The Sacred Valley Full Day Trekking Tour from Cusco provides adventurous travelers an opportunity to enjoy the captivating landscapes of Peru’s renowned Sacred Valley. This exhilarating excursion combines challenging uphill treks, awe-inspiring vistas, and the chance to explore the well-preserved ruins of the Inca civilization. While the demanding nature of the hike may test one’s physical limits, the sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking panoramas make for an unforgettable experience. For those seeking to delve deeper into the cultural and natural wonders of the region, this trekking tour offers a unique and unforgettable adventure.
Key Points
- This full-day trekking tour from Cusco takes travelers to Lago Piuray, where the hike begins at an elevation of 11,800 feet (3,600 m).
- The 3-hour uphill climb rewards with stunning views of the Urubamba mountains and lagoons, followed by a 2-hour descent to the ancient Huchuy Qosqo ruins.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, private transport, boxed lunch, English-speaking guide, trekking poles, and travel insurance.
- The tour is rated as moderate, with challenging uphill portions and a steep 4-hour descent, and is not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
- The tour is priced from $131.00 per person, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Pre-Departure Briefing
- Included and Excluded
- Physical Requirements
- Pricing and Booking
- Itinerary Details
- Scenic Highlights
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Hiking & Trekking Tours 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 Sacred Valley Trekking Tour offers a full-day excursion from Cusco, beginning with hotel pickup between 5:30 am and 6:00 am.
Travelers will drive for an hour to reach Lago Piuray, where the hike starts at 11,800 feet (3,600 m). The three-hour uphill climb to Piuray Passage rewards with views of the Urubamba mountains and lagoons.
The two-hour descent leads to the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, where ancient structures and irrigation channels are explored. After a boxed lunch, the final steep descent reaches Lamay, followed by the return trip to Cusco with hotel drop-off between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
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Pre-Departure Briefing
A mandatory pre-departure briefing takes place at the Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to the trek.
Travelers are required to check in with their passport before the briefing. This personal attention allows guides to address any questions, book extras, and ensure proper rental equipment.
The meeting schedule for the briefings is as follows:
- Inca Trail, Salkantay, Inca Quarry: 6 pm
- Machu Picchu Jungle, Lares, Ausangate, Choquequirao: 6:30 pm
- Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu: 7 pm
The briefing location is Calle Matara 242, Second Floor, Cuzco, Peru.
Included and Excluded
The Sacred Valley Trekking Tour includes a hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport from Cusco to Chinchero and Lamay to Cusco/Ollantaytambo, a boxed lunch, an English-speaking guide, and trekking poles.
Travelers will also receive travel insurance. However, the tour doesn’t cover other food and drinks, tips, or personal expenses.
The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as the uphill portions can be challenging, especially at the high pass of 4,000 meters.
The steep descent of approximately 4 hours is also recommended to be taken with trekking poles for stability.
Physical Requirements
What level of physical fitness is required for the Sacred Valley Trekking Tour? The tour is rated as moderate, meaning participants should have a reasonable level of physical fitness.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, excluding those with:
- Back problems
- Serious medical conditions
- Pregnancy
The uphill portions, especially the climb to the 4,000-meter pass, can be challenging.
Plus, the steep, 4-hour descent is recommended to be done with the aid of trekking poles to maintain stability.
Pricing and Booking
The Sacred Valley Trekking Tour is priced from $131.00 per person.
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour begins.
Plus, there’s a reserve now and pay later option available, making it easier to book the tour.
With an overall rating of 5.0 based on 1 review, this trekking tour offers excellent value for money and a chance to explore the stunning Sacred Valley in Peru.
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Itinerary Details
The Sacred Valley Trekking Tour starts with a hotel pickup between 5:30 am and 6:00 am in Cusco.
The tour then drives to Lago Piuray, about an hour away, where the hike begins at an elevation of 11,800 feet (3,600 m).
The first part of the trek is a three-hour uphill climb to Piuray Passage, offering stunning views of the Urubamba mountains and lagoons.
After that, there’s a two-hour descent to the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, where hikers can explore the ancient structures and irrigation channels.
A boxed lunch is provided before the final steep descent to Lamay, from where the tour returns to Cusco, concluding with hotel drop-off between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
- The hike begins at an elevation of 11,800 feet (3,600 m).
- The tour explores the Huchuy Qosqo ruins during the trek.
- Hikers are provided with a boxed lunch on the tour.
Scenic Highlights
Breathtaking vistas of the Urubamba mountains and serene lagoons greet trekkers as they ascend to the Piuray Passage, the highest point of the Sacred Valley Trekking Tour.
At an elevation of 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), this viewpoint offers panoramic perspectives of the rugged Andean landscape.
The descent from the pass leads to the ancient ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, where hikers can explore the remnants of the Inca civilization, including well-preserved structures and irrigation channels.
The final stage of the trek features a steep descent to the charming town of Lamay, providing a culminating glimpse of the Sacred Valley’s natural splendor and rich cultural heritage.
Sacred Valley Full Day Trekking Tour From Cusco
“Did Chinchero > Piuray passage > Huchuy Qosqo ruins > Lamay on 7 Apr. Special thanks to Lorenzo who helped me carry my day pack when climbing this …”
Recap
The Sacred Valley Full Day Trekking Tour from Cusco offers an exhilarating adventure that combines stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a challenging physical experience. Trekkers can expect breathtaking views, exploration of ancient Inca ruins, and a sense of accomplishment upon completing the challenging hike. This tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in the beauty and history of the Peruvian Andes.
