Tour overview
The Sacred Valley of the Incas was the empire's agricultural heartland, and today it's one of Cusco's must-see trips. On this full-day tour you visit its most important sites. You'll see the craft market and archaeological park of Pisac, the town of Urubamba, the Ollantaytambo fortress with its preserved Inca layout, and Chinchero, famous for its weaving. It's also a great way to acclimatize before Machu Picchu, since the valley sits lower than Cusco. Magone Viajes takes care of your transport, guide and lunch, so you can simply enjoy the day.
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Best time to travel April to October (dry season)
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Maximum altitude About 3,760 m / 12,340 ft (Chinchero)
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Physical difficulty Easy to moderate (stairs at Pisac and Ollantaytambo)
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Minimum number of passengers 1 adult
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Maximum number of passengers 20 adults in shared service
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Booking lead time 1 to 3 days in advance
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Permits Cusco Tourist Ticket (for Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero)
Highlights
- The Sacred Valley's essentials in one day from Cusco.
- Route: Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
- Pisac's craft market and Inca terraces.
- The fortress and living Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba, if included in the program.
- Price on request per person.
Itinerary
Pickup in Cusco
We pick you up from your hotel at around 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. Along the way we stop at the Taray viewpoint overlooking the valley and, depending on the program, at an Andean camelid center.
Pisac
We visit the craft market, with its textiles, ceramics and silverwork, and the Pisac archaeological park, with curved terraces and temples high on the mountain.
Lunch in Urubamba
A buffet of Andean and international dishes at a restaurant in the valley, if included in the program.
Ollantaytambo
We explore the Inca fortress, with its terraces and Temple of the Sun, and stroll through the town, which keeps its Inca streets and water channels.
Chinchero
On the way back we visit this Andean town, its colonial church built on Inca walls and a weaving center where you'll see wool dyed and woven using traditional techniques.
Return to Cusco
We arrive back in Cusco at around 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Tips
- Dress in layers, since mornings are cold and the midday sun is strong.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the stairs at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- Carry cash in soles for handicrafts and restrooms.
- Bring water and a snack for the morning.
- If you're heading to Machu Picchu, you can stay in Ollantaytambo and catch the train from there.
What's included
Included
- Pickup from your Cusco hotel and tourist transport.
- Professional Magone Viajes guide.
- Cusco Tourist Ticket, if included in the program.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba, if included in the program.
- Return to Cusco.
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket, if not included.
- Lunch, if not included.
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
About 10 to 11 hours, from morning to evening.
Which ticket do I need?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket, which covers Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
Can I stay in Ollantaytambo to go on to Machu Picchu?
Yes. Let us know when you book, and Magone Viajes will arrange your train from Ollantaytambo.
Will the altitude affect me?
The valley sits lower than Cusco, so it's a great tour for acclimatizing. Chinchero, the highest point, comes at the end of the day.
Is it suitable for kids and older travelers?
Yes, though there are stairs at Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Everyone can go at their own pace.
What's the best day for the Pisac market?
It's open every day, but it's biggest on Sundays.
