Tour to the Sacred Valley VIP – Full Day

Delving into the heart of Peru’s captivating Sacred Valley, this VIP tour promises an unparalleled exploration of the region’s cultural wonders and natural splendor. Led by expert bilingual guides, travelers will embark on a transformative journey, seeing the vibrant artisan market of Chinchero, the mesmerizing salt mines of Salinas de Maras, and the intriguing agricultural terraces of Moray. The tour also unveils the archaeological marvels of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq, offering a comprehensive understanding of Peru’s rich heritage. With comfortable transportation, a delectable traditional lunch, and all entrance fees included, this full-day VIP excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning of visitors.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour of the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru, with a maximum group size of 18 travelers.
• Itinerary highlights include Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq, covering cultural and historical sites.
• Included services cover group transport, traditional Peruvian lunch, professional guide services, and entrance fees.
• Flexible pickup options from either Plaza Regocijo or hotel locations, accommodating various accommodation needs.
• Positive traveler experiences, with some feedback on limited time at certain sites and clarification needed on entrance fees.

Tour Overview

The "Sacred Valley VIP" is a full-day tour that takes travelers on an immersive journey through the stunning landscapes and cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru.

The tour has a maximum group size of 18 travelers and boasts a solid 4.5/5-star rating based on 33 reviews, with 91% of travelers recommending it. Priced from $40.00, the tour includes group transport, a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, professional guide services, and entrance to archaeological centers.

Travelers have the option to be picked up directly from their hotel or meet at the designated meeting point in Cusco’s Plaza Regocijo.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with a visit to Chinchero, located 28 km from Cusco. This quaint town is known for its artisan market and colonial temple built on Inca foundations. Guests will have 40 minutes to explore this cultural hub.

Next, the tour ventures to the famous Salinas de Maras, the salt mines nestled in the Sacred Valley.

From there, the group travels to Moray, just 7 km from Maras. This site features captivating circular agricultural terraces, considered a magnetic center of Pachamama. After 30 minutes at Moray, the tour progresses to Ollantaytambo Archeological Park and the artisanal market of Pisaq, where travelers can browse for local souvenirs.

Included Services

The tour includes several comprehensive services to enhance the experience.

Group transport, a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, and professional guide services in English and Spanish are all provided.

Entrance fees to the archaeological centers along the route are included as well, though additional drinks aren’t covered.

The pickup service is flexible, with options to meet at the central meeting point or arrange hotel pickup, especially for those staying at remote locations.

Meeting and Pickup

There are two options for meeting and pickup for the Sacred Valley VIP tour.

Travelers can meet the group directly at the designated meeting point or opt for hotel pickup. The meeting point is Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

For those staying at remote hotel locations, the tour operator will coordinate the pickup arrangements.

The options for meeting and pickup include:

• Meeting at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco
• Hotel pickup for travelers at remote locations
• Coordination with the tour operator for pickup logistics
• Confirmation of meeting details received at the time of booking
• Infants must sit on laps during the tour transportation.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour booking is received at the time of purchase.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Travelers can freely cancel their bookings up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. The tour is operated by the reputable company, Machu Picchu Road Trip.

Some travelers have noted that time spent at each site may feel limited. Plus, there seems to be some confusion regarding the inclusion of certain entrance fees.

Traveler Experiences

According to reviews, travelers generally have positive feedback on the tour guide’s responsibility and communication during the Sacred Valley VIP experience.

However, some travelers noted limited time at each site, and clarification is needed regarding additional entrance fees.

The tour covers several highlights, including:

• Chinchero’s artisan market and colonial temple
• The salt mines of Maras
• The agricultural terraces of Moray
• The archeological park of Ollantaytambo
• The artisanal market of Pisaq

While the overall experience is highly recommended, guests should inquire about the timing and costs of accessing certain sites to ensure the tour aligns with their expectations.

Tour Operator

Machu Picchu Road Trip, the tour operator behind the Sacred Valley VIP experience, delivers a comprehensive day-long exploration of the region’s cultural and historical highlights.

The company leverages its deep local expertise to orchestrate a seamless itinerary that showcases iconic sites like the salt mines of Maras, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo.

With a maximum group size of 18 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides fluent in English and Spanish.

Machu Picchu Road Trip’s commitment to responsible tourism ensures visitors leave with a profound appreciation for Peru’s rich heritage.

Key Considerations

Travelers often prioritize the convenience and flexibility of the tour’s meeting and pickup options, which cater to both those staying at centrally-located accommodations and those in more remote hotel settings.

Key considerations for this Sacred Valley VIP tour include:

• Comprehensive itinerary highlights, such as the artisan market in Chinchero, the fascinating Salinas de Maras salt mines, and the remarkable Moray archaeological site.

• Included services, like group transportation, a traditional Peruvian lunch, and professional guide service in multiple languages.

• Clarification on entrance fees, as Moray admission isn’t included in the tour price.

• Traveler feedback on limited time at each site, suggesting the tour may feel a bit rushed.

• Confirmation and cancellation policies, including free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Make Changes to the Itinerary During the Tour?

The tour’s itinerary is generally pre-determined, but travelers may be able to make minor changes during the tour if they discuss it with the guide. However, significant changes to the itinerary are unlikely without prior coordination with the tour operator.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour generally does not have a strict dress code, but travelers are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Light layers and sun protection are recommended for the varied terrain and climate throughout the day.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?

The tour provider offers a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, which likely includes some vegetarian and vegan options. However, it’s best to inform the provider of any dietary preferences in advance to ensure suitable meal choices are available.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?

Travelers are generally permitted to bring their own snacks and drinks on this tour. However, it’s best to confirm this with the tour operator beforehand, as policies may vary. The tour includes a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. Guests can inquire about the private tour option when booking, which offers a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and flexibility in the itinerary.

Recap

The VIP tour of the Sacred Valley offers an unparalleled glimpse into Peru’s cultural and natural wonders. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour seamlessly combines visits to iconic sites like Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, and Ollantaytambo, providing an enriching and immersive experience. With all transportation, meals, and entrance fees included, this comprehensive package ensures a hassle-free and memorable journey through the heart of the Andes.