Full-Day Tour to Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Yucay Museum and Lunch

Exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Peru’s Sacred Valley is an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time. This full-day tour takes travelers on a journey through the region’s Inca and colonial heritage, with stops at renowned sites like Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and the Yucay Living Museum. Led by knowledgeable guides fluent in multiple languages, the tour promises an engaging and informative adventure, complete with a delicious local lunch. From intricate Inca stonework to traditional textile demonstrations, this excursion offers a glimpse into the heart of Andean culture, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the region’s captivating history and natural splendor.

Key Points

• A full-day tour of the Sacred Valley focused on Inca and colonial heritage, with highlights including Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Yucay Living Museum.
• Chinchero offers a unique blend of Inca and colonial architecture, textile demonstrations by local artisans, and stunning Andean mountain views.
• The Yucay Living Museum provides an immersive experience showcasing Andean traditions through artisan demonstrations on textiles, silverware, and pottery.
• Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca fortress with intricate stonework and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, accessible with a Cusco Tourist Ticket.
• The tour includes a professional guide, pickup/drop-off, and lunch, with a flexible cancellation policy and differential pricing for Peruvian citizens and long-term foreign visitors.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley, showcasing the region’s Inca and colonial heritage.

Starting in Cusco, the tour covers the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, the Inca and colonial town of Chinchero, and the Yucay Living Museum.

With a professional guide providing insights in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, the tour offers a comprehensive look at the area’s rich history and cultural traditions.

Priced from $54, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from Cusco hotels, as well as a delicious lunch.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour provides an engaging and informative experience for visitors of all ages.

Chinchero Highlights

Nestled 28 kilometers from Cusco at an elevation of 3,780 meters, the town of Chinchero boasts a rich history, blending Inca and colonial architectural influences.

The tour’s visit to Chinchero highlights several key features:

1. Inca and Colonial Architecture: The site features the remnants of Inca constructions and a church built on top of Inca walls.

2. Baroque-Style Altar: The church’s interior boasts a Baroque-style altar adorned with intricate gold leaf details.

3. Textile Demonstrations: Visitors can observe skilled local artisans showcasing Andean textile-making techniques, a longstanding tradition in the region.

4. Stunning Vistas: The location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop to the cultural experience.

Yucay Living Museum

At the Yucay Living Museum, visitors enjoy the vibrant Andean traditions, where skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate processes behind textile work, silverware crafting, and pottery making.

The museum offers a 40-minute experience that allows travelers to witness the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can observe the artisans at work, gaining insights into the time-honored techniques and the significance of these crafts within the local communities.

The museum serves as a living showcase, preserving and sharing the Andean way of life with guests. This interactive stop provides a valuable opportunity to connect with the area’s cultural fabric and appreciate the artistic talents of the local people.

Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site

After exploring the cultural gems at the Yucay Living Museum, the tour moves on to the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, which requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for entry.

Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca fortress that sits at an elevation of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) and boasts impressive stone structures, terraced agricultural fields, and a complex irrigation system that showcase the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.

Visitors can:

1. Climb the steep stone steps to the top of the fortress for panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

2. Admire the intricate stonework and marvel at the Inca’s mastery of construction techniques.

3. Explore the extensive network of agricultural terraces and imagine the bustling city that once thrived here.

4. Learn about the site’s rich history and its role in the Inca Empire’s defense against the Spanish conquistadors.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour package comes with a comprehensive set of inclusions, such as a professional tour guide who can provide commentary in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, along with pick-up and drop-off from Cusco hotels. Lunch is also included, though gratuities and personal expenses are not covered. The tour, however, is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Professional tour guide	Gratuities
Pickup and drop-off from Cusco hotels	Personal expenses
Lunch	Cusco Tourist Ticket (for Ollantaytambo)
Language options: Spanish, English, Portuguese	Wheelchair accessibility

Customer Feedback Highlights

Traveler reviews for the Full-Day Tour to Sacred Valley reflect a mix of positive experiences and suggestions for improvement. Guests consistently praise the tour guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and the overall organization of the excursion, with the Ollantaytambo and Chinchero archaeological sites highlighted as tour highlights.

However, some customers suggest revisiting the time distribution across the different stops, particularly considering the inclusion of the Yucay Museum, which some feel could be reconsidered.

The top highlights from customer feedback include:

1. Guided tours of the impressive Ollantaytambo and Chinchero archaeological sites

2. High-quality and authentic local lunch

3. Knowledgeable, friendly, and well-organized tour guides

4. Opportunity to learn about Andean traditions and culture

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can take advantage of a flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour’s scheduled departure.

This ensures that customers can easily adjust their plans if needed without incurring any penalties. The tour operator understands that unexpected situations can arise, and this policy provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate changes.

This is a particularly useful feature for those who may be planning their trip well in advance or have a busy schedule.

The free cancellation policy adds an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind for those booking the Full-Day Tour to Sacred Valley.

Sales Tax Regulations

Rates for the Full-Day Tour to Sacred Valley don’t apply for Peruvian citizens or foreign passengers staying over 60 days in Peru due to sales tax regulations.

These rules aim to provide differential pricing for domestic and long-term international visitors. The key reasons behind these regulations are:

1. To support the local tourism industry and make experiences more accessible for Peruvian citizens.

2. To incentivize longer stays and deeper engagement with Peruvian culture for foreign visitors.

3. To comply with tax laws that mandate differential pricing for certain categories of consumers.

4. To maintain a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring fair distribution of economic benefits.

These regulations ensure the tour remains affordable for Peruvian travelers while providing value for international guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s minimum group size is not explicitly stated in the provided information. It’s common for small-group tours to accommodate a range of group sizes, often with a minimum of 2 participants to run the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Infants can join the tour but must sit on laps. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be wheelchair accessible.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated During the Lunch?

The tour provider likely accommodates dietary requirements for lunch, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, upon prior request. Travelers should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any dietary needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration of the tour. However, travelers can arrange for a private tour or a custom itinerary if they’d like to spend more time at the sites.

How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided for the Tour?

The transportation for the tour is generally reliable. Customers report being picked up and dropped off on time at their Cusco hotels. The tour provider uses professional drivers and well-maintained vehicles to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.

Recap

This full-day tour of the Sacred Valley offers an immersive experience, exploring the rich Inca and colonial heritage at key sites.

Led by a professional guide, the tour includes convenient transportation, a delicious local lunch, and opportunities to discover intricate Inca stonework.

Participants can witness traditional textile demonstrations and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes, providing an unforgettable journey into Andean culture.