Maras Salt Mines and Moray Biking Tour From Cusco

The Maras Salt Mines and Moray Biking Tour offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore the captivating landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Cyclists journey through picturesque villages, past Inca terraces, and witness the traditional salt-making process at the historic Maras Salt Mines. This full-day excursion combines culture with breathtaking vistas, promising an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled outdoor adventure or a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich heritage, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Sacred Valley.

About Your Stay

• This full-day small-group bike tour from Cusco takes cyclists through the Sacred Valley, visiting the Moray terraces and Maras Salt Mines.
• The tour includes transportation, lunch, bike rental, and guided exploration of these archaeological and natural wonders.
• Participants should have moderate cycling experience as the terrain includes hills, dirt roads, and mountain trails.
• The small group size of up to 15 cyclists ensures a personalized and immersive experience.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and multiple payment options for traveler convenience.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group bike tour from Cusco takes visitors on an adventurous journey through the Sacred Valley.

Participants will visit the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, local villages, and enjoy views along the Urubamba River.

The tour includes lunch, hotel pickup, and bike rental, making it a convenient and inclusive experience.

It’s suitable for cyclists with some experience, as the itinerary is rated at a moderate level.

The small-group format, limited to 15 participants, ensures a personalized experience.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from the participants’ Cusco hotels at 8:00 am, departing for the starting point in Chinchero around 8:30 am.

Travelers will then cycle approximately 7 km (4.5 miles) on dirt roads and mountain trails to reach the circular terraces of Moray, a historic Inca agricultural site.

After exploring Moray, the group will enjoy a picnic lunch in Maras village.

In the afternoon, they’ll continue cycling to the Maras Salt Mines, an entrance fee not included in the tour.

The return route follows the Urubamba River to the town of Urubamba, where you will be picked up for the journey back to Cusco.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation from Cusco to Chincheros and from Urubamba back to Cusco. Lunch is provided in the form of a picnic box. A Spanish-English speaking guide and biking specialist is included to lead the tour. Participants will have access to SCOTT aluminum bicycles with suspension, gloves, helmets, and protective pads. Plus, the tour covers the cost of the Tourist Ticket to Moray and the entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines.

Included	Details
Transportation	Hotel pickup/drop-off, Cusco to Chincheros, Urubamba to Cusco
Lunch	Picnic box
Guide	Spanish-English biking specialist
Equipment	Bicycles, gloves, helmets, pads
Entrance Fees	Moray, Maras Salt Mines

Difficulty Level

Moderate physical fitness is required for this tour, as it involves cycling approximately 7 km (4.5 miles) on dirt roads and mountain trails.

The terrain can be challenging, with some hills and uneven surfaces. However, the tour is suitable for cyclists with some experience.

The provided bicycles, including SCOTT aluminum bikes with suspension, are well-equipped to handle the terrain.

The tour is rated as a moderate level, and participants should be comfortable cycling for extended periods.

The small-group size, limited to 15 participants, ensures a personalized experience and allows the guide to provide assistance as needed.

Group Size

Small-group tours are limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

This small group size allows for more attentive guidance from the experienced tour leader and allows each traveler to enjoy the scenic ride at their own pace.

The intimate group setting also facilitates opportunities for participants to interact with one another and the local communities visited along the way.

This intimate approach contrasts with larger group tours, providing a more immersive and authentic experience cycling through the Sacred Valley.

With a cap of 15 travelers, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Biking Tour offers an ideal balance between exploration and personalization.

Pricing and Cancellation

Tour price starts from €129.24 with a lowest price guarantee. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers. Visitors have the option to reserve now and pay later, accommodating different budgetary preferences. The tour operator, Machupicchu Latin America, offers these pricing and cancellation policies to ensure a seamless booking process and a satisfactory experience for all participants.

Pricing	Cancellation
€129.24 starting price	Free up to 24 hours
Lowest price guarantee	Reserve now, pay later
Multiple payment options	Flexible for travelers

Pickup and Dropoff

The tour begins with hotel pickup from Cusco at 8:00 am, followed by an approximately 1-hour drive to Chinchero, the starting point of the biking adventure.

From there, the group cycles 7 km on dirt roads and mountain trails to Moray, where they’ll explore the famous Inca agricultural terraces.

After a picnic lunch in Maras village, the afternoon cycling continues to the Maras Salt Mines.

The tour then returns along the Urubamba River to Urubamba village, where participants are dropped off for the journey back to Cusco.

Exploring Moray and Maras

Cyclists pedal along winding paths to reach the mystical Inca terraces of Moray, descending into the crater-like depressions carved into the earth.

They explore the unique circular terraces, once used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation and climate studies.

Later, the tour continues to the Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been harvested from a series of brine pools for centuries.

Participants walk through the vast network of ponds, observing the traditional salt-making process.

After a picnic lunch in Maras village, the cyclists return along the Urubamba River to Urubamba, where they’re picked up for the journey back to Cusco.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos throughout the tour. The tour overview mentions that it includes a visit to the sites, so photography is likely permitted and encouraged to capture the scenic landscapes and historical features.

Is There Any First Aid Kit Available?

Yes, the tour includes a first aid kit for emergencies. The tour operator provides all necessary safety equipment and supplies to ensure a comfortable and secure experience for participants.

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle?

Participants can’t bring their own bicycles. The tour provides SCOTT aluminum bicycles with suspension, gloves, helmet, and protective pads. The bikes are included in the tour price to ensure everyone has the appropriate equipment for the moderate cycling route.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but participants must have a moderate fitness level. Children are welcome, but the activity may not be suitable for very young kids or those with serious medical conditions.

What Should I Bring for the Tour?

Participants should bring layers of clothing, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. It’s also recommended to bring a small backpack, camera, and any necessary personal items. The tour provides bike gear and lunch.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Maras Salt Mines and Moray Biking Tour from Cusco offers a thrilling adventure through the Sacred Valley. Cyclists explore the Inca terraces of Moray and witness the traditional salt-making process at the historic Maras Salt Mines. This tour combines culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable experience.