Explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Cusco on an exhilarating half-day ATV tour. Discover ancient Incan agricultural terraces at Moray and the unique Maras salt mines, all while experiencing the thrill of off-road adventure. With safety gear provided and a bilingual guide leading the way, this 6-hour excursion promises an unforgettable day of exploration. But what secrets lie hidden within these captivating destinations?

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Key Points

Half-day ATV tour that departs from Cusco and visits the Incan ruins of Moray and the Maras salt mines.
Duration of the tour is 6 hours, with 2 hours spent on the ATV rides.
Tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guide, equipment, and entrance fees, all for £30.15 per person.
Suitable for travelers aged 12 and above, with safety precautions in place.
Tour begins at 7:00 am and returns to Cusco around 1:00 pm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This half-day ATV tour from Cusco to Maras and Moray offers an exciting opportunity to explore ancient Incan agricultural sites.

The 6-hour tour costs £30.15 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, all necessary equipment, and entrance fees.

Riders can expect to spend 2 hours traversing the scenic routes towards Moray and the Maras salt mines, with stops for guided tours.

The tour is suitable for adventurous travelers aged 12 and above, with safety precautions in place.

Flexible reservations and cancellation policies make it an accessible option.

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Itinerary

The tour begins with a hotel pickup at 7:00 am, followed by a 50-minute drive to Cruzpata.

At the starting point, participants receive safety equipment and practice maneuvering the ATVs. They then embark on a 2-hour ATV ride towards Moray, exploring the ancient Incan agricultural terraces.

After the ATV ride, the group visits the Moray ruins for a guided tour of the circular platforms showcasing Andean crop diversification.

Next, they travel by private vehicle to the Maras salt mines, with over 3,000 pools at an altitude of 3,380 meters.

The tour concludes with the return to Cusco around 1:00 pm.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco’s Historic Center, shared transportation to the starting point at Cruzpata, and a professional bilingual guide.

Additional inclusions are:

1 Quad bike per person (Honda TRX250 cc) with gasoline and safety equipment like helmets and gloves.
First aid kit, oxygen, and travel insurance coverage.
Entry fees to Moray (70 soles) and Maras (20 soles), as well as a community fee (1 USD).

Tips aren’t included.

The tour ensures a safe and seamless experience from start to finish.

Important Information

Not everyone is suited for this ATV tour.

Children under 12, pregnant women, and those with vertigo or altitude sickness should avoid it.

Participants should bring their passport/ID, comfortable shoes, hat, snacks, water, biodegradable sunscreen, jacket, and comfortable clothes.

Alcohol, drugs, and feeding animals aren’t allowed on the tour.

The meeting point is at the door of the Cathedral of Cusco, where the guide will call out the participants’ names.

Flexible reservations are available – you can reserve now and pay later to secure your spot without upfront payment.

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Booking Instructions

To secure a spot on the ATV tour without upfront payment, travelers can reserve now and pay later. The booking instructions are as follows:

Flexible Reservations: Customers can reserve their spot and pay later to hold their place on the tour.
Participant Information: Before the tour, customers should provide their hotel name and address, participant names, ages, and any special requests via email or WhatsApp.
Meeting Point: The tour departs from the door of the Cathedral of Cusco, where the guide will call out the names of participants.

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Discovering Moray’s Incan Crop Experimentation

As the ATV tour begins its journey towards Moray, participants have the unique opportunity to explore the ancient Incan agricultural technology that lies within this remarkable site.

Nestled in the Sacred Valley, Moray features a series of circular terraces, each at a different elevation, creating a microclimate ideal for experimenting with crops.

This ingenious system allowed the Incas to test and cultivate a diverse array of Andean produce, laying the foundation for their renowned agricultural prowess.

Visitors can marvel at the scale and complexity of this engineering feat, gaining insights into the Incas’ advanced understanding of their environment.

Uncovering the Maras Salt Mines

After exploring the remarkable Incan agricultural site of Moray, the ATV tour venture continues towards the captivating Maras salt mines.

Nestled at an altitude of 3,380 meters (11,080 feet), this historic salt-producing site features over 3,000 individual salt pools. The salt mines offer a glimpse into the region’s past:

The Incas established the Maras salt mines centuries ago, utilizing the natural salt deposits and evaporation process to produce salt for consumption and trade.
Today, local community members maintain the salt pools, harvesting the salt manually in a sustainable manner.
Visitors can observe the intricate system of salt pools and witness the traditional salt-harvesting techniques that have endured for generations.

The ATV Adventure: Safety and Enjoyment

Although the ATV tour promises an exhilarating adventure, the organizers prioritize the safety and comfort of participants.

Riders receive thorough safety instructions and practice maneuvers before setting off on the 2-hour guided ride. The tour provides high-quality Honda ATVs and required safety gear, including helmets and gloves.

A bilingual guide accompanies the group, and a first-aid kit and oxygen are available in case of emergencies.

The route is carefully selected to balance excitement and accessibility, with a focus on showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

Since You Asked

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This ATV Tour?

The minimum age requirement for this ATV tour is 12 years old. Children under 12 are not suitable to participate in the tour due to safety concerns.

Can I Book This Tour if I Have Physical Disabilities?

Unfortunately, this ATV tour is not suitable for those with physical disabilities. The itinerary involves challenging terrain and activities that may be difficult for those with mobility issues. The tour operator recommends checking their accessibility policies before booking.

Are There Any Additional Fees Not Included in the Price?

The tour price includes most fees, but there are some additional costs not covered, such as tips for the guide. Travelers should also bring cash for entry fees to Moray (70 soles) and Maras (20 soles).

Can I Change the Starting Location for the Hotel Pickup?

Yes, the tour operator can accommodate a different hotel pickup location, but this must be arranged in advance by emailing or messaging them with the new starting point. Additional fees may apply for customized pickup.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary for My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate preferences. Travelers can discuss any desired changes to the itinerary, such as the starting location, with the tour operator prior to booking. The operator will try to accommodate reasonable requests.

The Sum Up

This half-day ATV tour from Cusco to Maras and Moray offers an exhilarating way to explore these stunning Incan sites. Participants will marvel at the ancient agricultural terraces and unique salt mines, all while enjoying the thrill of an off-road adventure guided by a bilingual expert. With convenient hotel pickup and all necessary equipment provided, it’s an unforgettable day of discovery in the Peruvian highlands.

You can check availability for your dates here: