ATVs Tour in Moray and Maras, Salt Mines From Cusco

An ATV tour through the stunning landscapes of Moray and Maras, starting from Cusco, offers an exhilarating adventure for just $47 per person. This 5-hour excursion allows participants to navigate the Inca circular terraces and historic salt mines, showcasing the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley. With a training session, necessary equipment, and a knowledgeable guide, the tour promises a memorable experience. But the true highlights of this journey may lie in the unexpected discoveries and the chance to witness the centuries-old saline production process. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this ATV adventure?

Key Points

• This ATV tour from Cusco explores the Inca ruins of Moray and the salt mines of Maras in the Sacred Valley over a 5-hour duration.
• The tour includes transportation, ATV equipment, a guided tour, and entrance fees, with a pickup from Cusco hotel at 7 AM.
• Participants receive ATV driving training and witness the stunning landscapes, including Huaypo lagoon, wheat fields, and local villages.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, and the use of drones, alcohol, and drugs is strictly prohibited.
• Live tour guides are available in both Spanish and English, and advance booking is recommended to secure spots for this ATV adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The ATV Tour in Moray and Maras, Salt Mines from Cusco offers an exhilarating adventure for visitors, with prices starting from $47.00 per person.

The 5-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later. Participants will be picked up from their Cusco hotel at 7 am and travel to the Sacred Valley, where they’ll receive training on ATV driving before exploring the stunning Moray terraces and the salt mines of Maras.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, ATV equipment, a tour guide, and entrance fees.

However, there are some restrictions, such as not being suitable for pregnant women and prohibiting drones, alcohol, and drugs.

Itinerary and Experience

After being picked up from their Cusco hotel at 7 am, participants travel to Pata Cross in the Sacred Valley.

There, they receive a training session on how to operate the ATVs. The tour then winds through picturesque landscapes, passing the Huaypo lagoon, golden wheat fields, and charming villages.

Next, they explore the famous Inca circular terraces of Moray, an archaeological site with stunning views.

The journey continues to Maras, where they learn about the traditional salt production process.

The tour culminates with a return via a different route, providing more opportunities to take in the breathtaking Cordillera de Urubamba, Verónica, and Chicón mountain ranges.

The tour concludes around 1:30 pm.

Inclusions and Equipment

As part of the ATV tour package, an air-conditioned vehicle handles the transportation, picking up participants directly from their hotels in the city center.

Once on the tour, riders are provided with ATV vehicles and all necessary kits, including a first aid kit. A knowledgeable tour guide leads the expedition and provides driving instruction to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The tour also includes entrance fees to the salt mines and partial tickets for other sites. Participants are advised to bring their passport or ID card, as well as biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent.

Drones, alcohol, and drugs aren’t permitted on the tour.

Participant Requirements and Restrictions

Certain participants may not be suited for the ATV tour in Moray and Maras. The tour operator emphasizes that the experience isn’t recommended for pregnant women.

Participants are required to bring the following items:

• Passport or ID card
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Biodegradable insect repellent

Plus, the use of drones, alcohol, and drugs is strictly prohibited during the tour.

These rules are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants throughout the 5-hour adventure across the Sacred Valley‘s stunning landscapes.

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Languages and Availability

The tour offers live tour guides available in both Spanish and English, catering to the needs of international visitors. This ensures that all participants can fully understand and engage with the tour, regardless of their language proficiency. To provide more details on the tour’s availability, the table below outlines the start times and number of participants allowed for each day.

Day	Start Time	Max Participants
Monday	7:00 AM	10
Tuesday	7:00 AM	12
Wednesday	7:00 AM	8
Thursday	7:00 AM	14

Guests are encouraged to check the availability and book their preferred date and time in advance to secure their spot on this exciting ATV adventure.

Exploring Pata Cross

After the initial pickup from their Cusco hotel, the tour’s first stop is the small village of Pata Cross in the Sacred Valley.

Here, the group receives a thorough training session on operating the ATVs, ensuring everyone is comfortable and capable before setting out.

The village itself offers a glimpse into local Andean life, with its quaint architecture and bustling daily activities.

Participants can observe:

• Farmers tending to their crops in the surrounding fields
• Women weaving intricate textiles by hand
• Children playing in the village square
• Vendors selling fresh produce and handmade crafts

This introductory stop sets the stage for the adventure to come, as the group prepares to explore the natural wonders of the Moray and Maras regions.

Admiring the Inca Terraces

From Pata Cross, the tour continues its journey, taking the group through a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and fertile fields.

The highlight of the day is the Moray Inca site, a series of massive, concentric stone terraces that descend into a natural bowl-shaped depression. The intricate design and construction of these terraces have long fascinated archaeologists, as they were likely used as an agricultural research station, testing different microclimates and growing conditions.

Visitors can stroll along the terraces, marveling at the engineering prowess of the Inca.

The tour then moves on to the nearby Maras salt mines, where salt has been harvested for centuries, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Learning About Saline Production

Next, the tour explores the Maras salt mines, a centuries-old site where locals have harnessed the power of the earth to extract salt.

Visitors learn about the intricate process of salt production, which involves:

• Channeling saline spring water into hundreds of small, terraced pools
• Allowing the water to evaporate, leaving behind vast deposits of salt
• Manually harvesting the salt by hand, a labor-intensive yet sustainable practice
• Witnessing the striking contrast of the vibrant white salt against the surrounding landscape

The guide provides insights into the cultural and historical significance of this unique salt-making operation, which has sustained the community for generations and continues to be an important economic activity in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Safety Precautions Are in Place for the ATV Tour?

The tour provides safety equipment like helmets and kits, offers driving training, and has a first aid kit on hand. Participants must follow instructions, and certain restrictions apply to ensure a safe and responsible experience.

Can I Bring My Own ATV or Do I Need to Rent One?

Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own ATV on this tour. The tour includes rental of ATVs and necessary equipment. You’ll receive training and guidance from a tour guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Are There Age or Experience Requirements to Participate in the ATV Tour?

The tour has minimum age and experience requirements. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have prior ATV driving experience. Those without experience can’t operate the ATVs but can ride as passengers with an experienced driver.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Activities During the Tour?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but participants can request modifications or additional activities prior to booking. The provider will try to accommodate reasonable requests, subject to availability and feasibility.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes the main activities and services, but there may be some additional costs not covered, such as entrance fees to certain sites or optional add-ons. Participants should review the inclusions and restrictions to understand any extra expenses.

Recap

This exhilarating ATV tour in Moray and Maras offers a remarkable opportunity to discover the Sacred Valley’s captivating landscapes. Participants can navigate through the iconic Inca terraces and historic salt mines, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the region. With a knowledgeable guide, necessary equipment, and a training session, this 5-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience for just $47 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here: