Are you looking to add some serious adrenaline to your trip to Peru. Hitting the trails on our bike tour of maras moray is hands down one of the most exciting ways to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Leave the crowded tourist buses behind and feel the rush of the Andean wind as you cruise along dirt paths surrounded by massive snow capped peaks. If you are searching for the absolute best bike tour cusco has to offer this half day adventure hits the sweet spot between physical thrill and deep cultural history.
Our guided cusco bike tours are designed for active travelers who want t o experience the true rugged beauty of the mountains. You will hop on a high quality front suspension mountain bike and ride through incredible farming landscapes connecting two of the most fascinating archaeological sites in South America. Whether you are browsing for a classic mountain bike tour cusco experience or checking out cusco bike tours tripadvisor reviews our local team guarantees a safe highly organized and completely unforgettable ride.
Overview
What Makes This Sacred Valley Ride So Special
We built this itinerary specifically for travelers who want to stay active while acclimatizing before heading to Machu Picchu. Riding through the high altitude plains gives you a completely different perspective of how the ancient Incas lived and farmed. For those who prefer a motorized thrill we also offer an incredibly popular quad bike tour cusco option covering the exact same stunning geographical area.
The half day Sacred Valley Bike Tour popularly known as Maras Moray Bike Tour is a high altitude mountain bike tour to the two prominent sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Accompanied by a professional English speaking local tour guide, you will be biking on the dirt roads of the valley. Maras Moray Bike Tour gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the pristine views of the Andean Landscapes.
Both Inca Ruins, Salt Mines of Maras and Farming Terraces of Moray played a ital role during the Inca civilization.
Maras Salt Flats have been in use since Pre Inca times. It has been passed down in the line of succession. Farmers here continue to practise the traditional salt farming method as their ancestors.
They let in the natural spring water into the geometric shaped salt puddles and wait for it to evaporate. It then leaves behind crystals of salt which they scrape out manually.
The circular farming terraces of Moray are quite distinct. It has different levels dug into the ground. Each of these levels have different temperature zones. The Incas used it to experiment the growth conditions of crops.
Thanks to this, Peru now produces over 800 different varieties of potatoes among other crops.
The tour is ideal while you are acclimatising in the altitude of Cusco before your trip to Machu Picchu.
Highlights of Your Two Wheel Adventure
- The Moray Agricultural Terraces Ride right up to the massive circular farming rings where ancient Incas experimented with different crop temperatures
- The Maras Salt Mines Look down over thousands of geometric salt pools that have been actively harvested by local families since pre Inca times
- Epic Downhill Cruising Enjoy miles of mostly downhill dirt roads making this bike tour downhill cusco moray flats perfect for intermediate riders
- Stunning Mountain Scenery Stop for incredible photo opportunities with the towering Veronica glacier standing proudly in the background
Itinerary
Tour itinerary
We kick off the day by picking you up right from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco. We load up the gear and drive out into the breathtaking Sacred Valley toward a small local community called Cruz Pata. Once we arrive our expert biking guides will set you up with your mountain bike provide a thorough safety briefing and let you do a quick test ride to ensure your gear feels perfect.
- Starting Elevation 3400 meters or 11154 feet
- Transport Time Roughly one hour drive from the city
- Morning Activity Gear fitting and safety briefing
We hit the dirt trails and start pedaling through gorgeous open farmland surrounded by the towering Andes mountains. The ride to Moray is incredibly scenic and mostly flat with a few fun downhill sections. Once we arrive at the ruins we park the bikes and your guide will explain how the Incas used these massive circular depressions as an agricultural testing laboratory to grow hundreds of different potato varieties.
- Riding Distance Approximately 15 kilometers or 9 miles
- Trail Conditions Wide dirt roads with minimal vehicle traffic
- Cultural Stop Guided walking tour inside the Moray complex
After exploring Moray we jump back on the bikes for the best part of the trip an awesome downhill cruise toward the colonial town of Maras. From there we head toward the famous salt flats. Due to preservation rules bikes are not allowed directly inside the fragile salt pools but we will ride to an incredible viewpoint where you can see all three thousand salt pans glittering in the sun. After soaking in the view we meet our driver load up the bikes and drive safely back dropping you off in Cusco.
- Total Cycling Distance Roughly 35 kilometers or 22 miles total
- Afternoon Activity Viewing the Maras salt mines from above
- Arrival Time Safe drop off in Cusco around early afternoon
Inclusions
What is Included in Your Cusco Bike Tour
We provide top tier equipment and expert guides so you can just focus on pedaling and enjoying the massive mountain views.
- Professional Biking Guides fluent in English and fully trained in high altitude first aid and bike mechanics
- Quality Mountain Bikes featuring strong front suspension hydraulic brakes and a properly fitted safety helmet
- Private Transportation covering your pick up from your Cusco hotel the drive to the starting point and your ride back
- Support Vehicle following the group at a safe distance in case you need to rest or grab some water during the ride
- First Aid Equipment carried by your guide at all times including an emergency oxygen cylinder for altitude safety
What is Not Included
We keep our pricing totally transparent. Here are the few items you need to cover on your own.
- Tourist Ticket and Entrance Fees requiring a small cash payment to enter the Moray terraces and the Maras salt mines viewpoint
- Drinking Water and Snacks which you need to bring yourself in a small daypack to stay energized during the ride
- Tips and Gratuities which are totally optional but a fantastic way to thank your hardworking guide and driver
Packing List
Crucial Packing List for Your Mountain Bike Trip
The weather in the Sacred Valley changes constantly. You will be sweating while pedaling but the wind can be freezing when you stop. Here is exactly what you need to bring.
- Original Passport carried safely in a waterproof bag since you need it to purchase your entrance tickets
- Comfortable Athletic Clothing including breathable layers and a lightweight windbreaker jacket you can easily tie around your waist
- Sun Protection like polarized sunglasses and heavy SPF 50 sunscreen to fight the aggressive high altitude solar radiation
- Small Backpack just large enough to carry your water bottle your camera and some extra cash in Peruvian Soles
- Sturdy Closed Toe Shoes providing a solid flat grip for the bike pedals ensuring you ride safely and comfortably
Price
Pricing for Your Bike Adventure
We offer highly competitive rates while providing excellent safety gear and top notch local guides for all our cusco mountain bike tours.
Small Group Tour Fun and Social
- 2 to 3 People 160 USD Per person
- 4 or more People 150 USD Per person
- Children and students 130 USD Per person
Our shared group rides are perfect for active travelers wanting to hit the trails with fellow adventurers. We strictly limit our group sizes so the guide can keep a close eye on everyone ensuring a safe and super fun pace.
Exclusive Private Bike Tour
- 2 to 3 People 210 USD Per person
- 4 or more People 200 USD Per person
- Children and students 180 USD Per person
If you are an experienced rider who wants to go fast or a beginner who wants to take it super slow our private bike tours in cusco are the ultimate choice. This option gives you a dedicated guide and support vehicle meaning you control the speed and the photo stops.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions – Maras Moray bike half day tour
What is the minimum age for the Maras Moray bike half day tour?
The Maras Moray bike half day tour is recommended for individuals over 16 years old, due to the difficulty of the ride and the conditions of the terrain. It is important that participants have moderate physical fitness and prior cycling experience.
What is the difficulty level of the Maras Moray bike half day ride and how far do I cycle?
The ride on the Maras Moray bike half day tour has a moderate difficulty level and covers approximately 35 km (22 miles) of trail, mostly downhill. It is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness.
What type of bike is used on the tour?
Front-suspension mountain bikes are used, suitable for the Andean terrain during tour.
What is the best time to do the tour?
The dry season, from April to October, is ideal for the Maras Moray Bike Half Day tour due to better cycling conditions and clear skies.
What should I do if I feel altitude sickness during the Maras Moray bike half day tour?
If you experience altitude sickness during the tour, it's important to stop and rest. Be sure to drink plenty of water, eat something light, and take frequent breaks. Our guides are trained to assist in such cases, and if symptoms persist, we will evaluate the possibility of returning to a lower-altitude area.
