Book Now
CULTURE & HISTORY

Sacred Valley

Full Day Cusco - Sacred Valley 2,800m - 3,700m

Trip Summary

The stunning Sacred Valley Tour is one of the top day excursions from Cusco, offering a journey filled with wonder and history. Surrounded by towering glaciers and nestled beside a sacred river that flows along the valley's slopes, the Sacred Valley of the Incas invites you to experience unforgettable moments. Explore Pisac, known for its vibrant artisan market and impressive archaeological site shaped like a condor. Visit Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Inca structures, and discover Chinchero, a town celebrated for its traditional textiles and rich cultural heritage.

Itinerary

Stop 1

Mirador de Taray – Panoramic Viewpoint

Mirador de Taray is a scenic viewpoint located above the Sacred Valley, offering one of the best panoramic views of the region. From this spot, visitors can admire the wide valley floor, the winding Vilcanota River, patchwork-like farmlands, and the towering Andes mountains in the distance. It's a peaceful place to pause and take in the incredible landscape before continuing your journey through the Sacred Valley. Many travelers stop here for photos and to appreciate the natural beauty and scale of this historic region.

Panoramic views · Vilcanota River · Andes mountains · Photo opportunity
Stop 2

Pisac – Inca Ruins & Artisan Market

Pisac is one of the most fascinating sites in the Sacred Valley, known for both its impressive Inca archaeological complex and its traditional artisan market. Perched high on a mountain, the ruins include agricultural terraces, ceremonial baths, and temples, all with sweeping views of the valley below. In the town, the famous market comes alive with vibrant colors and local craftsmanship—perfect for those looking to buy handmade textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Pisac beautifully combines history, culture, and local life in one unforgettable stop.

Agricultural terraces · Ceremonial baths · Condor-shaped site · Artisan market
Stop 3

Ollantaytambo – Living Inca Town

Ollantaytambo is a remarkable town and archaeological site that was once a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center during the Inca Empire. Today, it's one of the best-preserved Inca towns, with cobbled streets and original stone structures still in use by local residents. The massive ruins include terraces built into the hillside, as well as the Temple of the Sun, which showcases giant stones precisely placed without mortar. Ollantaytambo also played a significant role in resisting the Spanish conquest, making it both a historical and cultural treasure.

Best-preserved Inca town · Temple of the Sun · Stone terraces · Spanish conquest resistance
Stop 4

Chinchero – Textile Traditions & Colonial Church

Chinchero is a picturesque Andean village located at a high altitude, known for its deep cultural roots and strong textile traditions. The town features a colonial-era church built on the remains of an Inca palace, with impressive stonework still visible around the site. Chinchero is especially famous for its weaving workshops, where local artisans demonstrate ancient techniques used to dye, spin, and weave alpaca and sheep wool into beautiful textiles. Visitors can experience authentic Andean culture, interact with local families, and even participate in weaving demonstrations.

Andean village · Textile workshops · Colonial church · Inca palace remains · Weaving demonstrations
BOOK NOW

Inclusions

  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
  • Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
  • Entrance fees to all archaeological sites
  • Round-trip tourist transportation
  • Small group experience

Frequently Asked Questions

? What is the duration of the Sacred Valley Tour? +
The tour lasts approximately 10-12 hours, starting around 7:00 AM and returning to Cusco around 6:00-7:00 PM.
? Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)? +
Yes, the Cusco Tourist Ticket is required for entry to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero archaeological sites. It can be purchased at the first site or online.
? Is hotel pickup included? +
Yes, we provide pickup from hotels located within the historic center of Cusco.
? Is lunch included in the tour? +
Lunch is not included, but we stop at a local restaurant in Urubamba where you can enjoy traditional Peruvian food.
? What should I bring for the tour? +
We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, water, cash for the tourist ticket, and extra money for shopping at Pisac market.
? Is the Pisac market open every day? +
The main artisan market is busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, but there are smaller markets and shops open every day.
? Can I take the train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo? +
Yes, Ollantaytambo has a train station with direct service to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). Many travelers combine the Sacred Valley Tour with the train to Machu Picchu.
? Is the tour suitable for people with altitude concerns? +
The Sacred Valley is at a lower altitude (2,800m - 3,000m) than Cusco (3,400m), making it a good first-day excursion to help with acclimatization.