Quad Bike Tour, Moray Salt Mines

Ride an ATV through the Sacred Valley on this half-day adventure from Cusco, heading for Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras. The quad bike tour runs for 6 hours, with the valley landscapes in view along the way.

Overview

This half-day outing from Cusco swaps the usual bus window for the handlebars of a Honda TRX 250 quad bike. After hotel pickup in the morning or afternoon, or a meeting at the Plaza de Armas for those staying elsewhere, the group rides a van out to the ATV base near the Sacred Valley. There, guides run a safety briefing and a practice session before anyone sets off, and riders get helmets, gloves, and a bottle of water.

The ride itself takes you across open valley terrain to Moray, an Inca site the guide presents as an agricultural laboratory, where there is free time for photos after the explanation. The route back to base includes stops for pictures with the snow-capped mountains behind you. Then, back in the van, the tour continues to the Salineras de Maras salt ponds for a guided visit, free time, and a tasting of salted chocolates before the return drive to Cusco.

It suits travellers who want a half-day excursion from Cusco, and reviewers often call it fun and worthwhile. Bring cash in soles for the entrance fees, which are paid on site.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in CuscoHotel pickup is included, or travellers staying at an Airbnb meet at the Plaza de Armas at KFC. Pickup begins shortly before the tour starts, and the listed pickup locations are Cusco and Plaza Regocijo.
2. Van to ATV baseA one-hour van transfer from Cusco to the quad bike base in the Sacred Valley.
3. Safety briefingA 15-minute briefing at the base covers how to operate the ATV, followed by practice time and a chance to use the bathrooms.
4. Ride to MorayRiders drive their own ATVs for roughly two hours in total, including the guided visit and free time at Moray, with photo stops along the way. The Moray stop is optional and carries an extra entrance fee.
5. Van to MarasA short 15-minute van transfer from the base to the Maras Salt Mines.
6. Maras Salt MinesA one-hour visit with a guided explanation, free time for photos, and a tasting of salted chocolates. This stop is optional with an extra entrance fee.
7. Return to CuscoA one-hour van ride back, with drop-off in the historic centre at the Plaza de Armas. Drop-off locations include Cusco and Plaza Regocijo.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the day run smoothly, from cash requirements to what to wear on the bike.

• Bring cash. Entrance fees are paid on site in cash soles only. Bring enough soles to cover both entrances and any extras.
• Sun protection. The listing recommends sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen, plus a jacket and comfortable clothes. Several travellers remark on the mountain scenery, so a camera is worth packing too.
• No experience needed. The tour includes a safety briefing and practice session before the ride. Reviewers say the guides give clear instruction on using the ATVs safely.
• Half-day pace. The whole outing runs about six hours, and reviewers describe it as a fun half-day option. One reviewer found it a good acclimatisation activity for a first full day in Cusco.
• Food and tasting. Meals are not included, but the salt mines visit includes a tasting of salted chocolates, which reviewers say they enjoyed.
• Weather prep. A rain poncho is provided depending on the season, and the listing advises a jacket. Sunglasses and a sun hat are also on the packing list.

Common issues. Entrance fees for Moray and the salt mines are not included and must be paid in cash soles, and one reviewer noted an additional community payment of a few soles not advertised in advance. One reviewer also reported that you are not insured on the ATV, so damage or injury costs fall on the rider. Some travellers would have liked more time at Moray and the salt mines, and one noted the guide joins later, so the outbound bus ride is without a guide. The tour ends in the historic centre rather than at your hotel.

Common Questions