Our sacred valley tour from Cusco begins in the historic city and then leads us to the storied Sacred Valley of the Incas.
We will embark on a captivating journey. Our sacred valley tour from Cusco begins in the historic city and then leads us to the storied Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is a premier tour proudly presented by Machu Picchu Tours.
This enchanting excursion transcends a typical tour. It is a passage through time. We will traverse the breathtaking landscapes of South America, where the Urubamba River carves its majestic path beneath the towering Andes.
The Gateway to Inca Heritage: The City of Cusco
Our Sacred Valley tour from Cusco will commence in the former heart of the Inca Empire, the city of Cusco. From here, we will ascend into the valley, where the robust foundations of the Inca ruins beckon. We will explore the town of Pisac, renowned for its bustling market and impressive archaeological site.
Our visit here will set a precedent for the many wonders we will encounter. As we delve deeper into the valley, the famed agricultural terraces will come into view. These terraces will unveil the advanced understanding the Incas had of their land.
Living History: The Town of Ollantaytambo
On our Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco, we will journey north of Cusco to discover the time-honoured town of Ollantaytambo. Here, we'll explore the ruins in Ollantaytambo, where Inca walls still stand tall. Local people keep the rich tapestry of their culture alive. We will navigate through this living Inca site, where the stones whisper tales of a bygone era.
Ingenious Inca Innovations: The Archaeological Site of Moray
Our journey through the Sacred Valley takes a fascinating turn as we arrive at Moray, a truly unique archaeological marvel. These aren't your typical Inca ruins. Instead, Moray presents a series of striking concentric circles carved deep into the earth. Imagine a giant, multi-level bowl, with each step descending further into the cool depths.
This captivating design wasn't merely for aesthetics; it served a crucial purpose. Studies suggest that the temperature within these sunken structures varies significantly, creating a natural microclimate gradient.
The Incas, with their remarkable understanding of agriculture, are believed to have used Moray as an innovative agricultural laboratory. By planting different crops at various levels, they could test the impact of varying temperatures and microclimates.
This allowed them to develop a sophisticated understanding of which crops thrived in different elevations and conditions. In essence, Moray stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization, a place where they experimented and perfected their agricultural techniques, ensuring the continued prosperity of their empire.
Prepare to be marvelled by the Incas' foresight and resourcefulness at Moray, a place where the past whispers secrets of innovation and adaptation.
Nature’s Mosaic: The Salt Pans of Maras
On our Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco, not far from Moray, we will find ourselves at the salt pans of Maras. This panoramic vista of glistening salt mines against a backdrop of emerald mountains is a sight to behold. We will learn how local workers have preserved salt extraction techniques through the ages, a testament to the harmony between the local people and their environment.
Optimal Timing: The Best time to visit Sacred Valley of the Incas
For an unforgettable experience in the Sacred Valley, timing is everything! To ensure you fully capture the region's breathtaking beauty, we'll steer clear of the rainy season, which typically runs from November to March. During this time, while the valley boasts a lush green landscape and vibrant wildflowers, frequent showers and potential cloud cover can sometimes obstruct the majestic views.
Opting for the dry season, from April to October, offers several advantages. Crystal-clear skies and minimal rain translate to unobstructed panoramas. Imagine gazing out at the Sacred Valley bathed in golden sunlight, the snow-capped peaks of the Andes standing guard in the distance. It's a picture-perfect moment, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the grandeur of the landscape.
Culinary Delights: A Gastronomic Experience
No adventure in the Sacred Valley is complete without indulging in its vibrant culinary scene. We've carefully curated a delightful lunch experience that goes beyond a simple buffet. Savour a feast showcasing a selection of local specialties, each dish bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Imagine digging into a steaming plate of Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry featuring tender marinated beef, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of zingy vinegar. Perhaps you'll find yourself captivated by the delicate flavours of a freshly prepared trout dish sourced directly from the Urubamba River and seasoned with fragrant Andean herbs.
To ensure a seamless and enriching experience, we'll pay all entrance fees in advance. This allows you to relax, savour the moment, and fully immerse yourself in the unique flavours and traditions of Sacred Valley cuisine. Remember, food is often a window into a culture's soul, and this culinary journey promises to be a delightful cultural exchange.
Connecting with Andean Culture: The Essence of the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is more than just a collection of stunning landscapes and historical sites. It's a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich heritage of the Inca and the enduring spirit of the Andean communities. As we journey through this remarkable region, every step will be an opportunity for connection.
Engage with local artisans, their nimble fingers weaving intricate textiles using techniques passed down through generations. Witness the continuation of ancient agricultural practices as farmers tend their terraced fields, a testament to the Inca's profound understanding of their land. Perhaps you'll even have the chance to learn a few words of Quechua, the language spoken by the descendants of the Incas, fostering a deeper cultural connection.
This isn't just another sightseeing tour; it's a transformative experience. With Machu Picchu Tours as your guide, the Sacred Valley awaits, ready to unveil its timeless wonders. Together, we'll embark on a journey of discovery, where the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire comes alive and leaves an indelible mark on your memory. This is a journey you'll cherish forever.
We will begin our Full Day Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour with an early departure. Our journey starts from Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Our first stop will be the town of Chinchero. Here, we will witness the fascinating blend of Incan and Spanish colonial influences.
Next, we will journey to Moray. There, we will explore the remarkable circular agricultural terraces. These terraces illustrate the Incas’ ingenuity in farming. Here, we will observe the variations in microclimates and understand how the Incas used these for crop experimentation.
Our adventure continues as we visit the stunning salt mines of Maras. Amidst thousands of salt pans, we will stand and learn about the traditional salt extraction methods employed since pre-Inca times.
Moving forward, we will drive to the heart of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba. Here we will enjoy a nourishing lunch while surrounded by the magnificent Andean mountains.
After lunch, our tour will take us to Ollantaytambo. It is a town boasting an impressive archaeological site with terraces that climb the steep mountain sides. We will explore this area and gain insight into its past. This site held strategic military, agricultural, and religious significance during the Inca Empire.
We will then make our way to Pisac. Here, the extensive ruins will captivate us. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to interact with the modern-day Andean community.
At the Pisac Market, we will discover a myriad of handcrafted goods. These are perfect for taking a piece of the Sacred Valley back home with us.
Our tour will end with a scenic return to Cusco. We will reflect on a day filled with history and rich cultural experiences.
Throughout the Super Sacred Valley tour, we will cover key statistics:
By choosing to embark on this journey, we will immerse ourselves in the heart of the Peru Sacred Valley. We will trace the steps of the Incas from Cusco to Sacred Valley and back. This will all take place within a day filled with adventure and discovery.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
7:00 a.m.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Packing list
Usefull info
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Do you have any questions? Contact us at +51 974 378 488
Find out what those who have trusted us to explore unique destinations and live extraordinary adventures have to say.
John CJanuary 10, 2025Verified Excellent, perfectly planned trip. The trip was perfectly planned from start to finish, the transport, the hike, the hotel, the food and the entrance to Machu Picchu. The lovely guide Edwin was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the site, the hike, and it's history. It truly is an incredible and captivating place that is a must see if you have the opportunity. Gabriel CNovember 12, 2024Verified Rainbow Mountain Tour guide We had a great tour of Rainbow Mountain. Jose was extremely knowledgeable and was a lot of help. The tour included good breakfast and lunch. I highly recommended this tour Joshua SNovember 10, 2024Verified "Unforgettable Machu Picchu Journey with an Exceptional Guide!" John was the perfect guide for our journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu! From the start, he made everything smooth and enjoyable, picking us up from our hotel and ensuring we were comfortable and ready for the adventure ahead. Thanks to his planning, we arrived at Machu Picchu early, avoiding the crowds and enjoying the stunning morning views. The weather was fantastic, and John's deep knowledge of the history and culture made every moment even more memorable. His explanations brought the ancient Incan sites to life, and he guided us thoughtfully through the walk at Machu Picchu, pointing out details we would have missed on our own. Throughout the entire day, John was attentive, patient, and incredibly helpful. He truly went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. Highly recommend! Gabriel CNovember 10, 2024Verified Great tour Me and my brother went on a tour with John. He was very helpful. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. Not only did he give a great tour but he was able to give us good recommendations and was very accommodating Kim AOctober 24, 2024Verified An amazing experience! We are an American family from Evansville, Indiana. After doing much research we chose Machu Picchu Tours to make our dream come true of seeing Machu Picchu via the 4-day Inca Trail Trek.Planning this kind of trip is no small feat, but John Taqquere Villaneuva was there for us every step of the way! He always responded quickly to my MANY texts and provided excellent information to prepare us for the trek. Our amazing guide, Edwin, the Porters and Chef went way above and beyond to make sure we felt safe and that we were getting the best experience that was promised. I cannot emphasize how important hygiene and safe food is on a trip like this. We feel our Porters did an excellent job keeping the dining area clean and providing excellent, healthy and safe food. While it is common for foreigners to get sick when traveling to a new country, the crew kept us healthy, hydrated, and safe the entire trip. Our porters took care of every single detail from setting up our camp, refilling our water bottles, and feeding us delicious hot meals 3 times a day. The porters were always there to take care of us. Our bags were transported and waiting for us in our tents upon arrival. Hot drinks were ready for us upon arrival at each campsite, and hot soapy water and towels were provided to clean up after a long day’s hike. Their work ethic and attention to detail was impressive. The 4 day trek is strenuous. Our guide, Edwin, coached us along the way, helping us to set a pace that worked for us so that we would not burn out. He also handled all of our paperwork and entry tickets. There are checkpoints and everything must be in order and spelled correctly. Without these documents, there is no trek and there is no entry into Machu Picchu. Our guide always kept us informed of the daily itinerary and was always supportive and eager to help. His knowledge of the history of the Inca and the ruins was exceptional. We walked away feeling an immense appreciation and understanding of the Inca because of Edwin. If your dream of seeing Machu Picchu is through the Inca Trail, or want to arrange guided tours, then don’t let fear stand in your way. And if you are looking for an agency, we highly recommend John Taqquere Villaneuva with Machu Picchu Tours. These are good, honest, trustworthy and hard-working people that will help make your dream come true. We are so thankful to Machu Picchu Tours, our Guide, Edwin, and the amazing Porters and Chef for their hard work and efforts to help make our dream come true. HikeJunkieCarlosOctober 21, 2024Verified Very organized crew knowledgeable friendly and just plain awesome to have around every step of the way. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew chef porters tents and food for this 4 day Inca trail tripWas the best experience for all 8 of us in our friends group to enjoy every moment and have amazing time all the way through the trip in town and on the Inca trailVery organized crew knowledgeable friendly and just plain awesome to have around every step of the way. Highly recommend this company to solo and groups that plan to visit Peru SkyMiles KOctober 19, 2024Verified 1 of 2 top Bucket List items, Hike the INCA Trail to Machu Picchu Completed the INCA trail with our Hike Junkies family. The Machu Picchu tours were INCREDIBLE!!! A great big shout out to John Taqquere Villanueva & his team for providing us with their expertise & care before, during & after the 4-day backpacking hike. The porters had camp setup for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during our hiking adventure. Our chef, Carmelito "5-STARS," prepared meals that you should only find in a fine dining restaurant. We even had some Peruvian history lessons along the way. A few surprise discovery viewpoints along the trail. After completing 4-day Inca trail, we hiked the Humanatay Lake on 5th day & Rainbow Mtn on 6th day. We THANK YOU, John, Alberto, Berle, Aiwyn & drivers, porters for making this the adventure of the century!...so far Rebecca ROctober 19, 2024Verified 4 day Inca Trail with Hike Junkies We just completed the 4 day Inca Trail with Machu Picchu Tours. John Taqquere Villanueva went above and beyond to provide us with an amazing experience, with fun, knowledgeable guides to qn amazing chef and porters. Our tents were comfortable and kept us warm and dry from the elements. We were served four course meals, desert and happy hour on each day. Happy hour consisted of fresh hot popcorn, hot cocoa, coffee, cookies and bread. In addition to the 4 day Inca Trail we scored permits to hike Huayna Picchu ( Stairs of Death) which we conquered just having completed the last day of the Inca trail. Yes, our group is crazy! One member of our group was unable to hike the four day Inca trail due to severe health issues, John Taqquere and went above and beyond to give him an amazing Machu Picchu experience. Our trip consisted of City Walking Tour of Cusco, Alpaca Farm, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain and other ruins. This was a humbling experience that will last a lifetime. Chalmers BOctober 9, 2024Verified Great experience! Our guide Edwin was excellent. The first day is very challenging but equally rewarding, and we were really glad that MPT arranged a pre-meeting the day before to go over logistics and make sure we were properly equipped -- renting poles is highly recommended, well worth the $10. Reaching the Sun Gate and getting the full vista of Machu Picchu felt like a life accomplishment. The second day is much less challenging, walking through the actual ruins of Machu Picchu, and we felt much less pressure because we'd gotten such great views and photos the day before.
Huchuy Qosqo was used as a royal estate by Viracocha. During the last days of his rule, he faced a revolt from Cancha People. Huchuy Qosqo Hike is an off-the-beaten-track experience that takes you to the lesser-known yet prominent Inca site, Huchuy Qosqo Peru.
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