Mountain Bike Ride Moray to Maras Salt Mines from Ollantaytambo

Ride through Moray's circular terraces, down to a pre-Inca salt mine still worked by hand

A mountain bike ride through Peru's Sacred Valley starting from Ollantaytambo, visiting the archaeological site of Moray and the salt pools of Maras. You bike between the two sites on trail, stop to rest and photograph the surrounding mountains and glaciers, and watch local workers harvest salt using centuries-old methods. The guide and driver accompany you the whole way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Sacred Valley of the Incas1h
2. Maras Salt Pools1h

Explore Sacred Valley by bike

• Pick up from hotel or Ollantaytambo
• Drive to Moray archaeological site
• Visit Moray Agricultural Terraces
• Start biking on scenic trail
• Stop for rest and photos
• Bike to pre-colonial village of Maras
• Visit Maras Salt Mines
• Observe local salt production

The experience

The ride covers four to six hours and moves between three distinct stops: Moray's concentric agricultural terraces, the pre-colonial village of Maras, and the salt mines where families still produce salt by hand. Transport gets you to Moray first so you can walk the archaeological site before mounting the bike. From there the route follows trail through the valley, with stops built in so you can rest, drink water and frame shots of the mountains and glaciers that ring the Sacred Valley.

The salt mines are the day's endpoint: a working landscape of shallow pools where water from a natural spring evaporates into salt crystals. Local producers have operated this site since before the Incas, and you'll see them at work if the timing aligns. The guide stops to explain what you're watching and answer questions. Bikes, helmets, gloves and snacks travel with you. The driver stays with the group the entire day.

Pickup happens at Ollantaytambo or from your hotel in the Sacred Valley (Cusco and Pisaq Valley pickups carry a fee). If you're heading to Cusco after the ride, the driver can drop you in Urubamba to catch onward transport instead of returning to the start point.

What’s included

• Use of a mountain bike, helmet and gloves.
• bottled water and snacks.
• a guide and driver for the full day.
• pickup from Ollantaytambo or your Sacred Valley hotel.

Information

Lasts 4h–6h, runs every day at 08:00 and 08:30, from US$ 109 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 23 pickup points.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (40 to 65 years) · Youth (15 to 39 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ortiz Adventure Tours Peru

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish, so you can follow the commentary comfortably in either language. The fixed route and pacing suit riders with moderate fitness who want structure and stops for photos rather than a self-guided pedal.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 39 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What is Moray and why does the ride start there?

Moray is an archaeological site of concentric circular terraces built into a hillside, thought to be an Inca agricultural laboratory. The ride begins there so you can walk the site before biking onward to Maras, giving context to the valley's pre-Columbian engineering.

How difficult is the biking, and what kind of trail am I riding?

The route is described as a nice trail through the Sacred Valley between Moray and Maras. You need at least moderate fitness. The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Children must be at least 15 years old.

Do I need to pay extra to enter Moray and the salt mines?

Yes. Entrance to Moray costs 70 Soles and entrance to the salt mines costs 20 Soles. These are separate from the bike tour price and paid on the day.

What happens if I need to get to Cusco after the ride instead of returning to Ollantaytambo?

The driver can drop you in Urubamba, where you can board onward transport to Cusco. Let the operator know this plan when you book so they can arrange it.

What's included in the bike tour itself?

The bike, helmet, gloves, bottled water and snacks are all provided. The guide and driver stay with you throughout the day. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase if you want them.