ATV Tour Maras, Moray and Salt Mines of Cusco

Fearless adventurers can uncover the Inca's ancient wonders on an ATV tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines of Cusco, a thrilling 6-hour expedition.

The ATV tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines of Cusco is a thrilling opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Priced at $45 per person, the 6-hour adventure offers participants a chance to explore the ancient Inca practices that shaped the Sacred Valley. With professional guidance and safety equipment, visitors can uncover the secrets behind the well-preserved Moray terraces and the iconic salt production of Maras. As they navigate the rugged terrain on their ATVs, they’ll surely be captivated by the blend of adventure and exploration that this tour promises.

Key Points

  • This 6-hour ATV tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic Inca sites of Maras, Moray, and the Salineras de Maras salt mines near Cusco, Peru.
  • The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, professional guidance, and use of ATVs with safety equipment, though entrance fees and meals are extra.
  • Maras is known for its colonial-era salt production, while Moray served as an Inca agricultural research center, providing insight into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agronomy.
  • The tour includes a 15-minute quad training session, travel to Moray by ATV, and a visit to the Salineras de Maras salt mines by bus.
  • Certain medical conditions and physical limitations may restrict participation, and guests are required to bring specific items like passports and comfortable shoes.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The ATV Tour Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines of Cusco offers a thrilling adventure through the Sacred Valley, priced from $45.00 per person for a 6-hour experience.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, professional guidance, and ATVs with safety equipment.

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your ATV adventure with hotel pickup, transportation, guidance, and safety equipment included.

Participants will explore the Inca sites of Moray and the Maras salt mines, learning about the region’s rich cultural and historical significance.

Entrance fees and meals are extra, and certain medical conditions may restrict participation. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Maras is a colonial town in the Sacred Valley that has long supplied the Cusco region and exported its renowned salt worldwide.

Just a short distance away lies Moray, an Inca agricultural research center where crop experiments were conducted at different altitudinal levels.

This unique site offers insight into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agronomy and their ability to adapt crops to diverse environments.

Together, Maras and Moray provide a window into the rich cultural and historical significance of the region, allowing visitors to explore Inca ingenuity through a captivating blend of adventure and history.

Itinerary Details

After hotel pickup at 7:00 am near or in the Historic Center, participants undergo a 15-minute quad training session in an open field.

The tour then proceeds to Moray by quad, where guests can explore the Inca agricultural research center.

For safety reasons, the group then transfers to a bus to visit the Salineras de Maras, the colonial salt mines.

The tour concludes with a return to Cusco, ending at Plateros street around 1:00 pm.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The ATV tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation, a professional guide, individual ATVs, and safety devices.

Driving instruction is also provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

However, entrance fees to the Maras salt mines (S/ 15 or $5 USD) and Moray archaeological site (S/ 70 or $20 USD) aren’t included. Guests will need to bring their passports, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash to cover these additional costs.

The tour excludes food and any other personal expenses.

Certain individuals, such as pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those over 95 years old, aren’t allowed to participate.

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Important Information and Requirements

While the ATV tour is suitable for most participants, there are some important restrictions and requirements to be aware of.

The ATV tour has important restrictions and requirements that participants should be aware of for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years old. Participants should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash.

Certain items aren’t allowed, like baby strollers, drones, alcohol, and drugs. It’s crucial to provide a valid WhatsApp number with the correct country code to the tour operator for communication during the booking process.

Following these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience on the ATV tour.

Exploring the Maras Salt Mines

One of the highlights of the ATV tour is the visit to the Maras salt mines, known as the Salineras de Maras.

These ancient salt mines have been in operation since Inca times, producing salt that was once used as currency. Visitors can explore the terraced salt ponds and witness locals harvesting the salt by hand.

The bright white salt crystals contrast beautifully against the green hillsides. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical significance of salt production in the Cusco region while immersing in the serene natural setting.

Discovering the Moray Agricultural Terraces

Another highlight of the ATV tour is the visit to the remarkable Moray agricultural terraces.

These Inca ruins feature a series of concentric circular terraces believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation at different altitudes.

The Inca ruins at Moray feature a series of concentric circular terraces believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation at different altitudes.

Visitors can explore:

  • The Inca’s innovative techniques to grow various crops

  • How the terraces were engineered to control temperature and humidity

  • Panoramic views of the stunning Sacred Valley landscape

  • Evidence of the Inca’s advanced understanding of agronomy and climate

  • The site’s cultural significance as an important center of agricultural research

This unique Inca site offers a fascinating glimpse into their agricultural prowess.

Combining Adventure and History in the Sacred Valley

The ATV tour in Cusco’s Sacred Valley provides travelers with an exciting combination of adventure and immersion in the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Cruising along on an ATV, visitors get up-close access to the stunning Inca agricultural terraces of Moray and the iconic salt pans of Maras. These iconic sites offer a window into the Inca’s advanced understanding of farming and salt production.

Beyond just sightseeing, the tour allows guests to actively engage with and appreciate the area’s remarkable past, blending thrills and learning for an unforgettable experience.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own ATV or Bike?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own ATVs or bikes. The tour provides individual ATVs for participants as part of the included equipment and transportation. Guests must use the vehicles provided by the tour operator.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option. Guests can book a private ATV tour for their group, which provides a more personalized experience and the flexibility to customize the itinerary. Private tours are subject to availability and may incur additional fees.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Customers can speak with the tour operator to adjust the itinerary, activities, and inclusions to suit their preferences and needs. Customization is available for private tours or small groups.

How Experienced Do I Need to Be to Operate an ATV?

You don’t need extensive ATV experience for this tour. The 15-minute training session ensures you’re ready to safely operate the vehicle, even if you’re a first-time rider. Just follow the guide’s instructions, and you’ll be good to go.

Are There Any Weight or Height Restrictions for the ATVS?

There are weight and height restrictions for ATV tours. Participants must weigh between 80-260 lbs and be at least 4’11" tall. These requirements ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all riders.

The Sum Up

The ATV tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines of Cusco offers an exhilarating 6-hour adventure that combines culture, history, and excitement. Priced at $45 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, professional guidance, and safety equipment. Participants will explore the ancient Inca agricultural research center of Moray and the colonial salt production site of Maras, making it a perfect blend of adventure and historical discovery in the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: