Zipline time in the Andes is a whole different kind of fun. This Cusco outing mixes ATV riding with four zipline cables, then adds short but worthwhile looks at the salt-mines area around Maras and Moray. It’s built for people who want action first, sightseeing second, without losing the story behind what they’re seeing.

You get amazing angles over the Sacred Valley before you even start moving, thanks to the early drive out of Cusco toward Raqchi. And once you’re geared up, the cables deliver big views over the valley in a way that feels fast and cinematic, even for a small group. The main catch is practical: Moray and Maras entrances cost extra, and the stop at Moray is time-limited.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Four zipline cables with different lengths for variety, not just one repeat ride
• Sacred Valley viewpoints en route including views tied to Nevado de Chicón and Pitusiray
• Individual ATV so you’re not stuck riding as a passenger during the fun part
• Brief guided stops at Maras and Moray, with extra entrance fees
• Small group size (up to 10) plus a professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish

Getting to Raqchi: the Sacred Valley views start early

This tour is an early-morning plan, so don’t expect a slow start. You’ll head out from Cusco toward the base in Raqchi, and on the drive you’ll get some of the best “starter views” of the day. Expect big scenery moments as you pass viewpoints tied to the Sacred Valley, plus sights connected with Nevado de Chicón and Pitusiray.

Why I like this setup: it beats the usual pattern where you only get photos at the end. Here, the views begin while everyone is still fresh and before the adrenaline kicks in. It also helps you mentally switch from Cusco city rhythm to high-country movement.

Tip that saves hassle: since you’re starting early and the schedule runs long, pack your sunscreen and have your camera ready. Bright sun at altitude can sneak up on you even when the air feels cool.

Safety gear and the 4 zipline cables: what to expect on the run

Once you arrive at the base, you’ll be fitted with zipline safety equipment and get a briefing. You’ll also do a short instruction talk before you line up, which matters because you’re riding cables with different lengths and a real change in tempo from one run to the next.

Then the fun part: you’ll go through four zipline cables. The tour is designed so it’s not just one line and done. Different lengths usually mean different body sensations—some rides feel more like a glide, others feel like a longer, steadier pull as you cross above the valley. The goal is to give you variety, plus repeated chances for photos from slightly different angles.

What you should aim for: focus on staying comfortable in the harness area and listening for cues from the crew. The view is incredible, but the ride is the priority. If you’re used to fast sightseeing, this is the rare activity where “slower” actually feels better because it gives you time to take in the Sacred Valley below.

ATV riding in the Andes: practical fun, not a stunt show

After ziplining, you move on to the ATV portion. The tour includes an individual ATV, which is a big deal for value and comfort. It means you get real control of your pace and you’re not waiting for someone else to match your timing.

The route takes you through the Cusco countryside, and along the way you’ll pass by the salt-mine area of Maras and Moray. You won’t spend your whole time just looking at the mines from a distance—you’ll actually get a brief stop so you can see what you came for, then continue onward.

ATV reality check: you’ll have your adrenaline high, but the ride is also about staying steady and enjoying the terrain. The plan is not described as a technical driving course, so your best strategy is simple: follow the guide’s lead and keep your focus on the road. If you try to freestyle too much, you’ll burn energy you’d rather save for photos and the next activity.

Maras salt mines and Moray: worth it, with one big time tradeoff

This is the sightseeing section, and it’s intentionally brief. You’ll ride by the attractions, and then stop for a guided look at the salt mines of Maras and Moray.

Here’s the key thing to know: Maras entrance is extra (listed as $5.00), and Moray entrance ticket isn’t included. One practical review detail also lines up with what you should plan for: Moray entrances can be expensive, and the time you get there may feel short. In one firsthand account, Moray took only about 15 minutes on the schedule.

So what does that mean for you?

• If you’re mainly here for ATV and ziplining, you’ll probably feel like the salt-mine stops are a great bonus.
• If you’re hoping for a long, slow wander of Moray, you might want a different style of tour or go prepared to take only the highlights.

Still, even a quick visit can be educational. Maras and Moray are known for their unique salt-mining landscape, and the guided stop helps you understand why the area looks the way it does rather than just snapping photos and moving on.

Bring cash for entrances. In at least one case, someone ran into the issue of not budgeting enough and only had just enough money on hand. Avoid that stress. If you want the full value of the visit, land with extra cash ready to pay.

Price and logistics: how the $85 value adds up (or doesn’t)

At $85 per person for a roughly 450-minute day (about 7.5 hours), this tour is priced like an activity-heavy combo. You’re paying for:

• round-trip transportation
• an individual ATV
• fuel
• helmet and gloves
• zipline and safety equipment
• a professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)

That’s the big value engine: it bundles the gear, guide, and transportation so you don’t have to coordinate pieces alone.

The part that can change your final cost is entrances and meals:

• Maras salt mines entrance: $5.00 (not included)
• Moray ticket: not included
• Lunch: not included
• snacks: you’ll want them, because the tour returns on average at 3:00 p.m. and doesn’t include food

I think the tour is a good deal if you truly want the ziplining + ATV as your core experience. If you’re more of a slow explorer who wants hours at Moray, you may end up paying extra for short stops. In that case, you might compare with options that prioritize time on sites rather than time on cables and ATVs.

What to bring (and what to skip) at this altitude day

This is one of those tours where packing smart matters more than packing everything. Here’s what the tour requests:

• Passport
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Also, bring snacks for the road. The tour notes that lunch isn’t included, and your day runs long enough that hunger can interfere with the fun.

Avoid anything the tour doesn’t allow:

• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

A small practical note: you’ll be outside and in motion for major chunks of the day. Wear clothes you can handle with a harness and gloves, and don’t plan on dressing up for photos. This is action-sport attire territory.

Who this Cusco zipline + ATV + salt-mine stop fits best

This experience is best for people who want a high-energy Cusco day without giving up some culture and local context. It’s also a good fit if you like groups that aren’t giant. The group is capped at 10 participants, which usually means less waiting and a smoother flow from one activity to the next.

Fit checklist:

• You’re comfortable on an ATV and can follow safety instructions.
• You’re excited by the main event: ziplining across the Sacred Valley.
• You want Maras and Moray as guided highlights, not a full-day deep study.

Not for everyone. The tour is listed as not suitable for:

• children under 14
• wheelchair users
• visually impaired people
• people over 275 lbs / 125 kg
• anyone with pre-existing medical conditions

If you fall into any of those categories, it’s worth looking for a different format. The safety requirements and physical demands are part of what makes the day work.

Should you book the Cusco Zipline + ATV + Salt Mines tour?

Book it if your dream Cusco day looks like this: early views, then zipline cables with big valley views, then an individual ATV ride, and finally guided stops at Maras and Moray even if the time is limited.

Skip or rethink it if you’re mainly after long site exploration, especially at Moray. The attractions are included as brief guided moments, and entrance fees can add up. If Moray is your number-one priority and you want plenty of time there, you may want a tour that gives more time on the ground.

If you do book: plan for extra spending with cash, pack your snacks, and go in with the right mindset. This tour rewards people who like movement and photos from above.

FAQ

How long is the Cusco zipline + ATV + salt mines tour?

The duration is 450 minutes, which is about 7.5 hours. You’ll typically return to Cusco on average at 3:00 p.m.

What’s included in the price?

Round trip transportation, an individual ATV, fuel, helmet, gloves, zipline and safety equipment, and a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish).

Are lunch and entrance fees included?

Lunch is not included. Entrance to the salt mines of Maras is listed as $5.00, and Moray entrance ticket is not included.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes. Pickup is included, and your guide will write or call you about 15 minutes before pick up in your hotel.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, camera, sunscreen, and cash.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 14, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, people over 275 lbs (125 kg), and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

What activities will I do during the day?

You’ll start with ziplining across four cables, then ride an ATV, pass by the Maras and Moray salt-mine area, and make a brief guided stop to see the attractions.

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