Set out on a captivating journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley, where ancient Inca ruins and breathtaking landscapes converge. This full-day excursion from Cusco promises an immersive experience into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Explore iconic sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, explore the fascinating history of the Inca Empire, and savor a bountiful buffet of traditional Peruvian cuisine. With round-trip transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a well-organized itinerary, this small-group tour offers travelers a chance to uncover the profound significance of these remarkable destinations. There’s much more to discover about this unforgettable adventure.
Key Points
• This full-day tour covers the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including visits to Moray, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac ruins.
• The tour is rated with a Badge of Excellence and has received 94 positive reviews, offering a small-group, immersive experience.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch featuring over 30 varieties of Peruvian dishes, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available, and moderate physical fitness is required for hiking and walking.
• The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide captivating storytelling and enhance the educational experience of the Inca Empire and heritage.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Transportation and Logistics
- Traveler Reviews
- Buffet Lunch Details
- Accessibility and Infant Seats
- Packing and Fitness Requirements
- Guide Expertise and Knowledge
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Time Will the Tour Return to Cusco?
- Are Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place?
- Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
- Does the Tour Include Any Entrance Fees?
- Is Photography Allowed at All Sites?
- 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
This full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo from Cusco offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s historic sites and cultural heritage.
Rated with a Badge of Excellence and boasting 94 glowing reviews, this small-group tour (maximum 20 travelers) provides an immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides.
Priced at an affordable $47.90 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation and a delectable buffet lunch showcasing 30 varieties of traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Flexibility is a key advantage, as the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to discover the beauty of the Sacred Valley, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour immerses visitors in the region’s rich Inca history and agricultural legacy, with stops at the historic sites of Chinchero, Moray, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
Travelers will learn about the Incas’ advanced farming techniques and the significance of these archaeological wonders.
Plus, the excursion includes a delectable buffet lunch showcasing over 30 varieties of typical Peruvian dishes, providing a flavorful culinary experience.
The itinerary highlights include:
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Exploring the ancient Inca agricultural terraces of Moray
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Visiting the Maras salt mines, where salt has been harvested for centuries
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Discovering the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo
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Marveling at the Pisac ruins and its iconic stone structures
Transportation and Logistics
Round-trip transportation is provided for the excursion, with hassle-free transfers from participants’ Cusco hotels.
Visitors should budget approximately 70 soles to cover the entrance fees for the Sacred Valley sites and an additional 20 soles for the Salineras (salt mines) tour. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available.
The tour’s logistics are designed for convenience and efficiency. Travelers will be picked up from their Cusco hotels or the Plaza de Armas meeting point between 6:30 a.m. and 6:55 a.m. This ensures a timely start to the full-day adventure through the stunning Sacred Valley.
With round-trip transportation and hassle-free transfers, participants can fully enjoy the cultural and historical highlights of the day.
Traveler Reviews
Reviews from past participants highlight the tour’s strengths, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary. The tour garners an impressive 4.5-star average rating from 94 reviews, with common praise for the beautiful sites visited and the included buffet lunch featuring 30 varieties of typical Peruvian dishes.
However, some travelers expressed mixed feedback regarding the time spent at souvenir shops along the way.
Key highlights from the reviews include:
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Knowledgeable and attentive guides who provide insightful historical information
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Well-paced itinerary allowing ample time to explore the remarkable Inca sites
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Breathtaking scenery and a delicious, authentic Peruvian lunch
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Some concerns about the duration of stops at local shops
Buffet Lunch Details
As part of the excursion, travelers are treated to a delectable buffet lunch featuring an impressive array of over 30 authentic Peruvian dishes, providing them with a tantalizing culinary experience.
The spread includes a diverse selection of traditional favorites, from hearty stews and roasted meats to vibrant vegetable dishes and flavorful rice preparations.
Guests can savor the rich, complex flavors of Peruvian cuisine, allowing them to fully enjoy the local culture.
The buffet’s variety ensures that there’s something to delight every palate, whether one craves a comforting classic or wishes to explore new and exciting flavors.
This included lunch is a highlight of the tour, complimenting the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley’s historic and natural wonders.
Accessibility and Infant Seats
The tour’s transportation arrangements aren’t wheelchair accessible, but the provider offers infant seats for those traveling with young children. While the sites visited on the tour may present some accessibility challenges, the tour operator has made efforts to accommodate families with small children. This includes providing infant seats during the round-trip transfers from Cusco hotels or the Plaza de Armas meeting point.
Some key points about the accessibility of this tour:
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Not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and stairs at historical sites
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Infant seats available upon request for those traveling with babies or toddlers
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Moderate physical fitness required due to hiking and walking involved
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Travelers advised to dress warmly and be prepared for the Andean climate
Packing and Fitness Requirements
Typically, travelers are advised to dress warmly and prepare for the Andean climate during this full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley. Given the moderate physical fitness level required due to hiking and walking at the historical sites, tour participants should ensure they are comfortable with the activity level before booking.
To help with packing, the following recommendations are provided:
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Layers, including warm jacket, hat, gloves |
| Footwear | Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes |
| Accessories | Sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle |
| Documentation | Passport, cash for entrance fees |
| Camera | To capture the stunning Inca ruins and landscapes |
Individuals with limited mobility may find certain portions of the tour challenging, so it’s advised to consult the tour operator for any accessibility concerns.
Guide Expertise and Knowledge
One of the key highlights of this excursion is the expertise and deep knowledge of the guides leading the tour. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ ability to provide insightful commentary on Inca history and culture, enhancing the overall educational experience for participants.
The guides are noted for their:
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Extensive knowledge of the Inca Empire and its architectural/agricultural wonders
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Captivating storytelling that brings the sites to life
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Attentiveness to answering questions and addressing traveler interests
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Seamless coordination of the logistics and flow of the itinerary
With their passion for sharing the rich heritage of the region, the knowledgeable guides make this excursion truly memorable and enlightening for visitors seeking an immersive cultural experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Will the Tour Return to Cusco?
The tour typically returns to Cusco between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., as the itinerary involves visiting several sites throughout the day. Exact return time may vary depending on factors like traffic and time spent at each location.
Are Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place?
The tour operator implements COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask requirements, capacity limits, and sanitization of vehicles. Travelers must present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to the tour for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the tour operator offers private group bookings. Travelers can customize the itinerary and group size according to their preferences. Private tours provide a more personalized experience and flexibility during the excursion.
Does the Tour Include Any Entrance Fees?
The tour includes several entrance fees, such as 70 soles for the Sacred Valley sites and 20 soles for the Salineras salt mines. These fees are noted as additional costs in the tour information.
Is Photography Allowed at All Sites?
Photography is generally allowed at the historical sites visited during the tour. However, visitors should follow any specific rules or restrictions at each location, as some sites may have limited or prohibited photography areas.
Full-Day Excursion to Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo From Cusco
“Jhon was a great guide who was very passionate about Peruvian culture and cuisine. Learnt a lot with him as he took us around, the Ceviche was a hi…”
Recap
This full-day excursion offers an immersive journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Travelers will explore iconic Inca sites, savor a diverse buffet lunch, and learn from knowledgeable guides.
With round-trip transportation and a well-organized itinerary, this small-group tour promises an enriching cultural experience for those seeking to explore the rich heritage of the Andes.
