Cusco to Moray & Maras: ATV Quad Bike Tour with Salt Mines

Summary

Moray terraces maras salt mines quad bike ride from cusco

You’ll ride an ATV quad bike from Cusco through open Andean countryside, visit the mysterious Moray terraces with a local guide, and taste fresh salt at Maras Salt Mines. Expect laughter, real stories from locals, and views you’ll feel long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing a little in the van before sunrise, winding out of Cusco’s sleepy streets. I could smell eucalyptus and that chilly Andean air through the cracked window — it woke me up better than coffee. At the base, our guide Martín handed out helmets and gave us a quick “don’t worry, you’ll get it” pep talk. I’d never driven an ATV before (my hands were actually shaking a bit), but after a few wobbly laps around the dusty lot, it started to feel less like piloting a spaceship and more like… well, fun.

The Sacred Valley opened up as we rode — golden fields, sheep wandering off in slow motion, kids waving from doorways in Maras village. The ATVs made this low rumble under us; I kept getting whiffs of earth and wildflowers every time we slowed for a curve. At Moray, Martín stopped us right at the edge of those deep green terraces. He explained how Inca farmers used them for experiments — something about microclimates that honestly went over my head until he showed us how cold it felt at the bottom compared to the top. The air shifted there — you could almost taste the minerals.

After riding back to base (I got braver on the throttle), we jumped in a van for the last stretch to Maras Salt Mines. The sunlight hit thousands of salt pools just right — blinding white, almost pink in places. A woman named Rosa let us try some fresh salt crystals; they were crunchier than I expected, left this tang on my tongue that stuck around even after we left. I caught myself grinning like an idiot when Martín made a joke about “Inca snow.”

I still think about that first rush of wind and grit on my face as we sped toward Moray. There’s something about seeing these places with dust on your boots instead of through a bus window — you know? It wasn’t perfect (my jeans are probably ruined), but I’d do it again just for that feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour to Moray and Maras Salt Mines

• Hotel pickup in Cusco (morning tour)
• Safety briefing and ATV practice
• Ride ATV through Andean countryside
• Explore Moray Inca terraces
• Return to base by ATV
• Travel by vehicle to Maras Salt Mines
• Visit Maras Salt Mines
• Return to Cusco by evening

Top questions

How long does the quad bike tour from Cusco to Moray & Maras take?

The half-day tour usually lasts around 6-7 hours including transport from Cusco and all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this ATV tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cusco is included for morning departures only.

Do I need prior experience to drive an ATV?

No experience is needed; there’s a safety briefing and practice session before starting.

What places do we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit Moray agricultural terraces and Maras Salt Mines, passing through Maras village along the way.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included; plan to bring snacks or eat before/after your tour.

Are guides bilingual?

Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English during the tour.

Can pregnant travelers join this ATV tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small group tour; exact numbers may vary but groups are kept limited for safety and enjoyment.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Cusco (with hotel pickup in the morning), all ATV equipment like helmet and gear, bilingual guidance throughout both English and Spanish, plus entry to both Moray terraces and Maras Salt Mines before heading back to Cusco in the evening.