ATV Maras Moray
ATV Tour Maras and Moray: Adventure in the Sacred Valley
If you’re looking to add an adrenaline rush to your trip to Cusco, the ATV tour to Maras and Moray is the perfect choice. This exciting excursion lets you leave behind the traditional bus tours and take control of your own all-terrain vehicle through the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You’ll feel the Andean breeze as you traverse dirt roads and vast plains, always surrounded by the imposing presence of the snow-capped Andes.
But this adventure isn’t just about speed; it’s a deep dive into the history and living culture of the Andes. During your ATV tour, you’ll visit the enigmatic agricultural laboratory of Moray, with its impressive, perfectly carved circular terraces, and admire the dazzling white canyon that houses the Maras Salt Mines. Prepare for an exceptional day where the thrill of off-roading blends seamlessly with the mysticism and engineering of the ancient Inca civilization.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
The following schedule details the chronological route of the excursion, based on the morning shift. Times are approximate and depend on the group’s driving pace.
- 7:00 – 7:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center or meeting at a designated central location to begin the trip in tourist transport.
- 8:15 – Arrival at our base of operations located in the Cruzpata area. Welcome, detailed safety briefing, and distribution of personal protective equipment.
- 8:30 – Practice session on a closed circuit. Here you will familiarize yourself with the safe operation of the ATV before heading out onto the open road.
- 9:00 – Start of the off-road adventure. We will drive along agricultural trails and bridle paths, enjoying unparalleled panoramic views of Huaypo Lagoon and the snow-capped peaks of Verónica and Chicón.
- 10:00 – Arrival at the Inca agricultural research center of Moray. We will leave the vehicles for a short guided walking tour of its immense concentric terraces.
- 11:00 – Return to the ATVs and continue the motorized journey towards the picturesque town of Maras.
- 11:30 – Transfer to a closed transport provided by the company to descend to the Maras Salt Mines (due to safety measures and community regulations, ATVs are not permitted direct access to the canyon). Guided tour of the thousands of evaporation ponds of pink salt.
- 12:30 – Return to the Cruzpata base to return the ATVs and safety equipment, and then board the tourist transport for the return trip.
- 13:30 – 14:00 – Arrival in the city of Cusco, with the service ending a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
INCLUDES
Includes
- Round-trip tourist transportation from downtown Cusco to the base of operations in Cruzpata.
- Personal ATV in excellent mechanical condition (automatic or semi-automatic vehicles).
- Complete and approved safety equipment (helmet and gloves).
- Service of a professional tour guide and certified ATV driving instructor.
- Instructional lesson and driving practice prior to the start of the official tour.
- Ongoing mechanical assistance and first-aid kit throughout the route.
Not Include
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (required to enter the Moray archaeological complex).
- Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines (direct payment to the local community authorities).
- Personal accident insurance and vehicle damage insurance.
- Meals, snacks, or hydrating beverages during the tour.
- Personal expenses and purchases of artisanal salt or textile souvenirs.
- Voluntary tips for instructors and guides.
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing, preferably older, that covers your arms and legs. This is an off-road tour, and your clothes will almost certainly get dusty on the Andean dirt roads.
- Wear closed sunglasses or protective goggles to prevent wind and dust from getting in your eyes while driving the ATV.
- Have cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles in small denominations) to pay for entrance tickets to Moray and the Salt Mines, as well as for minor expenses.
- Apply sunscreen before starting the tour and carry it in a small backpack, as ultraviolet radiation is very intense at this altitude.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction; for strict safety reasons, it is forbidden to drive the vehicles wearing sandals or open shoes.
Additional
Additional Information
- Difficulty: Moderate. No prior ATV driving experience is required, as the operation is simple and complete instruction is provided; however, responsibility is required, and participants must follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
- Climate: Temperate, dry, and windy. During the dry season (May to October), the route is extremely dusty, while during the rainy season (November to April), the roads are muddy and full of puddles, adding another level of adventure.
- Altitude: The route runs between 3,300 and 3,500 meters above sea level. The terrain is flat, and the ATV handles the effort, but it is recommended to spend a day acclimatizing in the city beforehand.
- Recommended Age: Drivers must be 16 years or older (with parental authorization). Children under 16 can participate as passengers on the back of the ATV under the sole responsibility of an adult.
- Reference times: This activity usually has daily departures scheduled in two main shifts: one in the morning (approximately at 07:00) and one in the afternoon (approximately at 13:00).