Ultimate Sacred Valley Full-Day Experience from Cusco

Cusco , Peru

Ultimate Sacred Valley Full-Day Experience from Cusco

Active

(1 reviews)

10h - 11h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites and discover the rich legacy of Peru’s Inca and Indigenous cultures on this full-day adventure from Cusco. Visit Chinchero, Maras, Moray, the Maras Salt Ponds, Urubamba, and the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Perfect for travelers with limited time in the region, this tour offers meaningful insights into local history and traditions. Enjoy the journey in a small group led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide.”
• Admire the stunning views of the Maras Salt Ponds, an impressive Inca-era network of more than 3,000 salt pools.
• Small group experience (maximum 10 travelers) ensures personalized attention from your bilingual local guide.
• Round-trip transportation from all Cusco hotels and a buffet lunch are included for a comfortable and seamless experience.
• The only tour that offers the option to stay at the Ollantaytambo train station, perfect for travelers continuing to Machu Picchu.

Available options

Private Tour Option.

Only your group participates<br/>Pickup included

Small Group Option

Pickup included

What's included

Small group tour (maximum 2–10 people)

1 bottle of water

Certified local guide in Spanish and English

Buffet lunch at one of the best restaurants in the Sacred Valley.

Hotel pickup and drop-off (with the option to be dropped off at the train station in Ollantaytambo).

Guided Tour to Chinchero Weaving Center, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo

Air-conditioned, modern transportation.

Detailed itinerary

7:45 AM: After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, we’ll pick you up and begin our journey through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Discover breathtaking landscapes, vibrant local communities, traditional artisan markets, and impressive archaeological sites that make this tour an unforgettable experience

8:40 AM: After a 40-minute drive from Cusco, we arrive at the traditional town of Chinchero. Here, we’ll visit a local family who keeps the ancient weaving tradition alive. Their alpacas, llamas, and guinea pigs will welcome you, and you’ll even have the chance to feed them their morning snack. Learn about their fascinating natural-dye techniques and discover how they create stunning handmade textiles using ingredients sourced directly from the Andes

10:30 AM: During the Inca period, Moray was likely one of the most important agricultural research centers. Here, the Incas experimented with different crops at varying altitudes. The unique layout of its circular terraces creates a remarkable range of microclimates—capturing the higher temperatures at the center and gradually cooling toward the outer levels. This ingenious design allowed the Incas to study and adapt crops for different regions of their vast empire

Stop 4

11:30 AM: Salt has been harvested here using traditional methods for centuries. The Maras Salt Mines are made up of nearly 3,000 small pools that have been worked since Inca times and once served as an important economic trading system. This is one of the best spots to capture an iconic Sacred Valley photo, and your guide will be happy to take it for you. From here, we continue our journey to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

12:50 PM: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at one of the Sacred Valley’s top-rated restaurants, with options available for vegetarians and vegans.

2:40 PM: After lunch, we continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, an incredible Inca site featuring significant Inca constructions. This extraordinary citadel showcases impressive stonework, including a remarkable rock formation that represents the Inca god Wiracocha. Explore the architecture and history of this ancient town and imagine life during the Inca Empire

3:30 PM: You have the option to stay in Ollantaytambo to catch an afternoon train, or return with us to Cusco.

5:30 PM: Approximate arrival time back at your hotel in Cusco

What's not included

Sacred Valley entrance ticket.

Personal expenses

Propina (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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