Embark on a fascinating tour of Maras, Moray and the Salineras, a perfect combination of breathtaking landscapes and unique archaeological sites in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Discover the natural beauty and ancestral history of this area as you immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.
On our tour, you will explore the incredible circular terraces of Moray, an enigmatic place where the Incas conducted agricultural experiments. You will be amazed by the precise engineering and meticulous planning that allowed the Incas to cultivate different species of plants at different temperature levels.
The tour begins with a focus on logistics and preparation, ensuring that every traveler is ready for the activities ahead. Bio Andean Expeditions organizes the initial pickup from your hotel in Cusco using our own private transportation. The drive heads out of the city and into the Sacred Valley, providing views of the agricultural landscapes that characterize the region. The first scheduled stop allows travelers to observe local traditions before moving on to the adventure component of the day.
Upon arriving at the designated base of operations near the community of Maras, the group meets the specialized support staff. Here, the focus shifts to safety and instruction. Participants receive a full briefing on how to operate the Quad Bikes (ATVs) correctly. The instructors provide necessary safety gear, including helmets and gloves, and ensure that every driver feels comfortable with the controls before the group departs.
The route traverses the high plains of the Sacred Valley, offering a different perspective of the Andean geography compared to a standard bus tour. The terrain is a mix of dirt paths and open fields, with the snow-capped mountains visible in the distance. The ride is led by an experienced instructor who manages the pace of the group, ensuring that the convoy stays together and navigates the terrain safely.
One of the primary destinations on this route is Moray, an impressive archaeological site known for its deep, circular depressions. These terraced circles were not used for defense or habitation but served a specialized agricultural purpose. Our guides, who possess extensive knowledge of Andean history, explain how the Incas used these terraces to create different microclimates for experimenting with crops at various altitudes.
Following the visit to the experimental terraces, the tour continues toward the Salineras Salt Mines. This location presents a stark visual contrast to the green agricultural fields, featuring thousands of small, white evaporation pools carved into the hillside. The guide will explain the hydraulic system that feeds these pools with a hypersaline subterranean stream, a method that predates the Inca civilization and continues to be used by local families today.
Throughout the journey, Bio Andean Expeditions ensures that the experience is educational as well as active. The combination of mechanized transport on the Quad Bikes and walking tours at the specific archaeological sites allows for a dynamic half-day itinerary. Travelers get to cover significant ground while still engaging deeply with the history and mechanics of these unique locations.
Finally, the return trip to Cusco is conducted in our comfortable private transportation. The driver takes a direct route back to the city, ensuring travelers arrive in time to have the afternoon or evening free. This half-day structure is designed to maximize time efficiency without rushing the visits to the key sites of Maras and Moray.
To check availability for any of our services, please contact us at reservas@bioandeanexpeditions.com or via WhatsApp at +51 969 875 999 or +51 984 404 049.
We’ll be happy to provide detailed information, rates, and booking conditions.
We offer special discounts for groups, and all our tours are fully guaranteed with daily departures.
Feel free to get in touch for more details about your preferred experience or to start creating a personalized travel itinerary based on your interests.
Bio Andean Expeditions is a trusted travel agency based in Cusco, Peru, dedicated to offering authentic and memorable experiences throughout the region.
Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a nature-filled journey, our professional team ensures comfort, quality, and a genuine connection with local culture and traditions.
NOTE: At Bio Andean Expeditions, we specialize in custom-made travel experiences across Peru.
With access to exclusive deals and carefully selected partner hotels, we can help you design your perfect itinerary.
For assistance with your tailor-made package, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.
The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 07:00 a.m. Our representative from Bio Andean Expeditions will locate you in the lobby to guide you to our private transportation. The first leg of the journey takes us out of the city and up toward the high plains of the Sacred Valley. The drive offers expansive views of the agricultural patchwork that defines the region. Our first stop is at a traditional weaving center in Chinchero. Here, local artisans demonstrate the process of washing, dyeing, and spinning alpaca wool using natural ingredients and age-old techniques.
After observing the textile traditions, we continue in our private transport to the community of Maras. Upon arrival at our base of operations, the Bio Andean Expeditions team will provide all necessary equipment, including gloves and helmets. A certified instructor will conduct a mandatory safety briefing and a practice session to ensure everyone is proficient in handling the Quad Bikes. Once the group is ready, we begin the ride across the plateau, heading towards the Moray archaeological site.
At Moray, the group parks the ATVs and proceeds on foot to explore the fascinating circular terraces. Our expert guide will explain the theory that these natural depressions were used by the Incas as an agricultural research station. The temperature difference between the top and bottom terraces can vary by as much as 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), creating distinct microclimates. This allowed the Incas to adapt crop varieties to different elevations.
Following the exploration of Moray, we proceed to the famous Salineras Salt Mines. This site consists of approximately 4,000 small pools perched on the steep mountainside. A natural saltwater spring fills these pools, and the water is allowed to evaporate in the sun, leaving behind crystallized salt. The guide will detail the community-based system used to harvest the salt every 30 days during the dry season. After fully visiting these sites, we board our private transportation for the return drive to Cusco, arriving around 01:30 p.m.
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From November to January — especially in December — Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets, the most complete and popular route we usually include, are sold out on many dates.
For new bookings with departures during these months, if Circuit 2 is not available for your travel date, we will secure Circuit 3 first (lower urban sector with a longer, more immersive walk) or, if that is also unavailable, Circuit 1 (upper panoramic area with the iconic postcard view). All options are subject to availability.
Your personal expert will invest the time to grasp your preferences and craft them into a tailored itinerary that aligns with your budget. They will continue refining it until you're fully satisfied and prepared to confirm.
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