Tour overview
This ATV route is for travelers who want adventure and scenery away from the busiest circuits. You ride dirt roads through farmland and small villages on the Chinchero plateau to Huaypo Lake, a mirror of water ringed by reeds, with the snowcapped Urubamba range in the background. Then you continue to the Maras Salt Mines, thousands of salt pools that have been worked since before the Incas. No experience is needed. Before setting off you get a safety briefing and a practice session. Magone Viajes takes care of your transport, gear, guide and tickets.
-
Best time to travel April to October (dry season, with clear skies and firm trails)
-
Maximum altitude About 3,700 m / 12,140 ft (Chinchero plateau)
-
Physical difficulty Easy to moderate (no experience needed, but you do need to ride carefully)
-
Minimum number of passengers 2 adults
-
Maximum number of passengers 12 adults
-
Booking lead time 1 to 3 days in advance
-
Permits Maras Salt Mines entrance and, if charged, a community fee at Huaypo. No Cusco Tourist Ticket needed
Highlights
- Huaypo Lake and the Maras Salt Mines by ATV, in half a day from Cusco.
- Route: the Chinchero plateau, Huaypo Lake, the Maras Salt Mines and back to Cusco.
- About 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) of riding on rural roads.
- Views of the snowcapped Chicón and Verónica peaks, weather permitting.
- No Cusco Tourist Ticket required, just the salt mines entrance.
- Price on request per person.
Itinerary
Pickup in Cusco
We pick you up from your hotel at around 8:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., depending on the departure, and drive about 1 hour to the ATV base in Chinchero or Cuncani, depending on the program.
Safety briefing and practice
You get your helmet, gloves and goggles or a balaclava, depending on the program, go over the safety instructions and practice for a few minutes before heading out.
Huaypo Lake
You follow the guide along dirt roads and through Andean villages to the lake. We stop for photos while your Magone Viajes guide tells you about local community life and, depending on the program, about the birds that live on the lake.
Maras Salt Mines
You ride on to a viewpoint above the salt mines, then walk or drive down, depending on the program, to explore the pools, see how the salt is harvested and shop for pink salt and salt products.
Return to Cusco
You drop off the ATVs at the base and drive back to Cusco, arriving around 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.
Tips
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and a windbreaker, since a cold wind blows across the plateau.
- Wear closed sneakers or boots. Sandals aren't allowed.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a buff or bandana for the dust.
- Carry cash in soles for entrance fees, if not included in the program, and to buy salt.
- If you've never driven a vehicle, you can ride as a passenger on a double ATV.
- Respect the fields and local communities, and ask before photographing people.
What's included
Included
- Pickup from your Cusco hotel and transport to the ATV base.
- Single or double ATV, depending on the program, and fuel.
- Helmet, gloves and protective gear.
- Safety briefing and practice before setting off.
- Professional Magone Viajes guide.
- Maras Salt Mines entrance, if included in the program.
- Return to Cusco.
Not included
- Maras Salt Mines entrance and community fee, if not included.
- Meals.
- Damage to the ATV from misuse, per the operator's terms.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Huaypo Lake?
On the Chinchero plateau, at about 3,500 m (11,480 ft), roughly 1 hour by road from Cusco.
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
No. This route skips Moray, so you only pay the Maras Salt Mines entrance plus a community fee, if charged.
Do I need experience or a license?
No experience is needed, since you'll get a briefing and practice before setting off.
What's the minimum age?
18 to drive. Younger travelers can ride as passengers on a double ATV; the minimum age for a passenger depends on the program.
Does it run in the rainy season?
Yes, though from December to March the trails get muddy. Bring a rain jacket and a change of clothes.
How is this different from the Maras and Moray ATV tour?
It swaps Moray for Huaypo Lake. It's a quieter, more scenic route that doesn't require the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
