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Experience an adrenaline-filled adventure with our quad bike tour to the Maras Salt Mines and the Circular Terraces of Moray. Enjoy a half-day tour through some of the most fascinating landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, combining adventure, nature, and history in an unforgettable experience.
Maras and Moray by ATV half-day tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your adventure with complete confidence.
- ATV equipment included: The experience includes all the equipment and training you need to enjoy a safe adventure through the landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the meeting point to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Two departure times to choose from: Morning or afternoon departures, so you can combine the adventure with other activities on the same day.
Programme summary
Cusco – Cruzpata – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Cruzpata – Cusco
A half-day ATV adventure through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley, visiting the huge circular terraces of Moray and the impressive Maras Salt Mines.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day, approx. 5 hours |
| Departure times | Morning 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. / afternoon 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Time on the ATV | Approx. 2 hours, round trip |
| Walking time | Approx. 20 minutes at each site |
| Maximum altitude | Moray: 3,500 m / 11,483 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Maras Salt Mines: 3,380 m / 11,089 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Highlights
- Moray circular terraces (3,500 m / 11,483 ft): an impressive set of three circular terraces of different sizes, used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory.
- Maras Salt Mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft): more than 3,000 salt pans dating back to pre-Hispanic times which, together, form one of the most unique landscapes in the world.
Maras and Moray by ATV half-day tour itinerary
Cusco – Cruzpata – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Cruzpata – Cusco
A unique ATV experience through the Sacred Valley, where adrenaline meets living culture and Andean scenery. Choose the morning tour (7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) or the afternoon tour (1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
- The experience starts at our office near Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, where we board the tourist transport to Cruzpata (3,380 m / 11,089 ft), on a 50-minute scenic drive through the Sacred Valley.
- On arrival, the guide gives a safety briefing and riding instructions, followed by a 15-minute practice session to get used to the ATVs before the adventure begins.
- We set off by ATV to Moray (3,500 m / 11,483 ft), on tracks surrounded by farmland, mountains and spectacular views of the Sacred Valley. The ATV ride takes about two hours round trip.
- At the Moray archaeological site we will have time to explore this fascinating Inca agricultural laboratory, where the circular terraces create different microclimates for experimenting with a variety of crops.
- We ride back by ATV to Cruzpata and continue by tourist transport to the Maras Salt Mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft), thousands of natural salt pans cascading down the mountainside, worked by hand since pre-Hispanic times.
- Finally we return to Cusco, with the thrill of a day full of adventure, living culture and unforgettable scenery.
As well as the classic route to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, you can choose the Huaypo Lake and Maras Salt Mines combination, with the same schedule and price.
What the Maras and Moray by ATV tour includes
Support and safety
- Briefing before the tour. The day before, we will give you all the details of the tour and answer your questions, so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- ATV safety helmet and gloves, throughout the activity, for a safer and more comfortable experience.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Transport
- Departure in tourist transport from our office near Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour.
- Fully equipped ATVs for the ride between Cruzpata and Moray.
Not included
- Hotel pickup. The meeting point is our office near Plaza Regocijo.
- Cusco Tourist Ticket, required to enter Moray. It is paid in soles and can be the Partial Ticket (BTP), approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, or the General Ticket (BTG), approx. 130 soles / 40 USD, which also covers the City Tour, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley and some museums in Cusco.
- Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines, which is not part of the Tourist Ticket: approx. 20 soles / 6 USD.
- Meals.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Maras and Moray by ATV tour price
Rates
| Option | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single | 45 USD |
| Double | 31 USD |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings, more time for photographs, stops whenever you like and the freedom to explore each site without the limits of a shared group. |
| Ancestral walk with llamas, offering to Mother Earth and pachamanca in Chinchero | On request | A private service to experience the traditions of the Chinchero community: a walk with their llamas, an offering to the Pachamama and a traditional pachamanca meal, with ancestral music and dance. Ideal to complement your ATV adventure, before or after the tour. |
Entrance tickets are not included
For Moray you will need the Partial Ticket (70 soles / 21 USD) or the General Ticket (130 soles / 40 USD). The Maras Salt Mines have a separate entrance fee of 20 soles / 6 USD. You can buy them on the day of the tour; we recommend bringing cash in soles.
What to bring on the Maras and Moray by ATV tour
These are the most important items for this half-day tour.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- Original, valid university student card, if you wish to use the student rate for the Tourist Ticket.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and a snack.
- Cash in soles for entrance tickets, purchases and souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes with good non-slip soles.
- Light, breathable clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing for the morning or late afternoon.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
- Energy snacks: chocolate, nuts or bars.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- This is an ideal tour for acclimatising in Cusco before a trek.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Maras and Moray by ATV tour
How long does the ATV tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, including transfers from Cusco, riding practice, the ATV ride and visits to the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
What are the departure times?
There are two tours: the morning tour from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the afternoon tour from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No. The meeting point is our office near Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, from where the transfer to Cruzpata begins.
Do I need previous experience to ride an ATV?
No. Before the activity begins, our guide gives a safety briefing and a riding practice session so you can get used to the ATV safely, and accompanies the group throughout the ride.
What is the difference between a single and a double ATV?
With the single option, each person rides their own ATV. With the double option, two people share one ATV: one rides and the other travels as a passenger, which lowers the price per person.
What is the minimum age to ride an ATV?
For safety reasons, we recommend that riders be over 16 and able to control the vehicle throughout the ride.
Can children take part?
Yes. Children can take part as passengers on the ATVs, always supervised by an adult and following the guide's instructions.
Which places will I visit?
Cruzpata (Maras), the Moray archaeological site and the Maras Salt Mines. Alternatively, you can choose the Huaypo Lake and Maras Salt Mines route, with the same schedule and price.
Is the whole route done by ATV?
No. The ATV ride runs between Cruzpata and Moray, for about 2 hours round trip, on rural tracks surrounded by mountains and farmland. We then return to Cruzpata and continue by tourist transport to the Maras Salt Mines.
What scenery will I see?
Impressive views of the Sacred Valley, farmland, Andean mountains and, on clear days, the Verónica and Chicón snow-capped peaks.
Do I need the Tourist Ticket to enter Moray?
Yes. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is required to visit Moray, and you can buy it before entering:
- Partial Ticket: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
- General Ticket: approx. 130 soles / 40 USD.
Is entrance to the Maras Salt Mines included?
No. It is paid directly at the entrance and costs 20 soles per person.
What are the maximum and minimum altitudes of the tour?
The highest point is Moray, at 3,500 m / 11,483 ft, and the lowest are Cruzpata and the Maras Salt Mines, at 3,380 m / 11,089 ft.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy: it requires no previous experience or special fitness, and is suitable for most travellers.
What clothing should I bring?
Comfortable shoes or trainers, a windproof or waterproof jacket, comfortable outdoor clothing, sunglasses, a cap or hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs all year round. Between November and March we recommend bringing a rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
Why choose this ATV tour?
Because it combines adventure, culture and nature in one experience: you will ride an ATV through the landscapes of the Sacred Valley, visit the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray and discover the famous Maras Salt Mines, all in half a day and with flexible departure times.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides, porters and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself. With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
