🏍️ ATV Tour to Moray and Maras Salt Mines
Description
🧭 Description
The ATV Tour to Moray and Maras Salt Mines is one of the most complete and exciting experiences for those who want to discover the Inca heritage, combining culture, nature, and adrenaline. Aboard an ATV, you’ll travel along rural routes in the Sacred Valley, passing through agricultural fields, mountains, and traditional communities until you reach two of the most enigmatic and photographed sites in Cusco: Moray, the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory, and the impressive Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been extracted for centuries using ancient methods.
This tour is perfect for those who want to escape the conventional circuits and explore rural landscapes at their own pace, accompanied by expert guides and with all safety measures in place.
Itinerary
📍 Itinerary – Moray and Maras ATV Tour
🚩 Starting Point: Cruzpata
Our tour begins in the community of Cruzpata, between Chinchero and Maras. Here you will receive the necessary safety equipment (helmet, gloves, goggles) and a brief technical briefing to learn how to ride the ATV. This area is ideal for leisurely practice, as its rural roads are wide and safe.
🔎 Significance: This starting point offers panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range and is the gateway to the landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
🌀 Moray: The Inca Agricultural Rings
After driving along dirt paths between fields of potatoes, beans, and barley, we arrive at Moray, a set of circular terraces dug into the earth that the Incas used as an agricultural experimental center.
Each level of the circle recreated a different microclimate, allowing them to domesticate species and adapt crops to different ecological zones. Your guide will explain how this ancient system influenced Andean agriculture to this day.
🔎 Historical Value: Moray is a symbol of Inca agricultural engineering and their deep understanding of ecosystems.
🧂 Maras Salt Mines: The White Treasure of the Andes
We continue the route to a panoramic viewpoint of the famous Maras Salt Mines, located on the side of a ravine. These more than 3,000 active salt pools date back to pre-Inca times and are operated today by local families.
From the natural viewpoint, you can appreciate the terraced landscape in all its splendor and learn about the artisanal extraction process that has been maintained for generations. Those wishing to enter the pools can do so on their own (optional).
🔎 Cultural value: These salt mines are a living example of communal sustainability and ancestral heritage.
🏁 Return along scenic roads
After visiting both sites, we return along a different route, enjoying the sunset over the Andean countryside, with views of the Chicon snow-capped mountain, the town of Maras, and the valleys in between. At the end, we return the ATVs and return to Cusco by private transportation.
Includes
✅ What does the tour include?
🚐 Round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco
Comfortable and safe service from your accommodation to the starting point in Cruzpata and return to the city at the end of the activity.
🏍️ Single or double ATV (your choice)
Automatic or semi-automatic vehicles, easy to handle, in optimal condition, adapted for all types of participants.
⛑️ Full safety equipment
A helmet, gloves, goggles, and a poncho are provided in case of rain. All equipment is certified and in good condition.
🧑🏫 Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English)
Constant accompaniment by a guide specialized in adventure tourism and Andean culture, with experience on the route.
📸 Strategic stops for photos and guided explanations
Includes time in Moray, the Maras Salt Mines viewpoint, and other points of scenic or cultural value.
🛠️ Logistical and technical support throughout the route
Trained support staff to resolve any unexpected mechanical or emergency issues during the tour.
👥 Small groups
For a personalized, safe, and smoother experience. Ideal for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers.
Not Included
❌ What’s not included?
🎟️ Moray Entrance Fee
The Partial Tourist Ticket (S/70.00) and the General Ticket (S/130.00), required to enter the archaeological site, are not included.
🎟️ Maras Salt Mines Entrance Fee
An additional cost of S/10.00 per person is required if you wish to enter the pools directly (optional; you can only observe from the viewpoint).
🥤 Food or Drinks
Snacks, drinks, and food are not included. It is recommended to bring a reusable water bottle and some personal snacks.
🧥 Personal Clothing or Rainwear
Travelers must bring their own clothing suitable for mountain weather: a jacket, comfortable pants, a hat, or rainwear in the rainy season.
🩺 Medical or Travel Insurance
Personal insurance is not included. It is recommended that you have travel insurance purchased by the traveler.
💸 Voluntary tips
Tips to the guide or driver are optional and are not included in the tour price.
Recommendations
🧭 Tour Recommendations
To ensure you enjoy this experience safely, comfortably, and fully, we recommend keeping the following tips in mind:
👕 Wear comfortable, athletic clothing
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a light jacket. Avoid white or delicate clothing, as the roads are dirt and may be dusty.
👟 Wear closed-toe shoes
Sneakers or hiking boots are ideal. Avoid sandals or shoes without support, as you may lose stability while driving.
🧥 Prepare for weather changes
The weather in Cusco is very changeable. Bring a rain jacket or poncho, especially if you take the tour during the rainy season (November to March).
🧴 Sun protection
Apply sunscreen before the tour and wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a hat or cap. Solar radiation at altitude is intense even on cloudy days.
🦟 Use insect repellent
Although the route is not a jungle route, using insect repellent is useful, especially if you are sensitive to bites.
🎒 Bring only what you need
Use a fanny pack or small backpack to store your personal items: water, snacks, camera, and documents. Avoid large or heavy backpacks.
📸 Bring your camera or cell phone with a full battery.
The scenery in Moray, Maras, and the route in between is spectacular. You can also bring a power bank if you wish.
🚫 Avoid consuming alcohol or heavy meals before the tour.
The route requires concentration while driving, so it’s best to keep your body light and well hydrated.
🪪 Bring your ID or passport.
It’s always advisable to carry it with you in case of any emergency or need.
💰 Bring cash in soles
For entrance fees not included (Moray and Salineras) or local purchases. Digital payments are not always available in rural areas.
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🏍️ Do I need previous experience to drive ATVs?
No. The ATVs are automatic or semi-automatic, and very easy to operate. At the beginning of the tour, you’ll receive a technical briefing and a brief guided practice session. Anyone without experience can ride with confidence.
👥 Can I ride as a passenger if I don’t want to drive?
Yes. You can ride as a co-pilot on a double ATV. This option is ideal for those who prefer to enjoy the scenery without driving.
🎟️ Is admission to Moray and the Salineras included?
No. Admission to Moray requires a Partial Tourist Ticket (S/70.00) or a General Ticket (S/130.00). Admission to the Salt Mines costs S/20.00 and is optional. Both payments are made directly at the site.
🛤️ What type of road is covered during the tour?
It includes paved roads, dirt roads, and rural trails. It is a scenic, safe, and well-maintained route, designed for travelers of all fitness levels.
🌦️ Does the tour operate during the rainy season?
Yes. The tour operates year-round. During the rainy season (November to March), waterproof clothing is recommended. On days with extreme weather, the tour may be rescheduled for safety reasons.
👶 Is there a minimum age to participate?
To drive, you must be at least 16 years old (with a driver’s license). Passengers 12 and older are permitted when accompanied by a responsible adult.
🧳 Can I bring a large backpack or luggage?
No. Only a small backpack or fanny pack is allowed on the tour. All other luggage can be left at your accommodation or in the support vehicle.
🩺 Are there any medical restrictions for this tour?
Yes. The tour is not recommended for people with back injuries, limited mobility, heart conditions, or pregnant women. Please inquire beforehand if you have any specific health conditions.