Quad Tour to Moray and Maras, Salt Mines from Cusco

Thinking of adding a dose of adrenaline to your Peruvian adventure? This Quad Tour to Moray and Maras offers a lively way to explore some of the most iconic sites in the Sacred Valley while enjoying the thrill of riding a quad bike. For $55 per person, you get about five hours of guided exploration, scenic views, and a little bit of Inca ingenuity.

What makes this tour stand out? Firstly, the adventure aspect—riding quad bikes across varied terrain gives you a sense of freedom and fun that traditional tours often lack. Second, the spectacular scenery—from the lush fields and lagoons to the ancient terraces of Moray and the striking salt mines of Maras, you’ll be amazed at how much you can see in a half-day.

One thing to consider: this is a physically active tour, and you’ll need to feel comfortable on a quad bike, especially if you’re new to riding. Also, some sites like the salt mines require an entrance fee (about 10 soles), which isn’t included in the tour price.

This trip suits travelers with a sense of adventure, those who want a more dynamic experience outside typical sightseeing, and anyone eager to see the Valley’s landscape from a different perspective.

Key Points

• Adventure on Quad Bikes: Feel the rush while exploring the Sacred Valley’s diverse terrain.
• Incredible Views: From lagoons to mountain peaks, the scenery is stunning and varied.
• Rich Cultural Stops: Visit Moray’s circular terraces and learn about Inca ingenuity.
• Salt Mines Experience: Marvel at the ancient salt production site of Maras.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic, Active Way to Explore the Sacred Valley

If you’re craving a hands-on experience that combines adventure with cultural sights, this quad tour hits the mark. Starting early at 7 am, you’re picked up from your Cusco hotel and whisked away into the heart of the Sacred Valley. The day kicks off with a personal training session—no prior experience required—so you can feel confident controlling the quad before heading out.

The ride itself takes you through local villages, past fields of yellow wheat, and beside the tranquil Huaypo Lagoon. These scenes are more than just picturesque—they’re real daily life in the Andes. You’ll get a chance to see locals working in their fields and observe the stunning backdrop of the Peruvian Andes, including views of peaks like Veronica and Chicon.

Visiting Moray: A Remarkable Inca Innovation

Once at Moray, the true magic begins. These circular terraces are a marvel—an Inca agricultural experiment that has puzzled historians and visitors alike. We loved the way these terraces seem to have been precisely crafted, creating an otherworldly landscape. Our guide explained how the Incas used these terraces for experimentation with different crops and microclimates, making them a clever form of climate control.

The site’s quiet, open atmosphere invites reflection on the ingenuity of ancient peoples. As one traveler said, “The terraces are surreal, like stepping into another world. It’s amazing that this was built so long ago.”

Maras Salt Mines: An Ancient Industry Still in Use

A short drive from Moray brings you to the Salt Mines of Maras. Here, thousands of small salt ponds spread across the hillside, each carefully maintained by local families. The sight of these gleaming white pools against the rugged mountain backdrop is striking. You’ll learn that salt has been produced here since Inca times, and many families still work the ponds today.

Entry to the salt mines is about 10 soles, and the tour guides help you appreciate the ingenious irrigation system that keeps the ponds filled and productive. Be prepared for some uneven pathways—comfortable shoes are recommended.

One reviewer raved, “Seeing the salt pools and understanding their history makes the visit much more meaningful. It’s a living piece of history.”

Returning via a Different Route for a Complete Experience

After exploring the salt ponds, you’ll take a different road back to Cusco, offering fresh views of the mountains and valleys. This change of scenery enriches the tour, letting you see more of the landscape’s diversity.

The tour ends around 1:30 pm, leaving you ample time to relax or continue exploring Cusco.

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What’s Included and What to Budget For

The price of $55 covers your vehicle with air conditioning, hotel pick-up, and a guided quad biking experience with all necessary gear and instruction. You’ll also benefit from a first aid kit for safety and a guide fluent in English or Spanish.

Remember, the entrance fee to the salt mines (~10 soles) and partial tickets (~70 soles) are not included, so budget extra if you plan to visit these sites. Meals are also not included, so packing a snack or plan for lunch afterward is wise.

Practical Tips and What You Might Love

• Comfort and Safety: The tour provides a training session, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Timing: Starting early helps beat the crowds and ensures you get the best light for photos.
• Group Size: Limited to 10 participants, so expect a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
• Language: Guides offer tours in English and Spanish, catering to international travelers.

One reviewer mentioned, “The guides were patient and made me feel safe riding the quad, even though I’d never done it before.”

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for active travelers who want more than just sightseeing. If you enjoy a bit of adrenaline, stunning mountain scenery, and learning about local history in a relaxed setting, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s particularly good for those interested in seeing sites like Moray and the salt mines from a fresh perspective—on a quad bike!

The Sum Up

This Quad Tour to Moray and Maras provides a fantastic mix of adventure, culture, and scenery. It’s a great way to see the Sacred Valley from a different angle, combining the thrill of riding with meaningful stops that reveal Inca ingenuity and ongoing traditions. The small group size ensures you won’t feel rushed or lost in the crowd, and the flexible cancellation policy adds peace of mind.

While it’s a physically active tour with some extra site entrance fees, the experience’s value lies in the unique perspective it offers—riding through fields, around mountain peaks, and into ancient terraces. If you’re looking for a memorable, fun way to explore beyond typical sightseeing, this tour will suit you well.

For families with older children, adventure lovers, or anyone eager to inject some fun into their Sacred Valley visit, this trip is a solid choice. It’s especially perfect if you want a lively, scenic, and culturally enriching experience in just half a day.

FAQ

Do I need previous experience riding a quad bike?
No, the tour includes a training session, so even beginners can feel confident before heading out.

What is the starting time for this tour?
Tour availability varies, so you’ll need to check specific starting times when booking.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’re picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco’s city center.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about 5 hours, ending around 1:30 pm.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. It’s best to bring a snack or plan to eat afterward.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll visit Moray’s terraces and the Maras Salt Mines, along the scenic drive through the Sacred Valley.

Are the entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to the salt mines (~10 soles) and partial tickets (~70 soles) are extra.

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

This tour offers a lively, scenic, and culturally meaningful way to experience some of Cusco’s most iconic sites. Whether you’re craving adventure, great views, or a deeper connection to local traditions, it’s worth considering for your Sacred Valley itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby