Duration

Half day

Package Type

Adventure

Activity Level

Easy

Price From
$71 - $128

ATV Adventure to Maras & Moray: EXPLORE Moray & Salt Mines through ATVs

Tour Details

Group Size
Up to 12 people
Max Altitude
3,850 m.s.n.m (12,631 ft)
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
Half day

The ATV Adventure to Maras & Moray is an exciting and scenic half-day experience that combines adrenaline, culture, and breathtaking Andean landscapes. Located northwest of Cusco, this area can be reached in about one hour, passing through traditional Andean villages such as Chinchero and the charming colonial town of Maras.

Maras is a picturesque village known for its colonial houses, historic church, and agricultural traditions that are still practiced by local families today. Nearby lies Moray, one of the most fascinating Inca archaeological sites. This impressive complex consists of enormous circular depressions transformed into agricultural terraces, believed to have functioned as an Inca agricultural laboratory.

Moray’s concentric terraces create distinct microclimates, allowing the Incas to experiment with crops at different temperature levels. Some terraces descend more than 100 meters, making Moray a highly advanced agricultural research center for its time. Through this system, the Incas successfully cultivated hundreds of varieties of potatoes, corn, and other crops that continue to be grown in the Andes today.

This ATV tour is perfect for families, friends, and adventure lovers looking for a fun and light adventure while visiting some of the most traditional and iconic sites around Cusco. It is also highly recommended as an acclimatization-friendly activity.

About Our ATVs

Our quad bikes are powerful, stable, and easy to handle, making them ideal for both first-time riders and experienced drivers. Routes are adapted to the group’s skill level, ensuring a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience guided by certified professionals.

Places to Visit

During this exhilarating tour, you’ll visit the historic site of Moray, known for its unique Inca agricultural terraces. The next stop is the Salinas de Maras, a series of salt evaporation ponds that are visually stunning and rich in history. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.

Highlights:

 

1. Riding Through Stunning Andes Scenery

  • The adventure itself is a big part of the experience — you’ll ride ATVs over rugged dirt roads and trails through valleys, fields, and high-altitude plains surrounded by mountain views. Expect sights of snow-capped peaks like Verónica and Chicón as backdrops.

 2. Moray Archaeological Site

  • Moray is one of the most fascinating stops. It’s an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory made of large concentric circular terraces carved deep into the earth.

  • These terraces helped the Incas create different micro-climates on each level to experiment with crop cultivation — a testament to their advanced agricultural knowledge.

  • Great place for photos and learning about Inca ingenuity up close.

 3. Maras Salt Mines (Salineras)

  • Another highlight is the ancient salt ponds — thousands of shallow, terraced pools carved into the hillside where salt water evaporates and leaves mineral salt behind.

  • These pools have been in use since pre-Inca times and are still harvested by local families using traditional methods, creating a striking mosaic of white, pink, and ochre tones.

  • The views here are very photogenic and different from most archaeological landscapes.

4. Cultural & Local Encounters

  • Guides on these tours often share history and cultural context — how the salt is collected, the significance of the terraces, and how local communities still live and work in these traditions.

  • You may see llamas and alpacas roaming and local villages along the route, adding a cultural layer to the adventure.

5. Photo & Viewpoint Stops

  • Expect several scenic stops for photos, including panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba river valley, and unique geological formations.

6. Optional Extras Depending on Tour

  • Some tours include extra experiences such as Andean picnic stops, visits to artisan communities, or traditional coca tea welcomes before you start your ride.

What to expect on the tour

On this exhilarating ATV adventure, you can expect a captivating blend of adrenaline rush and cultural exploration. Riding through iconic landscapes, you’ll experience firsthand the beauty of the Peruvian Andes while learning about the ancient traditions that shaped the region.

Packing list:

Here’s a practical packing list for an ATV tour to Maras & Moray in the Sacred Valley of Cusco:

Essential Items

Passport (or copy) – Required for entry at archaeological sites like Moray

Cash (Peruvian soles) – For entrance tickets and small purchases at Salineras de Maras

Sunglasses – Strong Andean sun + dust

Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – High altitude = stronger UV

Lip balm with SPF – The wind can be very dry

Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated at 3,500+ m

Clothing (Dress in Layers)

Weather changes quickly in the Andes.

Light base layer (breathable T-shirt)

Warm mid-layer (fleece or sweater)

Windproof / light waterproof jacket (very important while riding)

Comfortable long pants (leggings or trekking pants)

Closed shoes or sneakers (no sandals)

Buff or scarf – Helps protect from dust

Light gloves (optional but useful in cold mornings)

Optional but Recommended

Small backpack

Snacks or energy bar

GoPro / camera (secure strap recommended)

Rain poncho (especially Nov–Mar rainy season)

Hand sanitizer / wet wipes

What NOT to Bring

Large backpacks

Valuable jewelry

Loose items that can fall during the ride

 

Price per Person:

Number of Passengers 2 – 4 5 – 7 8 – Up
USD 145 – 95 65-50 USD49 Group service
Day 1 –

Quad ATV Bike tour : EXPLORE Moray & Salt Mines through ATVs

Our QUAD BIKE TOUR begin the tour with a pick-up from your hotel at the pre-arranged time. We will then travel in our private tourist transport for approximately 45 minutes to the town of Cruzpata ( Starting point of adventure ) Upon arrival, we will conduct a brief introduction fo about 20 minutes a practice session, where each passenger can familiarize themselves with operating the ATVs, always under the supervision of our expert guide. Once the guide confirms that all participants are ready and in optimal condition, we will begin with this ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE.

The ATVs tour takes you to the experimental terraces of Moray, one of the most representative archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This tour, conducted entirely by ATV, lasts approximately two hours, departing from Cruzpata, visiting Moray, and returning to the same starting point. Along the way, you’ll enjoy unique Andean landscapes, rural roads, and panoramic views perfect for taking photographs.

At the end of ATV experience, we’ll continue the tour to the Maras Salt Mines using our private transport. This transfer is necessary for safety reasons, due to the terrain, the salt flats, and the steep slope leading to the salt mines. Along this route, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Verónica and Chicón, as well as a stunning natural environment and the opportunity to interact with local people who maintain ancestral traditions around the Sacred valley.

When we finish our adventure tour , we will return to the Cusco city and drop off at your hotel.

  • Safety briefing and riding instructions provided by professional instructors

  • Start of the ATV adventure, riding through scenic trails, hills, and natural viewpoints

  • Places to explore:

    • Cruz Pata ( Starting point of the Adventure Tour )

    • Moray ,an archaelogical site in Peru, consisting of unique , deep circular agriculture terraces built by the Incas in natural depressions. It served as an agricultural laboratory to test crops in different microclimates, with temperatures varying by up to 15°C (27°F) between the top and bottom terraces

    • Salt Mines, Salt mines are underground excavations used to extract rock salt (halite) from the earth, often in mountainous regions or ancient seabed deposits. Historically, these sites were places of, or associated with, grueling, forced, or dangerous labor.

Tour Details

Group Size
Up to 12 people
Max Altitude
3,850 m.s.n.m (12,631 ft)
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
Half day

Price per Person:

Number of Passengers 2 – 4 5 – 7 8 – Up
USD 145 – 95 65-50 USD49 Group service

  • Destination:
  • Duration:
    Half day
  • What included:
    A previous contact a night prior of tour by our staff or tour guide ( Via WhatsApp ) to provide you the most important detals
    Pick up and drop off at your Cusco hotel ( according to the timing schedule )
    Completely Private transport ( with Air-conditioning ) our transports are spacious for your personal stuff ( In private service only )
    Excellent driver and very safe when driving
    English-speaking guide ( into or to the alternative areas only, no complex )
    Special Box-Lunc ( For the private service only )
    ATV machines in good maintenance / Honda TRX250 ATV
    Excellent and safe equipment such as Helmet with goggles and gloves for driving
    Guide Assistants / Route Mechanic during the whole adventure tour
    An oxygen tank and first aid medication
  • What is not included:
    Entrances to the archaeological sites ( Big Cusco tourist ticket S/130 / Partial ticket S/ 70 )
    Entrance to Salt Mines which is 20 – 30 ( Its a support to the local people )
    Personal expenses such as extra drinks or to buy any souvenirs
    Tips for your guide, driver, transfer agent.
    Travel and health insurance, we suggest you bring a copy of it , and get your insurance prior of you trip to Peru to protect your travel investment

⚠️ Important: Check Entry Availability First

Before booking your tour to Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, please check the availability of entry tickets for your preferred dates. Entry is limited and often sells out in advance — especially during high season. Make sure your chosen date has available spots to ensure access.

Availability Machu Picchu

Availability Inca Trail 4 days

Availability Inca Trail 2 days

Let Local Experts Plan Your Perfect Peruvian Trip – Get in Touch!

    Relative Tours

    Relative Tours

    City Tour Cusco - Tambomachay
    Half Day

    Tour Details Group Size Up to 12 people

    Price per person
    $20 - $75
    Cusco Walking Tour
    1 Day

    Cuzco is a city in southeastern Peru, near

    Price per person
    $20 - $75
    Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo
    1 Day

    The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a

    Price per person
    $25 - $95
    Sacred Valley of the Incas - Maras
    1 Day

    Maras & Moray, Peru has one of the

    Price per person
    $26 - $97
    About Perú

    About Perú

    Huayna Picchu Hike: A new perspective on Machu Picchu

    Huayna Picchu Hike: A new perspective on Machu Picchu

    Click Here

    On Lake Titicaca in Peru, villagers want to draw tourists

    On Lake Titicaca in Peru, villagers want to draw tourists

    Click Here

    Behind Peru’s Increasing Popularity With American Travelers

    Behind Peru’s Increasing Popularity With American Travelers

    Click Here
    Hi, how can I help?