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QUAD Bike Huaypo Lagoon

QUAD Bike Huaypo Lagoon & Salt Mines

Adventure, culture and unparalleled landscapes in the heart of the Sacred Valley

Duration 5-6 hours
Max. Altitude 3,500 m / 11,483 ft
Difficulty Moderate
Group Size Max. 8 people

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Tour information

DESCRIPTION The experience

We invite you to be part of a unique four-wheel experience, on a tour that combines adventure, culture and unparalleled landscapes. The activity begins with departures by private transportation from the city of Cusco, with an approximate journey of 50 minutes to the Cheqereq community, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Upon arrival, and after a brief training session, we will be ready to begin an unforgettable ATV experience. Our first stop will be the majestic Huaypo Lagoon, a body of water surrounded by stories, legends and natural beauty that captivates every visitor.

We will continue our journey through the rural roads of the Maras community, from where we obtain spectacular views of the Urubamba mountain range, highlighting the imposing Verónica and Chicón snow-capped peaks. During the journey, we will also cross extensive and colorful Andean crop fields.

At the end of the ATV route, we will descend in our transportation to the historic Maras Salt Mines, an ancestral complex of more than 3,000 salt ponds in use since pre-Inca times. Finally, our expert guide will take you along an alternative return route, designed to close this adventure with a different and enriching perspective of the Sacred Valley.

ITINERARY Route
  • Departure: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
  • Transfer: 50 minutes to Cheqereq community
  • Training: Brief ATV driving session
  • ATV Tour: Towards Huaypo Lagoon
  • Continuation: Rural roads of Maras community with views of Verónica and Chicón snow-capped peaks
  • Crop fields: Extensive and colorful Andean fields
  • Visit: Maras Salt Mines (descent by vehicle)
  • Return: Alternative route with a different perspective of the Sacred Valley

Total duration: 5 to 6 hours approx.

Schedules: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm / 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm

PLACES TO VISIT Destinations included
  • Cheqereq Community - Starting point of the adventure
  • Huaypo Lagoon - Body of water surrounded by stories and legends
  • Maras Community - Spectacular views of the Urubamba mountain range, Verónica and Chicón snow-capped peaks
  • Andean crop fields - Extensive and colorful traditional fields
  • Maras Salt Mines - More than 3,000 salt ponds in use since pre-Inca times
INFORMATION Important details
  • Departures: Daily
  • Schedules: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm / 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm
  • Pickup: From your hotel
  • Difficulty level: Moderate (Uphill and Downhill)
  • Vehicle: Honda TRX 250 ATV
INCLUDED Services included
  • Transportation (Round trip)
  • Entrance tickets to Points of Interest (Moray – Salt Mines)
  • Bilingual Guide
  • ATV (Honda TRX 250)
  • Safety Equipment
  • Rain Ponchos (according to season)
NOT INCLUDED Services not included
  • Meals
  • Tips / Gratuities (optional)
  • Personal extra expenses
  • Travel insurance (recommended to purchase)
RECOMMENDATIONS What to bring
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterproof jackets
  • Comfortable adventure clothing
  • Camera
  • Cash

Note: Moderate level activity with uphill and downhill sections.

PRICE Per person

$70.00 USD

* Price per person in shared group

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before experiencing this incredible ATV adventure through the Sacred Valley

Huaypo Lagoon is one of the most special destinations of this tour, combining natural beauty, history and Andean legends.

📍 Location: In the heart of the Sacred Valley, at 3,500 masl, surrounded by Andean mountains.

🌟 Special features:

  • Water color: Turquoise and emerald tones that change according to sunlight
  • Local legend: It is said that the lagoon was formed by the tears of an Inca princess who cried over the loss of her beloved
  • Flora and fauna: Wild ducks, migratory birds and native trout inhabit the area
  • Tranquility: It is much less crowded than other tourist destinations

What activities can you do at the lagoon?

  • 📸 Take spectacular photos of the landscape
  • 🚶 Walk around the lagoon along natural trails
  • 🦆 Observe birds and local wildlife
  • 🧘 Meditate and connect with nature

Note: Swimming in the lagoon is not allowed to protect its ecosystem.

The QUAD Bike Huaypo Lagoon & Salt Mines tour lasts 5 to 6 hours and is available in two schedules to fit your itinerary.

MORNING Schedule:

  • 7:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
  • 7:50 am: Arrival at the Cheqereq community
  • 7:50 - 8:20 am: Training and equipment
  • 8:20 - 10:30 am: ATV tour towards Huaypo Lagoon and Maras
  • 10:30 - 11:30 am: Visit to Huaypo Lagoon (time for photos)
  • 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Tour along rural roads of Maras
  • 12:30 - 1:00 pm: Visit to the Salt Mines
  • 1:00 pm: Return to Cusco

AFTERNOON Schedule:

  • 1:00 pm: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
  • 1:50 pm: Arrival at Cheqereq + training
  • 2:20 - 4:30 pm: ATV tour towards Huaypo Lagoon and Maras
  • 4:30 - 5:30 pm: Visit to Huaypo Lagoon + Salt Mines
  • 6:30 pm: Return to Cusco

Recommendation: The morning schedule is ideal because there is better light for photos and less wind.

No previous experience is needed! The ATVs are automatic and very easy to drive.

Before starting:

  • You will receive a training session of 15-20 minutes at the beginning of the tour
  • Our guide will explain the basic operation: accelerator, brake and steering
  • You will practice on safe terrain before starting the tour

Requirements to drive:

  • Minimum age to drive: 16 years (with driver's license or parental permission)
  • Children under 16 can go as passengers on the back of an adult's ATV
  • No international driver's license is needed (only for adults)

Vehicle: Honda TRX 250 ATV (automatic, easy to handle, excellent for uneven terrain).

Important: If you don't feel confident driving, you can ride as a passenger on someone else's ATV or request a double vehicle.

Recommendations for your ATV adventure:

  • Original passport (mandatory)
  • Immigration card (TAM)
  • Comfortable and durable clothing (long pants, preferably trekking pants or jeans)
  • Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or boots, no sandals)
  • Water (minimum 1.5 liters)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+, the sun in the Sacred Valley is intense)
  • Cap or hat (under the helmet for greater comfort)
  • Sunglasses (additional protection against dust and sun)
  • Jacket or fleece (cold in the morning, then hot)
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (especially during rainy season)
  • Camera or cell phone (for spectacular photos of the lagoon)
  • Cash in soles (to buy artisanal salt, snacks, tips)
  • Scarf or bandana (optional, to cover nose and mouth from dust)

Important: The protective equipment (helmet, gloves, goggles) is provided by us. You don't need to buy anything extra!

Note: The terrain is dusty, so don't wear white or very light clothes if you mind getting dirty.

Yes, completely included! You won't have to pay anything extra to enter the tour sites.

Entrances included in the tour:

  • Huaypo Lagoon: Access to viewpoints and trails around the lagoon (free entrance, included in the tour)
  • Maras Salt Mines: Entrance to the complex of more than 3,000 salt pools (included)

What else is included?

  • ✅ Private transportation to and from your hotel
  • ✅ Bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
  • ✅ Honda TRX 250 ATV (1 per person)
  • ✅ Complete protective equipment (helmet, gloves, goggles, reflective vest)
  • ✅ Entrance to Maras Salt Mines
  • ✅ Rain ponchos (if in season)

DOES NOT include:

  • Food (you must bring your own snacks or eat before/after the tour)
  • Tips (optional)
  • Additional personal expenses (souvenir purchases, artisanal salt)
  • Travel insurance (recommended to purchase)

Important: Unlike the QUAD Bike Full Day, this tour does NOT include lunch. We recommend having a good breakfast before the tour or bringing snacks.

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