Discover the wonders of the Inca Empire’s agricultural legacy on this captivating quad tour from Cusco. Explore the unique terraces of Moray and the mesmerizing Maras Salt Mines, all while soaking in the breathtaking vistas of the Sacred Valley. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the historical significance behind these remarkable sites and get an adrenaline-fueled taste of adventure. What secrets do these ancient landscapes hold? Prepare to be amazed as you embark on this unforgettable journey.

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Key Points

Quad tour from Cusco to the ancient Inca sites of Moray and Maras Salt Mines, with guided visits and ATV riding through the Sacred Valley.
Tour duration of 6 hours with hotel pickup, shared transportation, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide.
Includes a 30-minute ATV safety lesson, followed by 1-hour guided visits to Moray and 1-hour exploration of the Maras Salt Mines.
Entrance fees to Moray and Maras Salt Mines are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately in cash.
Highlights include experiencing ATV riding, discovering the Inca agricultural and engineering marvels, and enjoying breathtaking Andean vistas throughout the journey.

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Tour Overview

This quad tour from Cusco offers travelers the opportunity to explore the remarkable Moray archaeological site and the iconic Maras Salt Mines.

Explore the remarkable Moray archaeological site and iconic Maras Salt Mines on a quad tour from Cusco.

Priced from €35.86 per person, the 6-hour tour includes hotel pickup, shared transportation, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Adventurers can ride ATVs through the stunning Sacred Valley, learning safety procedures at the start.

After the ATV ride, the group visits Moray and the Salt Mines before returning to Cusco.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at Cruzpata, where participants receive a safety lesson on operating the ATVs. Then, they’ll embark on an exhilarating ride through the Sacred Valley, taking in the breathtaking views of the Andes. The first stop is Moray, an Inca agricultural site, where a guided tour will provide insights into its unique circular terraces. After the ATV portion, a van will transport the group from Moray to the Maras Salt Mines. Finally, the tour concludes with a return to Cusco via minivan.

| Stop | Activity | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Cruzpata | Safety Lesson | 30 mins |

| Moray | Guided Tour | 1 hour |

| Maras Salt Mines | Exploration | 1 hour |

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pick-up for the morning tour, which starts at 7 AM.

From Cusco, shared transportation takes you to Cruzpata where you’ll receive a safety lesson on operating the ATVs. The tour provides either a single quad for one person or a shared quad for two people. An English and Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group.

After the ATV ride, the group travels by van from Moray to the Maras Salt Mines.

At the end of the tour, guests are delivered to the city center, not their hotel.

Entrance Fees

Visitors must pay entrance fees at both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. The entrance fee for Moray is 70 soles, which must be paid in cash only.

The entrance fee for the Maras Salt Mines is 20 soles, also payable in cash. Plus, there’s a 1 USD community fee that must be paid.

These fees aren’t included in the tour price, so visitors should budget accordingly. The guide will assist in managing the entrance fees and ensuring a smooth experience at these iconic Inca sites.

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Highlights

Experience ATV riding through stunning landscapes as you explore significant sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The quad tour offers a thrilling way to discover Moray, an Inca agricultural site, and the Maras Salt Mines.

With professional guidance in English and Spanish, you’ll learn about the historical and cultural importance of these fascinating locations.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be immersed in the breathtaking vistas of the Andes, creating an unforgettable adventure.

This tour combines excitement, education, and the opportunity to witness the remarkable engineering and agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Experiencing the ATV Ride

As participants board the ATVs, they receive a thorough safety briefing from the knowledgeable guides.

With instructions on proper handling and operation, riders feel confident as they set out.

The quad bikes traverse the rugged terrain, ascending and descending the hills of the Sacred Valley.

Riders marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Andes mountains.

The thrill of driving the powerful ATVs across the picturesque landscape is exhilarating.

Navigating the winding paths, participants experience an adrenaline-filled adventure while taking in the beauty of the region.

Exploring Moray

After an exhilarating ATV ride through the scenic landscapes, the tour group arrives at Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural site.

This unique location features a series of concentric circular terraces. Each step down the terraces creates a microclimate, allowing the Incas to experiment with different crops and growing conditions.

The site is believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory, where the Incas could test the optimal growing conditions for their crops.

Moray served as an agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with optimal growing conditions for their crops.

Exploring Moray provides valuable insights into the Incas’ advanced farming techniques and their deep understanding of their environment.

Concentric terraces create microclimates
Site used as agricultural laboratory
Experiments with different crops and conditions
Demonstrates Incas’ farming expertise

Discovering the Maras Salt Mines

From Moray, the tour group travels by van to the Maras Salt Mines, another remarkable site in the Sacred Valley. This ancient salt-harvesting operation dates back to pre-Inca times. Situated on steep mountainsides, thousands of small pools collect salty spring water that evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals. Visitors can observe the traditional salt-harvesting techniques still in use today.

| Salt Harvesting Process | | |

| ———————- | ————— | ————— |

| 1. Collect spring water | 2. Fill pools | 3. Evaporate |

| 4. Gather salt crystals | 5. Package salt | 6. Sell locally |

The Maras Salt Mines offer a unique glimpse into the region’s centuries-old history and sustainable practices.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own ATV to the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own ATV to this tour. The tour package includes the use of shared or private quad bikes, and the safety lesson and guidance are provided by the tour operator.

Is a Deposit Required for the ATV Rental?

No, a deposit is not required for the ATV rental. The tour operator provides the ATVs, and the price includes their use for the duration of the tour. Riders simply need to follow the safety instructions provided.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the ATV Ride?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the ATV ride, as long as they do so safely and do not interfere with the tour guide’s instructions or the group’s progress. However, it’s always best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Is There a Weight Limit for the ATVS?

There’s typically a weight limit of around 350 lbs for ATVs on tours. Riders should check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure they meet the requirements. Most tours allow single or double riders, but prohibit more than two people per ATV.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration for an additional fee. The tour operator offers the flexibility to customize the tour to meet your needs, though specific pricing details for the extension were not provided in the information given.

The Sum Up

This quad tour from Cusco offers an exhilarating way to explore two of the region’s most captivating sites. Participants will enjoy stunning views as they ride ATVs to the unique Inca agricultural terraces of Moray and the picturesque Maras Salt Mines. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this 6-hour adventure provides an immersive experience into the history and significance of these remarkable destinations.