Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour from Cusco | Full Day
Overview
Discover the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations in Cusco. This stunning valley is renowned for its excellent climate, fertile lands, and the crystal-clear waters of the Vilcanota River (which means "sacred or wonderful thing" in Quechua and, as it flows through the town of Urubamba, changes its name to the Urubamba River).
During one of the best tours in Cusco, you'll enjoy a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty surrounded by the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range. You'll marvel at the thousands of agricultural terraces that, in ancient times, formed the main center of food production for the Inca population.
Together, we'll explore the main tourist attractions of Cusco outside the city. Our journey will take you to the spectacular Taray viewpoint, the impressive ruins of Pisac archaeological site, its colorful artisan market, the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, and the invaluable textile tradition of Chinchero. Book today and live an unforgettable experience in Cusco, Peru!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
Our full-day tour of the Sacred Valley is designed to showcase the region's history, culture, and most beautiful landscapes.
Taray Viewpoint Pickup and Visit
The tour begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel. After a leisurely 25-minute drive, we'll make our first stop at the Taray Viewpoint. From this privileged vantage point, we'll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Sacred Valley and the course of the sacred river of the Incas.
Pisac: Ruins and Artisan Market
Next, we'll head to the picturesque town of Pisac. Here, we'll visit its important archaeological site, famous for its extensive agricultural terraces on the mountainside. Afterward, we'll descend to the town to explore the local artisan market, a perfect place to appreciate local art and vibrant culture.
Buffet Lunch and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Continuing our journey, we'll pause for a delicious buffet lunch at a pre-arranged tourist restaurant. With renewed energy, we'll take you to Ollantaytambo to visit its imposing Inca fortress, an architectural marvel strategically built atop a mountain.
Chinchero and Return
To conclude the tour, we'll continue our journey to the traditional town of Chinchero. Here, you can appreciate its beautiful archaeological remains and learn about the famous Andean textiles, preserved for generations. After this enriching visit, we'll begin our return trip.
What's Included?
Included
- Hotel pick-up to begin the tour.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish - English).
- Buffet lunch at a coordinated tourist restaurant.
Not Included
- General Tourist Ticket (BTG) for entrances to archaeological centers.
- Tips.
- Extra expenses.
Recommendations
- Bring your original passport or valid ID (essential for entry to tourist sites).
- Bring cash to purchase the Tourist Ticket and if you wish to buy souvenirs or textiles.
- Wear comfortable and warm clothing, as the Andean climate can vary throughout the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes (hiking shoes recommended) for walking around the archaeological sites.
- Use sun protection (hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
- Bring a camera with enough storage space to capture the amazing landscapes.
FAQs
This is a full day tour that allows you to explore the main towns and archaeological complexes located outside the city.
The itinerary includes stops at the Taray viewpoint, the archaeological center and market of Pisac, the Ollantaytambo fortress, and the ruins and textile centers of Chinchero.
No, entry to the archaeological sites is not included. You must purchase your own Tourist Ticket (BTG) to access these attractions.
Yes, the Sacred Valley Tour includes a delicious buffet lunch at a specially coordinated tourist restaurant to provide the best gastronomic experience of the route.
It is essential to bring your identity document (Passport or ID card), cash for entrance fees, comfortable walking clothes, sun protection and a camera.
The tour is mostly conducted by transport with specific stops. Walks within the archaeological sites (such as climbing the steps at Ollantaytambo) are done at a leisurely pace and are manageable for most visitors.