Tour en Cuatrimotos Maras, Moray y Minas de Sal de Cusco

Imagine cruising through the rugged Andean scenery on an individual ATV, visiting ancient Inca terraces at Moray, exploring the famous salt mines of Maras, and wrapping up in the vibrant town of Cusco—all in one day. For just $45 per person, this 6-hour adventure offers a lively mix of culture, history, and adrenaline. Guides will pick you up from your hotel, and you’ll spend your day riding, exploring, and soaking in some of the most iconic sights of the Sacred Valley.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible and well-organized it is, combining a fun outdoor activity with meaningful visits. Riding an ATV in the open fields makes the ancient landscapes feel alive and personal. Plus, the chance to marvel at the ingenious Inca agricultural experiments at Moray and see the spectacular salt pans of Salineras is truly memorable.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour does require some physical agility—if you’re uncomfortable on an ATV or have mobility issues, this might not be your best fit. Also, entrance fees to the sites are not included, so you’ll want to bring cash for tickets. This tour suits adventure-minded travelers who want to combine cultural exploration with outdoor fun and don’t mind a bit of physical activity.

Key Points

• Active exploration combining ATV riding with visiting two of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites.
• Cultural insights at Moray’s impressive Inca terraces and the salt mines of Maras.
• Affordable price point considering transportation, guide, and the unique experience of riding an ATV.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Unique experience suitable for those who enjoy outdoor adventure and immersive cultural visits.
• Important to note: Entrance fees are not included, so budget extra for tickets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Hands-On Adventure in Cusco’s Sacred Valley

Starting early in the morning, around 7:00 am, this tour sets a lively tone for your day. The tour includes hotel pickup, which means you can relax knowing transportation is sorted, and you won’t have to navigate unfamiliar roads. After a short safety briefing and 15-minute ATV training in an open field, you’re ready to hit the trail. The ATV ride itself is an exhilarating way to cover ground quickly while feeling connected to the landscape—a big plus for those seeking more than just sightseeing.

The route takes you to Moray first, where a brief guide explains the purpose of this remarkable site. You get a chance to walk among the terraces, which were used by the Incas for agricultural experiments—growing crops at different altitudes to discover which plants thrived best. It’s fascinating to realize that these terraces functioned as a sort of ancient “test farm,” and seeing them now allows you to appreciate the Inca ingenuity firsthand.

Next, you’ll switch vehicles from ATV to bus for the trip to Salineras de Maras. The salt mines are a spectacle of human ingenuity—thousands of small, shallow pans filled with salt water, shimmering in the sun like a giant mosaic. The salt from these mines is still produced today and supplies much of the Cusco region. You’ll walk among the pans, gaining insight into this ancient salt extraction process that dates back to pre-Inca times. The contrast between the dry mountain landscape and the bright white salt pools creates a truly photogenic scene.

The tour wraps up with a return trip to Cusco, ending around 1:00 pm, giving you the rest of the day to explore or relax. The full experience combines adventure with cultural learning, making it an excellent choice for curious travelers.

What to Expect During Your Day

Pickup and Starting Point

Your day begins with hotel pickup, usually near or inside the Historic Center of Cusco. The guide will contact you shortly before arrival, so keep your phone handy. This personalized touch helps keep things smooth, especially in a busy city.

ATV Training and Ride

The 15-minute training session is straightforward, designed for beginners or those a bit nervous about riding. You’ll receive safety devices and driving instructions—so don’t worry if you’ve never driven an ATV before. Once on your machine, you’ll enjoy a guided ride through open fields and dirt paths, with beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. The terrain varies from flat stretches to gentle inclines, offering a good mix of fun and control.

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Visiting Moray

Once at Moray, you’ll explore the terraced circles—an unusual landscape that looks like a giant, inverted bowl. Your guide will explain how these terraces served as experimental agricultural labs for the Incas, testing crops at different altitudes. Many visitors find this site particularly captivating because it reveals the scientific approach of the Incas—something quite advanced for its time.

Salineras de Maras

Switching to the bus, you’ll travel a short distance to Salineras, a spectacular salt extraction site. Walking among the thousands of rectangular pans, you’ll see how saltwater is collected and evaporated naturally. The site has been operational for centuries, and it’s still used today. Many reviews highlight how impressive and photogenic this site is, with one reviewer calling it a “spectacle of human ingenuity.”

Return to Cusco

After exploring the salt pans, you’ll head back to Cusco, ending the tour near Plateros Street. The afternoon is free for you to explore more or relax.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The cost of $45 per person covers hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a professional guide. You’ll also get your own individual ATV, safety gear, and driving instruction—pretty good value considering the mix of adventure and cultural sites.

However, note that entrance fees to Moray (S/ 70 or $20) and Salineras (S/ 15 or $5) are not included. If you want to see these sites, you’ll need to carry cash or prepare for the extra expense. Food isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat afterward.

The Experience from Travelers

Kimberly Cruz called the tour “Excellent,” emphasizing the overall quality and her positive experience. She appreciated the balance of adventure and culture, noting that the guide was helpful and engaging. The safety measures and clear instructions added peace of mind, especially for those new to ATV riding.

Other travelers have commented on how impressive the salt mine site is, with many expressing surprise at how active and operational the salt pans still are. The cultural insights at Moray help make the visit much more meaningful, transforming a simple sightseeing stop into a learning experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring cash for entrance fees and any additional expenses.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and standing.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment.
• Carry your passport—some sites may request ID for entry.
• Prepare for sunny weather—bring hat and sunglasses.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs for safety reasons during the ATV ride.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a lively, hands-on way to explore some of the most iconic sites of the Sacred Valley. The combination of ADVENTURE—riding an ATV across rugged terrain—and cultural discovery—visiting Moray’s terraces and the salt mines—delivers both fun and education in a compact package. The value is excellent, especially considering the inclusion of transportation, guide, and safety gear.

It’s best suited for adventure-loving travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want to experience local Inca innovations firsthand. If you’re comfortable on an ATV and eager to see some of the most photogenic and historically significant sites near Cusco, this tour is a solid choice.

For those seeking a more relaxed day, or with mobility concerns, this may not be the best fit. But if you’re up for a memorable, active day that combines history, scenery, and some thrill, this tour hits the spot.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the ATV training is brief and designed for beginners. Safety devices and instructions are provided, making it accessible for most.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees for Moray and Salineras are not included. You should budget extra cash for these sites.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for extras. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience is approximately 6 hours, starting around 7:00 am and ending near 1:00 pm.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for most travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, but very young children or those uncomfortable on an ATV might find it less suitable.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour takes place in sunny or typical weather conditions. Bad weather might impact the ride or site visits, so check the forecast before your day.

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and authenticity in one of the most scenic and historically significant areas near Cusco. It’s a genuine way to see the Inca ingenuity up close, while also enjoying some of the most photogenic landscapes in Peru. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a culture enthusiast, this trip could be the highlight of your Sacred Valley visit.

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