Maras Salt Mines and Moray Biking Tour From Cusco

The Maras Salt Mines and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Experienced cyclists can embark on a scenic 7 km ride from Chinchero to the ancient Inca site of Moray, followed by a visit to the unique Maras Salt Mines. With small group sizes, professional guides, and high-quality bikes, participants can expect a personalized experience amidst breathtaking scenery. But what secrets do these ancient Inca ruins hold?

Key Points

• A full-day small-group bike tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, exploring the ancient Inca sites of Moray and Maras Salt Mines.
• Includes hotel pickup, bike rental, lunch, and entrance tickets to the sites, making it a convenient and inclusive experience.
• Suitable for experienced cyclists with a moderate fitness level, with a small group size of up to 15 participants for a personalized experience.
• Offers scenic cycling along dirt roads and mountain trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning Andean landscape.
• Highly rated by previous participants, with a 5.0 tour rating and positive reviews, making it an attractive option for visitors to the Cusco region.

Tour Overview

The full-day small-group bike tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley allows travelers to explore ancient Inca sites, including the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.

The tour includes lunch, hotel pickup, and bike rental. It’s suitable for experienced cyclists with a moderate fitness level.

The small-group size, limited to 15 participants, ensures a personalized experience. Highlights include cycling along dirt roads and mountain trails with scenic views, visiting the Inca agricultural research station at Moray, and exploring the significant Inca site of the Maras Salt Mines.

Itinerary Details

After pickup from Cusco hotels at 8:00 am, the tour departs at 8:30 am for the 1-hour journey to Chinchero, the starting point for the bike tour.

The group then cycles 7km (4.5 miles) along dirt roads and mountain trails, taking in scenic views. They visit the Moray ruins, an Inca agricultural research station.

A picnic lunch is served in Maras village, followed by an afternoon cycling to the Maras Salt Mines, another significant Inca site.

The tour ends along the Urubamba River, with drop-off at hotels around 6:00 pm.

• Cycling distance: 7km (4.5 miles)

• Lunch provided in Maras village

• Visit to Moray ruins and Maras Salt Mines

• Drop-off at hotels around 6:00 pm

Included in the Tour

This small-group bike tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley includes several key inclusions to enhance the experience.

Guests receive hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation to the starting point in Chincheros and back from Urubamba. A tasty lunch box is provided, along with the services of a professional bilingual guide specializing in biking.

High-quality SCOTT aluminum bicycles with suspension, plus safety gear like gloves, helmets, and pads are included. Entrance tickets to the Moray ruins and Maras Salt Mines are also covered.

With these thoughtful inclusions, the tour provides a seamless and memorable experience.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests must have a moderate level of physical fitness and be free of serious medical conditions.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. This small-group biking tour is operated by Machupicchu Latin America, a reputable provider in the region.

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Moderate physical fitness required

• No serious medical conditions

• Maximum of 15 travelers per tour

The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Inca sites of Moray and Maras Salt Mines by bicycle, providing a memorable and immersive experience in the Sacred Valley.

Pricing and Reviews

What is the starting price for this tour? The full-day small-group bike tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley costs $137.60 per person. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour has a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews, with no lower ratings. This suggests a high level of customer satisfaction.

| Pricing | Rating |

|———-|——–|

| $137.60 | 5.0 |

| Free Cancellation | 2 Reviews |

| up to 24 hours | No Lower Ratings |

The combination of a competitive price, flexible cancellation policy, and overwhelmingly positive reviews makes this tour an attractive option for visitors to the Cusco region.

Exploring Moray and Maras Salt Mines

As part of the full-day bike tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore two remarkable Inca sites – the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.

Moray’s intricately designed agricultural terraces were likely used for crop experimentation. The Maras Salt Mines, nestled in a valley, consist of thousands of small salt ponds that have been harvested since Inca times.

Moray’s terraces were likely used for crop experiments. The Maras Salt Mines have been producing salt since Inca times.

Visitors can:

• Marvel at the geometric precision of Moray’s concentric rings

• Observe local salt harvesters at work in the Maras ponds

• Learn about the Inca’s advanced agricultural and salt production practices

• Gain insight into these important cultural and historical sites.

Cycling Through the Sacred Valley

After exploring the iconic Inca sites of Moray and Maras, the tour’s cycling component takes visitors on a captivating journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley. Pedaling along dirt roads and mountain trails, cyclists are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Andes. The cycling portion includes:

| Segment | Distance | Terrain |

| — | — | — |

| Chinchero to Moray | 7 km | Dirt roads and mountain trails |

| Maras to Salt Mines | – | Scenic routes |

| Urubamba River | – | Scenic riverside trails |

The guided bike tour provides a thrilling and active way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prior Cycling Experience Required for This Tour?

Prior cycling experience is not required, but the tour is rated as moderate and suitable for experienced cyclists. It involves 7km of cycling along dirt roads and mountain trails, so some level of fitness is recommended.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. Travelers should notify the tour operator in advance, and the provided lunch box can be customized to meet their dietary needs.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in This Tour?

The minimum age requirement to participate in this tour is not specified in the provided information. However, the tour’s description states it’s suitable for experienced cyclists, suggesting there may be an age limit or fitness requirement to ensure participant safety.

Are There Any Breaks or Rest Stops During the Cycling Portion?

The tour includes several rest stops during the cycling portion, allowing participants to take breaks and enjoy the scenic views. Riders can recharge and fuel up before continuing the bike ride through the stunning countryside.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a small group. The tour operator offers both options, and a private tour can provide a more personalized experience with just your group.

The Sum Up

The Maras Salt Mines and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco provides an exhilarating adventure for experienced cyclists. Participants enjoy a scenic 7 km ride, visit the ancient Inca site of Moray, and explore the unique Maras Salt Mines. With professional guides, high-quality bicycles, and a delicious picnic lunch, this tour offers a personalized experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley.