Pisac Inca Town, Artisan Market and Ollantaytambo Full-Day Tour From Cusco

Set out on a captivating journey through Peru’s rich cultural heritage with the Pisac Inca Town, Artisan Market, and Ollantaytambo Full-Day Tour from Cusco. This immersive experience takes visitors on a guided exploration of Pisac’s vibrant market, where they can discover an array of handcrafted textiles and local delicacies. The tour then ventures to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, showcasing the remarkable Inca architecture that has captivated travelers for centuries. As the day progresses, you will savor a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes, all while surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of the Sacred Valley. With expert guidance and a personalized small-group setting, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that delves deeper into the heart of Peru’s cultural treasures.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the Sacred Valley, including the Pisac Market and the Fortress of Ollantaytambo.
• The tour is led by expert guides, includes round-trip hotel transport, and offers a buffet lunch with a variety of Peruvian specialties.
• The Pisac Market is renowned for its vibrant, handwoven textiles and Andean artistry, as well as traditional mass and local music.
• The Fortress of Ollantaytambo is a significant historical site with massive stone construction and insights into Inca civilization and engineering.
• The tour offers a wheelchair-inaccessible experience but allows infants on laps, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the Sacred Valley, including the renowned sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Boasting an impressive 386 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour is led by expert guides and includes round-trip hotel transport as well as a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian specialties.

Travelers can opt to add admission tickets to the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site. The group size is capped at a maximum of 15 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants can join by sitting on laps.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights Pisac Market, where visitors can explore the local market known for its handcrafted textiles and souvenirs.

On Sundays, the market also includes a traditional mass in Quechua and Spanish, allowing guests to observe local dignitaries and the pututo musical instrument.

Next, the tour visits Ollantaytambo, home to the impressive Fortress and Temple of the Sun.

These ancient Inca ruins are notable for their 12-foot (3.5-m) stones and have significant historical importance as a defensive structure during the Incan civil war.

The tour also includes a buffet lunch featuring a variety of delicious Peruvian specialties, providing a pleasant dining experience for travelers.

Pisac Market

Visiting Pisac Market allows travelers to explore a local marketplace renowned for its handcrafted textiles and souvenir offerings.

On Sundays, the market hosts a traditional mass in Quechua and Spanish, providing a unique cultural experience. Visitors can observe local dignitaries and the pututo, a traditional musical instrument.

The market offers:

1. An array of vibrant, handwoven textiles showcasing the region’s rich weaving heritage.

2. Intricately carved wooden figurines and ceramics reflecting Andean artistry.

3. Abundant fresh produce and local delicacies, offering a taste of Peruvian cuisine.

4. The chance to interact with friendly vendors and gain insights into the local community.

Ollantaytambo

At Ollantaytambo, travelers can explore the impressive Fortress and Temple of the Sun, which are notable for the site’s massive 12-foot (3.5-m) stones that were used in its construction.

This historical site holds significant importance as it served as a defensive structure during the Inca civil war. Visitors can wander through the ruins and learn about the site’s strategic location and architectural marvels.

The tour also provides an opportunity to gain insights into the Inca civilization and its engineering prowess.

With its stunning backdrop of mountains, Ollantaytambo offers a captivating glimpse into the Inca’s remarkable achievements and the enduring legacy of their civilization.

Lunch Experience

After exploring the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo, the tour includes a buffet lunch featuring a variety of Peruvian specialties. Feedback from travelers indicates they generally enjoyed the pleasant dining experience, with a range of dishes to choose from.

Some highlights of the lunch experience include:

1. Flavorful traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), aji de gallina (creamy chicken dish), and hearty potatoes.

2. A selection of fresh salads and sides to complement the main courses.

3. Delectable desserts, such as suspiro de limeña (meringue-based treat) and quinoa pudding, offering a sweet conclusion to the meal.

4. An accommodating staff that ensures a comfortable and satisfying dining experience for all guests.

Transportation and Pickup

The tour includes morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco, providing a convenient roundtrip transfer to the day’s destinations.

You’ll be transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants can join the tour by sitting on their parents’ laps.

Some locations may require nearby pickup arrangements, but the tour operator will ensure you’re taken care of and arrive at each site without any hassle.

With transportation handled, you can sit back, enjoy the scenic drive, and focus on the cultural and historical highlights that await you in the Sacred Valley.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers who’ve experienced this tour generally report positive experiences, praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides who bring the destinations to life.

However, some travelers expressed a desire for more time at specific sites or activities, such as hiking in Pisac. Plus, there were mixed reviews on the timing of the lunch, with some suggesting an earlier schedule.

To enhance the experience, travelers recommend:

1. Bringing snacks and bottled water to stay hydrated and energized.

2. Packing personal hygiene supplies for convenience.

3. Being prepared for the possibility of changing weather conditions.

4. Checking on the availability of admission tickets to the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site.

Pricing and Cancellation

For this tour, there’s a free cancellation policy available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

The pricing varies based on the group size, starting from £38.72 per person. Travelers have the option to purchase tickets with or without admission included to the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site.

The tour price covers the services of an expert guide, a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian specialties, and round-trip hotel transportation.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Guests are advised to bring snacks, bottled water, and personal hygiene supplies to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement specified for this tour. However, the tour notes that infants must sit on laps, suggesting they are allowed but require special accommodations.

Is Photography Allowed at All Sites During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited during the tour, though visitors should be respectful and follow any site-specific rules. Some locations may have restrictions on photography, so it’s best to check with the guide.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Lunch?

The tour operator generally accommodates dietary restrictions for the lunch, providing alternative meal options upon request. Travelers should notify the operator of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure their requirements are met.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price typically includes all applicable fees and taxes. However, there may be optional add-ons or additional costs for activities not specified in the tour details that would incur an extra charge.

What Is the Policy for Late Arrivals or Missed Pickups?

The policy for late arrivals or missed pickups is typically strict. Travelers who miss their scheduled pickup time may be required to meet the group at the first stop or arrange their own transportation, often at their own expense.

Recap

This full-day tour provides an immersive cultural experience, exploring the rich history and vibrant markets of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Visitors will discover the lively Pisac Artisan Market, marvel at the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, and savor a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch.

Guided by experts, this small-group tour offers a personalized adventure through the region’s breathtaking landscape, allowing travelers to explore the country’s captivating heritage.