From US$45 per person.
Moray and Maras Salt Mines by ATV
- Thrilling ATV adventure: Drive through beautiful Andean plains and scenic mountain trails with spectacular views of snowcapped peaks.
- Moray agricultural laboratory: Discover the awe-inspiring concentric circular terraces used as an advanced crop research center by the Incas.
- Maras salt mines: Marvel at the thousands of hand-harvested terraced salt evaporation ponds operating continuously since pre-Inca times.
- Safe and guided journey: Enjoy the route with top-quality vehicles, safety briefings, practice drives, and certified expert guides along the trail.
The Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour combines history, culture, and adventure in one of the most complete experiences for discovering the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The excursion visits the impressive archaeological complex of Moray, where the Incas developed an innovative agricultural laboratory with circular terraces, and continues to the emblematic Maras Salt Mines, made up of more than 3,000 salt pools fed by a natural spring and worked by hand since pre-Inca times. For adrenaline lovers, there is also the option to do the tour on quad bikes (ATVs), enjoying the spectacular Andean landscapes in a different and exciting way.
The tour operates on two daily schedules, with departures at 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., allowing you to choose between a traditional visit or an ATV adventure through Maras and Moray. It includes tourist transport, a professional bilingual guide, and enough time to explore each attraction, take photographs, and learn the history of these wonders of the Sacred Valley. If you're looking for things to do in Cusco, a half-day excursion, or an experience that combines archaeology, nature, and adventure, the Maras Moray and Salt Mines ATV Tour is one of the most recommended activities before or after visiting Machu Picchu.
At a glance
- Days: 1
- Highest point: 3500 m
- Price: From US$45 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco Moray Maras Salt Mines Maras Town Cusco
Altitude: 3400 a 3500 m · Meals: Buffet lunch · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
The Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines ATV Tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at one of two available times: 7:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. From the city we will travel approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to Cruz Pata, where the base of operations is located. Before starting the adventure, the guide will give a 15-minute driving instruction session to ensure a safe and comfortable ride on the quad bikes. Then we will begin the exciting journey through the landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas toward the archaeological complex of Moray.
After visiting Moray and learning about its extraordinary system of circular terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, we will return to the base to board the tourist transport again. The route continues to the impressive Maras Salt Mines, where more than 3,000 salt pools continue to be worked by hand as they have been since ancestral times. After having time to explore the site and take photographs, we will begin the return trip to Cusco, ending the tour in the city center after an experience that combines adventure, culture, and unique landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
What is included
- Tickets and equipment Entrance to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, ATV with helmet and driving guide included.
- High-quality service and safety Professional bilingual guide, ATV instructor, first aid kit and 24/7 assistance.
- Transportation Group tourist transportation throughout the tour and one ATV per person or one ATV for 2 people
What is not included
- Artisanal salt Bring cash in soles if you wish to buy salt directly from producers.
- Meals not included Breakfast and dinner.
- Tips and personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
What does the Moray and Salt Mines ATV tour consist of?
It is a unique ATV adventure along the roads and trails of the Sacred Valley to the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray complex. A mix of adrenaline, archaeology and spectacular Andean landscapes, unlike any conventional tour.
Is previous ATV experience required?
No. The tour includes a brief riding instruction before departure. ATVs are easy to operate for beginners. A valid driving licence (motorcycle or car) is required. Those under 18 must ride as a passenger with an adult.
What safety gear is provided?
Helmet, protective goggles and rain poncho are provided. It is recommended to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, gloves and sun protection. The tour is safe but the roads are dirt tracks and clothes can get dusty.
What is included in the tour price?
Includes the ATV (capacity for 1 or 2 people), helmet and safety gear, guide on ATV throughout the route, fuel, insurance and transfer from Cusco to the starting point in Maras.
How long is the tour and what distance is covered?
The tour lasts approximately 5, 6 hours in total, including transfers. The ATV route covers about 30, 40 km between Maras, the Salt Mines and Moray, with stops to explore each site and take photos.
What are the Maras Salt Mines?
The Maras Salt Mines are more than 3,000 salt pools carved into a mountain slope, fed by a saltwater spring. They have been exploited since pre-Inca times and continue to be operated by local communities who extract salt artisanally. They are one of the most photogenic and unique landscapes in Peru.
What is Moray and why is it fascinating?
Moray is an Inca archaeological complex with concentric circular terraces that create different microclimates at each level. Archaeologists believe it was an agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with growing different plants at various temperatures. The view from above is extraordinarily geometric and photogenic.
Is the ATV tour suitable for couples or groups?
Yes. It is one of the most popular tours for couples and groups of friends. ATVs have capacity for 1 or 2 people. A couple can share an ATV or each take one. It is a perfect experience for those looking for something different from conventional tours.
What is the best time for the ATV tour through Maras and Moray?
The dry season (May, October) is ideal: dirt roads are dry and dust is manageable. In the rainy season (November, April) the roads can become muddy and slippery, although we still run the tour with the necessary precautions. We recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty in both seasons.
Does the ATV tour include transport from Cusco?
Yes. Transport from Cusco to the ATV tour starting point (in the Maras area, about 45 minutes from Cusco) is included in the price. The return to Cusco is also included. You just need to show up at the agreed pickup point at the time indicated when booking.
What is the difference between the ATV tour to Maras and Moray and visiting them on a traditional tour?
On the traditional Maras and Moray tour you travel by minibus with a group, the guide explains the sites and there are set times at each stop. On the ATV tour you drive yourself (or as a pair), crossing the Sacred Valley fields on dirt roads at your own pace, with the Andean breeze and unique panoramic views. The sites are the same, but the experience is radically different: active adventure vs guided cultural visit. If you seek adrenaline and freedom, the ATV is unbeatable. If you prefer to learn more about Inca history, choose the guided tour.
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