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

The unusual appeal here is that one morning combines four ziplines with an ATV ride to two of the Sacred Valley’s best-known sights. You begin near Raqchi, with views toward the Sacred Valley, Nevado de Chicón, and Pitusiray, then continue by ATV to the Maras salt mines and Moray.

I like the individual ATV arrangement, since you control your own ride rather than sitting behind someone else. I also like the small-group limit of 10 and the strong guiding team: Floyd handles the ATV portion, while Sam and Juan work at the zipline base.

The main catch is time. Moray may receive only about 15 minutes, and the entrance fees are extra. The day also changes transport and groups between the ATV section and zipline section, so you need to be comfortable following instructions and going with the flow.

Key points to know before booking

• Four zipline cables at Raqchi: You receive a safety briefing and equipment before crossing cables of different lengths.
• Individual ATVs: Fuel, helmet, and gloves are included, with a guide leading the ride.
• Two major Sacred Valley sights: The route includes the Maras salt mines and Moray, but admission is not included.
• Scenic morning drive: Watch for views of the Sacred Valley, Nevado de Chicón, and Pitusiray on the way to the base.
• A compact active day: The tour lasts 450 minutes and usually returns to Cusco around 3:00 p.m.
• Plan for a transport handoff: The ATV group may drop you at the zipline base, with another vehicle arranging the return to Cusco.

Four ziplines and one ATV day near Cusco

This is a good choice if you want more movement than a standard sightseeing trip. You are not simply driven from viewpoint to viewpoint. The day includes a zipline session, an individual ATV, mountain views, and stops at Maras and Moray.

The order begins early with pickup in Cusco. Your guide is scheduled to write or call about 15 minutes before pickup, so keep your WhatsApp number active and include the correct country code when booking. Round-trip transportation is included, but the ride is part of the overall structure rather than a private car service.

The drive toward Raqchi gives you an early look at the Sacred Valley. The route includes views toward Nevado de Chicón and Pitusiray, two striking mountain references for the journey. Since the excursion begins early and returns around 3:00 p.m., it uses most of the day without taking up your evening.

Raqchi’s four-cable zipline session

At the Raqchi base, you receive a helmet, gloves, and the rest of the zipline safety equipment. A short instruction session comes first. Pay attention here, especially if you have never used a zipline, because the guides explain how the activity works before you reach the cables.

You then cross four cables with different lengths. The variety keeps the activity from feeling like one quick ride followed by a long wait. The most memorable position available is the condor pose, according to the experience details shared by the operating team. That means you can stretch out in flight and take in the broad view below.

The zipline portion is the strongest reason to book this outing if you want active fun rather than a slow cultural visit. Sam leads the zipline operation, with Juan assisting, and the setup is designed to keep the group moving through all four cables.

You should still treat this as a physical activity. The tour is not suitable for children under 14, wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, people over 275 pounds or 125 kilograms, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Those limits matter more here than on a regular sightseeing bus tour.

Individual ATVs toward Maras and Moray

After the zipline activity, the day shifts to the ATV portion. You ride an individual ATV, and the price includes fuel, a helmet, and gloves. The guide provides direction while you follow the route toward the salt mines and Moray.

The ATV is a useful middle ground. You get the freedom of handling your own vehicle, but you are still traveling in a guided group. I would choose this format over a passenger ride if you enjoy driving and want the route itself to be part of the day.

The exact riding conditions are not described in detail, so you should not assume a particular type of road or technical riding. The important point is that the ATV is used to reach the two attractions, not as a separate full-day off-road adventure. The sightseeing stops remain a major part of the schedule.

Guide Floyd leads this section and adds historical explanation at Moray and Maras. That matters because the stops are more interesting when you understand what you are seeing, rather than treating them as quick photo breaks.

The Maras salt mines, a worthwhile stop

The Maras salt mines are one of the most distinctive sights on this route. Hundreds of small salt ponds spread across the mountainside, creating a striking pattern of pale terraces. The ponds are connected to a natural saltwater source, and local production has continued for generations.

The stop includes a guided visit, but admission is not included in the tour price. The supplied details list the Maras entrance at $5. Bring cash, and keep some flexibility in mind because local prices can change.

Maras works well on an ATV itinerary because it gives you a clear contrast with the driving and zipline sections. You slow down, look closely at the pools, and hear how the site functions. It is also the stop where comfortable walking shoes and sun protection become useful, even though the tour does not list a specific walking distance.

Do not spend all your cash before arriving. Moray also requires a ticket, and the amount can be much higher. One recent account recorded 70 soles for Moray, while another noted about 20 for Maras, so verify the current fees before departure. If you already hold a regional or combined ticket, check whether Moray is covered.

Moray and the problem of limited time

Moray is an archaeological site made up of large circular terraces sunk into the ground. The rings descend in broad steps and create one of the most unusual shapes in the Cusco region. Their original purpose is not stated with certainty in the tour details, so your guide’s explanation is valuable here.

The drawback is the schedule. You may have only about 15 minutes to see Moray. That is enough for a quick look and photographs, but it is not enough for a relaxed visit or a long walk around the site.

This is the part of the tour that requires a clear choice. If your main goals are ATV riding and ziplining, the short Moray stop may be acceptable. If Moray is high on your list and you want time to study the terraces, you may prefer a dedicated archaeological excursion with a slower schedule.

The entrance cost also changes the value calculation. Paying a substantial fee for a short stop can feel poor value, particularly if you have already visited many archaeological sites. On the other hand, the tour combines Moray with Maras and two activities, so you are not paying only for access to Moray.

A tour structure that changes halfway through

This excursion can feel like two connected tours rather than one continuous group outing. The ATV group covers Maras and Moray, then may leave you at the zipline base. Another transport arrangement brings you back toward Cusco after the zipline portion.

That handoff is worth understanding before you book. It does not mean the day is disorganized, but it does mean you should listen carefully to instructions about meeting points and vehicles. Do not assume the same guide and van will remain with you from the first pickup until the hotel return.

The structure also explains why the tour can include both activities in one day. Each specialist team handles its own part, allowing the ATV guide to focus on the route and historical sites while the zipline crew manages the equipment and safety procedures.

For an easy, fully private-feeling day, this may not be the right format. For a small-group adventure that packs several highlights into one schedule, it makes practical sense. The group limit is 10 people, which should be more manageable than a large coach excursion.

What the $85 price really covers

At $85 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, an individual ATV, fuel, helmet, gloves, zipline equipment, and a professional bilingual guide. English and Spanish guiding are available.

That is a reasonable package if you intend to do both activities. Buying separate transport and activity arrangements could be less convenient, even if you find a lower headline price elsewhere. The individual ATV is especially important to the value, since you are not paying for a ride as a passenger.

The price does not include lunch, snacks, or entrance fees. Bring cash for Maras and Moray, plus money for any other personal purchases. One person arrived with too little cash after underestimating the Moray charge, so this is not a detail to leave until the morning.

Food is another practical concern. The tour returns around 3:00 p.m. and does not include a meal. Bring snacks for the road. You will be active for much of the morning, and there may not be a convenient meal break built into the schedule.

What to pack for this active outing

Keep your luggage simple. You need:

• Passport
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• Snacks
• Comfortable clothing for outdoor activity

Your passport is listed as required, so do not leave it at the hotel. A camera is worthwhile for the Sacred Valley views, Maras, Moray, and the zipline itself.

Sunscreen matters because the tour combines open-air riding and elevated views. The experience does not specify weather conditions, so bring protection even if the morning starts cool.

The tour does not allow alcohol or drugs. You should also consider the physical limits carefully before booking. This is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with visual impairments, and the operator excludes people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this day to you if you want a lively introduction to several Cusco-area sights and do not need long, quiet visits at every stop. It suits people who enjoy driving, heights, and a tightly planned day.

It is also a practical option if you have limited time in Cusco. In roughly 7.5 hours, you can combine four zipline cables, an ATV ride, Maras, and Moray, with transport from the city.

You should think twice if your priority is archaeology. Moray may feel rushed, and the extra admission cost may not seem worthwhile for a short stop. A separate visit would give you more time, but it would not provide the same combination of ATV riding and ziplining.

You also need to be comfortable with a changing group arrangement. The first group may drop you at the zipline base before another transport takes over. If you want a single guide and vehicle throughout the day, ask for clarification before confirming.

Should you book the Maras, Moray, ATV, and zipline tour?

Book it if your ideal day includes active fun, mountain views, and several major stops in one package. The four zipline cables and individual ATV make this more than a standard Sacred Valley sightseeing trip, while Maras and Moray give the day cultural and archaeological interest.

Before paying, budget for both entrance fees, bring snacks, and confirm the current Moray ticket price. If you accept the short Moray visit and the transport handoff, the $85 package offers a lot for one day. If you want a slow archaeological visit or a calm, single-vehicle tour, choose another format.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 450 minutes, or about 7.5 hours. The expected return to Cusco is around 3:00 p.m.

What activities are included?

The tour includes four zipline cables and an individual ATV ride. The ATV route includes stops at the Maras salt mines and Moray.

Is transportation from Cusco included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation and hotel pickup are included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. The Maras and Moray entrance fees are separate. The listed information gives the Maras admission as $5, while the Moray price can vary. Bring cash and confirm current charges.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You should bring snacks for the road.

What languages are available?

The tour offers live guiding in English and Spanish.

How large is the group?

The tour is limited to 10 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, camera, sunscreen, cash, and snacks. You should also provide a WhatsApp number with the correct country code so the guide can contact you before pickup.