Sacred Valley of the Inkas Premium Full Day Tour in Peru

The Sacred Valley of the Inkas Premium Full Day Tour in Peru offers travelers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing iconic Inca sites like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, and Salinas de Maras. Priced at a reasonable $36 per person, the tour provides round-trip transportation from Cusco, a professional bilingual guide, and a buffet lunch with vegan options. While the itinerary is comprehensive, some travelers have reported organizational issues, such as late pickups. Nevertheless, the tour remains a popular choice for those seeking to explore this historic region’s rich heritage. What sets this tour apart, and why might it be the perfect fit for your Peruvian adventure?

Key Points

• Premium full-day tour operated by Ausangate Trail, priced at $36 per person, including round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch with vegan options.
• Covers five key destinations in the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, and Salinas de Maras, with a professional bilingual guide.
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, starting at 6:30 am, with a maximum of 20 participants for a personalized experience.
• Tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or accessibility needs due to uneven terrain and stairs.
• Overall positive reviews, but some organizational issues reported, with a commitment from Ausangate Trail to improve future tours.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Sacred Valley of the Inkas" tour is a premium full-day experience operated by Ausangate Trail in Peru. Priced from $36.00 per person, the tour includes a professional bilingual guide, round-trip transportation from Cusco, and entrance fees to key attractions like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq.

Travelers can also enjoy a buffet lunch with vegan options. The tour runs approximately 8 hours, with a starting time of 6:30 am. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including infants who can sit on laps.

With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour offers a personalized experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Inclusions

Typically, the Sacred Valley of the Inkas Premium Full Day Tour includes a professional bilingual guide who provides a briefing about the tour at the Ausangate Trail office.

Pickup from hotels or Airbnb in Centro Histórico, Cusco is between 6:30 to 7:00 am, followed by round-trip transportation to the Sacred Valley.

The tour provides entrance tickets to the key destinations: Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq, as well as entry to Salinas de Maras.

A buffet lunch with vegan options is also included.

Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.

Tour Itinerary

After the pickup from hotels or Airbnb in Centro Histórico, Cusco, the tour visits 5 destinations with a bilingual guide over approximately 8 hours.

The tour first heads to Chinchero, a picturesque Inca town known for its colonial architecture and traditional weaving demonstrations.

Next, the group explores the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, followed by a visit to the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.

The tour then moves on to the lively market town of Pisaq, before concluding at the stunning Salinas de Maras, a series of ancient salt ponds.

Throughout the day, the guide provides commentary and insights into the rich history and cultural significance of each site.

Accessibility and Participation

Generally, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the itinerary involves traversing uneven terrain and stairs at several historical sites.

Infants must sit on laps during transportation. While the tour is open to most travelers, certain physical limitations may prevent full participation.

Visitors should consider their mobility and stamina before booking. The tour operator aims to accommodate diverse needs where possible, but can’t guarantee accessibility for all participants.

Interested travelers are encouraged to discuss any special requirements or concerns with the tour staff prior to booking to ensure the experience aligns with their capabilities and expectations.

Positive Aspects of the Tour

While some aspects of the tour organization drew criticism, there are several positive elements highlighted by reviewers.

The tour’s professional bilingual guide received praise for their expertise, with travelers noting their ability to provide informative and engaging commentary throughout the day.

Plus, the included buffet lunch with vegan options was appreciated, catering to a range of dietary needs.

The tour’s itinerary, covering five key destinations in the Sacred Valley, also received positive feedback, allowing participants to experience the region’s rich cultural and historical sites.

Negative Aspects of the Tour

Despite the positive aspects, the tour’s organization drew some criticism from reviewers. A few customers reported missing 2 out of the 4 scheduled sites due to a late pickup. Plus, while the tour guide received praise, the overall organization of the tour was criticized by some participants.

Issue	Impact	Recommendation
Late Pickup	Missed sites	Improve pickup coordination
Organizational Concerns	Dissatisfied customers	Enhance tour planning and execution
Limited Accessibility	Exclusion of some travelers	Explore accessibility options
Lack of Consistency	Uneven experience	Standardize tour protocols
Communication Gaps	Unclear expectations	Strengthen customer communication

The tour operator acknowledged these issues and expressed a commitment to improvement, aiming to provide a more reliable and enjoyable experience for future participants.

Host’s Response to Feedback

The tour operator, Ausangate Trail, acknowledged the issues raised by customers and expressed a commitment to improving the overall experience.

In their response, the company recognized that some travelers had missed two of the four scheduled sites due to a late pickup. They also noted the feedback praising the tour guide but criticizing the organization of the tour.

Ausangate Trail stated they’d address these concerns to ensure a smoother and more reliable tour for future participants.

The company’s willingness to listen to customer feedback and take corrective action demonstrates their dedication to providing a high-quality experience for visitors to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas.

Recap and Recommendation

The Sacred Valley of the Inkas tour offered by Ausangate Trail provides a comprehensive introduction to the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Though the tour faced some organizational challenges, the company’s commitment to improvement and the guide’s expertise suggest the issues can be resolved.

The tour offers a well-rounded itinerary and value for money, making it a suitable choice for travelers seeking an immersive experience in the Sacred Valley.

While accessibility limitations may be a concern for some, the tour’s suitability for most travelers makes it a recommended option for those looking to explore this iconic Peruvian destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

According to the tour details, there are no age restrictions mentioned. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though infants must sit on laps. The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Travelers can’t customize the tour itinerary. However, they can request additional services or activities that are available through the tour operator. The standard itinerary is set, but the operator may accommodate reasonable requests if feasible.

Is There an Option to Book Private Transportation for the Tour?

The tour offers private transportation options. Travelers can book a private tour for their group, which allows them to customize the itinerary and schedule to their preferences. This service comes at an additional cost.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Layering is advised as the temperature can vary throughout the day in the Sacred Valley.

Can I Bring Any Outside Food or Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand as some providers may have restrictions or prefer guests to consume the included meal.

Recap

The Sacred Valley of the Inkas Premium Full Day Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing iconic Incan sites. While some organizational issues have been reported, the tour’s comprehensive itinerary, professional guides, and inclusive dining make it a recommended option for those seeking an enriching journey through this historic region of Peru. Ultimately, the tour provides an engaging and memorable exploration of the Sacred Valley’s remarkable heritage.