Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco Full Day
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Group Size
- 15 persons
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Max Altitude
- 3,762 m / 12,343 ft
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Physical Level
- Easy
To the east of Cusco, the Sacred Valley Tour is one of the most beautiful and historically significant regions of Peru. This rich valley, shaped by the Urubamba River, was sacred to the Incas. They valued its great weather, fertile soil, and spiritual energy. The Sacred Valley Tour lets you witness ancient engineering, magnificent terraces, and Inca temples that have last through time.
A full day tour will start early in the morning with a hotel pickup. You will then follow a beautiful route with amazing mountain views and traditional Andean villages. On your full day tour, you will visit the Pisac archaeological site. It is famous for its terraces and stunning views. You will also see the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, which has ancient streets and temples. Finally, you will explore Chinchero, a path with charming highland clothing merchants. There is also a colonial church built on Inca foundations.
This full day adventure incorporates history, culture, and gastronomy, including a delicious buffet lunch. Visitors with a professional guide will learn about the Inca civilization. They will learn about local traditions. They will see how people in Andean communities live. These communities still follow their traditional practices.
US$ 70 / person
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Best way to visit the Sacred Valley Peru
Sacred Valley Excursions from Cusco
Sacred Valley of the Inca, one of the incredible parts of the Peruvian Andes, is filled with lush farmland, archaeological areas, and preserved traditions of the Andean people. Tourists will be picked up at their hotel in Cusco during the morning hours on a day’s excursion into a valley that was important in the Inca civilization.
Stops include the Alpaca farm, Taray Point for spectacular views, the wonderful archaeological site of Pisca, and the very colourful market in Pisca. The day will include lunch in Urubamba, a visit to Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, including a look into the traditional weaving culture. All tours were created and operated by Uros Expeditions.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a well-organized, all-inclusive tour with a professional guide, entrance tickets, and meals.
- Visit the most iconic archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center.
- Experience local life through traditional markets and alpaca farms.
- A perfect blend of nature, history, and Andean culture in one day.
Sacred Valley Tour at a Glance
Cusco Sacred Valley Tour – Pisac – ollantaytambo – chinchero
- 8:00 am – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
Our comfortable tourist transport will collect you directly from your hotel. Please be ready at the scheduled time. - 8:45 am – Alpaca farm visit
Learn about llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, and discover the importance of natural fibers in Andean culture. - 9:00 am – Taray Viewpoint
Short stop to enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and take photos. - 9:45 am – Pisac Ruins
Guided visit through terraces, temples, and ceremonial areas of this important Inca site. - 10:30 am – Pisac Market
Free time to explore local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. - 12:00 pm – Lunch in Urubamba
Buffet lunch at a local restaurant, with vegetarian options available. - 1:30 pm – Ollantaytambo
Guided exploration of the fortress and the historic town. - 3:30 pm – Chinchero Ruins
Visit the archaeological site and the traditional plaza. - 4:30 pm – Weaving center
Live demonstration of ancestral weaving techniques, natural dyes, and looms. - 6:00 pm – Return to Cusco
Drop-off at your hotel, marking the end of the tour.
Why Book with Uros Expeditions
The Sacred Valley covers a large area, and visiting its most important sites in a single day requires careful planning. Our team organizes the route to make the most of your time while providing context that helps bring each location to life. From archaeological sites to traditional villages, our guides help connect the history of the Incas with the communities that continue to call the valley home today.
- Visit the Sacred Valley’s most important sites in one day.
- Learn from guides with extensive knowledge of Inca history and culture.
- Comfortable transportation throughout the valley.
- Well-planned route designed to maximize sightseeing time.
- Buffet lunch included during the excursion.
- Discover both archaeological sites and living Andean traditions.
- Small groups for a more personal experience.
- Reliable service backed by local expertise.
Sacred Valley tour itinerary
Tour Full day: Sacred Valley Tour
Your day will kick off with a morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. As we move out of the city, the scenery will quickly change to green valleys and enormous peaks of the Andes. Our first stop will be Pisac, which is about 45 minutes away. You will visit one of the most impressive archaeological complexes of the Sacred Valley, with Inca terraces running up the mountain, as well as temples looking over the entire valley. Your guide will provide an overview of the function of each area, from the ceremonial spaces to the Inca cemetery carved into the rocks containing thousands of tombs.
Once we finish at Pisac we will head to the local town market, where local artisans sell their beautiful handmade crafts, silver jewelry, and colorful Andean textiles. This is a great opportunity to get a sense of local culture, or to find some unique souvenirs.
After Pisac, we will continue along the valley to Urubamba for lunch. Here we will enjoy a traditional buffet-style lunch of regional Peruvian dishes from the fresh locally produced ingredients.
In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Ollantaytambo, an incredible archaeological site that was a fortress and ceremonial site. You’ll walk through its huge stone terraces and learn about the strategic importance of this location during the Inca resistance to the Spanish conquest. The town of Ollantaytambo is a living museum—the streets and water canals still follow Inca organization.
While returning to Cusco the last stop will be Chinchero, a colorful Andean village known for its weaving and textile culture. You’ll visit the colonial church built over an Inca palace and see demonstrations of traditional dyeing of textile selected by indigenous communities.
At the end of the day, we’ll return to Cusco in the evening with even a greater appreciation for the history, landscapes and people of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Included/Not Included
Included
- Tourist transportation: Comfortable tourist transportation throughout the Sacred Valley route, including the main stops of the tour.
- Professional tour guide: Bilingual guide in English and Spanish, with explanations at the archaeological sites and cultural stops.
- Buffet lunch: Lunch included in Urubamba, with a variety of Peruvian dishes. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
- Entrance to BTP: The Partial Tourist Ticket is included only in private service
Not Included
- Travel insurance: We recommend having personal travel insurance before your trip.
- Tips: Tips are not included and remain optional according to your satisfaction with the service.
- Entrance fees in group service: The Partial Tourist Ticket is not included in group service and must be paid separately.
Recommendations
To enjoy the Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour in the best way, we recommend starting the day well rested and ready for a full day of cultural visits, short walks, and scenic drives through the Andes. This tour is not physically demanding, but it does include archaeological sites, stone stairways, uneven paths, and several stops throughout the day.
- Start the tour on time: The Sacred Valley route includes several important places, so punctuality helps keep the day well organized and allows enough time at each stop.
- Eat a light breakfast before departure: The tour begins in the morning and lunch is usually served later in Urubamba, so having breakfast before leaving Cusco is recommended.
- Prepare for changing weather: The weather can be cool in the morning, sunny at midday, and windy or rainy in the afternoon depending on the season.
- Take it easy at high altitude: Some places, such as Chinchero and Moray, are located at high elevation. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and avoid rushing if you are still acclimatizing.
- Keep your entrance tickets accessible: Several attractions require ticket control, so it is better to keep your Cusco Tourist Ticket and any extra entrance tickets in an easy to reach place.
- Respect local communities and sacred sites: Many places in the Sacred Valley are still connected to Andean traditions. Follow your guide’s instructions, avoid climbing restricted areas, and ask before taking photos of local people.
- Inform us about dietary needs in advance: If you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, or have food allergies, let us know before the tour so lunch arrangements can be made properly.
- Consider ending in Ollantaytambo if traveling to Machu Picchu: If you have a train to Aguas Calientes after the tour, you can often finish in Ollantaytambo instead of returning to Cusco. This must be coordinated in advance.
Important: This is a full day tour, so it is best to travel light, follow the guide’s timing, and bring only what you need for comfort, weather protection, and entrance controls.
Packing List
For the Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour, you do not need trekking equipment, but you should bring a few essentials for a comfortable day outside Cusco. The tour includes short walks, outdoor archaeological sites, local markets, viewpoints, and changing weather conditions.
- Original passport or valid ID: Bring your passport, DNI, or official identification document, as it may be required for ticket verification or entrance control.
- Cusco Tourist Ticket: Required for several archaeological sites such as Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Bring it with you if you already purchased it.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers or light trekking shoes with good grip are recommended for stone paths, stairs, terraces, and uneven ground.
- Light jacket or fleece: Useful for cool mornings, windy viewpoints, and late afternoon return to Cusco.
- Rain jacket or poncho: Especially recommended during the rainy season, from November to April.
- Sun hat or cap: Helps protect you during open air visits and viewpoints.
- Sunglasses: Recommended due to the strong high altitude sunlight.
- High SPF sunscreen: The sun in the Andes can be intense, even when the weather feels cool.
- Reusable water bottle: Helps you stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Small backpack: Ideal for carrying your jacket, water, documents, camera, and personal items.
- Camera or phone: The Sacred Valley offers excellent photo opportunities in Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and along the route.
- Extra cash in Peruvian soles: Useful for entrance fees not included, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips, or local purchases.
- Personal medication: Bring any medication you need during the day, including altitude related medication if recommended by your doctor.
Packing tip: Avoid large suitcases or heavy bags. A small daypack with documents, water, sun protection, a light layer, and cash is enough for this full day Sacred Valley experience.
Sacred Valley Tour Prices
Spend the day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region known for its impressive archaeological sites, traditional villages, and beautiful mountain landscapes. Along the route, you’ll visit some of the valley’s most important attractions while learning about the history and culture that made this area a key part of the Inca Empire.
This shared tour is a great choice for travelers who want to discover the highlights of the Sacred Valley in a well-organized and affordable way. Your guide will accompany the group throughout the day, providing insights and local knowledge at each stop.
- 1 people 230 USD
- 2 people 140 USD
- 3 people 110 USD
- 4 people 95 USD
- 5 people 85 USD
- 6 people 80 USD
- 7 people 75 USD
- 8 people BEST VALUE 70 USD
Enjoy the Sacred Valley with the comfort of a private tour designed exclusively for your group. Travel at a relaxed pace, spend more time at the places that interest you most, and benefit from the personalized attention of your guide throughout the day.
This option is ideal for couples, families, and friends seeking a more flexible experience while exploring one of the most important cultural and historical regions near Cusco.
Travel Info - Sacred valley tour
Location & Significance
The Sacred Valley stretches east of Cusco along the Urubamba River and was one of the most important regions of the Inca Empire. Thanks to its mild climate, fertile land, and spiritual significance, the Incas built some of their most impressive agricultural terraces, temples, and towns here. Today, the valley remains a place where history and daily life blend naturally.
Altitude & Acclimatization
The Sacred Valley sits lower than Cusco, with elevations ranging between approximately 2,800 and 3,400 meters (9,200–11,150 ft). Many travelers find this tour comfortable, even early in their trip. However, light acclimatization in Cusco beforehand is always recommended to feel your best throughout the day.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
The Sacred Valley enjoys pleasant weather year-round. Days are usually mild and sunny, while mornings and evenings can be cool. The dry season from April to October offers clearer skies, while the greener months from November to March bring lush landscapes and occasional rain.
Physical Difficulty
This tour is considered easy to moderate. Walking is involved at each archaeological site, including stairs and uneven paths, but distances are manageable and the pace is relaxed. It is suitable for travelers of most fitness levels.
Sites Visited
The tour typically includes visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Each site offers a different perspective of Inca engineering, from agricultural terraces and ceremonial spaces to living towns that preserve ancient urban design and traditions.
Meals
A buffet lunch is included at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley. The meal offers a variety of Andean and international dishes, allowing travelers to enjoy regional flavors in a comfortable setting.
Transportation & Logistics
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, comfortable transportation throughout the valley, and the services of a professional guide. The route is scenic, passing through mountains, farmland, and traditional villages.
What to Bring
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, water, and some cash for local markets or crafts. A light jacket is recommended, especially in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions – Sacred Valley Full Day Tour
What makes the Sacred Valley so important in Inca history?
The Incas considered the Sacred Valley a vital region due to its fertile land, strategic location, and spiritual energy. It served as an agricultural center and a place for important temples and royal estates, many of which are still visible today.
Is the Sacred Valley tour suitable for first time visitors to Cusco?
Yes, this tour is an excellent introduction to the region. Because the Sacred Valley is lower in altitude than Cusco, many travelers find it easier to explore, making it a great option early in your trip.
Why is Ollantaytambo considered a living Inca town?
Ollantaytambo still follows its original Inca street layout, with water channels flowing through the town. Walking its streets feels like stepping into history, where ancient structures remain part of everyday life.
What kind of experience should I expect overall?
The Sacred Valley tour is a balanced experience combining history, culture, scenery, and local life. Rather than focusing on a single site, it offers a broader understanding of how the Incas lived and how Andean traditions continue today.
Which archaeological sites are visited during the tour?
The full day tour typically includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Each site highlights a different aspect of Inca life, from advanced farming techniques to urban planning and textile traditions that continue today.
What is the visit to Pisac like?
Pisac offers sweeping views of the valley and impressive agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside. Exploring the site gives insight into Inca farming, astronomy, and their deep connection to the land.
What cultural experiences are included in Chinchero?
Chinchero is known for its strong textile traditions. Visitors often see local weaving demonstrations and visit a colonial church built on Inca foundations, reflecting the layered history of the Andes.
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