From Cusco: Maras, Moray Salineras in ATV

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes around Cusco by ATV is an exhilarating way to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage. This thrilling 12-hour tour takes adventurous travelers to the Maras salt mines and the Moray archaeological site, providing a unique opportunity to witness traditional salt harvesting methods and marvel at the ancient agricultural terraces. With a guided exploration and ample time to soak in the history, this tour promises an unforgettable day. However, the true highlight may lie in the scenic 2-hour ATV ride that connects these captivating destinations, leaving one to wonder what other hidden wonders await along the way.

Key Points

• 12-hour tour from Cusco covering the Moray archaeological site and Maras salt mines via ATVs, including hotel pickup and guided tours.
• 2-hour scenic ATV ride after exploring the Moray site, followed by a visit to the Maras salt mines.
• Tour includes ATV practice session, partial tourist tickets, and equipment like helmets and gloves.
• Tour not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, with prohibited items including smoking, alcohol, drugs, and electronic devices.
• Recommended items to bring include sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, cash, and passport or ID.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What does the Maras, Moray Salineras in ATV tour offer?

Visitors can experience a 12-hour tour that takes them to the Moray archaeological site and the Maras salt mines, all while riding ATVs.

The tour includes pickup from their hotel, a practice session on the ATVs, and a guided tour of Moray.

For approximately 2 hours, they’ll explore the scenic landscapes on the ATVs before heading to the Maras salt mines.

The tour is priced from K800 per person and is available in English and Spanish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and first-aid kits are provided for safety.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from the hotel, followed by a 50-minute drive to Cruzpata.

Upon arrival, guests participate in a 15-minute practice session on the ATVs to familiarize themselves with the vehicles.

The next stop is the Moray archaeological site, where a guided tour lasts approximately 40 minutes.

After exploring Moray, guests embark on a 2-hour ATV ride through the scenic landscapes.

For safety reasons, the tour then transports participants to the Maras salt mines before returning to Cusco, concluding the tour at around 2:40 PM on Plateros street.

The key highlights of the itinerary include:

1. Guided tour of the Moray archaeological site
2. 2-hour ATV ride through scenic landscapes
3. Visit to the Maras salt mines

Inclusions and Exclusions

As the tour includes various services and amenities, the price covers tourist transport, ATVs with fuel, helmets and gloves, a professional English and Spanish-speaking guide, and a first aid kit.

Partial tourist tickets for Nationals (40 soles) and Foreigners (70 soles) as well as salt mines entry (10 soles) are also included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.

Participants are advised to bring sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, cash, and passport or ID card.

Smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, electronic devices, fireworks, and explosive substances are prohibited during the tour.

Important Considerations

Before embarking on the ATV tour, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

First and foremost, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.

Plus, certain items are strictly prohibited, such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, electronic devices, fireworks, and explosive substances.

Finally, it’s recommended to bring essential items like sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, cash, and a passport or ID card.

By being mindful of these considerations, guests can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during the Maras, Moray Salineras in ATV tour.

1. Not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women
2. Prohibited items: smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, electronic devices, fireworks, explosive substances
3. Recommended items: sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, cash, passport or ID card

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Transportation

To begin the tour, guests are picked up from their hotel 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

After the pickup, the group embarks on a 50-minute drive to Cruzpata, the starting point of the ATV adventure. During the drive, guests can admire the scenic landscapes en route to the first stop.

Upon arrival, the group will have a 15-minute practice session to familiarize themselves with the ATVs and ensure they feel comfortable operating the vehicles.

This allows participants to get a feel for the ATVs before the guided tour of the Moray archaeological site, which lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Visiting Moray Archaeological Site

After the practice session, the group embarks on a guided tour of the Moray archaeological site, which lasts approximately 40 minutes.

The tour guide provides insights into the history and significance of this Inca ruin, which features a series of concentric, terraced circular depressions.

The group learns that:

1. Moray was likely an Inca agricultural research station, where different crops were tested at varying elevations and microclimates.
2. The site’s unique design allowed the Incas to experiment with various growing conditions and develop advanced agricultural techniques.
3. The well-preserved ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of climate and environmental factors.

The guided tour offers a captivating introduction to this remarkable archaeological wonder.

Exploring the Maras Salt Mines

From Moray, the group then travels to the Maras salt mines, known as the Salineras de Maras.

The salt mines are a unique system of evaporation ponds that have been in use since pre-Inca times. Visitors can explore the network of thousands of small, individually-owned salt pools, where local families harvest the salt by hand.

The tour provides transport to the salt mines for safety reasons, allowing guests to wander through the stunning, terraced landscape.

The entry fee to the salt mines is 10 soles. Visitors should remember to bring cash, as the remote location has limited payment options.

Additional Information

The tour operates even in rainy conditions, ensuring guests can experience the Maras salt mines and Moray archaeological site regardless of the weather.

Plus, the tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, providing flexibility for travelers. To help with adjusting to the altitude, the guide recommends drinking coca tea.

The tour has the following important information:

1. Not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.
2. Prohibited items include smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, electronic devices, fireworks, and explosive substances.
3. Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, cash, and a passport or ID card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Atv?

No, the tour does not allow participants to bring their own ATVs. The tour package includes the use of ATVs, fuel, helmets, and gloves provided by the tour operator. Participants must use the ATVs supplied as part of the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no specific age restrictions, but participants must be physically able to operate an ATV. Children under 12 may require special supervision or not be permitted on the tour.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration can’t be extended, as it’s a fixed 12-hour itinerary. However, travelers can inquire about customizing the tour to fit their needs, subject to availability and additional costs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who may be able to accommodate requests for longer durations or modified itineraries, subject to availability and feasibility.

Will I Receive a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Group?

Yes, the tour operator offers group discounts. The more people in the group, the higher the discount. Booking as a group can provide significant savings, making the tour more affordable for everyone.

Recap

This thrilling ATV tour from Cusco takes adventurers on an unforgettable journey through the region’s stunning landscapes. Highlights include exploring the unique agricultural terraces of Moray and witnessing traditional salt harvesting at the ancient Maras salt mines. With hotel pickup, an ATV practice session, and a guided experience, this tour promises an exhilarating way to discover Cusco’s breathtaking natural and cultural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: