Tour overview
This tour combines the thrill of riding an ATV with two of the Sacred Valley's most striking landscapes. You ride dirt roads across the Chinchero plateau, with the snowcapped Urubamba range in the background and Andean villages along the way, to the circular terraces of Moray and the thousands of pools at the Maras Salt Mines. No prior experience is needed. Before setting off you get a safety briefing and a short practice session. Magone Viajes takes care of your transport, gear, guide and tickets.
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Best time to travel April to October (dry season, with less muddy trails)
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Maximum altitude About 3,700 m / 12,140 ft (Chinchero plateau)
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Physical difficulty Easy to moderate (no experience needed, but you do need to ride carefully)
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Minimum number of passengers 2 adults
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Maximum number of passengers 12 adults
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Booking lead time 1 to 3 days in advance
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Permits Cusco Tourist Ticket (for Moray) and Maras Salt Mines entrance
Highlights
- Moray and the Maras Salt Mines by ATV, in half a day from Cusco.
- Route: the Chinchero plateau, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and back to Cusco.
- About 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) of riding on rural roads.
- Single or double ATVs, with helmet, gloves and a guide.
- Perfect for travelers who want some adventure without trekking.
- 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 Cruzpata or Chinchero, 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.
Ride to Moray
You follow the guide along dirt roads through potato and quinoa fields, with views of the snowcapped Chicón and Verónica peaks, all the way to Moray. There your Magone Viajes guide walks you through the circular terraces.
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 and see how the salt is harvested.
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. Expect dust in the dry season and mud in the rainy season.
- Wear closed sneakers or boots. Sandals aren't allowed.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a bandana or buff for the dust.
- Carry cash in soles for the salt mines entrance, 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.
- Don't ride if you've had alcohol or are feeling unwell from the altitude.
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.
- Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket and Maras Salt Mines entrance, if included in the program.
- Return to Cusco.
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket and Maras Salt Mines entrance, 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
Do I need a driver's license or experience?
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.
Is it dangerous?
It's safe as long as you follow the guide's instructions and ride at a moderate speed. The group rides together behind the guide.
Can two people share an ATV?
Yes, with the double option: one person drives and the other rides as a passenger.
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 classic Maras and Moray tour?
You visit the same sites, but you cover part of the route on an ATV instead of by bus.
