Embark on an immersive journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley with this small group full-day tour from Cusco. Explore the breathtaking Pisac ruins, wander through the vibrant local markets of Ollantaytambo, and discover the cultural heritage of Chinchero. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this experience offers an enriching opportunity to explore the Inca’s remarkable legacy. With comfortable transportation, a delicious buffet lunch, and personalized attention, travelers can uncover the valley’s hidden gems and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s captivating history. What secrets might this extraordinary tour unveil?
Key Points
- A small group full-day tour that visits the Inca ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, as well as local markets featuring traditional textiles and handicrafts.
- Knowledgeable guides provide archaeological and cultural insights during the guided exploration of the Inca ruins.
- The tour includes a buffet lunch at a boutique hotel and comfortable bus transportation with air conditioning and heating.
- The tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, but is not wheelchair accessible.
- Entrance fees, pickup/drop-off in Cusco’s old center, and hydration are important considerations for participants.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary and Activities
- Transportation and Logistics
- Participant Requirements
- Visiting the Pisac Ruins
- Exploring Ollantaytambo
- Discovering Chinchero
- Additional Details
- Recap
- Our Top Picks 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 small group full-day Sacred Valley tour from Cusco allows travelers to explore the Inca ruins at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Participants will experience local markets selling traditional textiles and handicrafts, and visit a farm to meet alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.
The tour has received 3.5 stars from a total of 5 reviews, highlighting its knowledgeable guides, well-spaced timing, good value, and beautiful lunch setting.
Entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and transportation in a comfortable bus are included.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has restrictions for certain medical conditions.
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Itinerary and Activities
The guided tour includes archaeology, history, and cultural insights as travelers explore the Inca ruins at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Short walks take visitors to these various sites, allowing them to enjoy the ancient Inca legacy.
The market day experience provides an opportunity to interact with local artisans and browse their traditional textiles and handicrafts.
Lunch is served at a boutique hotel, offering a delectable buffet meal.
Entrance fees for the Boleto turistico, which grants access to the Inca sites, are approximately S/70 soles per person and can be purchased on-site.
Transportation and Logistics
A comfortable 22-seat bus with air conditioning and heating provides transportation for the Sacred Valley tour.
The bus picks up and drops off participants only from the old center of Cusco. Travelers staying outside this designated area will be charged an additional $5. The meeting point is Calle Saphy in Cusco.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, and it’s not wheelchair accessible. Participants are advised to dress in smart casual attire and wear comfortable shoes.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants will sit on laps. The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, heart issues, serious medical conditions, or pregnant women over 6 months.
Participant Requirements
The Sacred Valley tour caps participant numbers at 20 travelers per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so mobility-impaired guests may find it challenging. Guests are advised to dress in smart casual attire and wear comfortable shoes for the short walks to various sites.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, with infants sitting on laps. The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart issues, serious medical conditions, or pregnant women over 6 months.
Participants should hydrate well due to the high altitude, as water isn’t provided on the bus.
Visiting the Pisac Ruins
After exploring the participant requirements, the tour moves on to the first major stop – the Pisac ruins.
The guide leads the group through the extensive Inca archaeological site, sharing insights into the impressive stone architecture and terrace farming. Travelers can marvel at the precision of the construction and the strategic location overlooking the Sacred Valley.
The guide explains the site’s history, highlighting Pisac’s role as a former administrative center and religious site. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the ruins at their own pace, taking in the stunning vistas and soaking up the cultural significance of this Inca treasure.
The tour then transitions to the local market, offering a glimpse into traditional Andean artisan crafts and textiles.
Exploring Ollantaytambo
From Pisac, the tour proceeds to the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo, a highlight of the day.
Nestled in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo’s impressive stone fortifications and terraced ruins showcase the ingenuity of Inca engineering. Visitors can explore the vast stone quarries where the Incas extracted massive blocks to construct the elaborate temple complex.
The guide shares insights into the site’s history and how the Incas used the natural terrain to their strategic advantage. After wandering through the charming cobblestone streets, the group has a chance to browse the local artisan market for traditional handicrafts and textiles.
Lunch at a nearby boutique hotel offers a delightful respite before continuing the journey.
Discovering Chinchero
Next, the tour heads to the picturesque village of Chinchero, renowned for its vibrant open-air market and impressive Inca ruins.
Visitors explore the well-preserved Inca terraces and the 17th-century colonial church, which features exquisite murals and intricate altarpieces.
The highlight of the stop is the local market, where artisans display their handwoven textiles, alpaca products, and traditional crafts.
Visitors can:
- Bargain with skilled weavers for unique souvenirs
- Sample traditional Andean delicacies
- Learn about the region’s rich textile heritage
- Immerse themselves in the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere
After the market experience, the tour continues to the next destination, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the cultural and historical treasures of the Sacred Valley.
Additional Details
The tour’s convenience and flexibility allow travelers to make the most of their time in the Sacred Valley. The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the comfortable bus provides a relaxing ride. Hydration is advised due to the high altitude, though water is not provided on the bus. Souvenir photos and a DVD are available for purchase, capturing the highlights of the day. The tour is not recommended for those with specific medical conditions, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.
| Logistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Comfortable bus with 22 soft seats, air conditioning, and heating |
| Pickup/Drop-off | Hotel pickup/drop-off only from the OLD center of Cusco; extra charge for hotels outside the designated area |
| Group Size | Maximum of 20 travelers per tour |
Small Group Full-Day Sacred Valley Tour Including Pisac Ruins From Cusco
Recap
This immersive Sacred Valley tour offers an enriching journey through the region’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers will explore renowned Inca archaeological sites, discover vibrant local markets, and savor a delicious buffet lunch – all with the personalized attention of a small group and knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an unforgettable cultural experience, this tour promises an unforgettable day in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
