Sacred Valley Tour From Cusco Full Day

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco is a comprehensive day trip that allows travelers to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Peru. Departing from Cusco, this tour whisks visitors through traditional Andean markets, impressive Inca ruins, and picturesque mountain vistas. With an experienced guide providing valuable insights along the way, the tour promises a well-rounded exploration of the Sacred Valley’s highlights. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking to discover the essence of this remarkable region, this full-day experience is sure to leave you captivated and eager to uncover more.

Good To Know

• A full-day guided tour exploring the highlights of the Sacred Valley near Cusco, including visits to Inca ruins, traditional markets, and scenic viewpoints.
• Itinerary includes stops at the artisan market in Chinchero, the archaeological site of Pisaq, and the fortress-like ruins of Ollantaytambo.
• Tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba, round-trip transportation from Cusco, and an English-speaking guide to provide insights into the region’s history and culture.
• Suitable for children aged 5 and up, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers, and not wheelchair accessible.
• Tour duration is approximately 13 hours, with entrance tickets included in the package price, and bottled water provided, while alcoholic beverages are extra.

Tour Overview

What does the Sacred Valley Tour offer visitors? This full-day guided tour takes you on a journey through the Andean culture of Cusco’s Sacred Valley.

You’ll experience the traditional artisan market in Chinchero, explore the Inca ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, and enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from your Cusco accommodations and an English-speaking guide to provide insights along the way.

With scenic views of the Andes Mountains and opportunities to shop for local crafts, this tour provides a comprehensive look at the history and culture of the Sacred Valley.

Tour Inclusions

The Sacred Valley Tour includes several key features to enhance the experience for visitors. From professional English-speaking guides to a buffet lunch, the tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the region. Travelers can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and entrance tickets, as well as bottled water. Additional costs are limited to alcoholic beverages.

Inclusions	Details
Guide	Professional English-speaking
Lunch	Buffet in Urubamba
Transportation	Hotel pickup/drop-off, tourist transit
Tickets	Entrance fees (70 PEN)
Extras	Bottled water

The comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enriching tour of the Sacred Valley’s cultural highlights.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with morning pickup from Cusco accommodations, allowing travelers to begin their journey into the renowned Sacred Valley.

The first stop is Qorao, where visitors can shop at a traditional artisan market, browsing handcrafted textiles and souvenirs.

Next, the group enjoys a scenic lookout to capture photos of the majestic Andes Mountains.

The tour then explores the Pisaq market and Inca structures, including royal buildings, agricultural terraces, and cemeteries.

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, the group tours Ollantaytambo, an Inca site with significant historical importance.

The final stop is Chinchero, where travelers visit a colonial-era temple and the main plaza before being dropped off at San Francisco Plaza in Cusco.

Additional Tour Details

Beyond the highlights of the tour’s itinerary, there are several additional details travelers should be aware of.

The tour lasts 13 hours in total, with pickup from Cusco accommodations in the morning and drop-off at San Francisco Plaza in the city in the evening.

Admission tickets aren’t included in the tour price, which is 70 PEN per person. The tour is suitable for children aged 5 and up, but it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 travelers. While the tour includes bottled water, alcoholic beverages are an additional cost.

Traveler Reviews

How have travelers reviewed the Sacred Valley tour? Reviewers have generally given the tour positive feedback, rating it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.

Travelers praised the tour’s exhibitions related to silver mining and alpaca weaving. However, some suggested that more time could be allotted to exploring the ruins, rather than spending as much time on the lunch and cultural experiences.

Key traveler feedback includes:

• Positive reviews on cultural/historical exhibitions
• Desire for more time at ancient Inca ruins
• Satisfaction with length and inclusions of the tour
• Recommendations for focusing more on archaeological sites

Exploring Chinchero

One highlight of the Sacred Valley tour is the visit to Chinchero, a picturesque Andean town known for its colonial-era church and traditional artisan market.

Travelers will explore the main plaza and admire the Baroque-style Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat, dating back to the 17th century.

The highlight, however, is the bustling artisan market, where locals sell handwoven textiles, alpaca products, and traditional crafts.

Visitors can browse the stalls, interact with the artisans, and purchase unique souvenirs.

The visit to Chinchero provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and an opportunity to support local craftspeople.

Visiting Pisaq Ruins

After exploring the artisan market in Chinchero, the tour continues to the impressive Inca ruins of Pisaq.

Perched high in the Andes, the Pisaq ruins showcase the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Visitors can discover:

• Intricately carved royal structures
• Expansive agricultural terraces
• Sprawling cemeteries
• Breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley

Wandering through the ruins, travelers gain insight into the Inca’s architectural prowess and impressive mastery of the landscape.

With ample time to explore, guests can enjoy the site’s history and marvel at the stunning Andean vistas that surround it.

Discovering Ollantaytambo

From the majestic Pisaq ruins, the tour now heads to Ollantaytambo, an Inca site of immense historical significance. Perched atop terraced hillsides, the fortress-like ruins showcase the Incas’ engineering prowess. Visitors can explore the remnants of royal buildings, ceremonial plazas, and storehouses that offer a glimpse into the advanced civilization.

Emotion	Description
Awe	The sheer scale and precision of the structures inspire wonder.
Wonder	How did the Incas construct these massive stone walls without modern tools?
Contemplation	The site’s strategic location and defensive features are fascinating to ponder.
Appreciation	Experiencing the Inca legacy firsthand fosters a deeper understanding of their achievements.
Curiosity	Exploring the ruins ignites the imagination, leaving one eager to uncover more.

The tour then continues to the charming town of Chinchero for a final culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, travelers over 65 may qualify for reduced admission fees at some Inca ruins and sites along the tour route.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to travelers’ preferences. Customers can discuss specific interests with the tour operator, who may be able to adjust the itinerary within the tour’s overall duration and inclusions.

How Should We Dress for the Tour to Be Comfortable?

Dress in comfortable, layered clothing suitable for the mountain climate. Wear sturdy walking shoes, a light jacket, and sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. Bring extra layers in case of changing weather conditions during the day-long tour.

Can We Stop at Any Additional Sites Along the Way?

The tour generally follows a set itinerary, but travelers can check with the tour guide about making additional stops along the way, subject to time constraints and group consensus. However, the main sites are included in the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if We Need to Change Our Plans?

The tour company allows changes or cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Any cancellations within 48 hours may incur a penalty fee. Guests should review the company’s policies for full details on flexibility.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco offers travelers a comprehensive experience, immersing them in the region’s rich history and vibrant culture. With visits to traditional markets, Inca ruins, and a delicious lunch, the tour provides an insightful and well-rounded exploration of this captivating part of Peru. For those seeking to discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley, this full-day tour is a highly recommended choice.