SACRED VALLED
Named for being the main food supplier of the Inca empire, the Sacred Valley is located on the banks of the Urubamba River. This river was originally called Vilcanota, which comes from the Quechua word Wilcamayu or Sacred River. The Incas built archaeological centers along its banks that replicated the constellations they knew of the Andean sky, which contributes even more to the beauty of this enchanting valley.
Duration
1 Day
Altitude Max.
3,200 msnm.
Group Size
1-15
Difficulty
Moderate
Itinerary
We will begin our Sacred Valley of the Incas tour with a pickup at around 7:00 AM, embarking on a one-hour journey to explore the ancient archaeological site of Pisac. Here, you will learn about the intricate techniques the Incas used in their architecture. Afterward, we will visit the town of Pisac, known for its artisanal market, where you can find a variety of products such as paintings, keychains, handicrafts, and more.
Around noon, we will have lunch in the Urubamba Valley. After a brief rest, we will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a strategic center and fortress built with meticulously carved stones. These stones were transported to the site and used for astronomical purposes. Our final stop will be the town of Chinchero, which was of great importance during the Inca era for its fertile terraced fields, where potatoes were primarily cultivated. Chinchero is also known for its renowned textiles, which preserve a variety of ancestral traditions.
The tour concludes around 6:30 PM back in Cusco, after you have enjoyed this unforgettable experience of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Transfers in tourist transportation.
- Assistance during the whole tour.
- Professional guided tour, English — Spanish.
- Buffet lunch.
- Hotel in Cusco.
- Tips.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Other services not mentioned.
Recommendation
- We suggest wearing comfortable shoes suitable for climbing stairs.
- Carry a small backpack along with your camera, wear a hat, use sunscreen, insect repellent, and bring a water bottle.
- In Pisac, don't forget to try the empanaditas and take some souvenirs of their craftsmanship.
- In Urubamba, we invite you to try the corn from the Sacred Valley.
Faq's
The standard Sacred Valley Tour includes visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Some tours may also include a stop at a local artisan market or weaving center.
Pickup usually begins around 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., and the tour ends in Cusco by approximately 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., depending on the traffic and group size.
Yes, most Sacred Valley Tours include a buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba, which features traditional Peruvian dishes.
Yes, you will need the Partial Tourist Ticket or the General Tourist Ticket to enter the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Yes, it is a full-day tour but suitable for travelers of all ages. However, there is some walking involved at high altitudes, so people with respiratory issues or mobility challenges should take precautions.
The tour uses modern tourist buses or vans equipped for safety and comfort. Pickups are typically done from hotels within the historic center of Cusco.
Yes, the tour includes a bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish. Some agencies also offer guides in Portuguese or French upon request.
Yes, many travelers choose to stay in Ollantaytambo after the tour to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. You must inform your tour provider in advance to arrange your luggage and train logistics.
Yes, private tours are available and can be customized to focus more on specific sites or experiences like visiting local communities, textile workshops, or traditional markets.
Gallery
