Sacred Valley Full Day Tour
Description
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of Peru's most iconic destinations and one of the main gateways to discovering the history, culture, and traditions surrounding Machu Picchu. Amid mountains, ancient villages, and impressive archaeological remains, this region reveals different facets of the legacy left behind by the Incas. On this full-day excursion departing from Cusco, you'll visit some of the Sacred Valley's most representative sites, including Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Along the way, you'll take in stunning Andean landscapes, explore important archaeological sites, and get to know traditions that remain part of local communities' daily life today. The experience also includes a buffet lunch featuring flavors representative of Peruvian cuisine. Altitude is simply part of the region's geography, but the route moves through different elevation levels throughout the day, allowing for gradual acclimatization.
Tour Options
Itinerary
A strategic stop to take in one of the most breathtaking views in the Sacred Valley. From the lookout, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains, cultivated fields, and Andean communities spread across the valley.
The day's first major stop is Pisac, where you'll explore its important archaeological site, located at roughly 3,300 meters (10,825 ft) above sea level. The site combines Inca architecture, agricultural terraces, and sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Pisac's altitude is similar to that of Cusco, and the visit is unhurried, giving you time to walk around and take in the site at your own pace.
Get an up-close look at the craftsmanship developed in the region and discover how traditional goldsmithing techniques are still used today to create gold and silver pieces. During the visit, you'll learn more about the methods used by local artisans and the Inca influence visible in the designs and details of their work.
After a morning devoted to Andean history and culture, it's time for a break to enjoy Peruvian cuisine. At Restaurante Don Angel, you'll be able to sample a variety of dishes representing Peru's three major regions, Coast, Highlands, and Jungle in a buffet lunch. Urubamba sits at roughly 2,870 meters (9,415 ft) above sea level, lower than both Cusco and Pisac, providing a pleasant opportunity to rest and enjoy the meal before continuing through the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo is one of the most impressive examples of Inca urban planning. Its cobblestone streets, water channels, and well-preserved structures let you see up close the organization and engineering skill developed by the Incas. During the visit, you'll tour the Ollantaytambo archaeological site and have time to explore its structures and admire the surrounding landscape. The town sits at roughly 2,790 meters (9,155 ft) above sea level, lower than Cusco, making this leg of the tour more comfortable for many travelers.
We'll wrap up the experience at Ollantaytambo's main square, where you can continue your journey if you've booked a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. You can continue on to Aguas Calientes by train, departing from the Ollantaytambo Train Station. If you'd prefer to return to Cusco, the departure time from Ollantaytambo is 17:45 h, with an estimated arrival in Cusco around 19:00 h.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Transfer pickup takes place at Plaza Regocijo,in Cusco, between 07:45 h and 08:00 h Please arrive at the meeting point within this window. If you arrive after the scheduled time, your absence will be treated as a NO SHOW, with no right to a refund. Our team will be waiting for you near the square's fountain.
- Children under 5 years of age are free of charge as long as they do not occupy a seat.
- If you'd prefer to return to Cusco, the departure time from Ollantaytambo is 17:45 h, with an estimated arrival in Cusco around 19:00 h.
- If you wish to stay in Ollantaytambo to board the train to Machu Picchu, please send us your train departure time. Please note that this tour ends between 17:00 - 17:30 h.
- Because this is a high-altitude tour, we recommend travelers pay attention to how their body is responding and move through the experience at a comfortable pace. Most of the route takes place at altitudes similar to or lower than Cusco's.
- Travelers with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions should consult their doctor before taking part in this activity.
Reviews(5,532)
Overall, this was a very disappointing experience. There were issues with transportation and unsafe driving, but our main concern was the two obvious tourist-trap stops in Pisac and Chinchero. At both locations, the guide took us directly to a single shop and gave us essentially no opportunity to explore other shops or the local markets. In Chinchero, we were told that the products we bought were made from genuine alpaca wool. We later discovered that they were not actually alpaca, and found essentially the same products at the local market for almost one third of what we had paid. This felt less like a cultural experience and more like a sales operation designed to funnel tourists into specific shops. We have no problem being introduced to local products, but forcing tourists into selected shops and selling supposedly “alpaca” products at highly inflated prices is unacceptable. We believe Viator should be aware of this when evaluating the tour operator.
Franco and Hernan have been charming on the two tours we have done with them. True professionals!!
It was all perfect. The guide Franco is the driver Hernane were wonderful. The guide presented us with a meditation moment that was amazing at Pisaq. We had the opportunity to meet several typical Peruvian foods. Lovely tour
Franco and Hernan are two charming people. Franco's explanations are fantastic and he always has a good sense of humor.
The walk was impeccable! We were with our 10-month-old daughter and they were very careful with us. The guide Franco and driver Hernands were very kind and caring. The cost benefit of the trip was great and I super recommend! (:
Guide Franco and driver Herman were very attentive the historical explanation was very good and as I was going bad he had patience to wait for me
Franco and Hernan were great! A delicious and very special day
Very good experience Frank is very legal
I liked the punctuality, elaboracy and sympathy of the guide Fredy.
Great tour and the guide Fred is great. Tell the history of the place and help with the photos
