Small Group Full-Day Sacred Valley Tour Including Pisac Ruins From Cusco

Exploring the Sacred Valley on a small group tour from Cusco is a captivating experience that allows visitors to enjoy the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With a maximum group size of 16, this comprehensive tour takes travelers to iconic sites like the Pisac ruins, where they can uncover well-preserved Inca terraces and enjoy panoramic vistas. The journey also includes stops at Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, offering a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization and traditional Andean customs. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises a personalized and enriching adventure that leaves one eager to discover more about this remarkable destination.

Good To Know

• A guided, full-day tour from Cusco to the iconic ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero in the Sacred Valley.
• Opportunity to experience Andean culture, vibrant markets, and traditional handicrafts with a maximum group size of 16 for a personalized experience.
• Inclusion of the one-day Boleto Turistico for archaeological site access and a comfortable air-conditioned bus with pickup and drop-off.
• Buffet lunch provided, with additional costs for beverages, gratuities, and souvenirs.
• Moderate fitness level required, not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or pregnant women over 6 months.

Tour Overview

This full-day guided tour from Cusco explores the Sacred Valley, including visits to the iconic ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.

Travelers will experience Andean culture and history firsthand in the former heartland of the Inca Empire. The tour features vibrant markets, traditional handicrafts, and local alpaca farms.

With a maximum group size of 16, this personalized experience ensures an intimate journey. Comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable, English or Spanish-speaking guide are provided.

Admission to the one-day Boleto Turistico is included, allowing access to the archaeological sites.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour package comes with a professional English or Spanish-speaking guide.

You’ll travel in a comfortable bus with 22 soft seats, air conditioning, and heating.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, though there’s a $5 extra charge for hotels not in Cusco’s old center.

The one-day Boleto Turístico entry fee, which covers access to the Incan sites, is $70 per person and must be purchased separately at the first site.

A buffet lunch costs between $15-20 per person.

Additional costs may include beverages, gratuities, and optional purchases like DVDs and souvenir photos.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for the Sacred Valley tour is Calle Saphy in Cusco, Peru, where the bus waits at a gas station.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup from hotels not located in Cusco’s old center incurs an additional $5 fee.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 16 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

Travelers should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart issues, serious medical conditions, or pregnant women over 6 months.

A moderate fitness level is required, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Health and Accessibility Notes

Not wheelchair accessible, the Sacred Valley tour is also not recommended for individuals with back problems, heart issues, serious medical conditions, or pregnant women over 6 months.

A moderate physical fitness level is required, and comfortable shoes are advised. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps.

Altitude considerations are important, as the tour visits high-elevation sites. Proper hydration is key, and travelers should consult their doctor before booking if they’ve any health concerns.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have rated the Sacred Valley tour 3.5 stars based on 5 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and well-paced itinerary. However, some suggestions for improvement include providing water on the bus and considering high-altitude hydration needs.

Despite these minor issues, travelers appreciated the tour’s value for money and quality of the included lunch.

Exploring Pisac Ruins

The Pisac ruins, an impressive Inca archaeological site, sit atop a mountain overlooking the Sacred Valley. Visitors will explore the well-preserved terraces, storehouses, and ceremonial platforms that were once part of a large Inca city.

The site’s strategic location allowed the Incas to control access to the valley below. Trekkers can wander through the ruins, marveling at the intricate stonework and panoramic vistas.

Descending into the colorful Pisac market, guests have the opportunity to browse the stalls for local handicrafts and textiles. This stop on the Sacred Valley tour offers a glimpse into the impressive engineering and cultural heritage of the Inca Empire.

Discovering Ollantaytambo

After exploring the magnificent Pisac ruins, the Sacred Valley tour moves on to the town of Ollantaytambo. This Inca fortress town is renowned for its impressive stone terraces and temples, which were once the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti.

Visitors can:

1. Wander through the town’s narrow cobblestone streets, which are lined with traditional Inca architecture.

2. Admire the towering stone ruins and terraced agricultural fields that overlook the Urubamba River.

3. Explore the Ollantaytambo fortress, which includes temple ruins, an astronomical observatory, and a system of storehouses.

The tour provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the Inca Empire’s history and engineering feats in this well-preserved archaeological site.

Visiting Chinchero

From Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley tour continues on to the picturesque town of Chinchero. Known for its colorful indigenous market and ancient Inca ruins, Chinchero offers a glimpse into traditional Andean culture. Visitors can wander through the lively market, browse handmade textiles, and explore the striking 17th-century church with its impressive murals. The tour also includes a visit to a local weaving cooperative, where travelers can learn about the intricate process of creating alpaca textiles. The stunning mountain backdrop and the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals make Chinchero a highlight of the Sacred Valley experience.

Highlights of Chinchero	Description
Indigenous Market	Vibrant market selling handmade textiles, crafts, and produce
Inca Ruins	Impressive archaeological site with stone terraces and foundations
Weaving Cooperative	Demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques
17th-Century Church	Beautiful colonial church with ornate murals and architecture

Frequently Asked Questions

What Items Should I Bring on the Tour?

For the tour, one should bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, and any necessary medications. Layered clothing is also recommended to accommodate the changing weather conditions.

How Much Time Will Be Spent at Each Site?

The tour spends approximately 1-2 hours at each major site, allowing visitors sufficient time to explore the ruins and markets. The exact duration may vary depending on the group’s pace and interests.

Are There Any Discount Options for the Boleto Turistico?

There are no discount options for the boleto turistico, which covers entrance fees to the Incan ruins. The full-price of S/70 soles per person must be paid at the first archaeological site visited.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, the tour is customizable. Travelers can discuss their interests with the guide and adjust the itinerary to focus on specific sites or activities. However, the overall duration and cost of the tour may be affected.

How Reliable Is the Tour Company’s Punctuality and Customer Service?

The tour company is known for its punctuality and responsive customer service. Reviewers praise the guides’ knowledge and the well-paced itinerary, indicating the company prioritizes a quality, hassle-free experience for its guests.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Visiting iconic sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero allows for a deeper understanding of Inca history and traditional Andean culture. With a small group size and a knowledgeable guide, this day trip provides a personalized and memorable experience.