Sacred Valley Tour Overview

Departure times: We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:10 AM.
Places to Visit: The places to visit include Taray Viewpoint, Pisaq Market, the Pisac Archaeological Center, the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Center, and Chinchero.
Category: Tour.
Recommended: This is ideal for people who want to acclimatize to the altitude.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Maximum Height (Chinchero): 3 700 m.s.n.m. / 12 139 feet.
Minimum Height (Ollantaytambo): 2 792 m.s.n.m. / 9 160 feet.
Ubicación: Located to the northeast of the city of Cusco.
Tour Duration: Full Day.
Temporada de Visita: All year.
End of Tour: We will return to Cusco between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Sacred Valley Tour Itinerary

Sacred Valley Tour is a full day trip, the departure is every day, our staff will waiting in your hotel at 8:30 am, then We will take a bus from Cusco to the sacred valley of the Incas, now You can find the information about main tourist attractions that we will visit in our tour:

Pisac Ruins and Pisac Market

A Picturesque town and important archeological site, Pisac (reduction of indian in colonial times) and the eponymous ruins are located 32 km from Cusco, at the foot of a hill the Sacred Valley.

Pisac Market is held three days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and is a continuation of an old tradition of trade and commercial activity that takes places in the main square of this village. The rural communities from the surrounding areas bring their agricultural produce to exchange at market and there is plenty of high quality. locally, made arts and crafts to catch the tourist eye.

Pisac Ruins are in the areas surrounding the town, it is located in the higher parts of the mountain slope, its most obvious feature in the abundance of terracing that covers the majority of the mountain where the ruins lie. In the first section of the complex we can see several finely worked imperial rooms, among them is the Sun Temple containing a sun dial or Intihuatana.

We can also observe water fountains that would have formed part of a complex hydro engineering system. The largest Inca cemetery in the region is found in Pisac, it is home to several mummies buried in the fetal position, a characteristic of Andean burial, Pisaq was adapted to fit the contour of the land, achieving perfect harmony between man and nature.

Ollantaytambo Town and Ollantaytambo Ruins

The current town of Ollantaytambo and the ruins of the same name are located 76 km Northwest of Cusco, the current town is a living museum due to the remaining architecture because its inhabitants descend directly from the Incas that populated that area.

Historians indicate that the Ollantaytambo settlers in pre-Inca times were migrants from Lake Titicaca Puno, they called themselves the "Tampus".

Ollantaytambo Town is adequately equipped to deal with the flow of tourist though the area, the Inca town of Ollantaytambo is the only remaining town in Peru that retains the original features of the streets, they still have aqueducts running along them. The colonial style houses are built over the old Inca houses and you can still see a large number of them with doors that have finely worked double lintels.

Ollantaytambo Ruins is located a short distance away lie another group of archaeological ruins made up of terraces. As you pass these and climb the mountain you can appreciate an ornate wall with a series of vaults and megalithic stone door.

On the inside there are remarkable large stones of designs rarely seen in Inca architecture. In an unfinished temple dedicated to the Sun God you can make out sculptures of the Andean cross.

Chinchero Ruins and Chinchero Market

Chinchero is located 30km northwest of Cusco and was, Inca times, a stop on the road to Machu picchu.

Chinchero Market is an arts and crafts fair takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays where typical products from de region are bought and sold. At the market you can purchase hand made cloth produced by local women who continue to use the same weaving techniques as the Incas, 500 years before them.

Chinchero Ruins was constructed around 1478 by the Inca Tupac Yupanqui, it served a religious, political and military function. The mostly native inhabitants still occupy the ancestral buildings. The Plaza has a cellular style wall with 12 single jamb, two meter high niches used to stone the royal Inca mummies, which also serves as the containment wall of another, adjacent plaza.

The church, built partly on Inca walls, Francisco de Toledo ordered the church of "Nuestra Señora de Monserrat" contains painting, painted murals over the walls and architectural features of great value. A short distance from the plaza we find remains of houses and several agricultural terraces contouring the landscape, as well as immense area that was intended for popular gathering and celebrations.

Professional guide and share transport between sites.
Tourist Transportation.
Lunch in a traditional restaurant in Urubamba can be included for an extra charge.

All entrance fees. All ruins are included in the Boleto Turistico.

View Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What places are visited on the Sacred Valley Tour and how much time is spent at each stop?

The Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour includes the Taray Viewpoint (photo stop), Pisac (handicraft market and archaeological site), Urubamba (lunch stop), Ollantaytambo (living Inca town and fortress), and Chinchero (textile center and archaeological complex). Average visiting times are: 15–25 minutes in Taray, 70–90 minutes in Pisac, 60–75 minutes for lunch, 70–90 minutes in Ollantaytambo, and 45–60 minutes in Chinchero. The full-day tour starts around 8:00–8:30 am and ends around 6:00–6:30 pm. With a private service, times can be customized according to your interests, such as more time for photos or shopping.

What tickets are required and where can I buy them?

To enter Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, you need the Cusco Tourist Ticket, available in two versions: partial (specific circuits, valid for 1–2 days) or general (includes more sites, valid for 10 days). You can buy it at the entrance of any site or at authorized offices in Cusco. Payment is made in Peruvian soles. Some places accept credit cards, though cash is more reliable. Note: lunch and personal expenses are not included. Our team can help you choose the best ticket based on your travel plans so you don’t overspend.

Is the tour physically demanding? Is it suitable for children, seniors, or people with limited mobility?

The Sacred Valley tour is of low to moderate difficulty. However, archaeological sites have uneven stairs and stone paths. It’s suitable for families and older travelers in good health. A walking stick and comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended. People with limited mobility can enjoy flat areas and viewpoints, though some sites may have restricted access. In private tours, the itinerary can be adapted. Altitude levels: Chinchero ~3,700 m (12,139 ft); Ollantaytambo ~2,790 m (9,160 ft). We suggest 24–48 hours of acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the tour.

What does the tour include and what is not included?

Includes: tourist transportation for the entire route and a professional guide (Spanish or English). Not included: lunch in Urubamba, Cusco Tourist Ticket, and personal expenses (water, snacks, tips, or purchases). You may add a buffet or à la carte lunch upon request. Private service upgrades offer flexible schedules, multilingual guides, and optional stops like the Maras salt mines.

What is the weather like, and what should I bring?

The Sacred Valley has a high-Andean climate: cool mornings and evenings, strong midday sun, and occasional afternoon winds. The dry season runs from May to October, while the rainy season lasts from November to March. We recommend bringing a small backpack, light jacket or rain poncho, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, water, and snacks. If you get cold easily, add an extra layer for early mornings or late afternoons.

What lunch options are available in Urubamba? Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals possible?

Urubamba is the main stop for lunch due to its central location. Most restaurants offer buffets (soups, salads, meats, pasta, desserts) or à la carte options. Many can accommodate special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free) with advance notice. Please inform us of allergies or restrictions beforehand. We can also adjust lunch times to avoid crowds and maximize your experience at the archaeological sites.

Can I end the tour in Ollantaytambo to take the train to Machu Picchu?

Yes! Many travelers combine the Sacred Valley Tour with an evening or night train to Aguas Calientes. You just need to coordinate with us in advance so we can drop you off at the Ollantaytambo train station. Keep in mind that train companies have hand luggage limits, so large suitcases should remain in your hotel in Cusco or be sent separately. If you return to Cusco the same day, the usual arrival time is around 6:00–6:30 pm.

How can I prevent altitude sickness during the tour?

The Sacred Valley’s lower altitude helps with acclimatization. However, we recommend spending at least one night in Cusco or the Valley before the tour, staying hydrated, eating light meals, and avoiding alcohol. Bring coca candies or tea, and if your doctor recommends it, take preventive medication. Our guide monitors guests and can adapt the pace. If you feel unwell, let us know immediately. We can arrange rest stops, stay at lower elevations, or contact assistance.

Are drones or professional photography allowed at the archaeological sites?

Most archaeological sites in Cusco prohibit drones unless special permits are granted by local authorities. Professional photo sessions (with tripods or commercial equipment) may also require authorization. We recommend bringing light cameras or smartphones and asking your guide before using extra gear. Personal photos are allowed in designated areas. The weather can change quickly—protect your camera with a waterproof case and bring spare batteries.

Are there restrooms along the route? Should I carry cash for shopping or tips?

Yes, there are restrooms at the entrances of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, at Urubamba restaurants, and in most urban areas. Some charge a small fee, so carry coins. For markets and textile centers, cash in Peruvian soles is best, as card terminals may be unavailable. Tipping for your guide and driver is optional and based on your satisfaction. Mobile signal varies across the route—download maps offline and bring enough cash since ATMs are limited.

Can you pick me up at my hotel, and what if I’m staying in the Sacred Valley?

Pick-up is available from central Cusco hotels between 8:00 and 8:30 am. If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba, Yucay, Ollantaytambo), we can arrange a meeting point or private pick-up. During peak seasons (holidays or June festivals), we recommend starting earlier to avoid crowds. Please inform us if you have luggage, so we can plan space in the vehicle without affecting group comfort.

What is the best time of year to visit the Sacred Valley and how can I avoid crowds?

The Sacred Valley can be visited year-round. For clear skies, go between May and October. For lush green scenery, November to March is ideal despite occasional rain. To avoid crowds, start the tour early, skip Sundays and public holidays, or book a private tour. During high season (June–August), reserve early and buy train tickets to Machu Picchu with a time buffer.