ATV Tour in Moray and Maras, Salt Mines From Cusco

Joyfully navigate the captivating Inca ruins and salt mines of Peru's Sacred Valley on an unforgettable ATV adventure that promises an experience beyond...

Exploring the natural wonders of Peru’s Sacred Valley has never been more thrilling. The ATV Tour in Moray and Maras from Cusco offers adventurous travelers a chance to discover the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Setting out on a 5-hour journey, participants can traverse the iconic Incan terraces of Moray, uncover the salt production legacy of Maras, and even visit the picturesque Huaypo Lagoon. With an affordable price tag and convenient booking, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But the true magic lies in what awaits beyond the beaten path.

Key Points

  • The ATV tour from Cusco includes a visit to the Incan circular terraces at Moray and the salt mines in Maras, with a duration of 5 hours.
  • The tour provides transportation, ATV equipment, and a professional guide, but entrance fees to the salt mines must be paid separately.
  • Participants receive training on quad bike operation and can enjoy scenic mountain views along the route.
  • The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a booking process is available on the website.
  • Additional costs include partial tickets for the tour and fees for accessing the salt production site.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This ATV tour in Moray and Maras, Salt Mines from Cusco, offers an exciting off-road adventure starting from $47.00 per person.

The 5-hour tour includes a pickup from Cusco, training on quad bike operation, and exploring the Sacred Valley‘s highlights like Huaypo Lagoon and Incan circular terraces at Moray.

You’ll also discover the history of salt production in Maras.

The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, all-terrain vehicle kits, a first-aid kit, and a professional guide.

Optional tickets to the salt mines are available for an additional cost.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a 7am pickup from an agreed meeting point in Cusco, followed by a journey to Pata Cross in the Sacred Valley.

After a training session on quad bike operation, you’ll admire the church, rustic buildings, and local life. Along the way, you’ll pass by Huaypo Lagoon, fields of yellow wheat, and small villages.

The highlights include exploring the Incan circular terraces at Moray and discovering the salt production history in Maras.

The tour offers stunning views of the Urubamba Mountain Range, Veronica, and Chicon mountains, returning via a different route around 1:30 p.m.

Included Services

The ATV tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, pickup from the city center, and all-terrain vehicle kits for the participants. A first aid kit is also provided, and the tour is led by professional guides fluent in Spanish and English. They’ll give driving instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

| Included Services |

|——————-|

| Air-conditioned vehicle |

| Pickup from city center |

| All-terrain vehicle kits |

| First aid kit |

| Professional tour guide (Spanish, English) |

| Driving instructions |

Additional Costs

Two additional costs aren’t included in the tour price.

First, tickets to the salt mines cost 10 soles per person.

Tickets to the salt mines cost 10 soles per person.

Second, partial tickets for the tour cost 70 soles.

These fees are payable on the day of the tour and allow access to the salt production sites.

It’s important to factor in these extra expenses when budgeting for the ATV adventure in Moray and Maras.

The tour itself covers transportation, equipment, and a professional guide, but visitors need to be prepared to pay the salt mine entrance fees separately.

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Booking Information

How can travelers check the availability and start times for this ATV tour?

The website allows visitors to check availability and pick a starting time for the tour. Simply select the number of participants and the desired date.

Once the availability is confirmed, travelers can book the tour and pay later if they choose the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The meeting point for the tour is provided on Google Maps, making it easy for participants to find the pickup location in Cusco’s city center.

With this straightforward booking process, adventurers can secure their spot on this exciting ATV excursion.

Exploring the Scenic Pata Cross

Where does the ATV tour begin? The adventure starts at Pata Cross in the Sacred Valley.

After pickup in Cusco, the tour heads to this scenic location. At Pata Cross, riders undergo a training session to learn how to operate the all-terrain vehicles.

Once comfortable, they:

  1. Admire the charming church and rustic buildings that characterize local life.

  2. Pass by the serene Huaypo Lagoon and fields of golden wheat.

  3. Catch glimpses of small villages nestled in the surrounding landscape.

From here, the route leads onward to the iconic sites of Moray and Maras.

Discovering the Incan Terraces of Moray

After passing through the scenic countryside, the ATV tour arrives at the iconic Incan site of Moray.

Nestled in the rolling hills, the ancient circular terraces captivate visitors. These ingenious agricultural terraces were used by the Incas as an experimental agricultural station, allowing them to study the effects of microclimate on crop cultivation.

Tourists can wander among the concentric stone rings, marveling at the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture and terraforming.

The breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains provide a stunning backdrop to this impressive archaeological wonder.

Uncovering the Salt Production History of Maras

Leaving the ancient terraces of Moray behind, the tour next takes visitors to the historic salt production site of Maras.

Here, guests can explore the town’s centuries-old salt-making tradition. The highlights include:

  1. Examining the thousands of salt ponds that dot the hillside, each one hand-carved by the local Maras people.

  2. Learning about the salt extraction process, where salt water is channeled into the ponds and left to evaporate, leaving salt crystals behind.

  3. Witnessing local workers harvesting salt by hand, a practice that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Since You Asked

Do I Need a Driver’s License to Participate in the ATV Tour?

No, a driver’s license is not required to participate in the ATV tour. The tour company provides thorough training on operating the ATVs, ensuring all participants can safely navigate the trails during the excursion.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the ATV Tour?

Yes, there is a minimum age requirement for the ATV tour. Participants must be at least 16 years old to operate the ATVs. Children under 16 can join the tour but must ride with an adult.

Can I Bring My Own ATV or Do I Have to Use the Provided Ones?

You must use the ATV kits provided on the tour. Participants cannot bring their own ATVs. The tour includes all necessary ATV equipment, allowing you to focus on enjoying the ride without the hassle of transporting your own vehicle.

Are the ATVS Easy to Operate for Beginners?

The provided ATVs are designed for beginner-friendly operation. They offer a training session to ensure participants feel comfortable handling the vehicles before the tour. With proper instruction, even first-time riders can confidently navigate the ATV route.

Is There a Weight Limit for the ATV Tour Participants?

The tour operator doesn’t mention a specific weight limit for ATV participants. However, they do provide all-terrain vehicle kits, suggesting the ATVs can accommodate a range of sizes and weights comfortably.

The Sum Up

The ATV tour in Moray and Maras from Cusco is an exhilarating way to explore Peru’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With its flexible booking and cancellation policy, this tour offers an unforgettable 5-hour adventure through the Sacred Valley, showcasing the iconic Incan terraces and the historic salt mines. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a history enthusiast, this tour is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the beauty and wonder of Peru.

You can check availability for your dates here: