If you’re planning a trip to Cusco and want to experience something unique, thrilling, and surrounded by unforgettable landscapes, the quad bike tour to Maras and Moray is an unmissable option. This adventure combines adrenaline, living culture, and deep contact with the Andean nature. You’ll not only explore one of the most beautiful settings in the Sacred Valley, but also gain insight into the rural life of Peru.
Staying in a hotel in the Sacred Valley gives you the advantage of being close to the tour’s starting point, saving time and allowing you to make the most of this exciting experience. From the first ride to the final return, every part of the quad bike tour is designed to surprise you with stunning views and memorable moments.
Why take a quad bike tour in Cusco?
Quad bike tours have become increasingly popular in Cusco because they offer a fun and off-the-beaten-path way to explore the Sacred Valley’s natural environment. Here are a few reasons why travelers choose this type of tour:
Access to rural roads and hidden spots that traditional tours often miss.
Perfect for adventure seekers looking for excitement in a safe environment.
Visit several sites in just a few hours, making it a time-efficient activity.
Suitable for all experience levels: whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll enjoy the ride. You can also ride as a passenger if you prefer not to drive.
Being out in the open air, with the wind in your face and mountains all around, brings a sense of freedom and connection with the land that few tours can match.
What are Maras and Moray?
Maras is famous for its pre-Incan salt mines. Thousands of shallow salt pools sparkle on the mountain slope, used even today for harvesting salt. Each pool is owned by a local family, and the traditional methods of extraction have been preserved for centuries.
Moray is a unique archaeological site consisting of circular terraced depressions, once used as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Each level of the terraces has a different microclimate, allowing the Incas to experiment with crop adaptation and development.
Both places are among the most photogenic in Peru and are must-see stops for anyone visiting Cusco. Reaching them by quad bike adds a fun and adventurous dimension to the experience.
What is the quad bike tour to Maras and Moray like?
A typical quad bike tour follows this itinerary:
Start at Cruzpata: A short training session is provided where the guide shows you how to safely operate the quad bike.
Ride to Moray: The first archaeological stop, where you’ll explore the impressive circular terraces and learn about Incan agricultural engineering.
Descent to Maras: You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the salt mines and take amazing panoramic photos. Some tours include a stop to buy locally harvested pink salt.
Return to Cruzpata: The ride back follows scenic rural paths, surrounded by mountain landscapes and traditional farmlands.
Total duration
The whole experience takes about 3 to 4 hours, including all stops, instruction time, and free exploration.
Vehicles
The quad bikes are semi-automatic, making them easy to use even for first-timers. Some companies also offer two-person quad bikes, ideal for couples or families.
How to get to the starting point from Cusco?
The tour starts in Cruzpata, a small community about 50 minutes from Cusco. You can get there in several ways:
Tour operator transport: Most agencies include round-trip transportation from Cusco or the Sacred Valley in the tour package.
Private taxi: If you want more flexibility, you can arrange private transport.
Staying in the Sacred Valley: If your hotel is in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, or Yucay, you’ll be much closer to the starting point, and the drive will be shorter and more comfortable.
We recommend starting the tour early in the morning to take advantage of the cool weather and the best lighting for photos.
What to see on the way: Andean landscapes and local culture
During the quad bike ride, you’ll pass through:
Andean countryside with crops of potatoes, quinoa, and corn—staples of the region.
Snow-capped peaks like Mount Chicon and Veronica in the distance.
Traditional villages where locals still wear traditional clothing and use ancestral farming techniques.
Grazing animals such as llamas, alpacas, and sheep moving freely across the fields.
This journey is a chance to deeply connect with authentic Andean rural life, in a setting that feels both peaceful and majestic.
How long is the quad bike tour?
Tour length: 3 to 4 hours depending on the group’s pace and time spent at each site.
Includes: instruction session, quad bike rental, safety gear, bilingual guide, and time at archaeological sites (entry fees vary by operator).
Distance covered: around 40 kilometers (25 miles) round trip.
It’s the perfect half-day activity to add adventure and culture to your itinerary.
Tips for a safe and fun quad bike experience
Bring sunglasses and sunscreen—the high-altitude sun can be intense.
Wear comfortable, closed clothing that can get dusty.
Always follow the guide’s instructions, especially on downhill or curved paths.
Carry a water bottle and a light snack like energy bars or dried fruits.
Don’t want to drive? Ride as a passenger and still enjoy all the sights.
A light scarf or face covering is also recommended to protect from dust, especially during dry season.
Best time of year to take the Maras and Moray tour
April to October: Dry season, with clear skies and ideal road conditions.
November to March: Rainy season. Trails may be muddy, but the landscapes become lush and green.
Pro tip
Start the tour early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) to avoid heat, traffic, and crowds at the archaeological sites.
Visiting Maras and Moray by quad bike is one of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences you can have while in Cusco. It takes you beyond traditional routes and immerses you in the geography, history, and living culture of the Sacred Valley.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this tour will leave you with breathtaking photos and lasting memories. If you’re planning this adventure, be sure to book a hotel in the Sacred Valley for a more relaxed, safe, and enjoyable experience. This way, you’ll be perfectly positioned to start your day of exploration and return with the satisfaction of having discovered a truly special part of Peru