Sacred Valley Tour From Cusco Full Day

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco offers travelers an immersive journey through Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. With visits to bustling artisan markets, awe-inspiring archaeological sites, and traditional Andean villages, this full-day guided excursion promises an unforgettable cultural experience. From the stunning vistas of Pisaq to the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, each stop on the itinerary unveils a new facet of the region’s rich history and vibrant traditions. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of the Inca civilization or simply savor the natural beauty of the Andes, this tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into the heart of Peru’s most captivating destinations.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley from Cusco, visiting Inca sites, an artisan market, and a scenic lookout.
• Includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba, round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide.
• Highlights include exploring the ruins and markets of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, as well as the colonial-era temple in Chinchero.
• Opportunity to interact with local weavers and artisans, and purchase handmade crafts at the artisan market in Qorao.
• Tour lasts approximately 13 hours and is accessible for children aged 5 and above, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Tour Overview

This full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley allows visitors to experience the rich Andean culture and explore the impressive Inca ruins starting from Cusco.

The tour includes visits to the artisan market in Qorao, a scenic lookout for the Andes Mountains and Sacred Valley, and the Inca sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.

Travelers will also enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba and visit the colonial-era temple and main plaza in Chinchero before being dropped off at the San Francisco Plaza in Cusco.

The tour is led by a professional English-speaking guide and includes round-trip transportation and entrance tickets.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with morning pickup from accommodations in Cusco.

Travelers will stop at an artisan market in Qorao to browse handmade crafts.

Next, they’ll enjoy a scenic lookout over the Andes Mountains and Sacred Valley.

The group will then explore the ruins and market at Pisaq, including royal buildings, agricultural terraces, and cemeteries.

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, they’ll tour Ollantaytambo, an Inca settlement.

The final stop is Chinchero, where they’ll visit a colonial-era temple and main plaza before being dropped off at San Francisco Plaza in Cusco.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide to lead the group throughout the day.

Travelers will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba during the tour.

Hotel pickup and drop-off at the San Francisco Plaza in Cusco are provided, along with tourist transportation.

The tour also includes entrance tickets, which cost 70 PEN per person.

Bottled water is provided to keep travelers hydrated.

While alcoholic beverages aren’t included, they can be purchased separately.

The tour lasts approximately 13 hours and can accommodate up to 20 travelers, with a minimum age of 5 years.

Additional Costs

Aside from the inclusions listed, travelers will need to cover the cost of any alcoholic beverages they choose to purchase during the tour.

While the tour provides a buffet lunch, any additional food or drinks beyond the lunch are at the traveler’s expense.

Plus, there may be opportunities to purchase souvenirs or other items at the artisan market in Qorao.

The additional costs for this tour include:

1. Alcoholic beverages
2. Extra food or drinks beyond the buffet lunch
3. Souvenirs or other items purchased at the artisan market
4. Tips for the tour guide and driver (optional)

Tour Details

As per the tour details, this full-day guided excursion from Cusco lasts approximately 13 hours, catering to a maximum group size of 20 travelers.

The tour is accessible to children aged 5 and above, though infants must sit on laps. Wheelchair access isn’t provided, but strollers are allowed.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. Plus, a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available for added convenience.

With a focus on culture and Inca history, this comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded experience in the Sacred Valley.

Customer Reviews

Based on the 2 reviews available, the Sacred Valley tour from Cusco has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Customers praised the cultural exhibitions and helpful guides, while suggesting the tour could benefit from:

• More time spent at the Inca ruins
• Less time at the lunch and cultural experiences
• Improved accessibility for guests with limited mobility

Andean Culture in Chinchero

The Sacred Valley tour offers an immersive glimpse into the Andean culture, with a highlight being the visit to Chinchero.

This traditional Quechua village showcases the region’s rich heritage through its colonial-era church, main plaza, and vibrant artisan market. Travelers can browse handmade textiles, pottery, and other crafts while interacting with the local weavers and artisans.

The tour also includes a scenic lookout point, providing panoramic views of the majestic Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley below.

This cultural experience allows visitors to appreciate the enduring traditions and the ingenuity of the Andean people.

Exploring Inca Ruins

Exploring the Inca ruins is a highlight of the Sacred Valley tour. The tour visits several key Inca sites, including:

1. Pisaq, with its impressive royal buildings, agricultural terraces, and cemeteries.

2. Ollantaytambo, a former Inca settlement that showcases the Inca’s advanced engineering and urban planning.

3. Chinchero, where visitors can explore a colonial-era temple and the main plaza.

4. These ruins provide a glimpse into the Inca civilization’s architectural prowess and the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Travelers have the opportunity to wander through these ancient structures, learning about the Inca’s way of life and the impressive feats of engineering that went into their construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The typical group size for this tour is a maximum of 20 travelers. According to the itinerary details, the tour has a maximum group size of 20 people.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour does not offer customizable itineraries. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, though the actual group size may vary. Travelers must follow the pre-determined itinerary, which includes key Inca sites and cultural experiences in the Sacred Valley.

Are There Opportunities to Interact With Local Communities?

The tour includes opportunities to interact with local communities, such as visiting an artisan market in Qorao and exploring the colonial-era temple and main plaza in Chinchero. Travelers can engage with Andean culture throughout the day.

What Is the Physical Difficulty Level of the Tour?

The tour includes some moderate hiking and walking over uneven terrain at historical sites, though it’s generally accessible for most travelers. It may be challenging for those with mobility issues or young children.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not mention any discounts for seniors or students. Pricing appears to be a flat rate for all participants. Customers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any available discounts.

Recap

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco offers an immersive journey through Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Travelers will explore iconic sites, savor local cuisine, and gain insights into Andean culture. With professional guidance and comfortable transportation, this full-day excursion provides an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to connect with Peru’s rich history and traditions.