Cusco Zipline, ATV & Salt Mines Tour: A Full Review

Okay, so you’re looking at a tour that throws together ziplining, ATV driving, and a visit to some seriously historical spots – the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray, actually. Cusco is amazing, yet it’s also loaded with tours that kinda promise the sun and moon, yet deliver…well, something a little less spectacular. Is this specific package worth the cash, though? I went on it, actually, and I’m giving you the lowdown on if you should too.

Cusco Zipline, ATV & Salt Mines Tour: A Full Review

The Thrill of Ziplining Above the Sacred Valley

Ziplining, like, is that bit that often gets everyone excited, yet? I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of soaring high above everything? I think that what people usually think when they’re considering this tour is the zipline over the Sacred Valley is something that is just simply insane! The actual experience? It, umm, very much depends on the tour outfit you roll with, apparently. There are some that are seriously pro, with fancy gear and super safety checks. You know, those types. Other ones, so they feel like they’re operating on a shoestring budget. Safety’s obviously pretty important, so, it’s very worth asking some very hard questions before you even commit. Do some digging into those reviews! The sensation of whizzing along those cables, though, it’s genuinely something else. Those views of the valley are genuinely unreal. So that alone could make the whole thing worthwhile. Remember to pack that camera! I took that for granted and really regret that.

Sacred Valley Zipline views

ATV Adventure: Conquering the Andean Terrain

Right after hanging above the valley, so you’re jumping onto an ATV to tear across it – I thought that that sounds like a total blast, right? And, as it turns out, it basically is, sort of. It’s like you’re bombing along dirt paths with views that just don’t end. The vehicles themselves can be a bit hit-or-miss, though. Some ATVs, like they’ve seen way better days, and others, so they’re nearly brand-new. The route, anyway, can get pretty dusty, actually, or pretty muddy, apparently, depending on when you show up. Wearing some goggles and maybe a bandana is usually not the worst idea. The ride can be bumpy, too, actually, so you probably need to be prepared for a bit of a workout, or so they say. This definitely gets your blood pumping, but it’s, maybe, also not the most relaxing part of the adventure, arguably. It depends what you are there for I would imagine, so if you need that chill time, bring something else!

ATV riding cusco

Maras Salt Mines: A Glimpse into Ancient Traditions

Okay, that’s where things are starting to get interesting! The Salt Mines of Maras is just basically mind-blowing. They, apparently, have been around since, almost, forever – since Incan times, I guess. There are, like, thousands of these small pools that step down the side of the valley, and they’re all used to harvest salt. What they show you is unreal, basically, it’s almost like something out of a movie. The views, though, wow, those views are genuinely something special. The tour guides, you see, should be able to walk you through how the whole operation works. Some do it better than others, apparently, so don’t be afraid to, maybe, ask tons of questions. You could also purchase some that salt right there – it is that stuff is supposedly good for you, too, I think. Is just a cool experience and great for photos, like.

maras salt mines pools

Moray: Exploring Agricultural Innovation

After the salt mines, typically, the tour goes to Moray, but who can know for sure. Moray is very different, like a series of circular terraces. Now that’s Inca ingenuity in action. Those terraces were kinda like an experimental agricultural lab. Different levels all had totally different microclimates, and that allowed the Incas to figure out what grows best where. I believe that it’s a fascinating spot if you are keen to experience Inca history, sort of, or understand a little history. As with Maras, the guide that you have will really make that experience, sort of. I mean, like, were they engaged or bored when talking? If they aren’t good, that is just an amazing set of circles. You can, maybe, find yourself zoning out if the tour guide can’t manage to tell a good story!

moray agricultural terraces

Is the Cusco Zipline, ATV, and Salt Mines Tour Worth It?

Right, down to the main question: Should you go on this tour, as a matter of fact? It depends what you are looking for from it, sort of. For people who have a hunger for adventure, who enjoy the thrill of heights and speed, the answer could just be yes, but you just don’t know for sure! Just imagine being mindful of safety. For history lovers or people who are into cool scenery, that is still a good option, too. If you are seeking something really relaxed and luxurious, you might want to maybe give this a miss. The price will very wildly too, it depends what you want from it and who with. In that area there’s basically all ranges, I guess.

A few things to maybe remember: Wear clothes that can be really beat up, as a matter of fact, and you need to bring plenty of water. Check out your tour operator and read reviews really closely, and then don’t be scared to ask all those questions! Bringing some sunscreen is not the worst idea, nor are the the hats and glasses and that kind of thing!

Essentially, this particular tour throws some totally unforgettable adventures and cultural gems into a single day. Is one you can make it one the best bits from the trip – you can only control a little bit of that though!

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