Sacred Valley: Maras & Moray ATV Tour from Cusco

Moray’s circular terraces and the bright salt pans of Maras are memorable sights on their own. Reaching them by ATV adds a more active stretch of countryside: you follow rural tracks, handle uphill and downhill sections, and get a closer look at the fields and mountain views along the way.

I like two things about this outing: the ATV ride is a substantial part of the day, not just a quick spin, and you combine it with two distinctive Sacred Valley stops. Guides such as Felix, Joel, and Floyd have been singled out for being patient with new drivers and helpful with photos.

The main trade-off is time. Some participants found the visits to Moray and the salt mines brief, and the entry fees may be extra depending on the option you book. Check what your price includes before you set off.

At a glance

• A roughly two-hour ATV segment takes you along rural tracks in the Maras area, with uphill and downhill terrain.
• Moray and the Maras salt mines are both included as stops, but entrance fees depend on the booking option.
• The trip lasts about six hours, including hotel pickup, transfers, the ride, and guided visits.
• You get a bilingual guide and safety gear, including a helmet and gloves.
• Expect dust and changing weather. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and a waterproof jacket.
• The base price is listed at $25 per person, so confirm whether admission fees and any extras are included in your selected option.

From Cusco to the Sacred Valley

The day starts with hotel pickup in Cusco and a drive of roughly 50 minutes to an hour. Your destination is the community of Chjua, also called Mahuaypampa, where the ATV activity begins. You should be ready at the stated pickup time and wait in your hotel reception area for the company representative.

This transfer matters when you plan the rest of your day. The ride is not a standalone loop starting in central Cusco; the tour combines transport, the ATV activity, and visits to archaeological and natural sites. The full outing takes about six hours, with a morning departure listed at 6:30 a.m. or an afternoon departure at 1:00 p.m. The stated return times are approximately 1:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Before leaving, eat a meal. There is no food included, and the schedule may not leave a convenient window for a proper meal during the excursion. Take cash for admissions and other expenses at the stops.

Getting comfortable on a Honda ATV

At the base, the guide gives a short safety briefing, listed as about 15 minutes, before you ride. The vehicle is a Honda TRX 250cc ATV, and the tour provides a helmet and gloves. Pay attention to the instructions, particularly if you have never used an ATV or are unfamiliar with its controls.

Past participants have described guides taking time to explain the gears and letting a first-time driver proceed slowly. That patience can make a real difference: you should not feel pressured to match the pace of a more experienced rider. If you are nervous, tell the guide before the group sets off.

The difficulty is rated moderate, with both uphill and downhill sections. You should be comfortable following instructions and handling a vehicle on uneven rural paths. The advertised fun includes getting dusty and steering around obstacles, so this is not the neatest way to see the valley. It is part of the appeal, but you will be happier if you dress for dirt.

Riding the rural tracks near Moray

The ATV portion takes about two hours, according to the schedule. You ride through rural paths and the trails around the Maras community, passing cultivated fields and open views toward the Urubamba mountain range. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of Veronica and Chicón are among the striking features of the route.

The ride is the activity’s main selling point if you want more than a transfer between sites. You get time on the ATV and a changing view of the countryside, rather than simply arriving at Moray by road. But remember that you are following a group route, not setting your own pace or choosing a long independent ride.

Dust is likely, especially on dry paths. Sunglasses and sunscreen are useful even on a cloudy day, while a waterproof jacket is sensible when the weather turns. Rain ponchos may be available seasonally, but do not rely on that in place of your own weather layer.

Guides may also help with photos along the route. Felix, Joel, and Floyd are among the names associated with past outings, with participants praising their care and friendliness. Guide assignments can vary, so treat those names as examples rather than a promise about who will lead your departure.

Moray’s circular agricultural terraces

Moray is the first major site visit in the listed sequence. Its circular terraces are often described as agricultural experimentation laboratories, a useful clue to why this is more than a scenic stop. The rings descend into the ground in broad steps, creating a shape that looks quite different from the rectangular terraces elsewhere in the region.

You will have a guide for the visit, but the available timing suggests that the stop can be short. Some past participants felt they had only 15 to 20 minutes at each site, which may be enough to see the main formations and take a few pictures, but not enough for a leisurely visit.

That short window is worth considering if archaeology is a priority for you. Moray is one of the places where an extended walk and unhurried explanation could add value, yet this is a combined ATV outing with several stops and transfers. If you want to study the site in detail, you may prefer a tour that gives it more time.

Maras and its working salt pans

After the ATV ride, transport takes you down to the Maras salt mines for a guided visit. The salt pans form a striking patchwork on the hillside, and their pale surfaces make a strong contrast with the surrounding earth and fields. This is the stop that many people find especially photogenic.

Allow for a compact visit rather than a long one. The schedule gives the salt mines about an hour, but the time at the viewpoint and paths can feel shorter once the group is moving together. If you want photographs, keep your camera or phone handy and listen for instructions about where you can walk.

Admission is a key budget detail. The information gives a Maras salt mine entrance fee of S/. 20. It also says that Moray and Maras entrance fees are included for the private option only, while another section lists the fees as not included. These details do not line up neatly, so check your exact booking choice before paying. The stated Moray admission is S/. 70, and Huaypo Lagoon is listed at S/. 5, though Huaypo is not part of the main route described here.

What the $25 price does and does not tell you

At $25 per person, this looks like an inexpensive way to combine transport, an ATV ride, a guide, and two Sacred Valley visits. The value depends on what your selected option covers. The listed inclusions include private transportation for ATV participants, hotel pickup, a bilingual Spanish and English guide, helmet and gloves, a Honda ATV, complimentary Wi-Fi at the ATV base, seasonal rain ponchos, and drop-off at Cusco’s main square.

Admission charges need a careful check. The price details say Moray and Maras entry are included only with the private option, while the exclusions list the Moray and salt mine fees separately. Ask the operator which admissions apply to your specific booking, rather than assuming the $25 price covers every gate.

Food is not included, and the tour advises carrying local cash for expenses at the sites. There is also an optional second activity, such as a zipline, which adds about two hours to the total duration. That may be a good fit if you want a longer activity day, but it changes the outing from a half-day plan to something closer to a full day.

Timing, comfort, and safety

The morning and afternoon schedules make it easier to fit this outing around other plans, but leave some breathing room on either side. The stated duration is about six hours, and one participant needed help getting to another scheduled tour afterward. The operator reportedly helped arrange a taxi and connect the person with the next activity, but you should not count on a tight connection working out every time.

The company offers private or small-group options. Group size can affect how long the stops feel, since everyone needs time to gather, hear instructions, and move between locations. If you care most about lingering at Moray or the salt mines, ask how much time your chosen option allows.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, babies under one year old, people over 95, or drivers under 16. Do not bring weapons or sharp objects, and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Follow the guide’s instructions throughout, especially on the uneven and sloping sections of the route.

Cancellation information is inconsistent: one part says you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, while another says cancellation is 12 hours in advance for full reimbursement. Confirm the applicable deadline when booking. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also listed, which can help if your plans are not fixed.

Who should book this ATV outing?

I would choose this tour if you want to combine a hands-on activity with two of the Sacred Valley’s best-known sights, and you are willing to accept a brisk schedule. It suits people who are curious about ATV riding, enjoy open countryside, and do not mind dusty clothes. It can also work for beginners, provided they are comfortable with the moderate terrain and communicate their experience level to the guide.

I would think twice if your main goal is a slow, detailed archaeological visit. The appeal here is the mix: a ride, Moray, the salt pans, and round-trip transport from Cusco. That combination saves you from arranging each leg yourself, but it also means that time at each site is limited.

Before you book, confirm two things: whether your option includes the Moray and Maras entrance fees, and how long your group will spend at each stop. If those terms suit you, the ride adds a lively way to see the countryside between Cusco and the valley’s major sights.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The outing takes about six hours. Adding a second activity such as a zipline adds approximately two hours.

What are the departure times?

The listed departure times are 6:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Check availability for your preferred date and time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup from a hotel in Cusco is included, and the tour returns to Cusco’s main square.

What language does the guide speak?

The tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

What ATV and safety equipment are provided?

The tour provides a Honda TRX 250cc ATV, a certified helmet, and gloves.

Are entrance fees included?

They are included for Moray and Maras with the private option, according to the activity details. Other information lists these fees as excluded, so confirm what your chosen option covers before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring cash, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a waterproof jacket. Eat before departure, since food is not included.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, babies under one year old, people over 95, or drivers under 16.