Sacred Valley: Quad Excursion to Huaypo Lagoon and Maras

Explore the Sacred Valley’s remarkable landscapes on an unforgettable Quad Excursion. Set out on a 7-hour adventure that whisks you to the serene Huaypo Lagoon and the ancient Maras salt mines. With expert guidance, safety gear, and round-trip transportation, you’ll discover the region’s rich history and culture. This adrenaline-fueled experience promises breathtaking vistas and lasting memories. What could be more enticing than a day spent navigating the Sacred Valley by ATV?

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Key Points

The quad excursion to Huaypo Lagoon and Maras lasts 7 hours and costs $49 per person, including guided ATV rides, a stop at Huaypo Lagoon, and a visit to the Maras salt mines.
The tour provides transportation from Cusco, ATV training, safety equipment, and the option to join in English or Spanish with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary includes a 1-hour bus trip to Cruz Pata for ATV training, a 40-minute quad ride to Huaypo Lagoon, and a 30-minute bus ride to the Maras Salt Mines.
The ATV training at Cruz Pata lasts 15 minutes and covers starting, stopping, navigating turns, and maintaining safety protocols, with a practice area to build confidence.
The visit to the Maras Salt Mines provides an opportunity to learn about the ancient salt extraction process and explore the geometric salt flats, as well as purchase locally-harvested salt.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Quad Excursion

The Sacred Valley quad excursion to Huaypo Lagoon and Maras offers an exhilarating adventure for visitors seeking to explore the region’s stunning natural landscapes.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure exploring the Sacred Valley’s stunning natural landscapes on a quad excursion to Huaypo Lagoon and Maras.

Priced from $49 per person, the 7-hour tour includes guided ATV rides through the valley, a stop at the picturesque Huaypo Lagoon, and a visit to the Maras salt mines.

Participants will receive training, safety equipment, and round-trip transportation from Cusco. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Hikers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the breathtaking views of the Andes mountains during this unforgettable excursion.

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

Itinerary and Highlights

The quad excursion begins with a pickup from hotels in downtown Cusco, either in the morning at 6:30 am or the afternoon at 12:50 pm at Plaza del Regocijo.

After a 1-hour trip, travelers receive ATV training and practice for 15 minutes at Cruz Pata.

The quad ride to Huaypo Lagoon takes 40 minutes, with a 20-minute stop to admire the scenery.

Returning to Cruz Pata takes 30 minutes.

Next, a 30-minute bus trip leads to the Maras Salt Mines, where travelers learn about salt extraction and take photos.

Finally, the tour returns to Cusco, dropping off guests at Plaza de Armas or nearby at 2:30 pm or 6:30 pm.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from hotels in downtown Cusco, with the morning shift departing at 6:30 am and the afternoon shift leaving from Plaza del Regocijo at 12:50 pm.

After boarding the bus, travelers embark on a 1-hour journey to Cruz Pata. Here, they receive 15 minutes of ATV training and practice before setting off on the quad excursion.

The ATV ride to Huaypo Lagoon takes 40 minutes, with a 20-minute stop to enjoy the scenic views. The return trip to Cruz Pata is 30 minutes.

Finally, the group travels by bus for 30 minutes to reach the Maras Salt Mines.

ATV Training and Practice

After the group arrives at Cruz Pata, they receive 15 minutes of ATV training and practice.

The instructor demonstrates:

The instructor demonstrates proper starting and stopping techniques, navigating turns and changes in terrain, and key safety protocols.

Proper starting and stopping techniques
How to navigate turns and changes in terrain
Safety protocols, such as maintaining a safe speed and distance

Participants have the opportunity to practice these skills on a designated practice area, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident before embarking on the quad excursion through the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

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Huaypo Lagoon Adventure

Following the ATV training and practice, participants hop onto their quads and embark on the 40-minute journey to the stunning Huaypo Lagoon.

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, this picturesque glacial lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains. Visitors enjoy a 20-minute stop to take in the serene atmosphere, snap photos, and soak in the natural beauty.

After the scenic break, it’s time to hop back on the quads and head back to Cruz Pata, completing the thrilling Huaypo Lagoon adventure portion of the excursion.

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Maras Salt Mines Exploration

From Cruz Pata, the group boards a bus for the 30-minute drive to the renowned Maras Salt Mines.

At the site, the guide explains the ancient salt extraction process:

Salt is harvested from over 3,000 small pools carved into the mountainside, where salty water from a natural spring evaporates in the sun.
Locals have been extracting salt this way for centuries, creating the striking geometric patterns of salt ponds visible today.
Visitors can explore the salt flats, take photos, and even purchase some of the locally-harvested salt as a unique souvenir.

The group then departs Maras, heading back to Cusco, their quad adventure complete.

Inclusions and Additional Details

The tour includes several key inclusions to enhance the overall experience. These range from round-trip transportation, safety equipment, and entrance fees to on-site guides and travel insurance. To better understand the inclusions, consider the following table:

| Inclusions | Details |

|—————————–|——————————————–|

| Transportation | Pickup/drop-off in downtown Cusco |

| Tour Guide | Professional, bilingual guide |

| Equipment | Quad bikes and safety gear |

| Admission Fees | Maras (20 soles) and Huaypo Lagoon (5 soles) |

| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |

| Insurance | Travel insurance coverage |

Participants are advised to bring their passport or ID, cash, and to avoid alcohol, drugs, and littering. Last-minute reservations can be confirmed via email with the supplier.

Important Information and Safety Considerations

When planning this quad excursion, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

First and foremost, participants must bring a valid passport or ID card, as well as sufficient cash for any additional expenses.

Secondly, alcohol, drugs, and littering are strictly prohibited during the tour.

Lastly, it’s crucial to provide the tour operator with the correct contact information, preferably including a WhatsApp number, to ensure efficient communication and coordination.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and memorable experience on the Sacred Valley quad adventure.

Since You Asked

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Quad Excursion?

The minimum age requirement to participate in the quad excursion is not specified in the provided information. The tour overview and details do not mention any age restrictions for the activity.

Can I Bring My Own ATV or Is One Provided?

The tour provides ATVs (quads) for participants. Customers cannot bring their own ATVs. The tour includes the use of a quad as part of the package, along with safety equipment, a guide, and transportation.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration of the tour. The set 7-hour itinerary includes all the key activities, and there’s no flexibility to prolong the experience beyond the scheduled timeframe.

Can I Take My Quad Off-Road During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t indicate an option to take the quads off-road. The ATV ride is on designated trails and roads to Huaypo Lagoon and Maras Salt Mines. Straying from the planned route isn’t allowed for safety and environmental reasons.

Are There Any Medical or Physical Requirements to Consider for This Activity?

There aren’t any specific medical or physical requirements, but the tour operator recommends participants be physically fit and able to operate an ATV safely. Those with mobility issues should consult the operator before booking.

The Sum Up

This quad excursion offers a thrilling way to explore the Sacred Valley’s natural wonders. The ATV rides, stunning Huaypo Lagoon, and historic Maras salt mines provide an unforgettable experience for just $49 per person. With transportation, training, and safety gear included, it’s an accessible and adventure-filled day trip from Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here: