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ATV Tour Maras Moray & Salt Mines: Ride the Sacred Valley Like Never Before

Most visitors see Moray and Maras from a tour bus window. You’ll ride there on an ATV, cutting through Andean dirt trails, open farmland, and mountain paths that regular vehicles simply can’t reach. The view from the saddle of a quad bike, with the Sacred Valley spread out below you and snow-capped peaks catching the morning light, is something that stays with you long after the trip ends.

This is not your average sightseeing excursion. The ATV Tour Maras Moray & Salt Mines from Cusco combines two of the most fascinating Inca-era sites in Peru with an off-road adventure that suits all experience levels — no prior ATV riding needed.

What Makes This ATV Tour Different from the Rest

There are a hundred ways to visit Moray and Maras. You can join a standard bus tour, hire a private driver, or even cycle if you have the legs for it. But riding an ATV changes the entire experience in three important ways.

You reach places other tours skip. The trails our guides use cut through authentic Andean communities, past working farms and quiet footpaths, to viewpoints that no road tour ever stops at.

You control the pace. Unlike group bus tours where everyone shuffles in and out at the same time, our ATV tours give your guide the flexibility to pause at a perfect photo spot or spend a few extra minutes wherever you want.

You skip the altitude struggle. The Sacred Valley sits between 3,700 and 3,800 meters above sea level. On an ATV, you cover that terrain without exhausting yourself on foot — meaning you actually enjoy the sites when you get there, rather than catching your breath the whole time.

Tour Highlights at a Glance

  • Ride a Honda ATV through the scenic backroads of the Sacred Valley
  • Explore the circular terraces of Moray, one of the most enigmatic Inca structures in Peru
  • Walk among the 3,000+ salt pools of Maras, still harvested by local families today
  • Panoramic views of the Verónica and Chicón snow-capped peaks
  • Stop at the Five Glaciers Viewpoint on select routes
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included from central Cusco
  • Professional bilingual guide throughout

What You'll See and Do

Moray Archaeological Site — The Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Moray doesn’t look like any other ruin in Peru. Instead of temples or fortresses, you find a series of enormous circular terraces carved into a natural depression in the earth — almost like a green amphitheater sunk into the hillside.

Archaeologists believe the Inca used these concentric rings as an agricultural laboratory. Each level creates a different microclimate, with temperature variations of up to 15°C between the top and bottom rings. The Inca used this to experiment with growing crops at different altitudes, developing varieties that could survive across their vast empire.

Standing at the rim and looking down into the circles is genuinely striking. It’s the kind of place where you realize that Inca engineering was not just impressive — it was inventive in ways that still feel ahead of their time.

Entrance fee: ~70 PEN (not included in tour price — covered by the Boleto Turístico Cusco if you have one).

Maras Salt Mines — Over 400 Years of Living Tradition

A few kilometers from Moray, the hillside opens up into one of the most unusual landscapes in the Andes. Thousands of small rectangular salt pools cascade down the slope, filled with mineral-rich spring water that has been evaporating into salt here since well before the Spanish arrived.

Local families still work these pools using the same methods their ancestors used. Each family owns and manages a small section of the terraces, harvesting salt by hand and selling it directly to visitors. The pink and white tones of the pools shift depending on the time of day and the season — early morning light turns them almost golden.

You can walk the narrow paths between the pools, watch the harvesting process up close, and buy salt directly from the producers — including the famous pink salt from Maras, known for its mineral content and mild flavor.

Entrance fee: ~15 PEN (not included in tour price).

The Ride Itself — Sacred Valley Trails and Andean Views

The ATV portion of the tour is 1.5 to 2 hours of actual riding time, spread across the route between sites. You’ll pass through traditional farming communities, ride along ridgelines with open views of the valley below, and feel the cool Andean air at altitude.

All riders start with a 10–15 minute training session at the base camp in Cruzpata. The guides are patient and clear, and first-time riders typically feel comfortable within a few minutes. The terrain ranges from packed dirt roads to open trails — accessible but genuinely fun, not a theme park ride on rails.

Half-Day vs. Full-Day — Which Option Is Right for You?

Half-Day ATV Tour (5–6 Hours)

The half-day tour is the most popular option and fits comfortably into a single morning or afternoon. You’ll visit both Moray and Maras, complete the full ATV riding circuit, and be back in Cusco in time for lunch or dinner.

Best for: travelers with a tight itinerary, first-time visitors to the Sacred Valley, families, anyone who wants the highlights without a long day out.

  • Duration: 5–6 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Altitude: 3,700–3,800 m
  • Includes: Hotel transfer, ATV rental, guide, safety equipment, fuel, training
  • Available: Morning (7:00 AM departure) and afternoon (1:00 PM departure) sessions

Full-Day ATV Tour (10–12 Hours)

The full-day version adds more trail time, a longer stop at each site, and often includes a traditional lunch. This is the version to choose if you want to go deeper — more viewpoints, a slower pace, time to really explore both Moray and the salt mines without rushing.

Best for: photography enthusiasts, adventure lovers who want maximum riding time, travelers with a flexible schedule.

  • Duration: 10–12 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Altitude: 3,700–3,800 m
  • Includes: Everything in half-day + lunch on most routes

What's Included in Your ATV Tour

Included:

  • Hotel pickup and return transfer from central Cusco
  • Round-trip transport to Cruzpata base camp
  • Modern Honda ATV rental (single or tandem available)
  • Professional bilingual guide
  • Full safety equipment: helmet, gloves, protective gear
  • Insurance coverage
  • Pre-tour training session
  • Fuel

Not Included:

  • Entrance fees to Moray (~70 PEN) and Maras (~15 PEN)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Drinks and beverages
  • Tips for guides (optional but appreciated)
  • Souvenirs and personal purchases

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour works for a wide range of travelers, which is part of why it’s one of the most booked ATV experiences in Cusco.

It’s ideal if you:

  • Are visiting Cusco and want to see the Sacred Valley without a standard group bus tour
  • Have never ridden an ATV before — training is included and the routes are beginner-friendly
  • Are interested in Inca history but also want some physical activity built into your day
  • Are traveling with family, friends, or a partner and want an activity everyone can enjoy
  • Want stunning photography opportunities without hiking for hours at altitude

Age and fitness: Most operators accept riders from age 12 and up. Children younger than 12 can ride as passengers with a parent. There’s no upper age limit for people in reasonable health. ATV touring is actually a good choice at altitude precisely because it requires minimal physical exertion — you see the sites without the exhaustion of a long hike.

How to Prepare for Your ATV Adventure in Cusco

What to Wear

Dress for a mix of physical activity and variable Andean weather. Layers are key — it can be cold at 7:00 AM and warm by midday.

  • Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots (no sandals or flip-flops)
  • Comfortable long pants (avoid jeans — they’re restrictive and cold when damp)
  • A light jacket or windbreaker
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for UV protection at altitude
  • Light gloves if you feel the cold easily (safety gloves are provided, but thin liner gloves add comfort)

Altitude Tips for the Sacred Valley

Cusco sits at 3,400 meters and the Sacred Valley at around 3,700–3,800 meters. If you’ve just arrived, give yourself 1–2 days to acclimatize before doing any strenuous activity.

ATV touring is gentler on the body than hiking, but altitude can still affect you. To reduce the chances of altitude sickness:

  • Stay well hydrated — drink more water than you think you need
  • Avoid heavy meals and alcohol the night before
  • Bring coca leaves or ask your hotel for altitude medication if needed
  • Tell your guide immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or short of breath

How to Book Your ATV Tour to Maras, Moray & Salt Mines

Booking is simple. You can reserve your spot directly through our website, message us on WhatsApp, or fill out the quick booking form on this page. We confirm availability within a few hours and handle all logistics — hotel pickup, equipment, guides, and transport.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your tour date. If the weather is poor on the day (heavy rain or low visibility), we’ll reschedule at no charge or offer a full refund.

We offer both shared group tours and private tours for couples, families, or small groups who want a more personalized experience. Private tours can also be customized — let us know if you want to adjust the route, timing, or any other detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to ride an ATV on this tour?

No experience is needed at all. Every tour starts with a training session at the base in Cruzpata. Our guides walk you through the controls, safety rules, and riding technique before anyone sets off. First-time riders are the norm, not the exception.

Yes. The routes are designed for all experience levels, the terrain is manageable for new riders, and every participant receives a helmet, gloves, and protective gear. We’ve run thousands of tours and take safety seriously at every step.

Entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Moray costs approximately 70 PEN and is part of the Boleto Turístico Cusco. Maras costs approximately 15 PEN separately. We’ll let you know in advance exactly what to bring.

The minimum age to ride solo is typically 12–16 years old depending on the session. Younger children can ride as passengers with a parent or guardian. There’s no maximum age for adults in reasonable health.

Light rain doesn’t cancel the tour — it just makes the ride more adventurous. Heavy rain or conditions that limit visibility may lead to a postponement. In that case, we offer a free reschedule or a full refund, whichever you prefer.

We recommend booking at least 24–48 hours ahead, especially during peak season (May–September). Morning sessions tend to fill up faster than afternoon ones. Private tours may need a bit more lead time.

Absolutely. Private tours are available for couples, families, and groups of any size. They offer complete flexibility on timing and pace, and can be customized to focus on specific sites or add extra stops along the route.

We pick you up directly from your hotel in central Cusco. From there, we transfer you to the base camp in Cruzpata, which takes approximately 50 minutes.