Super Valley or Vip Valley

The Super Valley, also known as the Vip Valley, is a captivating region in Peru that promises an unforgettable adventure. This scenic valley nestled between the Andes mountains offers a rich tapestry of cultural and natural wonders. Travelers can explore ancient Inca sites, lush agricultural terraces, and charming villages, all while seeing the unique traditions and artisanal crafts of the local communities. Whether you’re seeking stunning landscapes, historical significance, or a deeper understanding of Peruvian heritage, this region has something to captivate every visitor. Discover why the Super Valley has become a must-visit destination for those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Peru.

Good To Know

• The "Super Valley" or "Vip Valley" tour is a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley, a precursor to the iconic Machu Picchu.
• The tour highlights the cultural and historical significance of the region, visiting Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chincheros.
• The itinerary includes the Chincheros archaeological center, Moray, salt mines, and Ollantaytambo, with a full day of adventure and a 90% traveler recommendation rate.
• The tour is designed for a quick pace, which some travelers feel results in more time spent on the bus than at the sites.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible but may not be suitable for travelers with back problems or pregnant individuals due to the strenuous climbing involved.

Tour Overview

This tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley, a precursor to the renowned Machu Picchu. It highlights the region’s cultural and historical significance, including visits to Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chincheros.

Guests can expect a full day of adventure, culture, art, and tradition, with 90% of previous travelers recommending the experience. The itinerary includes stops at the Chincheros archaeological center, Moray, and the salt mines, culminating in a visit to Ollantaytambo, where travelers can climb over 200 steps.

The tour is designed to cover multiple locations in a limited timeframe, and feedback suggests a quick pace, with some travelers feeling they spent more time on the bus than at the sites.

Itinerary Details

Beginning the tour at 6:50 AM, guests are picked up from their hotels in Cusco.

The first stop is the Chincheros archaeological center, where they’ll spend around 40 minutes exploring.

Next, they’ll visit Moray for 20 minutes.

After that, the group will head to the salt mines.

Lunch is a buffet featuring traditional Cusco and Peruvian cuisine in Urubamba.

The final stop is Ollantaytambo, where guests will climb over 200 steps, taking approximately 50 minutes.

The tour includes a professional bus, tour guide, buffet lunch, and entrance to the salt mines, but excludes entry fees for the archaeological centers.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a professional bus, tour guide, buffet lunch, and entrance to the salt mines.

However, the entry fees to the archaeological centers aren’t covered in the tour price. This means travelers will need to purchase additional tickets to access sites like Chincheros and Ollantaytambo.

The tour is designed to provide a rundown of the Sacred Valley’s highlights, but travelers who want more time at each location may feel rushed.

Accessibility and Recommendations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with surfaces designed to accommodate mobility devices. However, the tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant individuals.

Recommendation	Reasoning
Not for Back Problems	The tour involves climbing over 200 steps at Ollantaytambo, which may be strenuous.
Not for Pregnant Travelers	The demanding pace and physical exertion could be challenging for pregnant women.
Suitable for Wheelchairs	The surfaces at the sites are wheelchair accessible, making the tour feasible for those with mobility aids.
Quick Pace	Travelers should be prepared for a fast-moving itinerary covering multiple locations in a limited timeframe.
Ample Breaks	The tour includes reasonable breaks, such as the 40-minute stop at Chincheros and the lunch buffet in Urubamba.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4.5 stars for this tour based on 11 reviews.

The majority of feedback has been highly positive, with 9 out of 11 reviewers giving the tour a five-star rating.

However, some travelers have felt the pace was a bit too quick, with more time spent on the bus than at the actual sites.

The tour is designed to cover multiple locations in a limited timeframe, so this feedback is understandable.

Exploring Chincheros

One of the first stops on the tour is the Chincheros archaeological center, located just 40 minutes from Cusco. This PreInca site offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore:

• Intricately woven textiles and vibrant local artistry
• Ancient Inca terraces and remnants of stone structures
• A charming colonial church built atop Inca foundations
• Stunning views of the Andes mountains

The tour allows travelers to enjoy Chincheros’ blend of ancient and modern traditions, providing a captivating introduction to the Sacred Valley before continuing on to other sites.

Discovering Moray

Next, the tour moves on to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site just 20 minutes from Chincheros.

This ancient Inca site features a series of large circular terraced depressions, believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory to test the effects of different microclimates on crops.

Visitors can wander through the immense, concentric circular terraces, marveling at the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture and climate.

The site offers stunning views and a unique glimpse into the Inca’s innovative farming practices.

With its well-preserved structures and historical significance, Moray is a captivating stop on the tour of the Sacred Valley.

Visiting Ollantaytambo

After exploring the unique Inca site of Moray, the tour reaches its final destination – the ancient town of Ollantaytambo.

This Inca fortress features impressive stone terraces and structures that once served as a royal estate and religious site.

Visitors can:

• Climb over 200 steps to reach the top of the ruins
• Marvel at the engineering feats of the Inca builders
• Discover the remnants of an ancient temple and ceremonial baths
• Explore the charming cobblestone streets of the town below

With its blend of history, architecture, and cultural traditions, Ollantaytambo provides a captivating finale to the Sacred Valley tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Total Duration of the Tour?

The tour lasts a full day, with pickup at Cusco hotels around 6:50 AM and the final stop at Ollantaytambo taking about 50 minutes. The itinerary covers multiple sites in the Sacred Valley over the course of the day.

Is There Any Free Time for Independent Exploration?

The tour itinerary does not explicitly mention any free time for independent exploration. It’s a comprehensive, full-day tour focused on hitting the key highlights of the Sacred Valley in a structured schedule.

Do the Tour Guides Speak Multiple Languages?

The tour guides are multilingual, typically speaking English and Spanish fluently. This allows them to provide engaging commentary and answer questions for travelers from various backgrounds during the comprehensive Sacred Valley tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests, though the standard itinerary is designed to provide a rundown of the Sacred Valley in a limited timeframe. Travelers should consult with the tour operator for personalization options.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Elderly Travelers?

While the tour is wheelchair accessible, it may not be ideal for elderly travelers. The pace is quick, and there’s a significant amount of walking and climbing stairs. Travelers with mobility issues should consider a more leisurely itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Super Valley, or Vip Valley, offers travelers an unforgettable experience in Peru. Nestled in the Andes, it showcases stunning landscapes, vibrant local communities, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient Inca sites, lush agricultural terraces, and charming villages, seeing Peruvian traditions and artisanal crafts. Whether seeking adventure or a deeper understanding of the region, the Super Valley provides an exceptional opportunity to discover the beauty and significance of this captivating destination.