Feel the Andes under ATV tires on a half-day run from Cusco to Moray and the Maras salt pans. This practical guide outlines what to expect—terrain, altitude, logistics—and how to prepare for a safe, memorable ride.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dust rises behind you as the quad bites into high-Andean dirt; the air is thin, sharp, and cold enough to make each inhale feel like work. This half-day ATV route leaves Cusco and climbs through scrub and terraced fields, then opens onto the craggy bowl of Moray and the geometric terraces of the Maras salt pans. The machines hum, the Andes push around you, and the landscape seems to lean in with curiosity.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; be comfortable sitting on an ATV for several hours and negotiating bumps at altitude. Allow extra rest if you have breathing or cardiovascular issues.
Wildlife
History
Moray’s terraced depressions were likely used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation—each terrace has its own microclimate for trying different crops.
Conservation
The Salineras rely on delicate water channels and communal management; staying on marked paths and avoiding litter helps preserve both production and fragile soil.
Reserve your spot on the Quads in Maras half-day today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you ride
Spend at least a day in Cusco to adjust to altitude; dizziness or headache reduces ability to operate an ATV safely.
Bring eye protection
Dust and salt spray are common—wraparound sunglasses or goggles keep vision clear on open tracks.
Start slow during practice
You’ll get ~30 minutes of training; use it to confirm braking and handling before tackling steeper sections.
Respect salt-pans boundaries
Stay on marked routes—walking or driving over pans damages production and local livelihoods.
Closed-toe hiking shoes or boots
Protects feet and provides traction for mounting, dismounting, and brief walks around terraces.
Light windproof layers
High-altitude weather changes quickly—layers trap heat and block wind during cold stretches.
Wraparound sunglasses or goggles
Shields eyes from dust, glare off salt pans, and wind at speed.
Hydration pack (1–2L)
Keeps fluids handy at altitude where dehydration sets in faster.