From Cusco: Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour With Lunch

Exploring the awe-inspiring Sacred Valley from Cusco is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Inca history and culture. This comprehensive full-day tour promises to transport visitors through a landscape of breathtaking vistas, ancient ruins, and vibrant local communities. From the intricate terraces of Moray to the salt ponds of Salineras, each stop on the itinerary offers a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization. With knowledgeable guides, delectable Peruvian cuisine, and seamless transportation, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that make the Sacred Valley truly special.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Cusco.

Key Points

• A 13-hour excursion that visits Chincheros, Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq, with a buffet lunch featuring over 30 local dishes.
• Includes hotel pickup, English/Spanish-speaking guide, transportation, and entrance fees to the Sacred Valley and Salineras.
• Unsuitable for individuals with altitude sickness or over 95 years old due to physical requirements and health risks.
• Overall rating of 2.3 out of 5 stars, with mixed reviews highlighting issues with guide no-shows and poor communication.
• Tour concludes around 7:30 PM, so participants should plan accordingly for their evening activities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour with Lunch offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic and cultural landmarks that define this picturesque region of Peru. Priced at £29.73 per person, this 13-hour excursion takes participants on a journey through the Inca Empire, visiting sites like Chincheros, Moray, and Salineras.

The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-/Spanish-speaking guide, transportation, a buffet lunch, and all necessary entrance fees. While not recommended for those with altitude sickness or the elderly, the tour promises an immersive experience, with highlights including the Inca wall and royal hacienda remains in Chincheros and the monumental center of Pisaq.

Guests can expect to return to the Plaza de Armas area by 7:30 pm.

Itinerary Highlights

Visiting Chincheros, guests will discover the remains of an Inca wall and royal hacienda, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Next, they’ll explore the circular agricultural site of Moray, where Inca engineers constructed terraced levels to study the effects of different altitudes on crops.

The tour then visits the Salineras, where salt wells have been in use since Inca times.

After a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, guests will tour the military, religious, and cultural center of Ollantaytambo.

The day concludes at the monumental center of Pisaq, with its architectural structures dotting the mountain slopes.

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup, an expert tourist guide, transportation, a delectable buffet lunch featuring over 30 varieties of local dishes, and entrance fees for the Sacred Valley (70 soles) and Salineras (10 soles).

The guide will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, ensuring participants gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history and culture.

The comfortable transportation allows travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through the picturesque Sacred Valley.

The included lunch is a culinary delight, offering a diverse selection of authentic Peruvian specialties to satisfy all palates.

Participant Restrictions

Individuals with altitude sickness or over 95 years old may find this tour unsuitable. The high altitudes and strenuous activities involved could pose health risks for those with sensitivity to the elevation.

The tour includes visits to archaeological sites like Chincheros and Ollantaytambo, which require climbing stairs and navigating uneven terrain. Participants should be physically fit and able to walk for extended periods.

The tour operator recommends consulting a healthcare professional before booking if there are any concerns about one’s ability to participate safely. This tour may not be the best choice for those with medical conditions or advanced age that could limit their mobility and endurance during the day-long excursion.

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Customer Reviews

Based on the limited customer reviews available, the Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour has received a relatively low overall rating of 2.3 out of 5 stars.

The positive feedback praises the excellence of the guide Ricardo and the safe, friendly driver. However, the negative reviews highlight issues with a no-show guide, lack of communication, and disappointment due to time constraints.

Customers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the tour’s organization and execution, which seems to have fallen short of expectations.

Despite the scenic locations visited, the overall customer experience appears to have been marred by logistical problems, affecting the tour’s rating and leaving room for improvement.

Important Information

For this tour, participants are advised to bring a camera and cash. While alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, there are a few other important considerations to keep in mind.

1. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or those over 95 years old, as the high-elevation locations may pose challenges.

2. The tour concludes around 7:30 PM near the Plaza de Armas, so participants should plan their evening accordingly.

3. The tour includes hotel pickup, a tourist guide, transport, a buffet lunch, and entrance fees to the Sacred Valley and Salineras, providing a comprehensive experience.

Tour Duration

The Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour offers an extensive experience, lasting a total of 13 hours. This excursion takes guests on a journey through the heart of the Inca Empire, exploring historical sites and cultural wonders. The tour’s duration provides ample time to fully take in the region’s rich heritage. To better understand the time commitment, consider the following details:

Duration	Morning	Afternoon
13 hours	6:35 AM – 1:00 PM	1:00 PM – 7:30 PM

With a start time between 6:35 and 6:55 AM and a return to the Plaza de Armas area by 7:30 PM, this full-day tour ensures a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s treasures.

Tour Price

The Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour‘s price starts from £29.73 per person. This includes:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off near Plaza de Armas.
2. Services of a professional, English-speaking guide.
3. Transportation throughout the tour, a buffet lunch, and all necessary entrance fees.

The tour covers a wide range of Inca sites, including Chincheros, Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq.

With a duration of 13 hours, this comprehensive excursion offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Participants should note the tour’s restrictions, such as not being suitable for those with altitude sickness or over 95 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a group size. It provides hotel pickup, a tourist guide, and transportation for participants. The tour operates with an unspecified number of travelers per departure.

Can the Departure Time Be Adjusted to Accommodate My Schedule?

The tour’s departure time is fixed between 6:35 to 6:55 am. While the operator can’t adjust the schedule, they offer hotel pick-up service to make the early start more convenient for travelers. Flexibility on the start time isn’t available for this tour.

Are There Any Stops for Souvenirs or Handicrafts Shopping?

The tour itinerary doesn’t include dedicated stops for souvenir or handicraft shopping. However, there may be opportunities to browse local artisanal items at some of the sites visited, such as Chincheros. The focus is on exploring the Sacred Valley’s key cultural and historical attractions.

Can I Request a Specific Dietary Preference for the Lunch?

Travelers can request special dietary preferences for the lunch. The tour provider is generally accommodating and will try to cater to vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs if notified in advance.

Will There Be Any Opportunities to Interact With Local Communities?

The tour includes visits to Chincheros and Ollantaytambo, where travelers can interact with local artisans and communities. However, the tour’s focus is on exploring Inca archaeological sites, so direct engagement with locals may be limited.

Recap

The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers an immersive experience into Inca history and culture. Visitors can explore iconic sites, savor local cuisine, and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. With transportation, guide, and all entrance fees included, this comprehensive excursion provides an excellent opportunity to discover the wonders of the region. Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, this tour promises an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.

You can check if your dates are available here: