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

The best part of this Cusco day trip is its variety: four zipline cables over the Sacred Valley, followed by an individual ATV ride to the salt mines of Maras and the terraces of Moray. You get a shot of adrenaline, mountain views, and two of the region’s most unusual sights in one outing.

I like the small-group size, capped at 10 people, and the fact that you ride your own ATV rather than sharing. I also like the practical mix of activities: guides such as Floyd have paired a fun ride with useful explanations at the archaeological stops, while the zipline team, including Sam and Juan, has kept the flying portion lively.

The main drawback is time. Moray can feel rushed, with only about 15 minutes to look around, and the entry fees are not included. You need cash for the sites, snacks for the road, and a little patience if the day switches between separate activity teams.

Key points to know before you book

• Four zipline cables: You receive safety gear and instructions before traveling across cables of different lengths, with wide Sacred Valley views below.
• Individual ATV included: Fuel, helmet, and gloves are covered, so you ride your own quad rather than sharing one.
• Two major Sacred Valley sights: The route includes the Maras salt mines and the agricultural terraces at Moray.
• Small group format: The group limit is 10 people, which helps keep the activity more manageable.
• Extra costs matter: Maras and Moray entry tickets are not included, and the exact amount for Moray can make a big difference to the value.
• Plan for an early start: The full outing lasts about 450 minutes and generally returns to Cusco around 3:00 p.m.

Why this combined Cusco tour works

Many Cusco excursions ask you to choose between active fun and cultural sightseeing. This one tries to give you both. You begin with ziplining, move on to quad biking, and finish with short visits to Maras and Moray.

That makes the day feel busy in a good way. You are not spending the entire morning in a vehicle, but you also are not giving up the chance to see two important Sacred Valley attractions. I would choose this format if you want a broad taste of the area and prefer doing something active rather than joining a slow, stop-heavy sightseeing day.

The price is $85 per person. That includes round-trip transport, an individual ATV, fuel, helmet, gloves, zipline equipment, and a bilingual guide in English or Spanish. For a seven-and-a-half-hour outing with two paid activities and transport, the package can offer solid value.

Still, you should calculate the total cost before booking. Entry to the salt mines is extra, listed at $5, and Moray also requires a separate ticket. The Moray fee reported by one participant was 70 soles, while another paid amount was described differently for the two attractions. Fees can depend on the ticket arrangement, so ask for the current prices and bring enough Peruvian soles.

The morning ride toward Raqchi

The day begins early, with pickup at your hotel in Cusco. Your guide is expected to write or call about 15 minutes before pickup, so keep your phone available and provide a WhatsApp number with the correct country code when you book.

The drive to the base in Raqchi is part of the experience. Along the way, you can expect views toward the Sacred Valley and the snow-covered peaks of Chicón and Pitusiray. These mountain views give you a useful sense of the region before the activities begin.

The exact start time depends on availability, but this is not a late-morning outing. I would eat before pickup or pack something small. Food is not included, and the return to Cusco is usually around 3:00 p.m.

The transport arrangement deserves a quick note. The day has been organized with separate teams for the ATV and zipline portions. That means the group you begin with may not be the same team that handles the zipline, and transport back to Cusco may change after the flight section.

That can feel confusing if you are not expecting it. It is not necessarily a problem, but you should listen carefully to the instructions about where to meet and how the return transfer works.

Four cables above the Sacred Valley

At the Raqchi base, you receive your helmet and other safety equipment, followed by a short instruction talk. Once you are ready, you go across four zipline cables of different lengths.

This is more than a single quick flight. Four cables give you several chances to get comfortable with the equipment and enjoy the views. The highlight is the open view across the Sacred Valley, with the option to use a Condor pose while flying, according to the activity details shared by the zipline team.

I would not book this portion expecting a quiet scenic ride. The appeal is the combination of height, speed, and a broad mountain view. It is a good fit if you want a clear burst of excitement early in the day.

The zipline operation has included staff such as Sam and Juan. The safety equipment and instructions are included in the price. You should still pay close attention during the briefing and follow every direction, especially when moving between the four cables.

This section is also the part most likely to satisfy someone who wants a memorable activity rather than just another viewpoint. One participant described the views from the cables as among the most impressive of the entire Peru trip. That is high praise, but it makes sense: you see the valley from above while moving through it, not simply from a roadside lookout.

ATV riding on the route to Maras and Moray

After the zipline activity, you continue by ATV. Each person receives an individual quad, with fuel, helmet, and gloves supplied. The ATV ride is not just a short add-on. It is one of the main reasons to choose this outing.

The ride gives you a more active way to reach the two attractions. You are not simply dropped at a viewpoint, taking a few photographs, and returning to a bus. The fun comes from operating the quad and following the guide along the route.

Floyd has led the ATV portion and combined the ride with explanations about the places along the way. That combination matters. A fast ride is entertaining, but the stops mean more when you understand what you are looking at.

You should be comfortable with the physical demands of operating an ATV. This experience is not suitable for children under 14, wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, people over 275 pounds or 125 kilograms, or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. The restrictions are important because the outing combines a motorized ride, ziplining, and uneven sightseeing areas.

The supplied information does not specify a motorcycle license requirement, driving experience, or the exact trail conditions. If any of those points matter to you, ask the provider before paying. Do not assume the activity is suitable simply because you have ridden a quad elsewhere.

The Maras salt mines: a worthwhile stop

The salt mines of Maras are one of the day’s most distinctive sights. Hundreds of salt pools step across the mountainside, creating a striking pattern that looks almost artificial from a distance.

The pools are supplied by a salty spring, and the site has long been tied to local salt production. Your guide can add context during the stop, and the visit is not just a photo break. It gives you a look at a working tradition shaped by water, slope, and careful management.

Entry is not included. The listed cost is $5, but carry local cash because fees can be collected separately from the main tour price. The activity information also advises bringing cash for extra expenses.

Allow yourself to enjoy this stop slowly if the schedule permits. The salt pools are the kind of place where a few minutes can pass quickly while you look for different angles and watch the terraces climb across the mountainside.

The limitation is that the day has several components, so the stop is guided rather than open-ended. You should expect a brief visit, not a long independent walk through every part of the site.

Moray and the problem of a short visit

Moray is a set of large circular terraces cut into the ground. The rings descend toward the center, creating one of the most unusual archaeological sights near Cusco.

The terraces are often linked to agricultural experimentation, though the precise original use remains a matter of interpretation. The shape alone makes Moray worth seeing. It is visually different from the stonework and steep agricultural terraces found elsewhere in the region.

The catch is time. A visit of about 15 minutes may be enough for a quick look and photographs, but it is not enough for a relaxed exploration. If Moray is one of your top priorities, this schedule may leave you wanting more.

The entry fee is also a serious value question. It is not included, and one participant reported paying 70 soles. Some visitors may already hold a combination ticket that includes Moray with other Cusco-area sights, but you should confirm your own ticket situation before booking.

You have three sensible options:

• Bring enough cash and accept the short visit as part of a larger active day.
• Check if your existing ticket already includes Moray.
• If the entrance fee feels too high for 15 minutes, ask whether you can wait at the parking area instead.

That last option may sound odd, but it is practical. This tour is built around ATV riding and ziplining as much as sightseeing. If you mainly want the adventure, you may decide the brief Moray stop is enough.

A closer look at the schedule and group size

The total duration is 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. The planned return to Cusco is around 3:00 p.m., although the early pickup means much of the day is spent before midafternoon.

A small group limit of 10 people is useful here. With multiple activities, safety instructions, equipment changes, and site visits, a smaller group should be easier to organize than a large coach excursion.

The day may not feel perfectly linear because the zipline and ATV portions can involve different teams. One arrangement has the ATV group dropping you at the zipline site and leaving, followed by a different transfer back to Cusco. The staff are expected to manage that handoff, but you should pay attention to names, meeting points, and departure instructions.

This is a good day for someone who can go with the flow. It is less suitable if you want a precisely timed private tour with long, quiet visits at each archaeological site.

What to bring and what to wear

Pack light, but do not leave the basics behind. You should bring:

• Passport
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• Snacks for the road

Your helmet, gloves, and zipline safety equipment are included. Fuel is also covered. Food and lunch are not included, so snacks are essential unless you plan to go several hours without a meal.

The information provided does not specify clothing requirements. I would choose practical clothes that can handle dust and movement, plus secure shoes suitable for an active day. Keep your passport and phone protected while riding, and use sunscreen even if the morning feels cool.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That rule is especially important for an outing that involves driving an ATV and using zipline equipment.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this excursion to an active adult or older teenager who wants a full day with plenty of variety. It works especially well if you are interested in:

• ATV riding as a main attraction
• Ziplining over mountain scenery
• Seeing Maras and Moray without booking separate day trips
• A small group instead of a large bus
• English or Spanish guiding
• Returning to Cusco by midafternoon

It is not the best choice if your main goal is extended archaeological sightseeing. Moray may feel too rushed, and both site entries cost extra.

It is also a poor match if you have a medical condition that affects activity, cannot use an ATV safely, or need wheelchair access. The age, weight, vision, and health restrictions are stated clearly, so take them seriously rather than trying to make the format work.

Booking, cancellation, and overall value

The tour costs $85 per person and includes the expensive practical pieces: transport, ATV rental, fuel, protective equipment, zipline equipment, and a bilingual professional guide. You are not paying separately for a quad or for the fuel used during the ride.

The extra entrance fees reduce the all-in value, especially if Moray costs 70 soles for a short stop. I would consider the $85 worthwhile if you place high value on ATV riding and ziplining. I would be more cautious if you are booking mainly to see Moray and Maras, since a slower sightseeing tour may give you more time at the sites.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Cusco schedule is still changing.

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

Book it if you want an active Sacred Valley day with two major sightseeing stops, and you are happy to trade long visits for fun, speed, and variety. The four zipline cables, individual ATV, and views toward Chicón and Pitusiray make the package more than a standard archaeological outing.

Think twice if Moray is your main reason for going. The short visit and extra entry cost are the clearest weaknesses. For the best value, bring plenty of cash, check whether you already have a combination ticket, pack snacks, and confirm the transfer plan between the ATV and zipline teams.

FAQ

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. The return to Cusco is expected at around 3:00 p.m.

What activities are included?

The day includes four zipline cables, an individual ATV ride, and visits to the salt mines of Maras and Moray.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation is included, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco.

Are entrance fees to Maras and Moray included?

No. The entrance to the salt mines of Maras is listed at $5, and the Moray entry ticket is also separate.

Is lunch included?

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

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, camera, sunscreen, cash, and snacks. The tour information specifically recommends all of these items.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 14 are not permitted. The activity is also not suitable for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, people over 275 pounds or 125 kilograms, or people with pre-existing medical conditions.