Maras Moray by Bike: A Wild Descent Through the Sacred Valley
Maras Moray by Bike: A Wild Descent Through the Sacred Valley
Wind hits your face, tires bite into loose earth, and the valley unfolds beneath you like a living map. This isn't a passive sightseeing tour — it's feeling every curve of trails once used by Inca chasquis to relay messages across the empire.
Executive Summary
- Duration: Full day (6-7 hours) | 3-4 hours of actual riding
- Difficulty: Moderate-High (basic fitness recommended; some mountain biking experience helpful)
- Max Altitude: 3,385 – 3,750 m / 11,105 – 12,303 ft (mostly downhill)
- Highlights: Original dirt-and-stone trails · Panoramic views of the Vilcanota Range · Maras salt pans · Moray's circular terraces · Controlled adrenaline
Detailed Itinerary
01
DAY
Overview
7:30 AM: Hotel pickup and transfer by van, bikes included, to the starting point near Moray.
9:00 AM: Technical briefing and full-suspension bike fitting. The ride opens with a warm-up stretch through corn and quinoa fields.
9:45 AM: First major descent: technical singletrack with open views of the Verónica and Chicón peaks. Your guide sets the pace based on the group's skill level.
11:00 AM: Arrival at the Maras Salt Pans. Rest, hydration, and a walk among the salt pools.
12:30 PM: Second descent toward the town of Maras, with more technical turns and views into the Urubamba River canyon.
1:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant or picnic featuring regional ingredients.
3:00 PM: Return to Cusco.
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Private transport with vehicle support throughout the ride
- Full-suspension mountain bike (adjustable sizing)
- Helmet, gloves, and repair kit
- Certified guide trained in first aid and basic bike mechanics
- Entrance fees to Maras Salt Pans and Moray
- Lunch
- Support vehicle with water and snacks
What's Not Included
- Tips (optional)
- Personal technical clothing (we recommend bringing your own)
- Travel insurance
Why Choose This Tour with AndeanDiscovery.pe?
We ride full-suspension bikes maintained on a weekly basis — not the entry-level rigid frames some Cusco operators still hand out. Our support vehicle follows the route the entire time, so if anyone in the group prefers to walk a technical section or needs a break, it doesn't interrupt the rest of the group's experience. We split riders by skill level before the descent begins, so an experienced cyclist never waits on a beginner, or vice versa.