Cusco: Full-Day Horseback Riding Tour to Maras & Moray

Nestled amidst the majestic Andes, Cusco’s Sacred Valley beckons adventurous travelers with its captivating blend of natural splendor and ancient Inca legacy. The full-day horseback riding tour to Maras and Moray promises an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical sightseeing itinerary. As you saddle up and set out on this scenic journey, you’ll be transported to a world where history and stunning landscapes intertwine, revealing a side of Cusco that few have the privilege to witness. What awaits you along this enchanting trail is a tapestry of remarkable discoveries, each more captivating than the last.

Key Points

• Embark on an 8-hour full-day horseback riding tour in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, covering the archaeological site of Moray and the Maras salt mines.
• Experience picturesque landscapes, explore innovative Inca agricultural practices at Moray, and witness the centuries-old Maras salt mines.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch, snacks, and water while being accompanied by a bilingual guide.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a weight limit of 90 kg or 200 lbs.
• Tour available in English and Spanish, with hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cusco provided.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day horseback riding tour offers an immersive experience in the Sacred Valley of Cusco.

Priced from $320 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and is limited to 10 participants. Pickup from central Cusco hotels is included, and the experience is available in English and Spanish.

The highlights include visiting the archaeological site of Moray, exploring the Maras salt mines, and riding through picturesque Maras village.

The tour includes a buffet lunch, snacks, water, a bilingual guide, necessary equipment, and entry fees.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a flexible booking option is available.

However, weight restrictions apply.

Itinerary Highlights

What does the itinerary for this full-day horseback riding tour entail?

Guests will be picked up from their hotels in Cusco or Urubamba and taken by bus for a 70-minute transfer to Huaypo.

From there, they’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour horseback ride to the archaeological site of Moray, where they’ll take a 45-minute guided tour.

Afterward, they’ll ride for 45 minutes to the town of Maras, where they’ll tour the historic Maras salt mines for 30 minutes.

Included Activities

The full-day horseback riding tour includes a range of engaging activities that allow visitors to enjoy the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley. The tour begins with a bus transfer to Huaypo, followed by 2.5 hours of horseback riding to the archaeological site of Moray. After a guided tour, riders continue to the town of Maras, where they can explore the historic 400-year-old church and the famous Maras salt mines. The tour concludes with a bus transfer back to Cusco or Urubamba.

Activity	Duration
Bus/coach transfer to Huaypo	70 minutes
Horseback riding to Moray	2.5 hours
Guided tour at Moray	45 minutes
Horseback riding to Maras	45 minutes
Guided tour at Maras Salt Mines	30 minutes
Bus/coach return to Cusco or Urubamba	1.5 hours

Exploration Experiences

Riders embark on a captivating journey as they traverse the picturesque landscapes of the Sacred Valley on horseback.

Exploring the archaeological site of Moray, they explore the Incas’ innovative agricultural practices. The tour then leads participants to the charming town of Maras, where they visit a 400-year-old church and witness the centuries-old Maras salt mines.

Throughout the experience, riders are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and historic farmland, seeing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

With the guidance of a bilingual expert, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization and the natural wonders that have captivated travelers for generations.

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Booking Considerations

Flexible booking options allow guests to reserve their spot on the tour with the option to pay later.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

The tour has a weight limit of 90 kg or 200 lbs, making it unsuitable for pregnant women or individuals over 200 lbs.

Guests can book the tour with confidence, knowing that their safety and experience are prioritized.

With these considerations in mind, travelers can easily plan and enjoy the full-day horseback riding adventure through the stunning landscapes of Maras and Moray.

Pickup Locations

The tour offers pickup locations in both Cusco and Urubamba, providing convenient options for travelers. Pickup locations are as follows:

Location	Duration
Cusco	70 minutes
Urubamba	70 minutes

This gives guests the flexibility to choose the starting point that best suits their needs. The tour will then depart from the selected location and begin the journey to the first stop at Huaypo. The transportation provided ensures a seamless and comfortable start to the day’s adventure.

Inclusive Features

This full-day horseback riding tour includes an array of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience for participants.

Pickup and drop-off at hotels in central Cusco are provided, eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own transportation. A buffet lunch with vegetarian options is served, catering to various dietary needs. Snacks and water are also included throughout the day.

The tour is led by bilingual guides, facilitating seamless communication. Safety is prioritized with the provision of saddles and helmets.

Entry fees to the Cusco Tourist Ticket Site Pass are covered, granting access to the historic attractions. Plus, traveler insurance is included for peace of mind.

Historical Significance

The Maras and Moray sites hold profound historical significance, dating back to the Incan era.

Moray was an experimental agricultural terraced site used by the Incas to study the effects of climate on crops. The circular depressions were designed to create microclimates, allowing the Incas to cultivate a variety of plants from different ecological zones.

Meanwhile, the Maras salt mines have been in operation since pre-Incan times, with the Incas developing an intricate system to harvest the salt. Locals continue to work the salt pans today, providing an insight into this ancient practice.

These remarkable sites offer a glimpse into the sophisticated farming and engineering methods of the Incan civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Horse?

No, you cannot bring your own horse. The tour provides the horses, saddles, and safety equipment. Bringing your own horse would not be permitted as the tour needs to manage the horses, guide, and logistics for all participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour does not have any strict age restrictions, but it may not be suitable for very young children or the elderly. Participants should be physically fit enough to ride horses for several hours.

Can I Request a Specific Horse Breed?

Riders cannot typically request a specific horse breed for the tour. The tour provider selects well-trained horses suitable for the terrain and skill level of the participants. However, any special needs or preferences should be communicated to the provider in advance.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option for groups. Customers can book a private tour with a dedicated guide and their own group of participants, allowing for a more personalized and flexible experience tailored to their preferences.

Can I Add Additional Activities to the Tour?

Yes, you can typically add additional activities to the tour, such as visiting other archaeological sites or cultural experiences. However, this may incur an additional cost and require advanced coordination with the tour provider.

Recap

This full-day horseback riding tour from Cusco offers a captivating exploration of the Sacred Valley’s natural wonders and ancient Inca sites. Guests will marvel at the stunning landscapes, enjoy the region’s rich history, and savor a delicious buffet lunch. With expert guidance and seamless transportation, this immersive adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking to experience the authentic beauty and cultural heritage of Peru’s Maras and Moray.

You can check if your dates are available here: