The Sacred Valley Tour offers an immersive exploration of Incan history and culture, taking travelers on a 12-hour journey to captivating sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Priced affordably at $29 per person, this tour promises an enriching experience, with highlights including a visit to Chinchero’s Textile Interpretation Center, the agricultural marvel of Moray, and the ancient salt mines of Maras. Guided by knowledgeable professionals, guests can look forward to a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba while taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the region. But the true allure of this tour lies in the opportunity to uncover the remarkable history and enduring traditions that have shaped the Sacred Valley for centuries.
Key Points
- The Sacred Valley tour includes visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, offering a comprehensive exploration of Inca ruins and cultural sites.
- The tour is priced from $29 per person, with a duration of 12 hours and pickup from Cusco hotels 30 minutes before departure.
- Highlights of the tour include the Textile Interpretation Center in Chinchero, the Inca Agricultural Laboratory in Moray, and the ancient salt mines in Maras.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals over 220 lbs (100 kg) or pregnant women, and prohibited items include drones, drinks in the vehicle, and fireworks.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 25 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Altitude Information
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Cancellation Policy
- Pickup and Transportation
- Restrictions and Recommendations
- Past Traveler Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
- Are There Any Discounts for Children or Students?
- Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?
- How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Site Visit?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Additional Locations?
- 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
The Sacred Valley Tour is a comprehensive day-long excursion that takes visitors on a journey through some of the most culturally significant sites in the Cusco region.
Priced from $29 per person, the tour lasts 12 hours and is offered in both English and Spanish. Guests are picked up from their Cusco hotels 30 minutes before departure, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour boasts an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 25 reviews, inviting travelers to explore Chinchero’s textile center, Moray’s Inca agricultural site, Maras’ salt mines, and the archaeological wonders of Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary Highlights
While exploring the Sacred Valley, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour includes a visit to Chinchero, where they’ll discover the local community and Textile Interpretation Center. At Moray, they’ll embark on a guided tour of the archaeological site, known as the Inca Agricultural Laboratory.
The tour then moves to Maras to witness the ancient salt mines. Followed by a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian cuisine in Urubamba.
In Ollantaytambo, visitors will explore significant Incan structures, including terraces and the Temple of the Sun.
The final stop is Pisac, where they’ll ascend to the archaeological site and visit the local artisan market.
Altitude Information
Cusco, where the tour begins, sits at an impressive elevation of 3,350 meters (10,990 feet) above sea level.
The town of Chinchero and the archaeological sites of Moray and Maras are even higher, reaching 3,762 meters (12,342 feet).
Urubamba and Ollantaytambo are at lower elevations of 2,780 meters (9,120 feet) and 2,790 meters (9,153 feet), respectively.
The tour culminates at Pisac, with the pueblo at 2,972 meters (9,750 feet) and the archaeological site at 3,300 meters (10,826 feet).
Visitors should be aware of the effects of high altitude and take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated and allowing time to acclimatize, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, shared tourist mobility, a buffet lunch in Urubamba, a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish, and the necessary tourist ticket (70 soles) and salt mines ticket (20 soles).
However, it isn’t suitable for individuals over 220 lbs (100 kg) or pregnant women.
Travelers should bring their passport, camera, food, drinks, cash, a daypack, and sportswear.
Drones, drinks in the vehicle, fishing, littering, fireworks, and making fire aren’t allowed during the tour.
More Great Tours NearbyCancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows travelers the flexibility to change their plans without incurring any penalties. The cancellation policy is as follows:
| Cancellation Period | Refund |
|---|---|
| Up to 24 hours | 100% |
| Within 24 hours | 0% |
| No-show | 0% |
Travelers are advised to review the cancellation policy carefully and plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected costs. This ensures a hassle-free booking experience and allows for changes in plans if necessary.
Pickup and Transportation
The tour includes hotel pickup from accommodations across Cusco, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventure.
Guests are collected approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, allowing ample time to board the shared tourist vehicle. This convenient transportation service eliminates the need for participants to make their own way to the meeting point, making the experience hassle-free.
The tour vehicle is well-equipped to transport the group comfortably throughout the day as they explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley.
This pickup service is included in the tour price, providing a seamless and efficient start to the immersive cultural journey.
Restrictions and Recommendations
As part of the Sacred Valley Tour, there are several important recommendations and restrictions for guests to be aware of.
Travelers are advised to bring essentials like their passport, camera, food, drinks, and cash. A daypack and sportswear are also recommended.
However, certain items aren’t allowed on the tour, such as drones, drinks in the vehicle, fishing, littering, fireworks, and making fires.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 220 lbs (100 kg) or pregnant women.
Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the Sacred Valley exploration.
Past Traveler Reviews
Travelers have awarded the Sacred Valley Tour high marks, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 25 reviews. The feedback highlights the tour’s impressive aspects, with guests praising the knowledgeable guides, the beautiful scenery, and the well-organized itinerary. To provide a more detailed view, the following table summarizes the reviews:
| Positive Aspects | Neutral Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent guides | Crowded sites at times | Some guests found the pace too fast |
| Breathtaking landscapes | Varied weather conditions | Dietary restrictions not always accommodated |
| Informative cultural experiences | Moderate physical demands | Limited time at certain locations |
| Smooth transportation | – | – |
| Well-timed schedule | – | – |
The overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest the Sacred Valley Tour offers an immersive and memorable experience for visitors to the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The tour is operated on a shared basis, with the group size varying depending on the number of participants. The average group size is typically between 8-15 people, providing a more intimate experience.
Are There Any Discounts for Children or Students?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention discounts for children or students. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator as they may offer reduced rates for certain age groups or student status.
Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?
The tour operator may allow some customization to focus on specific interests, though the core itinerary cannot be significantly altered. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide to ensure the tour aligns with their interests within the set structure.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Site Visit?
The tour allots approximately 1-2 hours at each site, allowing visitors to explore the key highlights. The duration at each location may vary depending on the group’s pace and interests during the day-long excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Additional Locations?
The tour itinerary appears to focus on the key highlights, but there’s no mention of an option to extend the tour to additional locations. Travelers interested in exploring more sites would need to inquire about customized tour options.
Sacred Valley Tour Pisac Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
Recap
The Sacred Valley Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Incan history and culture. With a visit to key sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, as well as unique experiences such as the Textile Interpretation Center and Maras salt mines, this tour provides a well-rounded and affordable adventure, led by knowledgeable guides. Travelers can expect to be captivated by the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of this remarkable region.
You can check availability for your dates here:
