REVIEW · MARAS, MORAY & CHINCHERO TOURS
Cusco: Zipline + ATV’s | Salt Mines of Maras and Moray |
That drop into the wind is unforgettable. This Cusco adventure pairs 4 zipline cables with ATV riding through some of the most photogenic spots in the Sacred Valley, including quick stops at Maras salt mines and Moray.
I especially like the pacing: you start early, get safety squared away before you fly, then switch gears to the ATVs while the scenery is still clear and dramatic. I also love that the day includes a bilingual guide, and in at least one case the guide, Floyd, gave detailed history while you’re moving between viewpoints and sites.
One drawback to plan around: the money side can creep up. Maras entrance is listed separately, Moray ticket costs are not included, and the time at Moray can feel short, with one reviewer noting about 15 minutes on site.
Key Things I’d Bet You’ll Notice

- 4 zipline cables with different lengths, so it is not the same ride four times in a row
- Sacred Valley panoramic views from the runouts, including a chance for a playful Condor-style pose
- ATV fun with a guide, plus enough time to feel like you’re actually riding, not just sitting on a tour
- Maras salt mines are built into the route, so you see them without needing a separate full day
- Moray is a quick stop, which is great for efficiency, but not for deep wandering
- Cash planning matters, because entrances are partly extra and lunch is not included
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Morning Pickup, Raqchi Base, and the Scenic Build-Up

This tour starts early in the morning, with pickup from your Cusco hotel. Your guide will contact you about 15 minutes before pick-up, which helps you avoid the chaos of guessing a meeting time. You then head out toward the base in Raqchi, and that drive matters because it sets the tone for the day.
On the way, you’ll get views over the Sacred Valley plus mountain scenery including Nevado de Chicón and Pitusiray. The practical reason I like the morning start is light and clarity. You are more likely to get sharper views from the road and from viewpoints later, especially if clouds roll in after lunch.
Once you arrive at the base, you do not just jump into gear. You get safety equipment and a briefing first. That matters even if you’re an adrenaline person, because the ziplines have a system, and the ATV route is active driving. If you show up tired, you’ll feel it more. If you show up ready, the whole day moves faster.
Tip: bring the basics you’re told to bring, especially sunscreen and cash. Also, if you wear contact lenses, Cusco air can be dry and dusty. It is not a deal breaker, just something I’d plan for.
The Ziplines: Safety Briefing, Then Four Cable Flights

After the safety talk, the core of the first adrenaline hit begins. You go through four zipline cables, and they vary in length. That variety is a big part of why this segment feels worth it. If it was only one long cable, it would be exciting but one-note. With four, your brain has time to process each run, and the views get better as you’re up higher.
You’ll also notice the crew working the logistics closely. In one experience, the zipline team included Sam and help from Juan, and their setup made it feel controlled rather than chaotic. You likely won’t have to guess what to do next, which is a huge deal when you’re wearing gloves and a harness.
From the zipline lines, you get big Sacred Valley views. One reviewer called out the views as among the best in Peru and even mentioned a Condor pose while flying over the valley. You do not have to copy that move, but the point is the same: the ride is timed and positioned for real scenery, not just thrills.
Practical notes:
- Wear gear that stays on. The tour provides zipline safety equipment, but your clothing matters.
- You’re likely in open air, so sunglasses and a camera help.
- Expect it to be fast once you’re clipped in and moving.
ATV Riding Between Maras and Moray: Where the Day Gets Real

After the ziplines, you switch activities to ATVs. This is the part that feels more physical and more like you are driving your own experience. You get an individual ATV, so you are not stuck riding behind someone while your day turns into a passenger photo mission.
The route connects the adventure with the sights. As you ride, you pass by the salt mines of Maras and Moray. You do not just see them from far away either, because you’ll get a brief stop to view both attractions with a guide.
Why I like this combo: it matches how people actually enjoy travel. You get movement, speed, and wind from the ATVs, then you slow down just enough at the cultural sites to make them more than scenery.
What to know about driving and comfort:
- This activity is not for everyone. It is listed as not suitable for people with pre-existing medical conditions, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, and children under 14. It is also not for anyone over 275 lbs (125 kg).
- If you get motion sick easily, plan your day as an activity day, not a nap day. The ATV portion can be bouncy on uneven ground.
Also, the tour does not include food. If you’re prone to low energy on adventure days, bring snacks as advised so you do not get grumpy halfway through. The average return is around 3:00 p.m., so you’re dealing with a long active stretch.
Maras Salt Mines Stop: Short, But Worth the Climb of Attention

Maras is one of those places that grabs you fast. The salt pans spread out in a pattern that looks almost impossible, and the color and texture change with light. On this tour, you get a brief stop while riding through the route.
Entrance to the salt mines of Maras is listed separately as $5.00, so you will want cash ready. The good news is that you are not dealing with a huge detour that eats the day. It’s designed to work inside the ATV flow.
Even if your time is limited, Maras tends to be easy to appreciate. You don’t need a long explanation to understand why it matters. What you do benefit from is the guide pointing out what you’re seeing and how the salt pans work in a practical way, so it turns from photos to actual understanding.
In one of the experiences, the salt mines were described as both classy and educational, which is exactly the kind of payoff I’m looking for on a combo day like this. You will likely leave with enough context to feel like you saw something real, not just walked through a viewpoint.
More that leaves from a Cusco hotel door
Moray: The Quick Stop That Can Feel Rushed

Moray is the other major cultural stop. It’s known for its circular, terraced formations, and it looks like a place you could wander for hours if time allowed.
On this tour, the Moray visit is part of the day’s flow, and it is designed as a quick viewing stop. The tour information says Moray entrance is not included, and that lines up with what you should expect. A reviewer highlighted that the visit felt rushed, noting only about 15 minutes to see Moray.
So here is the honest trade-off: if you love slow travel and deep site reading, Moray may feel too short. If you’re okay with a guided highlight pass, it still works because you get the visuals and the basics without losing the energy of the adventure day.
Cash tip again: plan for Moray entrance. While the exact ticket price isn’t listed in the tour details, one reviewer noted that entrance fees for Moras and Moray were expensive and that they needed more cash. Even if your costs end up different, the lesson is the same. Bring extra money beyond the Maras $5.00 listed.
Price and Value: $85, and What Makes It Feel Worth It

At $85 per person for 450 minutes (about 7.5 hours), this is priced as an all-in activity day. You’re paying for transportation, an individual ATV, zipline access across four cables, and guide support in English and Spanish for a small group capped at 10 participants.
Here is how I judge value in tours like this:
- Zipline days can be expensive on their own.
- ATV days can also be costly once you price in equipment and staff time.
- Adding Maras and Moray as guided stops without turning it into a separate full-day excursion boosts the value.
However, you do need to subtract the extras. The tour does not include:
- Maras salt mines entrance (listed as $5.00)
- Moray entrance ticket
- Lunch
- Any additional expenses
That means your all-in cost will depend on entrance fees and what you eat. Since lunch is not included, your total day cost can creep upward if you forget to bring snacks or you end up buying food in a hurry.
One practical way to protect value: bring snacks and budget a cash cushion for entrances. You’ll still enjoy the day, but you won’t feel stressed at the sites.
Group Size, Timing, and the Flow of Two Tours

This is listed as a small group, limited to 10 participants, which is a sweet spot. You’re not stuck waiting forever, but you also get enough attention that you feel safe during the technical parts. It also helps on the zipline portion, because harnessing and rules require real staff time.
You should also know the day runs as a tight sequence: you start with ziplining, then ATV time, then quick stops, then back to Cusco. The tour typically returns around 3:00 p.m. That means you are planning the rest of your afternoon like someone who had a full action morning.
One note from real-world experience: some structures drop you off into separate logistics between the zipline and the return. In one account, the first group dropped off at the zip lines and then switched transport back toward Cusco. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, it might help to be extra attentive at transitions. Ask what happens next, then follow the crew.
What to Bring, What Not to Bring, and Who Should Skip It

Before you go, review the required and prohibited items, because adventure days punish forgotten essentials.
Bring:
- Passport
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Cash
Not allowed:
- Alcohol and drugs
If you have questions about physical suitability, take the limits seriously. This tour is not suitable for:
- Children under 14
- Wheelchair users
- Visually impaired people
- People over 275 lbs (125 kg)
- People with pre-existing medical conditions
If any of those apply, choose a different format. Safety comes first, and a tour that includes both harnessed ziplining and ATV riding is not designed to be modified on the fly.
Also, bring a camera plan that works in motion. You will likely get dust or wind on your face and hands, and you might not want to hold your device the entire time. Secure it, or consider using a phone with a good strap.
Should You Book This Cusco Zipline and ATV Tour?

Book it if you want a day that feels like Cusco, not a museum trip. The combination of Sacred Valley views, four zipline cables, and ATV riding gives you a lot of variety without turning the day into a complicated logistics puzzle. Add the quick guided stops at Maras and Moray, and it becomes a great value for people who like action plus real places.
Skip it if you care most about long, slow site time. Moray can be brief, and entrances are extra, plus lunch is not included. If you hate feeling rushed or you prefer fully included meals and fixed, predictable costs, look for a slower format.
If you do book, do these three things:
- Bring cash for entrances beyond the listed Maras $5.00.
- Pack snacks, since lunch is not included.
- Follow the safety briefing like it matters, because on a zipline and ATV day, it does.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
It starts early in the morning. Pickup is included from your Cusco hotel, and your guide will write or call about 15 minutes before pick-up.
How long is the experience?
The total duration is listed as 450 minutes.
What is included in the price?
Included features are round trip transportation, an individual ATV, fuel, helmet, gloves, zipline and safety equipment, and a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
Do I need to pay entrance fees at Maras and Moray?
Yes. Entrance to the salt mines of Maras costs $5.00 and is not included. Moray entrance ticket is also not included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, so it’s smart to bring snacks for the road.
How many zipline cables are there?
You will go through 4 zipline cables of different lengths.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport, camera, sunscreen, and cash.
Are there restrictions on who can join?
Yes. The tour is not suitable for children under 14, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, people over 275 lbs (125 kg), or people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Is alcohol allowed?
No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
What is the group size?
It’s a small group, limited to 10 participants.
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