The Sacred Valley hits different from up high. This Cusco adventure strings together four zipline cables and an ATV ride that sets you up for quick-but-memorable stops at Maras and Moray. You get morning mountain views en route to the base, then high-speed fun once you’re geared up for it.

I especially like how the morning drive builds excitement, with views of the Sacred Valley plus peaks like Nevado de Chicón and Pitusiray. On top of that, the zipline portion is the real crowd-pleaser: multiple cables of different lengths, so you get variety instead of one single run.

One thing to plan for: food and site entries are extra. You’re also on a schedule, so your time at Moray won’t be long, which matters if you were hoping to linger.

Quick Key Points Before You Go

• Four zipline cables with different lengths, not just one run
• Panoramic Sacred Valley views that start before you even ride
• ATV time with a guided pass by Maras and Moray, plus a short stop
• Small group (up to 10), which usually makes the day feel less chaotic
• Bring cash because you’ll likely pay for entrances at the salt sites
• No lunch included, so pack snacks for the road

Cusco Zipline + ATVs: What This Day Feels Like

This tour is built for people who want the Sacred Valley in motion. You’ll start with early pickup in Cusco, head out to the Raqchi base, and spend the day bouncing between adrenaline and scenery. The rhythm is simple: gear up, fly on the cables, then switch gears to your ATV.

What makes it appealing is that the day doesn’t force you to choose between “views” and “fun.” The zipline gives you that instant, wide-angle look over the valley. The quad biking keeps you close to the ground where you can feel how the region changes as you move toward the salt sites.

You should also know it’s a long-ish day: 450 minutes (about 7.5 hours), usually getting you back to Cusco around 3:00 p.m. That timing is great if you want one big outing, but it does mean you’ll want to eat something early and keep energy up.

Morning Pickup and the Drive to the Raqchi Base

The day starts early for a reason. You’ll leave Cusco by vehicle toward the Raqchi area, and along the way you’ll pick up major viewpoints of the Sacred Valley plus Nevado de Chicón and Pitusiray. If you’re the type who likes a “scenery warm-up,” this portion helps a lot. It also gives you time to settle in before you’re strapped into a helmet and harness.

Pickup is included, and the guide will message or call you about 15 minutes before pick up at your hotel. That’s useful in Cusco, where it’s easy to lose time if you’re figuring logistics on the fly.

Also, bring sunscreen and a camera even if you think you’ll be too busy. The drive gives you some of the easiest photo moments of the day, before you’re focused on gear and speed.

Zip Lines: Four Cables, Different Lengths, Real Aerial Views

This is the section most people talk about for a reason. Once you arrive at the base, you’ll get safety equipment and a briefing. Then you’ll run through four zipline cables of different lengths, which keeps things from feeling repetitive.

The guide team works with you step-by-step, so you’re not just dropped into chaos. One traveler highlighted a team member named Juan as part of the zipline crew, and another guide mentioned Sam supporting the setup. That’s a good sign: when the crew is organized, you spend more time flying and less time waiting around.

What you’ll notice from above: the Sacred Valley looks layered. Fields, roads, and small changes in terrain become easy to see when you’re suspended above them. One traveler even mentioned a fun “Condor” pose while flying over the valley, and that’s believable—you get enough time to play with body position as long as you’re following instructions.

ATV Ride to the Salt Sites: Why Maras and Moray Matter

After the zipline, you’ll jump back into the adventure with ATVs (one per person). You’ll ride as part of the group route, passing by the salt mines areas of Maras and Moray and getting a guided overview along the way.

Even if you’re mainly there for adrenaline, the salt sites change the feel of the landscape. They’re not just “pretty ruins.” The area is known for how humans use the environment to produce salt, and Moray is especially known for its unusual terraced structure. When your guide explains what you’re looking at, the scenery stops being random and turns into something you can read.

A key practical point: the salt stops are brief. Your ATV route includes a short guided stop to see Maras and Moray. That’s perfect if you want an introduction and a few photos, but it’s not the format for slow wandering.

One traveler also noted the ATV + zipline combination works well because the day is split across different groups for parts of the schedule—so don’t assume every minute will follow a single “marching in line” pattern. It’s still managed; you’re not stuck.

Timing at Moray and Maras: Quick Photos, Fast Decisions

Here’s the part that can make-or-break your expectations: time at the sites.

You’ll pass Maras and Moray from the ATV route and get a brief stop to see the attraction. Then the day moves on and you return to Cusco afterward. That’s why it’s smart to treat this as a “great taste” outing, not a full, deep exploration day.

Budget-wise, entrance fees are where you’ll likely feel the squeeze. The tour price doesn’t include all site costs:

• Entrance to Maras is listed as $5.00
• Entrance ticket to Moray is not included (and price can vary)

One review gave a helpful real-world example: the traveler paid 20 (for Maras) and 70 soles (for Moray), and still felt the Moray time limit made that money feel rushed. Another person also flagged that Moray time was short.

So how do you make the best of limited minutes?

• Go in knowing you’re getting a stop-through experience.
• Take your must-have photos quickly, then let the guide’s explanation do the heavy lifting.
• If you’re the type who needs time to sit and absorb, consider adding a separate visit to Moray later on a day with slower pacing.

Price and Value: Is $85 a Good Deal?

At $85 per person, this tour is priced in the “activity day” range, which is usually where you get value through guided logistics. You’re paying for transportation, equipment, and two activity types in one go.

Here’s what you actually get in the included price:

• Round trip transportation from Cusco
• Individual ATV plus fuel
• Helmet and gloves
• Zipline and safety equipment
• Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
• A small group size (limited to 10 participants)

What you should mentally add on:

• Entrance fees for the salt sites (Maras is listed as $5.00; Moray entry is not included)
• Lunch, plus the fact that you’ll want snacks since the tour doesn’t include food
• Any extra expenses you choose to cover in cash

The biggest value question is how you personally weigh adrenaline vs. site time. If you want ziplining and ATV fun with a taste of salt sites, this looks like strong value. If you were hoping for a long, unhurried visit at Moray, the price won’t feel as justified once you see how tight the stop is.

Still, most people who love the zipline portion tend to feel it was worth it. And the views you get from above the valley are hard to replicate any other way.

Gear, Fitness, and Safety Rules That Matter

You’ll be wearing a helmet and gloves for the ATV portion, and you’ll get safety equipment for the zipline. There’s also a briefing before you launch on the cables. That’s exactly what you want for this kind of activity day—clear steps, correct gear, and a crew that knows how to manage a group.

But this isn’t a “casual stroll” tour. It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 14
• Wheelchair users
• Visually impaired people
• People over 275 lbs (125 kg)
• People with pre-existing medical conditions

If any of that applies to you, it’s worth skipping this outing and choosing something gentler.

What to bring (from the tour guidance):

• Passport
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Cash

And one more important rule: no alcohol and no drugs. That’s standard for adventure tours, but it’s good to remember so you don’t end up disappointed on departure day.

Also plan for altitude and weather. Cusco days can swing. Bring sunscreen because the sun can be sharp, and plan snacks because you’ll be on the road for hours.

Small Group Size and Bilingual Guides: Why It Helps

With a small group limited to 10 participants, the day usually feels smoother. You’re not fighting crowds at the base, and the guide can keep an eye on everyone during transitions—from safety briefing to zipline runs to ATV time.

The guide is bilingual (English and Spanish). That matters for this kind of day because safety instructions and site interpretation need to land clearly. One review specifically praised the guide Floyd for fun ATV driving plus detailed notes on the history behind what you’re seeing. That kind of guide attention is the difference between seeing a place and understanding it for the drive home.

Who Should Book This Cusco Adventure

This tour is a great match if you want:

• Ziplining as a main event, not a side activity
• ATV fun with a guided pass by major salt sites
• A structured day trip that’s handled for you
• A smaller group pace

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Need lots of free time to explore Moray slowly
• Are sensitive to riding and harness-based activities
• Want a full lunch included and zero “pack your own snacks” thinking

If you’re traveling with friends and you all want to be active, this kind of shared adrenaline day tends to be memorable. You’ll have the kind of “we did this today” story that doesn’t fade.

Should You Book Cusco Zipline + ATVs With Maras and Moray?

If your priority is fun + views, I’d say yes, book it. The combo of four zipline cables and an individual ATV ride makes the price feel reasonable, especially with included transportation and equipment. The scenery build-up during the drive to Raqchi also makes the morning feel like more than just getting to the starting line.

But if you care most about spending quality time inside Moray—wandering, photographing for a long stretch, and soaking in details—this format may feel rushed. You’ll likely want extra time later on your own.

My practical advice: bring cash for entrances and carry snacks so your energy stays steady. Treat the salt sites as a guided taste during an adventure day, not a full guided museum-style experience.

FAQ

Do I need to pay extra for entrances at Maras and Moray?

Yes. Entrance to Maras is listed as $5.00, and entrance tickets for Moray are not included. Expect to budget cash for these site fees.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 450 minutes, and the tour returns to Cusco at an average time of 3:00 p.m.

What’s included in the $85 price?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so it’s smart to bring snacks for the road.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport, camera, sunscreen, and cash.

What’s the zipline like?

You’ll ride four zipline cables of different lengths after receiving safety equipment and a briefing.

Is there a pickup from Cusco hotels?

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

How big is the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

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