Cusco & Sacred Valley: ATV Tour Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Pickup

Summary

ATV adventure from Cusco to Moray and Maras salt pools with local guide

You’ll feel the wind on your face as you ride an ATV through Peru’s Sacred Valley, pause at Moray’s ancient terraces with your guide’s stories swirling around you, then taste salty chocolate above Maras’ white pools before heading back to Cusco—all with easy hotel pickup and friendly company.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my hands to smell like dust and wild herbs so quickly. We’d just left the base camp near Cruzpata—me, a couple from Lima, and our guide Julia, who has this way of laughing at your nerves without making you feel silly. The quadbike felt heavier than I thought it would (maybe because I was gripping the handles for dear life at first), but after a few minutes on those Andean backroads, I started to loosen up. The Sacred Valley opens up in front of you—patchwork fields, stone fences, that kind of big sky you only get at altitude. Julia pointed out a flock of sheep that looked like moving clouds against the green.

The ride to Moray took about 45 minutes. My helmet kept slipping down over my eyebrows and I kept pushing it back up—probably looked ridiculous. When we got off the ATVs near the archaeological site, there was this sudden hush except for wind and distant barking dogs. The circular terraces at Moray are strange up close—like something out of a sci-fi movie but also really old and earthy. Julia explained how they were used for crop experiments by the Incas; she drew little diagrams in the dirt with a stick while some local kids watched us from behind a wall. I still think about how cool it was to stand there and imagine potatoes growing in those rings centuries ago.

After we rode back (my arms definitely felt it by then), we all piled into a van for the short drive to Maras Salt Mines. You can smell the salt before you see it—sharp and mineral in the air—and then suddenly there are hundreds of white pools spilling down the hillside. We tasted salted chocolate in one of the tiny shops (I bought two bars; ate one before we even got back to Cusco). There was time to wander around or just sit on a rock and watch people working with wooden tools, their hands moving slow but sure.

By late afternoon we were back in Cusco’s center, helmets dusty and faces sunburnt but smiling. The city noise felt louder after all that open space. If you’re looking for an ATV tour in Sacred Valley that mixes adrenaline with actual history—and some weirdly good chocolate—this day trip is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour and visits in Sacred Valley

• Pick up at Cusco hotel
• Drive 50 minutes to Cruz Pata basecamp
• Receive instructions and practice ATV riding
• Ride quadbikes 45 minutes to Moray site
• Guided tour of Moray archaeological site
• Ride quadbikes 45 minutes back to basecamp
• Van ride 25 minutes to Salt Mines
• Explore salt ponds and shop souvenirs
• Taste salted chocolate
• Return to Cusco with possible salt shop stop
• Drop off at Cusco city center

Top questions

How long does the ATV tour from Cusco to Moray and Maras take?

The full day trip lasts several hours including transfers: about 45 minutes riding each way plus stops at Moray and Maras Salt Mines.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sacred Valley ATV tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if your hotel is in central Cusco (morning session only). Otherwise there’s a meeting point option.

Do I need previous experience to drive an ATV on this tour?

No prior experience is needed; there’s a practice session at base camp before heading out into the valley.

Are entry fees or equipment included?

Yes, all necessary equipment like helmet and gloves are provided; entry fees are covered as part of your booking.

Can children join this ATV tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult during the tour.

What should I bring for the day trip to Moray and Maras?

A valid passport is required; bring sun protection and maybe extra cash for snacks or souvenirs at Maras Salt Mines.

Where does the tour end?

You’ll be dropped off in central Cusco after returning from Maras Salt Pools.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Cusco (or meeting point), round-trip shared transfer to Cruzpata base camp, all equipment like helmet and gloves, bilingual English-Spanish guide throughout, guided visits at both Moray terraces and Maras Salt Mines—with time for tasting local salted chocolate—before drop-off back in Cusco’s center.