If you want to truly understand the sheer scale and brilliance of the Inca civilization this cusco sacred valley tour provides the perfect deep dive. Rather than rushing through crowded tourist traps we designed this specific sacred valley day tour from cusco to give you a highly curated and sophisticated cultural immersion. You will explore massive archaeological sites walk through vibrant artisan markets and enjoy exceptional Andean gastronomy surrounded by towering mountains. When discerning travelers look for the best sacred valley tours cusco they expect flawless logistics highly educated guides and supreme comfort. Our local team delivers precisely that ensuring your time in the Andes is completely seamless.
This full day expedition serves as the absolute best preparation for higher altitudes while immersing you in the living culture of the region. Whether you join our small group experience or book a private sacred valley tour we guarantee a premium journey that stands far above the standard crowded bus trips.
Standout Moments of Your Sacred Valley Peru Tour
- The Pisac Archaeological Complex Walk along jaw dropping agricultural terraces carved directly into the mountain and explore the largest ancient cemetery in the region
- Authentic Artisan Markets Meet local craftsmen and weavers in the traditional Pisac market finding beautiful handmade textiles and silver jewelry
- Premium Andean Gastronomy Enjoy an exclusive buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba tasting high end Peruvian cuisine utilizing fresh organic local ingredients
- The Ollantaytambo Fortress Climb the massive stone steps of this living Inca town where the ancient street layout remains exactly as it was centuries ago
- Chinchero Textile Masters Visit the former royal estate of an Inca king and watch local women demonstrate their world renowned natural wool dyeing techniques
Overview
Unforgettable cusco sacred valley tour: full-day adventure to machu picchu
The Cusco Sacred Valley Tour full day is a popular tour. You will get a complete insight to the culture and traditions of Incas. This is one of the best things to do while you acclimatize in Cusco so you will be able to avoid altitude sickness while visiting Machu Picchu.
As the name suggests, Sacred Valley of the Incas was home to some of the prominent ancient Inca ruins. Some of the Inca sites still continue to be. Like Maras Salt Mines. Even today, salt farmers here use the traditional Solar evaporation method to extract salt here. Infact, this is a prominent source of income to locals here.
On this full day trip from Cusco, we will be visiting three prominent sites: Chinchero, Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Chinchero:
Chinchero is a small village near the city of Cusco. Sadly, this village is often overlooked by travellers. It houses beautiful agricultural terraces and a white washed church. The church was built by Spanish conquistadors on the remains of the royal palace of Tupac Yupanqui.
The terraces and aqueducts which were built by him are in use even today.
Ollantaytambo:
Ollantaytambo was the administrative capital of the Inca Empire. This beautiful village is a testament to Incas advanced town planning system. It houses two archaeological sites on hill tops.
One of the sites was sacred to Incas and housed many religious centres. Sadly when the Spanish invaded Ollantaytambo, this site became a deadly battleground.
Now when you visit Machu Picchu by train, you will be taking the train to Aguas Calientes from here. This is also the closest town to the trailhead of Inca trail.
Pisac:
This village is home to a flea market and an archaeological site sprawls at the main square every weekend. Farmers and craftsmen from the neighbouring villages sell their handicrafts here.
The archaeological complex is massive and is just second to Machu Picchu. It offers stunning views of the valley.
We offer the Cusco Sacred Valley Tour full day both in small groups and as private tours.
Check out our complete Sacred Valley Peru guide and a detailed post on 5 Lesser-known ruins in the Sacred Valley of Incas.
Itinerary
Detailed Sacred Valley Full Day Itinerary
Your sacred valley tour begins with a prompt morning pick up from your Cusco hotel in a comfortable climate controlled vehicle. We drive up into the mountains stopping briefly at the Taray viewpoint for your first spectacular look at the river valley.
We then head straight to the Pisac ruins where your expert guide translates the historical richness of the advanced engineering behind the ancient terraces and temples. Following the ruins we drop down into the town square giving you plenty of free time to explore the colorful artisan market and interact with local vendors.
By midday we continue our scenic drive alongside the Urubamba river arriving at an exclusive local restaurant. Here you will enjoy a high end buffet featuring a massive variety of traditional Peruvian dishes fresh organic salads and delicious local desserts catering perfectly to all dietary preferences in a highly relaxing environment.
After a highly satisfying lunch we arrive at Ollantaytambo an ancient military and religious stronghold. You will climb the impressive stone fortress while your guide details the historic battles that took place right where you stand. You will also have time to admire the original architectural layout of this living Inca town before we continue our journey.
Leaving the fortress behind we drive up the high plateau to visit two absolute geological masterpieces. First we explore the circular farming terraces of Moray which the Incas utilized as an advanced agricultural laboratory. We then take a short drive to the Maras salt mines where thousands of white salt pools cascade down the canyon walls creating one of the most phenomenal photography spots in the entire region.
On our way back to the city we make a final stop in the high altitude village of Chinchero. You will visit a traditional textile center to see how local women expertly spin and dye alpaca wool using only natural highland plants and minerals. We conclude the journey by driving you safely back dropping you off at your Cusco hotel in the early evening.
Inclusions
Inclusions
Price Includes
- Professional English speaking tour leader
- Pick-up from and drop off in your hotel
- Private Transportation
- Guided tour of archaeological sites
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba (Options for Vegans)
- First aid kit
Price Excludes
- Tourist Ticket
- Any Private Expenses
Packing List
What to Pack for Your Sacred Valley Day Tour
The weather in the Andes shifts drastically throughout the day. Here is what you need in your daypack to stay comfortable from morning until night.
- The Official Tourist Ticket You absolutely must carry this physical ticket and your original passport to pass through the archaeological checkpoints
- Smart Clothing Layers The morning starts out quite chilly but the midday sun in the valley gets incredibly hot so wear clothes you can easily take off
- Heavy Sun Protection Bring a wide brimmed hat polarized sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen to shield yourself from the intense high altitude UV rays
- Sturdy Walking Shoes The stone stairs at Pisac and Ollantaytambo are extremely uneven so you need comfortable sneakers with excellent grip
- Peruvian Soles in Cash Bring small local bills to pay for the tourist ticket buy drinks and tip the talented textile weavers in Chinchero
Price
Tour Pricing
We offer sophisticated experiences for both small groups and private parties ensuring you receive the highest standard of service.
Small Group Experience
- 2 to 3 People 99 USD Per person
- 4 or more People 90 USD Per person
- Children and Students 89 USD Per person
Joining our premium small group limits the number of travelers guaranteeing you receive personalized attention from your guide while enjoying a highly social atmosphere.
Exclusive Private Tour
- 2 to 3 People 160 USD Per person
- 4 or more People 140 USD Per person
- Children and Students 130 USD Per person
For those seeking complete exclusivity booking a private sacred valley tour gives you a dedicated vehicle and historian. You control the pace spend more time taking photos and ask unlimited questions.
FAQs
FAQs about the Cusco Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
We are sure you want your trip to be the best experience possible and, in order to do that, you need to know every possible detail about it. Don't worry, we are going to answer all your questions and we will make sure this becomes an unforgettable experience for you.
Do I need the Tourist Ticket for my Cusco Sacred Valley Tour?
Yes, the tourist ticket (BT) is neccessary for this tour and it is NOT included in the price of it. There four different types of BT and you can buy it in the Municipality in Cusco City or directly in the archeological site yo go to.
The ones that you can use for the Sacred Valley tour are two. First,there is the General Tourist Ticket, this one costs 130 soles for foreigners and allows you to enter to 16 sites and is valid for 10 days, then there is the Partial Tourist Ticket - circuit 3 , which costs 70 soles to foreigners, allows you to visit 4 sites and is valid only for 2 days.
Where can I buy souvenirs during my Cusco Sacred Valley Tour?
After lunch time, we are going to take you to the local market. During this time you can buy all of the souvenirs you want, the most popular ones are jewelry, sculptures and pottery pieces, and of course alpaca wool products. This art pieces, called souvenirs, show a lot of the Andean culture of Peru, these usually have a lot of color and are handmade by local artisans.
Is a full day enough to explore the Sacred Valley going from Cusco?
Yes, a full day is enought time to visit the most important Sacred Valley main sites, especially if you are already in Cusco. Even though the tour seems to have a lot of place to go, you'll spend only about 4 to 5 hours on the road, since every mentioned place is in the same region. So, considering that a full day tour is probably 10 or more hours long including the stops, the time is enough.
Don't worry about that, that is why this tour starts early in the morning and has a very prepared itinerary, our guides are prepared to take you to know the best sites during this trip. We know you want to see it all, and we want to show you the best, so, we'll make sure your full day is full of unique moments.
What kind of food can I find in Urubamba during the Cusco Sacred Valley Tour full day?
In Urubamba you can find traditional Peruvian food using the most famous Inca food ingredients, such as potatoes, rice, corn or quinoa, plus, you can also find some typical desserts like mazamorra morada or picarones. And don't worry if you don't eat meat, you will also find vegan options.
Urubamba is the most usual place where tourists eat during their Sacred Valley Tour given the lower altitude this town has compared to the other ones in the region, making it more comfortable for digestion.
