews mention the impressive explanation of Inca agro-technology, which truly brings the site to life.

While the admission fee (70 soles) isn’t included, many travelers find this site a highlight. It’s a chance to stand where the Incas once experimented with crops, and to imagine how they managed to grow food in such innovative ways.

Salt Mines of Maras: A Working Artisanal Site

The journey continues to the Salineras de Maras, a stunning collection of over 3,000 salt pools perched on a hillside at about 3,380 meters above sea level. The artisanal salt extraction process remains much the same as it has been for centuries, with saltwater flowing through channels into the pools where it evaporates naturally.

Here, you’ll have around 2 hours to explore, learn about traditional salt harvesting, and capture some incredible photos. Many reviews highlight the beauty of the salt flats and praise the friendly guide who explains the process clearly. The entrance fee (20 soles) isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Mountain View and a Picnic with Llamas

The day winds down with a scenic drive to Mountain View, where the real treat awaits: a private picnic in a peaceful setting, complemented by adorable llamas. It’s a perfect way to relax after a day of adventure, enjoy local snacks, and marvel at the surrounding mountains. The picnic is included in the tour, making this a relaxing and authentic experience.

Many reviewers mention how memorable this part of the tour is, describing it as “one of the best experiences” and noting how friendly and well-explained the guide was during the picnic.

Practicalities and What You Should Know

The tour lasts about 9 hours, with pickup at 7:00 am and return around 4:00 pm. It’s conducted with a small group (up to 10 people), which creates a more personalized experience. Your transport is an air-conditioned vehicle, providing comfort between stops.

While the price includes the ATV, safety gear, guide, gasoline, and the picnic, you should plan for additional expenses for entrance tickets. The minimum age for participants isn’t specified, but the tour recommends a strong physical fitness level, suitable for active individuals who are comfortable riding ATVs.

The tour operates rain or shine, but poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with options for a full refund or alternative dates.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want to combine off-road excitement with cultural exploration. It’s perfect if you’re curious about Inca innovations like Moray and salt harvesting, but also enjoy engaging with nature and animals. The small group setting makes it ideal for those seeking a more intimate, less crowded adventure.

It’s also great for photographers and social media enthusiasts given the stunning landscapes and colorful salt flats. But note, if you’re not comfortable on a quad bike or don’t like physical activity, this might be more challenging.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The guided quad biking adds an adrenaline rush, while the visits to Moray and Salineras provide a fascinating glimpse into Inca ingenuity. The picnic with llamas caps off the day with a peaceful moment amidst the mountains, making for a truly memorable experience.

The value here lies in the comprehensive nature of the day — combining exciting activities with authentic sights, all guided by knowledgeable staff. It’s a fantastic choice for active travelers who want to see some of the most photogenic and historically intriguing sites near Cusco without feeling rushed.

If you’re craving a day that’s equal parts adventure, education, and relaxation, this tour will not disappoint. It’s an authentic, lively way to experience the Sacred Valley in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional bilingual guide, Honda TRX 250 ATV, safety helmet and gloves, gasoline, the picnic with llamas, and a first aid kit.

Are entrance fees to Moray and salt mines included?
No, the entrance to Moray costs 70 soles and to the salt mines 20 soles, which are not included in the price and need to be purchased separately.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 7:00 am and returning around 4:00 pm.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited physical fitness?
It is recommended for travelers with a strong physical fitness level. The ATV riding and walking around sites require a reasonable level of activity.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen are advisable. The tour provides helmets and gloves for safety.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of adventure and culture — quad biking through scenic landscapes, exploring remarkable Inca sites, and relaxing with llamas — creates a truly memorable day.

Is it good for solo travelers?
Yes, the tour operates with small groups, making it suitable for solo travelers who want a friendly, guided experience.

How much does the tour cost?
The cost is $150 per person, which offers a full day of activities, guide service, and a picnic, providing good value for an immersive day in the Sacred Valley.

In all, this tour is a lively, engaging way to see some of Cusco’s most interesting sights with a dash of adventure, making it perfect for those looking for a memorable, active day.