The Sacred Valley ATV Tour to Huaypo Lagoon and Maras Salt Mine promises an unforgettable adventure. Traversing the stunning landscapes of the region, participants can expect an exhilarating ride on all-terrain vehicles, a chance to admire the serene Huaypo Lagoon, and a guided exploration of the iconic Maras salt mines. With convenient pickup and all-inclusive amenities, this tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

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Key Points

This 7-hour ATV tour takes you from Cusco or Plazoleta Regocijo to Huaypo Lagoon and the Maras salt mines, with transportation, safety equipment, and meals included.
The tour includes a 40-minute ATV ride to Huaypo Lagoon, a 20-minute break, and a 30-minute guided tour of the Maras salt mines.
Restrictions apply, including age, health, and prohibited items, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Pickup locations are available in central Cusco or Plazoleta Regocijo, with round-trip transportation provided.
The tour costs from Kč 923 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

What does the ATV tour in the Sacred Valley entail?

The tour offers a 7-hour experience starting from Cusco or Plazoleta Regocijo. It includes an ATV ride to Huaypo Lagoon, a break there, and another ATV ride.

A 7-hour ATV tour from Cusco or Plazoleta Regocijo to Huaypo Lagoon, with a break and a return ride.

Then, visitors will take a bus to the Maras salt mines for a guided tour. The tour costs from Kč 923 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup, transportation, safety equipment, entrance fees, and meals are included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for young children, those with high blood pressure, babies, or the elderly.

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Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with a pickup location either from central Cusco hotels in the morning or from Plazoleta Regocijo in the afternoon.

Guests then take a 1-hour bus/coach ride to Cruzpata. After a 15-minute safety briefing, they’ll embark on a 40-minute ATV ride to Laguna Huaypo, where they’ll enjoy a 20-minute break.

The ATV adventure continues for an additional 30 minutes before a 30-minute bus/coach ride to the Maras Salt Mines.

Here, guests will take a 30-minute guided tour and have a photo stop. Finally, they’ll be transported back to Plaza Regocijo.

Inclusions

This tour includes a pickup from hotels in central Cusco for the morning shift, as well as a quad tour (either single or double). The price also covers a professional bilingual tour guide, round trip transportation, and required safety equipment. Entrance tickets to the Maras Salt Mines and Huaypo Lagoon are included, along with travel insurance and a meal.

| Inclusions |

| — |

| Pickup from central Cusco hotels (morning shift) |

| Quad tour (single or double) |

| Professional bilingual tour guide |

| Round trip transportation |

| Safety equipment |

| Entrance tickets: Maras, Huaypo Lagoon |

| Travel insurance |

| Breakfast and lunch |

Safety and Restrictions

Although this tour offers an exciting ATV experience, it may not be suitable for all participants. The tour has certain age and health restrictions.

This ATV tour has age and health restrictions, making it unsuitable for some participants.

Children under 10, people with high blood pressure, babies under 1, and those over 95 or 70 years old aren’t permitted.

Safety equipment is provided, but riders should still take precautions by wearing appropriate clothing that can get dirty.

Prohibited items include drones, alcohol, and drugs. Participants are advised to bring cash, a hat, and goggles.

Adhering to these safety guidelines ensures everyone can enjoy the tour safely and responsibly.

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Recommendations and Prohibitions

Riders should come prepared for the ATV tour with essential items like a hat, cash, and goggles.

Wear clothes that can get dirty as the tour involves riding ATVs through dusty terrain. Bringing cash is recommended for any additional purchases or expenses. Goggles are advised to protect the eyes from dust and wind.

Drones are prohibited during the tour, as they may interfere with the safety and experience of other participants. Consuming alcohol and drugs is also not allowed, as it can jeopardize the safety of both the rider and the group.

Following these recommendations and prohibitions will ensure a smooth and enjoyable ATV adventure.

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Getting to the Pickup Location

Where do travelers meet for the ATV tour?

Pickup is offered from two locations – Cusco (morning shift) or Plazoleta Regocijo (afternoon shift). Guests have the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their schedule.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, with a 1-hour bus/coach ride to the starting point at Cruzpata. Travelers should arrive at the pickup location on time to ensure a smooth start to the adventure.

Key pickup details:

Morning shift: Pickup from hotels in central Cusco
Afternoon shift: Pickup from Plazoleta Regocijo
Transportation: 1-hour bus/coach ride to Cruzpata
On-time arrival at pickup location is important

Exploring Laguna Huaypo

After the brief safety briefing, participants hop on their ATVs and embark on a 40-minute ride to the picturesque Laguna Huaypo.

The turquoise waters of the lagoon surrounded by rugged mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Visitors can spend 20 minutes exploring the area, taking in the views and snapping photos.

The guides share insights about the lagoon’s history and significance. Participants then hop back on their ATVs for an additional 30-minute ride before heading to the next destination – the Maras Salt Mines.

Discovering the Maras Salt Mines

After the ATV ride around Laguna Huaypo, the tour heads to the captivating Maras Salt Mines.

Nestled in the Andes, the salt ponds have been harvested for centuries, producing the prized pink-hued salt. The guided tour provides an up-close look at the intricate system of salt ponds and evaporation pools.

Nestled in the Andes, the salt ponds have been harvested for centuries, producing the prized pink-hued salt. The guided tour provides an up-close look.

Visitors can:

Observe the salt harvesters at work
Explore the terraced salt ponds
Take photos of the striking geometric patterns
Purchase locally-sourced salt souvenirs

The 30-minute stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Inca tradition of salt production that continues to this day.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own ATV or Motorcycle?

No, you can’t bring your own ATV or motorcycle. The tour provides the ATVs, and it’s not permitted to use personal vehicles. Participants must use the ATVs supplied by the tour company for safety and liability reasons.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

It’s not possible to extend the tour duration. The package price and inclusions are fixed, and the itinerary is designed to be completed within the specified 7-hour timeframe. Any requests to extend the tour would incur additional costs.

How Many People Can Fit on One ATV?

The ATVs can accommodate either single riders or double riders, allowing two people to ride together on the same vehicle. The tour allows both single and double ATV options to suit different group sizes and preferences.

Can I Purchase Additional Insurance On-Site?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional insurance on-site for the ATV tour. The tour package includes basic travel insurance, but guests have the option to buy supplementary coverage if they wish to have more comprehensive protection during the activity.

Are There Options for Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meals?

The tour includes breakfast and lunch, but there’s no mention of vegetarian or gluten-free meal options. Guests with dietary restrictions should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about accommodations.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley ATV Tour offers an exhilarating journey through stunning landscapes. Participants will marvel at the serene Huaypo Lagoon and gain insight into the unique salt production process at the Maras Salt Mines. With all necessary equipment, transportation, and meals included, this tour provides a memorable adventure amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian highlands.