Two famous Sacred Valley stops, powered by quad bikes. You ride out of Cusco to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, with guided context and plenty of time to soak up the views.

I especially like how the day starts with a real ATV safety lesson (plus a practice run) before you head into the countryside. I also like that Moray and Maras aren’t treated like quick photo stops—each gets guided explanations and then room to wander.

One key caution: entrance fees for both sites cost extra and are cash-only, so you’ll want soles ready before you arrive.

Key highlights you should know

• Safety first, even for first-timers: helmets, gloves, and a briefing plus practice time before you go.
• You control your pace on your own ATV: semiautomatic Honda TRX 250 makes it easier to drive.
• Moray comes with context: you’ll learn how the Incas used it as an agricultural laboratory before you explore.
• Maras Salt Mines feel surreal in person: white terraces, guided explanation, and time for photos.
• Salt-mine tasting is part of the experience: salted chocolates come with the visit.
• Budget for entrances on the day: Moray and Salt Mines fees aren’t included in the $27.

What this ATV tour feels like in the Sacred Valley

This is a half-day (about 6 hours) style tour that mixes two “must-see” sites with real driving time on an ATV. Instead of spending the day sealed in a vehicle, you get to travel through the Cusco Region countryside and stop along the way for mountain views and photos.

The rhythm is simple: Cusco pickup → van ride to the ATV base → ATV time to Moray → short transfer to Maras → return to Cusco. It’s not a slow cultural tour. It’s more like: learn the story, get the big views, then ride on.

If you like mixing history with motion, this format works. It also makes sense for a time-pressed trip: you get two headline sites without needing an entire day of logistics.

Pickup, ATV training, and the kit you’re given

Pickup is included from most hotels in Cusco’s Historical Center. If you’re staying at an Airbnb or private residence, the meeting point is listed at Plaza de Armas at KFC, and you’ll need to share your address and a contact number so they can confirm the nearest pickup point.

Right before you start, expect pickup to begin about 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time. Once you’re in a group, you’ll ride by van for about an hour to the ATV base camp.

At the base, the day typically kicks off with:

• A safety briefing (about 15 minutes)
• Helmets and gloves (provided)
• Practice time on the ATV so you get your bearings fast

The ATVs are Honda TRX 250, and reviews often mention the bikes feel easy to manage, especially for people without prior ATV experience. If you want a confidence boost before you go, this short training block matters.

You’ll also receive a bottle of water, and in cooler or wetter seasons you’ll get a rain poncho (season-dependent). Dress in layers: Cusco area mornings and late afternoons can shift quickly, and you’ll be both in open air and at higher elevations.

Riding to Moray: the “Inca agricultural laboratory” stop

Moray is the Sacred Valley place you can’t fully appreciate just by looking at it once. The best part here is that you get a guided explanation first—how the Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory—then you’re released to explore and take photos at your own pace.

After the safety prep at the base, you ride your ATV toward Moray. The route includes guided stops for photos, with chances to see snow-capped mountain views and wide Sacred Valley panoramas.

How much time you get at Moray

You’ll get a mix of:

• guided touring
• time to wander on your own for photos
• some time that keeps the flow moving with the ATV experience

That said, this is still a “half-day” schedule. If you want a deep, museum-style guided walk through every corner, you might feel Moray is a bit short. One rider specifically wished they’d had more time at Moray.

Entrance fee reality check

Moray’s entrance fee is not included. The cost is 70 soles, and you can only pay in cash on site. So plan to bring enough soles for the day’s add-ons.

If you’re trying to decide whether to prioritize Moray or Maras, here’s the practical takeaway: Moray is where the history clicks fast because you get the agricultural-lab context before free time.

Maras Salt Mines: white terraces, salt ponds, and salted treats

Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras) are famous for a reason: those stepped, white salt terraces look unreal until you’re standing near them. On this tour, you arrive after leaving the ATVs at the base and transferring by vehicle for a short ride.

At Maras, your guide explains what you’re looking at—how salt extraction works through the salt ponds—and you get time for photos and wandering. You also get a salted chocolate tasting, which is a fun extra that ties the place to something you can actually buy and remember.

What to expect during the visit

Maras is very photogenic, and your guide will give you enough orientation to understand the site quickly. The visit is time-managed, so you’re not stuck waiting around. You’re also not rushed through with zero context; there’s guided talk before you get freedom to explore.

Entrance fee reality check

Salt Mines entrance is also not included. It’s 20 soles, and again it’s cash-only on site.

Photo stops, pace, and staying safe on the road

The day mixes three types of time:

1) driving time (ATV)

2) structured site time (guided explanations)

3) flexible time (photos and wandering)

The ATV portion includes planned moments to stop for photos, which is where the Sacred Valley views really shine. You’ll also likely see different angles of the salt mines area—some guides and routes tend to offer dramatic sightlines while you’re in motion.

Road etiquette can make or break the fun

One thing I think is worth saying plainly: keep your distance. Guides emphasize spacing for a reason, and one review called out how tailgating other ATVs can create a risky situation.

If you like to ride hard and close, this tour will still ask you to play it smart. The goal is fun plus control, not bumper-to-bumper chaos.

Dirt, puddles, and weather

ATV riding in the Cusco Region can get messy. Some riders mentioned it was dirtier than expected, and that the route could include mud and puddles. So don’t wear your best white sneakers. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, and bring sunglasses even on cloudy days.

If rain shows up, you’ll have a poncho, and gloves/helmets help a lot with comfort. Still, expect the day to feel like an outdoor adventure.

Price and value: what $27 covers, plus what to budget

The advertised price is $27 per person, and it includes a lot of real costs:

• roundtrip tourist transport (Cusco ↔ ATV base ↔ Cusco)
• a certified bilingual professional guide
• Honda TRX 250 ATVs
• helmets and gloves
• water
• rain poncho depending on season
• individual or shared ATV options (depending on what you choose)

So where does the extra money come in? Two entrance fees:

• Moray: 70 soles (cash)
• Maras Salt Mines: 20 soles (cash)

That’s 90 soles total in site fees, not counting tips or food.

Then there’s the tourist ticket piece. You’re told a tourist ticket is essential for some activities and sites, and you can only pay in cash on the same site. Options listed are:

• General ticket: 130 soles, valid for 10 days
• Partial ticket: 70 soles, valid for 2 days

Is it worth it?

For most people, yes—because you’re paying for more than just getting from point A to point B. You’re paying for:

• ATV training and safety gear
• an ATV route with photo stops
• guided explanations at both major sites
• the salt-mine tasting

If you already have a tourist ticket and you like hands-on driving, the value is strong. If you hate paying extra cash day-of or you want slow, classroom-style guiding, you may feel the schedule gets a bit compact.

Which kind of traveler should book this

This is a great fit if you:

• want ATV fun without needing prior experience (briefing + practice help)
• want to see both Moray and Maras without dedicating a whole day
• like guides who explain what you’re seeing and keep the group moving
• enjoy photos and scenery stops along the way

From guide patterns in the feedback, names like Floyd, Wilson, Gustavo, Andy, Joel, Kristien, and Carlos show up often—and the common thread is friendly, informative guidance. If your priority is clear instruction and good hosting, that’s what this style of tour tends to deliver.

It’s not a good match if you:

• want a slow, deep guided history tour
• are sensitive to getting dusty
• are traveling with kids under 6
• are pregnant (not suitable, per the tour notes)

Should you book the Quad Bike tour to Moray and Maras?

Book it if you want a practical, high-reward Sacred Valley outing: you’ll get ATV driving, two headline sites, guided context at both locations, and a salt-mine tasting—without burning a full day in transit.

Skip or rethink it if cash logistics will stress you out. Entrance fees for Moray and the Salt Mines are extra and paid in cash on site, and the day can include time at a shop stop for souvenirs. Also, if you’re expecting a long, deeply guided walk at Moray, plan for shorter, fast-moving site time.

My simple decision rule: if your idea of a great Cusco day is mixing stories with movement, this tour will likely hit the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Cusco?

The tour runs about 6 hours, with pick-up from Cusco and return to the historic center by the end.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from most hotels in the Historical Center area. If you’re staying at an Airbnb or private residence, the meeting point can be Plaza de Armas at KFC, and they ask for your address and contact number to confirm the closest pickup point.

What’s included with the ATV riding?

You get roundtrip tourist transport, a certified bilingual guide, Honda ATVs (TRX 250), a helmet and gloves, and a bottle of water. Rain ponchos are provided depending on the season, and you can choose individual or shared ATV options.

Do I need cash for Moray and the Salt Mines?

Yes. Moray entrance is 70 soles (cash only) and Salt Mines entrance is 20 soles (cash only). The tour notes also emphasize having the right ticket for sites, and paying in cash on site.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, sunscreen, a jacket, comfortable clothes, cash, and your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnancy?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 6 years old, and it’s also not recommended for pregnant women.