From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike ATV Tour

Explore the captivating history and natural wonders of Peru’s Cusco region on this exhilarating quad bike adventure. Venture through stunning landscapes, discovering the archaeological marvels of Moray and the salt-producing Salineras de Maras. With a guided tour and practice session, thrill-seekers can navigate the rugged terrain on an ATV, seeing the rich cultural heritage. This unique excursion promises an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of the Inca Empire and the enduring traditions of the local community. What secrets await as you set out on this extraordinary journey?

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Quad Bike And ATV Tours In Cusco.

Key Points

• This 6-hour tour from Cusco explores the Inca archaeological site of Moray and the traditional salt pans of Maras, accessed by quad bikes and ATVs.
• The tour includes a practice session to build ATV riding confidence, followed by a 2-hour quad bike ride to Moray and a guided tour of the site.
• Visitors can also explore the Salineras de Maras salt ponds, with an optional stop at an Argan oil factory to sample local products.
• The tour is available in both English and Spanish, with hotel pickups, entry fees, and a continuous water supply included in the $38 per person price.
• The tour has received exceptional reviews for its value, expert guidance, and unforgettable adventure, offering a unique cultural and scenic experience near Cusco.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Moray and the Salt Mines near Cusco, Peru.

Priced from $38 per person, the 6-hour group tour (limited to 15 participants) departs from Cusco and includes hotel pickup.

The experience features an ATV practice session, a quad bike ride to Moray, guided tours of Moray and the Salineras de Maras, and an optional stop at an Argan oil factory.

The tour is available in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will enjoy scenic views of the Veronica and Chichon mountains and the opportunity to discover local products at the traditional market in Maras.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from two locations in Cusco – Plaza Kusipata and the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.

After a short drive, participants get an ATV practice session of 15-20 minutes at Cruz Pata.

Next, they’ll take a 2-hour quad bike ride to the archaeological site of Moray, where a guided tour explores the experimental terraces.

The group then visits the nearby Salineras de Maras, a traditional salt production site, for a guided tour and a chance to ride the ATVs.

There’s an optional stop at an Argan oil factory for 25 minutes.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup from either the Morning Tour at 6:40 AM or the Afternoon Tour at 12:50 PM. Transportation from Cusco to Cruz Pata, where the ATV practice session takes place, is also included. Quad bike helmets and ATVs (either 1 person or shared for 2) are provided, as well as an English and Spanish-speaking guide. The tour includes drop-off in the city center near the Main Square, and entry fees for Moray (70 soles) and Maras (15 soles). Water is also provided throughout the tour.

Inclusions
Hotel pickup	Transportation	ATV equipment
English/Spanish guide	Entry fees	Water

Experience Highlights

Adventurers can explore the archaeological marvel of Moray, discovering its experimental terraces that once served as an Inca agricultural testing ground.

They’ll then venture to the traditional market in Maras to witness salt production, a centuries-old practice that continues to this day.

Along the way, they’ll be treated to scenic views of the Verónica and Chicón mountains, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the salt-harvesting process.

The tour also includes a stop at an Argan oil factory, where visitors can learn about and sample this unique local product, adding an extra layer of culture to the excursion.

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Customer Reviews

Customers who’ve experienced the Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike ATV Tour rave about the exceptional value and unforgettable adventure it provides.

Based on over 4 glowing reviews, the tour earns a stellar 5-out-of-5 rating. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guide, fun ATV experience, and overall excellent organization of the tour.

Many mention enjoying the scenic views and stops to sample local products and shop. One reviewer highlighted the tour’s great value, noting it offered an engaging, full-day excursion at an affordable price.

Across the board, customers highly recommend this tour for those seeking an adventurous and immersive way to explore Moray and the Maras salt mines near Cusco.

ATV Practice Session

A 15-20 minute ATV practice session kicks off the day’s adventure at Cruz Pata. This allows participants to get comfortable handling the quad bikes before embarking on the scenic drive.

Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, riders learn how to operate the ATVs safely, including starting, stopping, turning, and navigating different terrains. This hands-on practice builds confidence and ensures everyone is prepared for the journey ahead.

Once everyone feels confident, the group sets off towards the archaeological site of Moray, ready to explore the ancient Inca ruins and the breathtaking Salineras salt mines in the Andes.

Moray Guided Tour

After the ATV practice session, the group embarks on the 2-hour quad bike ride to the archaeological site of Moray.

Upon arrival, the guide leads a 45-minute tour of this unique and mysterious Inca site. Moray features a series of massive concentric terraces, believed to have been an agricultural experimentation center.

Visitors can wander through the terraces, marveling at the intricate engineering that allowed the Incas to cultivate crops at different altitudes and microclimates.

The guide provides detailed explanations about Moray’s history, purpose, and significance within the Inca Empire.

This guided tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the agricultural innovations of the Incas and the stunning natural setting that frames this archaeological wonder.

Salineras De Maras Tour

After the guided tour of Moray, the group hops back on their quad bikes and makes the short journey to the Salineras de Maras, or the Maras Salt Mines.

The tour guide leads them through the intricate network of salt pools, explaining the centuries-old process of salt production. Visitors can wander through the terraced salt pans, watching local workers harvest the salt by hand.

The stunning landscape, with the Andes mountains providing a dramatic backdrop, makes for an unforgettable experience. The group is given time to explore the site, take photographs, and even purchase locally-made salt products before continuing on to the final stop of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You’ll need to rent an ATV for this tour. The tour includes the use of a quad bike helmet and ATV, either for one person or to be shared between two participants.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the ATV Tour?

The minimum age requirement for the ATV tour is not specified in the provided information. However, it’s common for such tours to have an age limit, often around 16 or 18 years old, for safety reasons.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours are available for an additional fee and allow for more customization and personalized attention during the Moray and salt mines ATV experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for the ATV or Shared Rider Option?

The tour doesn’t specify a weight limit for the ATV or shared rider option. However, it’s important to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations and your comfort level when selecting a single or shared ATV. Participants should disclose any concerns to the tour staff.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour if I Want to Spend More Time at the Sites?

The tour’s duration is fixed at 6 hours, but customers can’t extend it. However, they’re free to spend more time exploring the sites during the scheduled visit times if they wish.

Recap

The "From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike ATV Tour" offers an exhilarating adventure through stunning Andean landscapes. Visitors can explore the archaeological site of Moray and witness the traditional salt harvesting at Salineras de Maras, while enjoying a thrilling ATV ride guided by knowledgeable experts. This unique 6-hour excursion immerses participants in the rich history of the Inca Empire and provides breathtaking views of the Andes mountains.

You can check if your dates are available here: