Explore the Most Significant Archaeological Sites Around Cusco
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Peru's Sacred Valley on this full-day guided tour from Cusco. Explore the heart of the ancient Inca civilization as you visit impressive archaeological sites, colorful Andean villages, and vibrant local markets surrounded by spectacular mountain landscapes.
Discover the remarkable terraces of Pisac, the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, Moray farming area, Chinchero and learn the weaving techniques visiting the local textilery center in the area. Led by an expert local guide, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and unforgettable scenery, making it an essential experience before visiting Machu Picchu.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
WHY CHOOSE THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR?
The Sacred Valley is one of Peru's most fascinating destinations, combining extraordinary Inca history, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Andean culture in a single day. This tour allows you to visit the region's most iconic archaeological sites while learning about the engineering achievements and traditions of the Inca civilization. It is the perfect way to experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley with comfortable transportation and expert guidance.
- Visit the Sacred Valley's most famous Inca archaeological sites.
- Explore the impressive ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- Discover authentic Andean culture and traditional villages.
- Enjoy spectacular mountain and valley landscapes.
- Learn from experienced local bilingual guides.
- Travel in comfortable tourist transportation.
- Ideal preparation before visiting Machu Picchu.
Highlights: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero
Hiking distance: 20 Minutes in each archaeological site
Considerations: Permits required
Season: Whole Year
Max. Altitude: 3,700m/12,139ft
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Pisaq - Ollantaytambo - Moray & Chinchero
Highlights
- Enjoy the extensive Pisac Inca complex, which boasts many impressive examples of Inca architecture.
- Take in the stunning views as you drive through the Sacred Valley and observe locals going about their daily lives and lots of local produce growing in the fields.
- Hike around that amazing site of Ollantaytambo and learn all about its history.
- Visit the Chinchero Weaving Cooperative to learn about local textile techniques and a tradition that goes back generations.
Detailed Itinerary
What To Expect?
Get up close and personal with the culture of the ancient Inca civilization as you explore the main archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley near the empire’s former capital of Cusco. History lovers are sure to delight in this chance to explore this beautiful mountain valley, harboring a wealth of important Inca sites. Start your day with a morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco, continuing first to the historic city of Pisac. The city was once known as a key trading post, offering a central location for Inca traders to barter for goods. The tradition persists to this day at Pisac’s well-known market, offering you the opportunity to browse for a wealth of handcrafted textiles and souvenirs made by the local community. If you happen to be visiting Pisac on a Sunday, you’ll also get to witness the town’s famous mass, conducted in both Quechua and Spanish.
Observe the town’s collection of dignitaries in attendance, and watching as they play the pututo, a traditional musical instrument. Take a break after finishing your time in Pisac with a tasty lunch of Peruvian specialties, continuing to the Fortress of Ollantaytambo to discover its impressive Temple of the Sun. During the Incan civil war this imposing structure’s 12-foot (3.5-m) stones served as a key defensive barrier. After finishing your exploration of Ollantaytambo, continue back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
Cusco | Pisac - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Chinchero - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Learning a lot about the Inca empire and understanding more about the different sites.
Explore the Most Significant Inca Sites in the Sacred Valley
Our exciting day out begins between 7:20 and 7:50 am when we collect you from your accommodation and set off in our private transport to our first destination of the day.
On our way to Pisac, we’ll make our first stop of the day, about thirty minutes from Cusco. We’ll be visiting Qorao market, to wander around and see locals selling their handicrafts. There are handmade souvenirs and some stunning art pieces that you can buy as a reminder of your trip or for some thoughtful gifts for friends and family back home. Here, you’ll also get the chance to take some photos of the incredible landscapes and local wildlife, like llamas.
Next, we’ll keep heading to “El Mirador Del Valle Sagrado.” This lookout over the valley will provide you with the perfect opportunity to photograph the Andean mountain range and the Sacred Valley together.
We’ll soon arrive at Pisac to visit its colorful market and archaeological site. The Pisac complex is well-known because of its terraces that rise from the bottom of the mountain to the top in a harmonious way. You’ll also see the biggest Inca cemetery and Pisac’s Intihuatana, which is famous for predicting the solstice and equinox that determined the ancient culture’s agriculture calendar.
Once finished, we’ll drive for another hour to Urubamba and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of traditional Peruvian dishes. There’ll be a wide range of options available and it’s the perfect chance to try many foods.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ollantaytambo town to tour its unique and extensive archaeological site that’s home to water sources, high terraces, temples, and more. The site is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and colorful valleys (plus a view of a faraway glacier)!
This town is the most well-preserved layout of a typical, Incan-built city with its narrow, cobbled streets and stone walls. It’s the only original Inca town where people still live to this day. Its conservation allows for the enduring legacy of the Incan people to live on and for us to understand the ancient culture better.
On our way back to Cusco, we’ll make a final stop at the town of Chinchero. You’ll have the opportunity here to visit a beautiful colonial temple, best known for its mural painting above the entranceway (this temple was built on top of Inca foundations). We’ll also get to see the Incan walls in the main plaza.
The highlight in this town is watching local women making textiles. They’ll teach you the process and you’ll get the chance to support them by purchasing their handmade pieces if you wish. Finally, we’ll continue onto Cusco and drop you off at your accommodation early evening.
We are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your cultural tour.
What Is Included?
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure briefing
You’ll meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Tour Guide
English and spanish speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
Our guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Customer Service 24/7
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Cusco Climbing leading up to your trek.
Meals
Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
Transportation
Private Transport
All your transportation is included in this package. We will pick you up from your hotel to explore the Sacred Valley. Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel.
What Is Not Included?
Boleto Turistico or Cusco Tourist Ticket
This ticket is necessary and allows you admission to many of the most popular attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including archaeological sites and museums.
From PEN 70.00 (US$ 20.00) to PEN 130.00 (US$ 40.00) per person.
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?Important
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
- Trekking poles
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
SACRED VALLEY TOUR FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about the Sacred Valley TourWhat is included in the Sacred Valley Tour?
The tour generally includes tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and hotel pickup. Meals and entrance tickets may vary depending on the package.
Which places will I visit?
Most full-day tours visit Pisac, Urubamba for lunch, Ollantaytambo, Moray and Chinchero.
How long does the tour last?
The Sacred Valley Tour typically lasts 10 to 12 hours, departing in the morning and returning to Cusco in the evening.
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Yes. Most archaeological sites require the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco). Check whether it is included in your package.
Is lunch included?
Yes, the full-day Sacred Valley tours include a buffet lunch in Urubamba. Please verify the inclusions before booking.
Is this tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes. The tour is appropriate for travelers of all ages. Walking distances are moderate, with transportation provided between attractions.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, cash for personal expenses, and a light jacket.
What is the altitude of the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley ranges from approximately 2,800 to 3,000 meters (9,186–9,843 feet), making it slightly lower than Cusco and often easier for acclimatization.
Can I visit Machu Picchu after the Sacred Valley Tour?
Yes. Many travelers continue to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Machu Picchu, making this tour an excellent combination with a Machu Picchu visit.
When is the best time to visit the Sacred Valley?
The dry season (May to September) offers the best weather and mountain views, although the Sacred Valley is beautiful throughout the year.
Is this a good tour before the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu?
Absolutely. The Sacred Valley introduces you to Inca history, architecture, and culture, enhancing your appreciation of Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites.
Why should I choose this Sacred Valley Tour?
This full-day guided experience combines Peru's most important Inca sites, breathtaking scenery, authentic Andean culture, and expert local guides into one unforgettable journey, making it one of the country's most rewarding day tours.
From: USD 55.00 per person
USD 50.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Rainbow Mountain Guide. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Feel free to reach us via email at rainbowmountainguide@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Full Day
Sacred ValleyTour
Sacred Valley Full Day Tour Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT TOUR OPERATOR?
As direct local tour operator, we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture, English speakers.
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Modern Private Transportation Travel in comfort and style with our modern, safe, and fully equipped private vehicles.
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Safety First: Our licenced guides and drivers are well trained in customer service. We always carry oxygen tank during our Rainbow Mountain excursions.
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No Hidden Cost: Our prices are set up clearly, and we dont have any hidden cost. Our tour guides always will explain what really is the tour.
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