Sacred Valley of the Incas




Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour

The Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour is one of the most complete and fascinating excursions for those who wish to discover the very best of the Inca legacy in a single day. During this journey through the green valleys and mountains surrounding the Urubamba River, you will discover ancient ceremonial centers, agricultural terraces, traditional communities, and fortresses that marked the greatness of the Inca Empire.

This tour combines nature, living culture, and archaeology, making it an ideal experience for those seeking to connect with the deep history of Cusco and enjoy unforgettable landscapes. Perfect for travelers who want to learn, explore, and experience the essence of the Peruvian Andes.

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Schedule:

🕙 Start: 7:00 a.m.
🕕 End: 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Cusco
🕒 Duration: Full Day – Approx. 12 hours
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English

Places you will visit on this tour:

Chinchero – Land of the Rainbow and Andean Textiles
A traditional village famous for its handcrafted textiles and its colonial church built on Inca foundations. Here, you will be able to appreciate ancestral dyeing and weaving techniques, as well as beautiful valley views.

Moray – Inca Agricultural Laboratory
One of the most enigmatic centers in the Sacred Valley. Its circular terraces formed a system of microclimates that allowed the Incas to experiment with different crops. A remarkable agricultural design that continues to fascinate visitors to this day.

Maras Salt Mines – Ancient Salt Ponds
Made up of more than 5,000 salt ponds that have been exploited since pre-Inca times. The landscape is breathtaking and offers one of the best postcard views of the Sacred Valley.

Urubamba – Buffet Lunch
In the capital of the Sacred Valley, you will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Andean and international dishes, perfect for recharging your energy before continuing the tour.

Ollantaytambo – Living Inca Fortress
One of the most important and best-preserved Inca towns. Its magnificent archaeological complex was a military, religious, and agricultural center. You will climb its terraces to enjoy spectacular panoramic views.

Pisac – Traditional Market and Archaeological Complex
We finish by visiting Pisac, renowned for its ancient ceremonial center built high on a mountain and its colorful handicraft market full of culture and local products.

Itinerary of the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour – Full Day

🕗 Schedule: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
📍 Meeting Point: Pick-up from your accommodation (Cusco – Historic Center)
🕒 Duration: Full Day – Approx. 12 hours

Sacred Valley Cusco Map

Detailed Itinerary Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour

1

7:00 a.m.

Pick-up and departure from Cusco

We will begin the day with pick-up from your accommodation (Historic Center). Your guide will welcome you and provide a brief introduction
to the route we will follow through the historic Sacred Valley of the Incas.

2

Chinchero

Living culture and ancestral textiles

Our first destination will be Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village famous for its textile tradition. Here, you will learn about the art of traditional weaving,
watch demonstrations of natural dyeing, and visit its archaeological complex with Inca walls and a colonial church built on ancient stone foundations.

3

Moray

Inca agricultural laboratory

We will continue to Moray, a remarkable archaeological complex with circular terraces that functioned as an agricultural laboratory.
Your guide will explain how the Incas took advantage of different microclimates to experiment with essential crops.

4

Maras

Maras Salt Mines – Ancient salt ponds

We will visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, made up of more than 5,000 salt ponds fed by a natural saltwater spring.
The landscape is unique, and you will have time to take panoramic photographs.

5

1:00 p.m.

Buffet lunch in Urubamba

We will take a break in Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch with a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes and international options.
This rest stop is ideal for recharging your energy before continuing the tour.

6

Ollantaytambo

Strategic Inca fortress

After lunch, we will visit the majestic fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive Inca structures.
We will explore its terraces, temples, and cyclopean walls while you enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
This site was a strategic military and religious center for the Inca Empire.

7

Pisac

Archaeological complex and handicraft market

Our final destination will be Pisac, where we will explore its impressive archaeological center, famous for its terraces, ancient cemeteries, and ceremonial areas.
Finally, you will have free time to stroll through the colorful handicraft market, perfect for buying souvenirs and local products.

8

6:00 p.m.

Return to Cusco – End of the tour

We will begin the return journey to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The service concludes by dropping you off at your accommodation or at a central point in the city.

What is included and not included in the Sacred Valley Cusco Tour

Included

  • Shared tourist transportation
  • Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish)
  • Buffet lunch in Urubamba
  • return to Cusco Historic Center
  • Assistance and coordination
Note: If you are going to take other tours such as the Cusco City Tour or South Valley Tour, we recommend purchasing the Full Tourist Ticket (BTG).

Not Included

  • Personal expenses
  • Tips (optional)
  • Cold drinks
  • Entrance fees to the archaeological sites
  • Entrance fee to the MARAS salt mines

Tourist Ticket (cash payment, in soles):

  • Partial: S/ 70 per person
  • Full: S/ 130 per person
    (Valid for the main archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley)

Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines:

  • Domestic visitor: S/ 15
  • Foreign visitor: S/ 20

Recommendations for taking the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour

To enjoy the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour without setbacks, we recommend:

  • Being in Cusco at least one day before the tour so you can acclimatize properly.
  • Bringing cash in Peruvian soles (S/ PEN), since local markets and some entrances do not accept cards.

We recommend bringing to the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour

To take the Sacred Valley Tour and visit its archaeological sites, it is important to bring:

  • Personal documents (passport or ID)
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun
  • Personal items and medications
  • Sorojchi Pills (altitude sickness pills)
  • Rain poncho or rain jacket (especially from November to April)
  • Camera or other devices to keep memories of your visit

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sacred Valley Tour

What is included in the Sacred Valley Tour?

The tour includes tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English), a buffet lunch in Urubamba, and visits to the main archaeological sites: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.

What is the average price of the tour?

Prices vary depending on the type of service you choose:

Group tour: between US$ 35 and US$ 45 per person.
Private service: from US$ 90, depending on the number of travelers.
Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): S/ 70 (partial), required for entry to the archaeological sites.

What is the best season to take this tour?

The best time to visit is between April and October, during the dry season. Days are clearer, with lower chances of rain and excellent road conditions.

How long does this tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours. It usually starts around 7:00 a.m. and ends near 6:00 p.m.

What type of clothing should I bring?

We recommend wearing comfortable and layered clothing. Ideally, bring:

– A windbreaker jacket
– Hat and sunscreen
– Sunglasses
– Comfortable walking shoes
– A small bottle of water

Is it necessary to purchase the Tourist Ticket?

Yes, the Cusco Tourist Ticket is required to access the archaeological sites. There are two options:

Partial Ticket: S/ 70 (valid for 2 days, includes Sacred Valley sites)
Full Ticket: S/ 130 (access to multiple attractions over 10 days)

Is this tour suitable for seniors or families with children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all types of travelers. While some areas have stairs or steep paths, they can be done at a relaxed pace, making the experience comfortable for seniors and kids.

What makes the Sacred Valley so special?

The Sacred Valley is renowned for its historical, cultural, and spiritual importance within the Inca civilization. Its landscapes, terraces, temples, and traditional villages reflect the Incas’ profound connection with nature and agriculture. It is a place filled with energy, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

How long does the Sacred Valley tour take exactly?

The full tour typically lasts between 10 and 11 hours, depending on traffic and the time spent at each site. It’s a complete and enriching day exploring several iconic destinations in one itinerary.

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From: $35.00