Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour

Cusco , Peru

Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour

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12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your Sacred Valley tour offers a perfect balance of archaeology, culture, and authentic local experiences. Unlike standard tours, we include a meaningful visit to a traditional Andean household in Chinchero, where travelers can see firsthand how local families preserve their ancestral textile techniques.
We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal and relaxed experience, providing more time at each site and allowing for better interaction with your professional bilingual guide.
Your itinerary covers all the major highlights of the Sacred Valley, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. While also giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch made with fresh Andean ingredients.
This tour is designed for those who want to explore the Sacred Valley in a genuine, immersive, and comfortable way, guided by local experts who are passionate about sharing their culture.

Available options

Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Buffet lunch at a traditional restaurant in Urubamba

Hotel pickup in Cusco

Professional bilingual tour guide

Tourist transportation

Traditional weaving demonstration in Chinchero, using natural dyes.

Detailed itinerary

Your first stop is the traditional village of Chinchero, known for its agricultural terraces and rich textile heritage. Visit a cultural center where a local family demonstrates their ancestral weaving techniques using natural dyes. This offers a unique, authentic, and relaxed way to learn about Andean textile art and daily life.

Stop 2

Continue to Moray, a fascinating system of circular terraces believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural research center. Learn how these microclimates allowed the Incas to experiment with crops and optimize food production.

Stop 3

A short drive will take you to the stunning Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular collection of over 3,000 salt pools still harvested by local families today. The bright white pools set against the brown mountainsides create one of the most iconic landscapes in the Sacred Valley.

Stop in the town of Urubamba to enjoy a traditional buffet lunch, featuring a variety of dishes prepared with fresh Andean ingredients.

Stop 5

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, known for its massive terraces and its main Sun Temple, made of six perfectly carved monoliths. You’ll also see how the town preserves its original Inca urban layout, with narrow stone streets and flowing water channels.

Stop 6

Finish your journey at the Pisac Archaeological Park, an important administrative and ceremonial center during the Inca Empire. Explore its extensive terraces, temples, and breathtaking mountaintop views truly one of the highlights of the entire Sacred Valley. Return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m., where you will be dropped off near the main square.

What's not included

Tourist Ticket or Cusco Tourist Ticket for entry to the archaeological sites to be paid onsite

Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines to be paid onsite

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The partial tourist ticket is not included. You can purchase it at the COSITUC office or directly in Chinchero, during the first stop of the tour. Please note that in Chinchero, payment is cash only. We will provide you with all the necessary information and assistance to make the purchase easier.

Not wheelchair accessible

Important notes

This tour does not include entrance tickets. No redemption is needed. Travelers must buy the Tourist Ticket (BTP/BTG) and Maras Salt Mines ticket at the entrance.

About Cusco

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a captivating blend of Indigenous and colonial influences. Known for its well-preserved archaeological sites, vibrant culture, and stunning Andean landscapes, it's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city's rich history, combined with its lively arts scene and delicious cuisine, makes it a must-visit destination in South America.

Top Attractions

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a stunning region filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.

Historical/Nature Full day PEN 10-50 (USD 2.50-12.50) depending on the site

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the iconic Inca citadel and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Its breathtaking views and rich history make it a must-see.

Historical/Adventure Full day or overnight PEN 152 (USD 38) for entrance, train tickets vary

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It's a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is a massive Inca fortress with impressive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It's a testament to Inca engineering and military might.

Historical 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is a bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional foods. It's a great place to experience local life.

Cultural/Food 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cuy al Horno

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Lomo Saltado

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian

Aji de Gallina

Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Sopa de Quinoa

Quinoa soup, a nutritious and traditional dish.

Soup Can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Visiting spas Exploring parks Enjoying local cafes Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, offering the best weather for exploring the city and its archaeological sites. The skies are clear, and temperatures are mild.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Quechua, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common-sense precautions

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious with street food

Getting there

By air

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By train

San Pedro Station

By bus

Cusco Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Shared taxis (colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around Cusco. They follow specific routes and can be flagged down.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Easy Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center San Blas San Cristobal

Day trips

Pisac

35 km (22 miles) from Cusco • Full day

Pisac is a charming town known for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins. It's a great day trip from Cusco.

Ollantaytambo

60 km (37 miles) from Cusco • Full day or overnight

Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca ruins and a gateway to Machu Picchu. It's a must-visit for history and adventure lovers.

Tipon

25 km (16 miles) from Cusco • Half day

Tipon is a beautiful archaeological site with well-preserved Inca terraces and water channels. It's a peaceful and less crowded alternative to other Inca sites.

Festivals

Inti Raymi • June 24 Cusco Festival of Music and Dance • August

Pro tips

Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures
Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or Quechua to enhance your experience
Visit the San Pedro Market early in the morning for the best selection and prices
Book tickets and train tickets in advance for Machu Picchu and other popular attractions