Cusco: Zipline + ATV’s | Salt Mines of Maras and Moray |

The best part of this Cusco outing is the change of pace: one moment you are on an ATV bound for Maras and Moray, and another you are clipped in above the Sacred Valley, crossing four zipline cables. The views can take center stage, but you still get a taste of two important local sights.

I like the individual ATV, which gives you your own ride, and the zipline crew’s playful option to fly in a condor pose. Guides Floyd, Sam, and Juan have been part of the experience, with Floyd leading an engaging ride and site visits, and Sam and Juan handling the cables.

The main trade-off is time at the archaeological sites. Moray may get only about 15 minutes, and admission costs are extra. Bring more cash than you think you need, plus snacks, since lunch is not included.

What to Know Before You Go

• Four zipline cables: The outing includes four cables of different lengths, with panoramic views over the Sacred Valley.
• Your own ATV: An individual quad, fuel, helmet, and gloves are included.
• Maras and Moray stops: Plan for brief visits, not a long archaeological exploration.
• Admission is extra: Maras costs $5, and Moray admission is not included. Carry cash for both.
• A full day out: The experience lasts 450 minutes, with a return to Cusco around 3 p.m.
• Small group, two languages: The group is limited to 10, and the guide speaks English and Spanish.

Four Cables Above the Sacred Valley

This is an active day with two different kinds of fun. The zipline section gives you a quick, thrilling view of the valley from above, while the ATV ride brings you along the route to Maras and Moray. If you like doing more than simply stepping off a bus for photos, the mix is a strong point.

At the zipline base in Raqchi, you receive safety equipment and a short instruction talk before setting off over four cables of varying lengths. The setup is designed for a guided activity, not a solo ride: follow the crew’s instructions and use the provided gear as directed.

One memorable option is the condor pose, flying with your arms out. It adds a bit of fun to an activity that is already about height, speed, and the view. You do not need to treat it as a performance, though. If you would rather keep your body position simple, follow the crew’s guidance and enjoy the ride.

The route offers broad views of the Sacred Valley, and the surrounding peaks include Nevado de Chicón and Pitusiray. Since the scenery is a major part of the day, bring a camera if you want pictures, but keep it secure and use it only when safe to do so. The available details do not specify how cameras are carried or secured on the cables.

The zipline is a highlight for anyone who wants an active excursion, but it is not the whole story. This outing is best understood as a combination package: the cables provide the adrenaline, and the ATV ride and archaeological stops add variety and context.

ATV Riding to Maras and Moray

You ride an individual ATV, with fuel, helmet, and gloves included. That makes the activity feel more personal than sharing one quad, while the guide keeps the group moving along the planned route. Before starting, listen closely to the instructions and make sure you understand how to handle the vehicle.

The ATV portion is also a practical way to connect several parts of the day. Rather than spending the entire excursion in a vehicle, you get time on the quad and stop at Maras and Moray. The ride itself is a central draw, so book this if you want the experience of driving as well as seeing the sites.

Expect the schedule to keep moving. This is a full-day outing with several components, and one account of the day described a short stop at Moray, around 15 minutes. That is enough for a look, but it may feel rushed if you want to study the terraces, take your time with photos, or explore at a slower pace.

The exact order and handoff between activities may feel a little unusual. One account describes starting with the ATV group, then being dropped off with the zipline team and returning to Cusco in a different vehicle. The published activity outline instead describes the zipline first, followed by the ATV stops. Be ready to follow the day’s arrangements and ask your guide what comes next rather than assuming every group will follow precisely the same sequence.

Maras Salt Mines: A Worthwhile Stop

The salt mines of Maras are a striking and educational stop, and they are one of the places where this outing offers more than a thrill ride. The visit is brief, but it gives you a chance to see the attraction up close and hear about it from your guide.

Allow an extra $5 for the Maras entrance fee. This is not part of the $85 activity price, so plan your cash accordingly. The experience details do not specify how long the stop lasts, but the overall schedule includes both Maras and Moray, plus the zipline and ATV ride. In other words, this is a sampler, not a leisurely visit at every stop.

The guide can make a short visit more useful. Floyd, who has led the ATV and site portion, was praised for giving detailed explanations of the local history alongside a fun ride. That combination matters: a little context can help you make sense of what you are seeing even when the clock is tight.

If Maras is one of the main reasons you are booking, keep your expectations measured. You will see it, but the day’s broader mix means you should not count on an extended visit.

Moray: Know the Cost and the Clock

Moray’s circular terraces are a distinctive sight, but two practical issues deserve attention before you go: the extra entrance cost and the short stop. Admission is not included, and the exact price is not specified in the activity information.

A visitor on the trip reported paying 70 soles for Moray and having about 15 minutes to look around. That is one account, not a guaranteed price or schedule, so confirm the current fee if possible and carry enough cash. Some visitors may already have a combined ticket that covers Moray along with other sites, but do not assume your ticket includes it.

The value question is straightforward. If the ATV ride and zipline are your main goals, a short stop at Moray may be a reasonable part of a varied day. If you are paying a separate fee mainly to spend time exploring the site, a 15-minute visit can feel poor value. You can ask the guide how long the stop is expected to last and decide whether you want to enter or wait at the parking area.

This is where the outing asks you to be flexible. You get a taste of Moray, not an in-depth visit. If seeing the site in detail matters more than the activities, consider whether a dedicated archaeological visit would better fit your plans.

What the $85 Price Covers

At $85 per person, the price includes round-trip transportation, an individual ATV, fuel, helmet, gloves, zipline equipment, and a professional bilingual guide. For a day combining transport, two activities, and guided stops, that is a useful bundle. You do not have to arrange separate transport between Cusco and the activity areas.

Still, $85 is not the full day’s cost. Maras admission is $5, Moray admission is extra, and you will need money for other expenses. Lunch is also not included. The Moray charge can matter, especially if you are visiting primarily for the adventure activities and have not budgeted for a separate archaeological-site fee.

Bring cash, as requested, and avoid arriving with only the activity price in hand. The actual amount you need will depend on the Moray admission and any other purchases you make. The available information does not give a confirmed Moray fee, so check before departure if you want a precise budget.

Food is the other easy detail to overlook. The excursion starts early and returns to Cusco around 3 p.m., but there is no lunch included. Pack snacks for the road, and plan your own food rather than expecting a meal stop to be part of the package.

The Pace, Group Size, and Practical Details

The stated duration is 450 minutes, or 7.5 hours, and the expected return to Cusco is around 3 p.m. Check the available starting times when choosing a date, since the activity begins early. Pickup is included, and the guide will call or message you about 15 minutes before pickup.

The group is limited to 10 participants, which can make it easier to hear instructions and keep track of the day’s moving parts. It is still a group outing, so site stops and activity transitions follow a shared schedule. If you prefer to spend as long as you like at each location, this format may feel too structured.

The guide speaks English and Spanish. Give the operator a WhatsApp number with the correct country code before booking, as they use it to communicate with you during the process. This is especially useful when pickup details and activity handoffs need to be coordinated.

Bring your passport, camera, sunscreen, and cash. The activity does not allow alcohol or drugs. It is not suitable for children under 14, wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, people over 275 pounds (125 kilograms), or people with pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a health concern, do not assume the activity is appropriate; check with the provider before committing.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. These terms can help if your plans are still taking shape, but check the current booking details for the available start times and conditions.

Who Will Get the Most From This Day

I would choose this outing if I wanted a busy day with a strong dose of activity and only a short look at Maras and Moray. The ATV ride and four zipline cables are the main attractions, while the salt mines and terraces add variety. The combination can be a good use of a day if you are keen on outdoor fun and happy to keep moving.

It is also a good fit if you like having transportation and equipment arranged for you. The guide, gear, and small-group format take care of several practical details, while the bilingual setup helps English- and Spanish-speaking participants follow along.

I would think twice if you want unhurried time at archaeological sites, need lunch included, or dislike schedule changes and handoffs. The day can involve different crews and vehicles, and Moray may get only a brief stop. That is not necessarily a problem, but it is better to know before you pay any extra entrance fee.

Should you book it? Book if your priorities are the ATV ride, the four zipline cables, and a quick look at Maras and Moray in one outing. Bring snacks, budget for admissions, and ask about the day’s order and Moray timing. If the archaeological sites matter most to you, choose a slower visit instead.

FAQ

How long does the excursion last?

It lasts 450 minutes, or 7.5 hours. The expected return to Cusco is around 3 p.m.

What activities are included?

The outing includes four zipline cables and an individual ATV ride, with stops at the salt mines of Maras and Moray.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Maras admission costs $5, and Moray admission is also extra. The Moray fee is not specified in the activity information.

Is lunch provided?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring snacks for the road.

What equipment is provided?

The included equipment is an ATV, fuel, helmet, gloves, zipline gear, and safety equipment.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English and Spanish.

Who is not suitable for this activity?

It is not suitable for children under 14, wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, people over 275 pounds (125 kilograms), or people with pre-existing medical conditions.