The best of The Sacred Valley PRIVATE tour

Cusco , Peru

The best of The Sacred Valley PRIVATE tour

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(17 reviews)

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

Visit the stunning Sacred Valley, one of the most visited places in Peru, and a ‘must see’ when visiting.

The sacred Valley is a beautiful and truly fascinating area, surrounded by mountains, Inca citadels, weaving villages and colourful markets, located approximately 15km north of Cuzco (1.5 hours by car).

On this day tour you will visit the traditional weaving town of Chinchero, Moray, Maras, terraces of Pisac and its market, the Urubamba river and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. You will also have a tasty buffet lunch included in the tour price.

Available options

The best of The Sacred Valley PRIVATE tour

Pickup included

What's included

Tour guide

Hotel pick up and drop off

Entrance to all attractions

Transportation to all attractions

Buffet lunch at a local restaurant

Detailed itinerary

We will pick you up from your hotel at around 7:00 am and head to Chinchero, a typical Andean village which combines Inca ruins with a colonial church, some wonderful mountain views and a colorful Sunday market. We will learn about the process on how the local people make their textiles. A master weaver will show us their techniques and all the stages step by step, from the gathering of the raw materials to the washing process and the dying of the threads with natural dyes. You will also get the chance to buy some of their products at the end of the demonstration.

Stop 2

Moray is an archaeological site located approximately 4.5 miles from the town of Maras and 39 miles from Cusco. Its most impressive feature is its system of circular agricultural terraces, which are up to 330 feet deep. Some people believe that the Incas used this place as a kind of laboratory to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops of each species.

Stop 3

The tour continues with a visit to the Colonial town of Maras and its church. We will then visit the ancient salt pans, strategically dug into the mountainside, thousands of shallow pools filled with salt water eventually evaporate and leave behind the crystallized salt, a process that has been practiced for more than 500 years.

We will have a buffet lunch here.

Stop 5

We will visit Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca temple and fortress,, located at the northwestern end of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Stop 6

We will visit the stunning ruins of Pisac and its colourful local market.
An incredible site with relatively small number of tourists visiting daily. This place has different buildings such as plazas, temples, pools and other structures, that were constructed between the 10th and 11th centuries AD. We highly recommend reserving several hours to explore this site.
The Inca architecture is impressive as they used their techniques to build enormous terraces which go from south to east covering a huge mountain located from 3,000-3,450 masl (9,843 - 11,319 fasl). Its palaces and the way the stone blocks have been placed is truly incredible.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

16 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

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