QUAD BIKES – HUAYPO LAGOON AND SALT PANS OF MARAS
Explore the Sacred Valley from a different perspective on an exciting ATV adventure from Huaypo Lagoon to the Maras Salt Pans. Ride through rural roads, traditional Andean communities and mountain landscapes before reaching the famous salt pools of M... read complete
Itinerary
Huaypo Lagoon and Maras ATV Tour — Cusco / Chinchero / Huaypo Lagoon / Maras / Cusco
- 8:00 am: Start your ATV adventure! Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and travel toward Chinchero, approximately 40 minutes from the city. Enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes as you leave Cusco behind and head toward the Sacred Valley.
- 8:45 am: Arrive at the ATV base in Chinchero. Your guide will provide a safety briefing and explain how to operate the quad bikes before beginning the ride. After a short 15-minute practice session, get ready to explore the countryside on four wheels.
- 9:00 am: Begin the ATV ride toward Huaypo Lagoon, traveling through traditional Andean communities, agricultural fields and scenic mountain landscapes. Enjoy the peaceful countryside and panoramic views along the route to the lagoon.
- 10:00 am: Arrive at Huaypo Lagoon, a beautiful natural lake surrounded by mountains and rural landscapes. Take some time to enjoy the scenery, explore the area and capture photographs before continuing the adventure.
- 11:00 am: Begin the return ATV ride toward the base in Chinchero, following the scenic countryside before reaching the transportation point.
- 11:45 am: Return to the ATV base and continue by vehicle toward the town of Maras and the famous Maras Salt Mines.
- 12:00 pm: Arrive at the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of small salt pools cover the mountainside. Discover how natural saltwater flows from underground springs into the pools and learn about the traditional process of harvesting salt.
- 12:30 pm: After exploring the salt mines and enjoying the surrounding views, begin the return journey toward Cusco.
- 1:00 pm (approx.): Arrive back in Cusco, marking the end of your Huaypo Lagoon and Maras ATV adventure.
Distance: approx. 80 km / 50 mi round trip | Difficulty: Moderate | Highest point: Chinchero, approx. 3,760 m / 12,336 ft | Meals: Not included
Inclusions
What’s Included
Transportation
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation to and from the ATV starting point.
ATV Equipment
- Individual ATV for the tour.
- Safety equipment.
- Safety briefing and instructions before the ride.
Guiding
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) throughout the tour.
What’s Not Included
- Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines — purchased separately at the entrance.
- Entrance fee to the Moray archaeological site — purchased separately and not included in the tour price.
- Meals and drinks — any food or beverages during the tour are at your own expense.
- Tips for your guide and driver — always appreciated, entirely at your discretion.
- Personal expenses — souvenirs, snacks, drinks, etc.
- Travel insurance — recommended, but arranged independently.
FAQS
How difficult is the Huaypo Lagoon & Maras Salt Pans ATV Tour?
It’s a moderate adventure that combines ATV riding with short walks at the main stops. No previous ATV experience is required, but you should feel comfortable riding on dirt roads and uneven terrain.
Do I need previous experience to ride an ATV?
No. The tour begins with a safety briefing and instructions on how to operate the ATV before you start riding. Your guide will also accompany you throughout the route.
What places will I visit on the ATV tour?
The route takes you through the highlands of the Sacred Valley, with a stop at Huaypo Lagoon and a visit to the Maras Salt Pans. You’ll also ride through rural communities, farmland and scenic Andean landscapes.
What is special about Huaypo Lagoon?
Huaypo Lagoon is a peaceful high-altitude lake surrounded by agricultural fields and mountain scenery. It’s one of the scenic highlights of the route and offers a different perspective of the Sacred Valley away from the main tourist circuit.
What are the Maras Salt Pans?
The Maras Salt Pans are thousands of small salt pools built into the mountainside and fed by a natural saltwater spring. Local families continue to harvest salt using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Is the ATV tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. The route uses dirt roads and trails rather than technical off-road terrain, making it accessible to travelers with little or no previous ATV experience. Your guide will provide the necessary instructions before riding.
How high is the ATV route?
The route reaches high-altitude areas of the Sacred Valley, so you should be prepared for the altitude even though the activity itself is not a strenuous hike.
Can children ride the ATVs?
Children can join the tour, but age and passenger requirements may apply depending on the ATV operator. Children who do not meet the requirements can generally ride as passengers with an adult.
Do I visit the Maras Salt Pans by ATV?
The ATV route takes you close to the Maras Salt Pans, but the final access to the viewpoint and salt pools is done on foot. This allows you to safely explore the site and enjoy the views.
Are entrance fees included?
The entrance fee to the Maras Salt Pans is separate from the ATV tour and should be paid directly at the site unless otherwise specified in your booking.
What should I bring on the ATV tour?
- Original passport or valid ID
- Comfortable clothing suitable for riding
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Small backpack
- Personal medication
- Water bottle
What happens if it rains?
The tour normally operates in light rain, but weather conditions can affect the trail. The Sacred Valley has a dry season from April to October and a rainy season from November to March, so bringing rain protection is recommended.
Can I do the ATV tour if I have just arrived in Cusco?
Yes, but the route reaches high-altitude areas, so it’s best to take it easy if you have just arrived. Spending some time acclimatizing in Cusco before the activity can make the experience more comfortable.
Can I do the Huaypo Lagoon & Maras Salt Pans tour without a guide?
The ATV experience is guided. Your guide will provide the safety briefing, explain the route and accompany you during the ride and visits to the main attractions.
Why Choose Us Velflor Travel
All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.
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