Maras and Moray Biking Tour From Cusco

The Maras and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco offers an exciting opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Cyclists with moderate experience can embark on a full-day adventure, starting from Cruz Pata and seeing the fascinating history and natural beauty of the region. From the captivating circular terraces of Moray to the iconic Maras Salt Mines, this tour promises a comprehensive experience that showcases the region’s captivating wonders. With hotel pickup, bike rental, a boxed lunch, and entrance fees included, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey through the captivating Andean landscapes.

Key Points

• A full-day biking tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, covering approximately 7km on dirt roads and mountain trails.
• Highlights include exploring the Moray’s circular terraces and visiting the Maras Salt Mines, showcasing Inca agricultural ingenuity.
• The tour is suitable for cyclists with moderate experience and caters to those seeking an immersive and scenic cycling experience in the Urubamba Valley.
• The package includes hotel pickup, bike rental, boxed lunch, and entrance fees, providing a comprehensive and hassle-free tour experience.
• Travelers have consistently provided positive feedback, praising the breathtaking views, knowledgeable guides, and well-maintained equipment.

Tour Overview

The full-day biking tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore the region’s stunning landscapes and renowned archaeological sites.

Highlights include stops at Moray’s circular terraces and the Maras Salt Mines. Suitable for cyclists with moderate experience, the tour includes hotel pickup, bike rental, a boxed lunch, and entrance fees.

Following a morning transfer, participants cycle along dirt roads and mountain trails, covering around 7km before reaching the Moray site and the picturesque Maras village.

The tour also features a visit to the Salineras, or salt mines, and panoramic views of the Urubamba River.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs at 8:30 AM from participants’ Cusco hotels.

After the transfer to Cruz Pata, the biking begins, covering approximately 7km (4.5 miles) along dirt roads and mountain trails.

Along the way, cyclists will explore the remarkable circular terraces of Moray and the picturesque Maras village.

The highlight is a visit to the Salineras (salt mines), where they’ll enjoy stunning views of the Urubamba River.

The tour includes:

• Exploring Moray’s experimental terraces
• Visiting the Maras village
• Witnessing the Salineras (salt mines)
• Taking in panoramic views of the Urubamba River

Cycling Experience

Typically, the Maras and Moray Biking Tour caters to cyclists with a moderate level of experience. The tour covers approximately 7km (4.5 miles) of dirt roads and mountain trails, which requires a certain level of fitness and bike handling skills.

While the terrain isn’t overly technical, it can be challenging for those unfamiliar with off-road cycling. The tour isn’t suitable for beginners or those with serious medical conditions.

Participants are expected to be able to navigate gentle inclines and descents, as well as maintain a steady pace. With the proper preparation and equipment, the cycling portion of the tour can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience.

Moray’s Experimental Terraces

Moray’s circular terraces stand as an intriguing archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

These terraced depressions, carved into the earth, are believed to have served as an experimental agricultural laboratory. The concentric rings descend downward, creating microclimates that allowed the Incas to cultivate a variety of crops:

• Varying temperatures at different depths
• Controlled soil conditions and moisture levels
• Ability to test new crop varieties and growing techniques
• Potential for advanced agricultural practices

This innovative system showcases the Incas’ deep understanding of their environment and their commitment to optimizing food production.

Maras Salt Mines

After exploring Moray’s fascinating experimental terraces, the biking tour continues to the Maras Salt Mines, another captivating destination. These ancient salt evaporation ponds, nestled in the Andes, have been in use for centuries. Visitors can wander through the geometric network of pools, observing the salt-harvesting process and marveling at the striking visual contrast of the bright-white salt against the rugged, reddish-brown terrain.

Key Facts	Details
Origins	The Maras Salt Mines trace their history back to pre-Inca times.
Production	Over 3,000 small pools are used to evaporate salty spring water.
Significance	The salt extracted here holds cultural and economic importance for the local community.
Scenery	The mines offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Urubamba Valley.

Scenic Views

The biking tour offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley and the surrounding Andes mountains.

As cyclists coast down dirt roads and mountain trails, they’ll be treated to stunning vistas in every direction.

Highlights include:

• Sweeping views of the Urubamba River and its lush, green banks
• Dramatic mountain peaks towering in the distance
• Picturesque villages nestled in the valley below
• Expansive views of the Salineras (salt mines) and their unique terraced ponds

These scenic highlights make the biking tour a truly immersive and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

What’s Included

The full-day biking tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley includes a comprehensive package of amenities and services.

Participants receive a briefing the evening before the tour, ensuring they’re well-prepared. During the day, a boxed lunch and snacks are provided, keeping cyclists energized.

The tour also includes the rental of professional bikes, gloves, and helmets, so guests can focus on the adventure.

Entrance fees to Moray (70 soles) and Maras (15 soles) are covered, granting access to these iconic sites.

With these inclusions, the Maras and Moray Biking Tour offers a seamless and well-supported experience for cycling enthusiasts.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about the Maras and Moray Biking Tour. With an average rating of 4.5 stars from 7 reviews, the tour seems to deliver an exceptional experience.

Reviewers highlighted the tour’s highlights, including:

• Breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains
• Knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide insightful information
• Well-maintained bikes and equipment that make the ride comfortable
• The opportunity to explore the unique Moray terraces and Maras salt mines

While a few reviewers suggested upgrading the bikes, the overall consensus is that the Maras and Moray Biking Tour is a must-do activity for those seeking an immersive and scenic cycling adventure in the Sacred Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Different Group Sizes?

The tour can be customized for different group sizes. Group sizes are flexible, and the tour operator can accommodate small or large groups by adjusting the transportation, guides, and other logistics accordingly.

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Personal Equipment?

Guests can bring their own personal equipment like small backpacks and extra cash, but the tour provides essential gear like bikes, helmets, and gloves. Specialized or excessive personal gear isn’t recommended, as moderate fitness is required for the biking.

Is There an Option to Extend the Biking Distance?

The tour allows for extended biking distance, but it’s not included in the standard itinerary. Travelers who want to bike further can coordinate with the tour operator prior to the trip to customize the route.

Are There Storage Facilities for Luggage During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide storage facilities for luggage during the activity. Participants should plan to bring only necessary items they can carry with them on the bike ride. Larger bags or suitcases will need to be left at the hotel or pickup location.

How Does the Weather Typically Affect the Biking Conditions?

The weather can significantly impact the biking conditions. Sunny, dry days are ideal, providing optimal visibility and comfortable temperatures. However, rain or cloudy skies may make the trails more slippery and challenging, requiring extra caution from participants.

Recap

The Maras and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Sacred Valley’s stunning landscapes on two wheels. Cyclists with moderate experience can enjoy the Inca’s agricultural legacy at Moray, marvel at the Maras Salt Mines, and soak in breathtaking views of the Andes. With hassle-free logistics and a comprehensive package, this tour provides an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure.