Discover the enchanting allure of the Sacred Valley on this comprehensive day tour from Cusco. Set out on a journey that unveils the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization, from the vibrant Pisac market to the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, indulge in a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, and explore the captivating sights that define this historic region. With the tour conducted in English and Spanish, you’ll gain valuable insights and memories that will linger long after the day’s adventure comes to an end.
Key Points
- Explore the Sacred Valley with a 10-hour day tour from Cusco, including visits to Pisac market, Ollantaytambo ruins, and Chinchero market.
- Enjoy a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch in Urubamba and learn about the region’s cultural and historical significance to the Inca civilization.
- Benefit from hotel pickup in Cusco, transportation via bus/coach, and a bilingual guide conducting the tour in English and Spanish.
- Take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, allowing a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and no upfront payment required for reservation.
- Bring essential items like comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a passport, and be prepared for the high-altitude environment of the Sacred Valley.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Details
- Itinerary and Locations
- Highlights and Experiences
- Cultural and Historical Context
- Important Information for Participants
- Pickup and Travel to Pisac
- Urubamba Buffet Lunch
- Ollantaytambo and Chinchero Visits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Pay in Cash or by Credit Card?
- Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- How Many People Are Typically in a Group?
- Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Details
The Sacred Valley Day Tour is priced at €87.07 per person and lasts for 10 hours.
The tour is conducted in English and Spanish, and participants are picked up from their hotels in the historic center of Cusco. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.
The tour covers several key sites in the Sacred Valley, including the vibrant Pisac market, a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch in Urubamba, the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins, and the local market in Chinchero before returning to Cusco’s Plaza Regocijo.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary and Locations
The tour begins with pickup from the Centro Histórico in Cusco.
Guests then travel for 50 minutes by bus/coach to the colorful Pisac market, where they spend an hour exploring the vibrant stalls.
Next, the group heads to Urubamba, a town in the heart of the Sacred Valley, for a 1-hour traditional Peruvian buffet lunch.
The journey continues to Ollantaytambo, home to impressive Inca ruins, where a 1.5-hour guided tour awaits.
Finally, the tour visits the market in Chinchero, known for its local crafts and textiles, before returning to Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
- Visit the colorful Pisac market
- Enjoy a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Explore the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo with a guided tour
- Explore the market in Chinchero, known for its local crafts and textiles
- Return to Plaza Regocijo in Cusco
Highlights and Experiences
On the Sacred Valley Day Tour, guests can admire the vibrant Pisac market, renowned for its colorful textiles, handicrafts, and local produce.
Travelers will also savor a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch in Urubamba, providing a taste of the region’s culinary delights.
The tour then explores the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins, including the iconic Temple of the Sun, offering a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Inca Empire.
Finally, visitors can discover the Chinchero market, where they can browse an array of local crafts and textiles.
Throughout the day, guests will learn about the Sacred Valley’s significance to the Inca civilization and its enduring cultural heritage.
Cultural and Historical Context
The Sacred Valley lies 9.3 miles northeast of Cusco, situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters.
This region is known for its fertile lands, unique flora and fauna, and deep historical significance to the Inca Empire.
Some key cultural and historical facts include:
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The Inca emperor Pachacutec expanded the Inca Empire and initiated the construction of Machu Picchu.
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The Urubamba River is believed to reflect the Milky Way and constellations, according to local indigenous tribes.
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The Sacred Valley served as an important agricultural hub, providing the Inca with an abundance of resources.
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Ollantaytambo, one of the tour’s highlights, was a royal estate and religious center for the Inca.
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The region’s high-altitude environment required specialized agricultural techniques developed by the Inca.
Important Information for Participants
Participants should bring their passport, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for the day-long tour. A reasonable level of fitness is required to handle the climbing and descending of stairs encountered at various sites. Due to the high altitude, acclimatization is recommended. Children 2 and younger can join the tour for free if they do not occupy their own seats.
| What to Bring | Fitness Requirement | Acclimatization | Children 2 and Younger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Reasonable level | Recommended | Complimentary |
| Comfortable shoes | for climbing/descending stairs | due to high altitude | if not occupying own seats |
| Sunglasses | |||
| Sunscreen |
Pickup and Travel to Pisac
The tour begins with pickup from the historic center of Cusco. Participants are transported by bus or coach on the 50-minute journey to Pisac.
Along the way, they’ll:
- Admire the scenic countryside and mountain vistas
- Observe local life and activity in the rural communities
- Anticipate the vibrant colors and energy of the Pisac market
- Learn about the significance of the Sacred Valley to the Inca Empire
- Prepare to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Upon arrival in Pisac, visitors will have an hour to explore the famous market, known for its diverse array of handicrafts, textiles, and produce.
Urubamba Buffet Lunch
Having departed Pisac, the group travels for approximately 1 hour by bus or coach to Urubamba, where they’ll savor a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch.
The lunch, which lasts for around an hour, provides a chance to refuel and sample a variety of authentic Peruvian dishes. The buffet typically includes a selection of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, as well as sides like rice, potatoes, and local produce.
This midday meal not only satisfies hunger but also offers an opportunity to immerse in the region’s culinary traditions before continuing the journey through the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo and Chinchero Visits
After savoring a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch in Urubamba, the group continues their journey through the Sacred Valley, making their way to the historic town of Ollantaytambo.
The guide leads them on a 1.5-hour tour of the impressive Inca ruins, showcasing the Temple of the Sun and other architectural marvels.
Next, they travel to Chinchero, known for its vibrant market and traditional textiles.
There, the group explores the market, browsing local crafts and gaining insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Guided tour of Ollantaytambo ruins, including the Temple of the Sun
- Exploration of Chinchero’s vibrant market and traditional textiles
- Learning about the Sacred Valley’s significance to the Inca Empire
- Opportunity to purchase local crafts and textiles
- Immersion in the region’s cultural and historical context
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pay in Cash or by Credit Card?
Payment can be made in cash or by credit card. Customers have the flexibility to choose their preferred payment method. The tour provider accepts both cash and credit card payments to accommodate the needs of participants.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, there is an option for a private tour. Travelers can book a private Sacred Valley tour that provides a more personalized experience and flexibility in the itinerary. Pricing and availability may vary compared to the group tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, so it’s best to enjoy the local cuisine provided. Bringing outside food or beverages is generally not permitted.
How Many People Are Typically in a Group?
The size of the group can vary, but typically ranges from 15 to 30 participants. The tour is designed to provide a personalized experience while accommodating a reasonable number of guests comfortably.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not offer any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, the tour is priced at a reasonable €87.07 per person, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
From Cusco: Sacred Valley, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo Day Tour
Recap
This day tour from Cusco offers an enriching exploration of the Sacred Valley. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant Pisac market, savor a traditional Peruvian lunch, and marvel at the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins – all while gaining insight into the captivating cultural heritage of the Inca civilization. With its scenic landscapes and engaging experiences, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the essence of this historic region.
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