Set out on a captivating journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley from Cusco. This full-day tour explores the vibrant Pisac market, the historic Ollantaytambo fortress, and the traditional dyeing techniques in Chinchero. Gain insights into the region’s fascinating cultural heritage while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba. With a small group size, you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide, uncovering the secrets that make this corner of the Andes so enchanting. Prepare to learn about a world of ancient Inca wonders and timeless traditions – there’s more to discover than meets the eye.
Key Points
- A full-day tour from Cusco covering the Sacred Valley sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, with inclusions like hotel pickup, buffet lunch, and a bilingual guide.
- The tour accommodates small groups of up to 15 people and offers convenient hotel pickups from various locations in Cusco’s historic center.
- Highlights include exploring the Pisac Andean Market, visiting the Ollantaytambo fortress, and witnessing traditional alpaca wool dyeing in Chinchero.
- The tour provides ample time for culture, with opportunities to haggle at the Pisac market and explore the cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo.
- The tour has a "reserve now & pay later" option, and travelers can communicate with the provider via WhatsApp for pickup details and confirmations.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Pickup Locations
- Pisac Exploration
- Urubamba Lunch Break
- Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Chinchero Traditional Dyeing
- Included in the Tour
- Booking and Reservations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Book the Tour for Just Two People?
- Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?
- Can I Visit Machu Picchu as Part of This Tour?
- Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
- Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Full Day 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
This full-day tour from Cusco takes travelers to three iconic sites in the Sacred Valley – Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Priced from £26.38 per person, the 11-hour tour accommodates small groups of up to 15 participants.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cusco’s historic center are included, along with a bilingual guide, buffet lunch, and transportation.
Visitors can explore Pisac’s Andean market and archaeological site, discover the Ollantaytambo fortress, and witness traditional alpaca wool dyeing in Chinchero.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience in the Sacred Valley.
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Pickup Locations
The tour begins with hotel pickups from three convenient locations in Cusco’s historic center – Plaza Limacpampa Chico, Plaza Kusipata, and the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. This ensures easy access for all participants, regardless of where they’re staying. The pickup schedule is as follows:
| Location | Pickup Time |
|---|---|
| Plaza Limacpampa Chico | 8:00 AM |
| Plaza Kusipata | 8:15 AM |
| Kentucky Fried Chicken | 8:30 AM |
After everyone has been gathered, the tour will depart for the day’s adventures exploring the Sacred Valley sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Pisac Exploration
First, the tour makes its way to the lively Pisac Andean Market, renowned for its vibrant displays of handicrafts, textiles, and local produce.
Visitors can browse the stalls, haggling with vendors and seeing the bustling atmosphere.
Following the market, the group heads to the archaeological site of Pisac, where they’ll explore the impressive agricultural terraces and Inca cemeteries.
The guide provides insights into the site’s history and significance, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization.
With ample time for exploration and photo opportunities, the Pisac segment offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Urubamba Lunch Break
After exploring the vibrant Pisac Andean Market and the impressive archaeological site, the tour group heads to Urubamba for a lunch break.
The buffet-style lunch offers an opportunity to indulge in authentic Andean gastronomy. The spread may include:
- Hearty stews made with locally-sourced ingredients.
- Colorful vegetable dishes featuring the region’s diverse produce.
- Flavorful grilled meats or fish, complemented by traditional sides.
This lunch break not only refuels the travelers but also immerses them in the culinary traditions of the Sacred Valley.
With satisfied appetites, the group prepares to continue their journey to the next stop, Ollantaytambo.
More Great Tours NearbyOllantaytambo Fortress
From Urubamba, the tour group heads to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, home to an impressive Inca fortress.
This archaeological site was a critical stronghold during the Inca Empire, and it’s a significant stopping point on the way to Machu Picchu. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, which include massive stone terraces, temples, and storehouses.
The fortress offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River below. After the guided tour, travelers have time to wander the town’s narrow cobblestone streets and browse the local markets for handicrafts before continuing on to the next destination, Chinchero.
Chinchero Traditional Dyeing
The tour then arrives at the Chinchero District, where travelers witness the traditional dyeing of alpaca wool.
The local artisans demonstrate their centuries-old techniques, using natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and insects.
Visitors observe the intricate process, which includes:
- Preparing the wool by cleaning and processing it.
- Boiling the natural dyes to extract the vibrant colors.
- Carefully applying the dyes to the wool, creating intricate patterns and hues.
This cultural experience provides a glimpse into the rich textile heritage of the region and the enduring traditions of the Chinchero community.
Included in the Tour
The tour includes a bilingual guide who provides commentary in both English and Spanish throughout the day.
A buffet lunch at a restaurant in Urubamba is also provided, allowing travelers to sample Andean cuisine.
Private vehicle transportation takes guests from Cusco to each stop on the itinerary.
Entry fees to the Sacred Valley sites are covered, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
While drinks are available for purchase, tips for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price.
Booking and Reservations
Travelers can reserve this tour through a convenient "Reserve now & pay later" option.
To book, customers can check availability for specific dates and starting times. For additional details, such as the hotel pickup location, travelers are encouraged to contact the tour operator via WhatsApp.
The booking process includes the following steps:
- Check tour availability on the provider’s website for desired dates.
- Select the "Reserve now & pay later" option to secure the booking.
- Communicate with the tour operator via WhatsApp to confirm pickup location and other trip details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book the Tour for Just Two People?
Yes, you can book the tour for just two people. The tour has a small group size, limited to 15 participants, so it can accommodate small groups or individual travelers.
Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a private tour. Customers can request a private tour with a dedicated driver and guide for a personalized experience, though this will incur an additional cost.
Can I Visit Machu Picchu as Part of This Tour?
No, this tour does not include a visit to Machu Picchu. The itinerary focuses on exploring the Sacred Valley sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. To visit Machu Picchu, travelers would need to book a separate tour or trek.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour provider does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The base price of 26.38 GBP per person applies to all participants, regardless of age or student status.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
Yes, you can customize the itinerary to visit additional sites. The tour operator is typically flexible and can accommodate requests to modify the tour, although additional fees may apply.
From Cusco: Tour Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero Full Day
Recap
This comprehensive tour from Cusco allows you to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Sacred Valley. You’ll explore the vibrant Pisac market, marvel at the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, and witness the traditional dyeing techniques in Chinchero. With a delicious buffet lunch and personalized attention, this small group tour provides an insightful glimpse into the fascinating history and traditions of the region.
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