Cusco: Quad Tour to Moray and Maras, Salt Mines

Cusco’s stunning Sacred Valley offers an exhilarating quad tour that unveils the ancient wonders of Moray and Maras. Travelers can discover the mystery behind the circular Inca terraces and explore the historic salt mines, all while immersed in the breathtaking Andean landscape. This 5-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience, blending cultural exploration with the thrill of off-road exploration. The tour’s affordable price and convenient hotel pickup make it an enticing option for those seeking to uncover the secrets of this remarkable region.

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Key Points

A 5-hour quad bike tour in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, visiting the Inca site of Moray and the Maras salt mines.
Tour includes pickup from Cusco hotels, quad bike training, and guided visits to Moray and Maras, starting from $47 per person.
Scenic routes through the Andes with views of Huaypo Lagoon, wheat fields, and the Urubamba mountain range.
Available in Spanish and English with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Booking process involves checking availability, selecting participants and date, and reserving the tour without immediate payment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 5-hour quad tour offers adventurous travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Moray and Maras in the Sacred Valley.

Priced from $47 per person, the tour includes pickup from Cusco hotels, training on quad bike operation, and guided visits to the archaeological site of Moray and the salt mines of Maras.

Travelers will also enjoy scenic routes past Huaypo Lagoon, wheat fields, and small villages, with views of the Urubamba mountain range.

The tour is available in Spanish and English, and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

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

Itinerary

The tour begins with a 7:00 AM pickup from hotels in Cusco, after which you will travel to Cruz de Pata in the Sacred Valley.

The tour begins with a 7:00 AM pickup from hotels in Cusco, after which you will travel to Cruz de Pata in the Sacred Valley.

There, they’ll receive training on quad bike operation. The scenic route includes Huaypo Lagoon, fields of yellow wheat, and small villages.

At Moray, they’ll explore the circular terraces built by the Incas. Next, they’ll continue to Maras to discover the history of salt production.

Along the way, they’ll admire views of the Urubamba Mountain Range, Veronica, and Chicon peaks. The tour concludes around 1:30 PM.

Inclusions

The tour includes a vehicle with air conditioning for transportation, pickup from hotels in Cusco’s city center, and the use of a quad bike (ATV) along with necessary kits.

Plus, a first aid kit is provided, and a tour guide offers driving instruction throughout the experience.

The tour also includes:

Entrance fees to the salt mines (10 soles) and partial tickets to Moray (70 soles).
Meals during the tour.
The opportunity to explore the historical and cultural significance of Moray and Maras.

Highlights

Offering an unparalleled adventure through the breathtaking Andes mountain range and the captivating landscapes of the Sacred Valley, this quad tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Thrill-seekers will revel in the excitement of zooming across scenic routes, passing by the serene Huaypo Lagoon and fields of golden wheat.

The tour’s highlights include exploring the enigmatic circular terraces of Moray, a remarkable Inca engineering masterpiece, and discovering the ancient salt production methods at the Maras salt mines.

Panoramic vistas of the Urubamba mountain range and the peaks of Veronica and Chicon add to the tour’s allure, offering a truly immersive journey into the heart of Peru’s natural wonders.

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Booking Information

To book this quad tour, visitors can check availability for starting times and select their preferred number of participants and date for reservation.

The meeting point is available on Google Maps. After making the reservation, participants won’t need to pay immediately – they can reserve their spot without immediate payment.

The booking process includes:

Check availability for desired start times.
Select the number of participants and preferred date.
Reserve the tour without immediate payment.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Moray

What makes Moray so captivating? The site features a series of circular terraces, each descending deeper into the earth.

These terraces were constructed by the Incas, who used them as an agricultural laboratory. The intricate design allowed them to experiment with different microclimates and grow a variety of crops.

The Incas constructed these terraces as an agricultural laboratory, allowing them to experiment with different microclimates and grow diverse crops.

Today, visitors can explore the terraces and marvel at the Incas’ ingenuity. The sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys only add to Moray’s allure.

It’s a unique opportunity to step back in time and gain insight into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of agriculture and environmental adaptation.

Discovering Maras Salt Mines

After visiting the captivating terraces of Moray, the quad tour continues on to the Maras salt mines. This ancient site has been producing salt since the Inca times.

Visitors can explore the intricate system of salt ponds and learn about the history of salt production in the region.

The tour highlights include:

Marveling at the thousands of small, individual salt ponds that have been meticulously carved into the mountainside.
Observing the traditional methods used to extract and collect the salt, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Appreciating the stunning views of the Urubamba mountain range and the surrounding landscapes.

Taking in the Sacred Valley Landscape

The scenic route takes riders through the verdant fields and charming villages of the Sacred Valley, offering a captivating glimpse into the region’s natural beauty.

Huaypo Lagoon, with its tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding mountains, sets the stage. Vast expanses of golden wheat sway in the breeze, interspersed with small settlements where locals go about their daily lives.

The quad bikes allow for easy exploration, enabling travelers to enjoy the Andean landscape.

Dramatic peaks of the Urubamba Range and the imposing Veronica and Chicon mountains form a stunning backdrop, completing the immersive Sacred Valley experience.

Since You Asked

Are Helmets and Safety Gear Provided During the Quad Tour?

Yes, the tour includes quad bike (ATV) and safety kits, which likely include helmets and other necessary gear for the quad biking activity. The tour guide also provides driving instruction to ensure participants’ safety.

Can I Bring My Own Quad Bike or Do I Need to Rent One?

You’ll need to rent a quad bike for this tour as you can’t bring your own. The tour includes the quad bike rental and necessary safety gear like helmets. Just show up ready to ride and explore the Andes!

What Should I Wear or Bring for the Tour?

For the quad tour, it’s best to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a small backpack for any personal items. The tour provider will supply the necessary quad bike and safety gear.

Is the Quad Tour Suitable for Beginners or Experienced Riders?

The quad tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. It includes a training session to ensure everyone is comfortable operating the vehicles. The guide will provide instruction and supervision throughout the adventure.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Travelers can extend the duration or modify the itinerary by speaking with the tour provider. They offer flexibility to accommodate individual preferences and needs.

The Sum Up

The quad tour in the Sacred Valley offers an unforgettable adventure. Explore the ancient Inca sites of Moray and Maras, marvel at the stunning Andean landscapes, and learn about the rich history and culture of the region. This exhilarating 5-hour experience is a must-do for anyone visiting Cusco, providing an unparalleled opportunity to discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley.