The Peruvian Andes are comprised of a number of rivers that descend from beautiful valleys and is the site of numerous archaeological complexes and indigenous communities. This magnificent valley was highly regarded by the Incas due to its unique geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the major strategic points for food production due to the nutrient rich earth and the place where the best grain of corn in Peru is produced.
We will collect you from your hotel, between 8am and 8:30 am. We will then begin our guided tour of The Sacred Valley of The Incas. Visit the picture-perfect town of Pisac with its colourful artisan market. At midday, we will enjoy a buffet lunch in a touristic restaurant in the Sacred valley, after which we will head to the town where the Incas constructed their fortress in Ollantaytambo, to protect from any invaders from that part of the valley and from any possible invasions from the jungle region. We will have the opportunity to walk through the streets of the town to get a better idea of how this military and religious during Inca times. We will return to Cusco along the road to Chinchero, where we will find the rest of the royal treasures of Túpac Inca Yupanqui. Admire the well-preserved Inca wall in the principal plaza and visit the stunning colonial church, with fascinating frescoes on the entrance, built over the Inca foundations. At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel at approximately 6:30pm.
Share your travel preferences and a local specialist will confirm availability and prepare the best option for you.
You wake up in Cusco feeling that high altitude buzz already and think okay this Sacred Valley tour sounds doable for just one day. Pickup around seven or eight in the morning depending on the group and off you go in a van with other travelers chatting about their trips. The road drops down from Cusco’s 3400 meters into the valley around 2800 meters so your head might clear up a bit but still watch for that soroche if you skipped acclimatizing.
First stop often Pisac where those ancient terraces climb the hill like they own the place and you wander through the ruins feeling the history hit you hard. Market below full of colorful stuff alpaca wool trinkets and locals selling potatoes that look wild. Lunch in Urubamba hits next a buffet with quinoa soups and maybe some trout fresh from the river and everyone stuffs their face after the morning walk. Then boom to Ollantaytambo those massive stone walls staring you down and you climb steps wondering how the Incas hauled those boulders up there without machines.
Back to Cusco by evening tired but buzzing from all the sights packed in. This tour squeezes in the essentials without the multi-day hassle so if you’re short on time it’s your ticket to Inca vibes. But hey I doubt you’ll cover every nook in one go some spots like Moray or Maras might swap in depending on the operator so ask ahead.
That intensity builds as you stand at Ollantaytambo overlooking the valley and suddenly it clicks this was their breadbasket feeding thousands with those clever farms. Soft morning light on Pisac fades into afternoon heat pushing you to chug water and yeah the group’s energy spikes when someone spots a condor or whatever but mostly it’s the ruins that grab you. Guides spill facts on Inca engineering and you nod thinking damn they were smart.
End of day you’re back in Cusco maybe grabbing a pisco sour to unwind and reflect on how one day flipped your Peru view upside down. Approximately 10 to 12 hours total door to door and costs run from 25 bucks for basic group rides up to 150 for private which yeah makes sense if you hate crowds. Travelers always say it’s worth ditching the bus for this organized hop because solo you’d miss the insider tips.
Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Peru with Yacana Peru.
Recommendations Book ahead especially dry season crowds swarm sites and vans fill quick. Go with reputable operators check reviews on TripAdvisor or whatever to avoid sketchy ones. Tip guide 5 to 10 soles if service shines. Pack light no big luggage. Stay hydrated coca leaves help but don’t overdo. If first Peru trip pair with Cusco walking tour day before.
Weather Valley temps hover 15 to 20 C daytime drops to 5 C nights but since day tour you dodge cold. Sunny mostly dry months but winds whip through passes. Rainy season Nov to March muddies roads and paths so avoid if possible. Always check forecast Cusco airport has updates. Layers beat sweating or shivering.
Season of the Year Recommended May to October dry clear skies perfect for photos and walking no slips on wet stones. June July peak but book early. Shoulder April or Nov cheaper less people but pack rain gear just in case. Avoid December holidays chaos everywhere.
How to Dress Adequately for the Tour Layers rule t shirt fleece jacket pants that dry fast. Sturdy shoes no sandals rocks trip you up. Hat for sun glares off white salt if Maras. Light scarf dust from roads. No heavy coats van has heat but ruins expose you. Change socks if sweat builds.
How to Prepare Physically Spend two days in Cusco walking streets to acclimate heart races less at altitude. Light cardio before trip like stairs practice. Eat light breakfast tour day avoid grease. Breathe slow on climbs. If smoker quit few days prior lungs thank you. Rest well night before.
How Are the Local People Quechua folks warm smile easy chat in markets sell handmade stuff proud of heritage. Respect space no pushy photos ask first. They farm terraces still live simple but welcoming to tourists sharing chicha brew if lucky. Barter fair don’t lowball too hard. Friendly but shy sometimes language barrier fun to bridge.
Day trippers short on time families with older kids culture buffs wanting Inca basics without overnights. Not for severe altitude issues or mobility limits steps challenge. Solo travelers fine groups mix well. Budget conscious since cheap entry.
Buffet lunch Urubamba features quinoa soups fresh trout from Vilcanota river roasted potatoes with huancaina sauce creamy spicy kick. Alpaca optional chewy but tasty. Desserts mazamorra pudding sweet corn base. Vegetarian options galore markets sell empanadas cheese filled hot. Hydrate with chicha corn drink fermented mild buzz. Local flavors hearty fuel for walks nothing fancy but authentic hits the spot after ruins exploring.
Pickup hits between 6:45 and 7:30 AM from Cusco hotels central area. Vans load quick so be ready lobby with bag packed. Late sleepers might miss but operators flexible sometimes. Drive out fast to beat traffic.
Approximately 4 km total spread over sites short bursts at each. Pisac has steeper paths maybe 1.5 km up down. Ollantaytambo similar steps tire legs but rests built in. Easy pace for most but altitude amps effort.
Yes grab the boleto turistico partial for Sacred Valley around 30 USD covers main ruins. Buy in Cusco agencies or online to skip lines. Some tours include it check your booking or pay extra on spot.
Up to 16 people per van cozy not cramped. Mix of solos couples families international crowd. Guides manage well keep everyone together. If hate groups upgrade private.
Definitely yes spend at least one full day in Cusco at 3400m to adjust. Drink water coca tea helps headaches nausea. If fly in direct skip tour first day rest instead.
Pisac ruins and market Ollantaytambo fortress Urubamba lunch stop. Sometimes swaps for Moray terraces or Maras salt pans depending operator. Ask specifics when booking.
Full day about 10 to 12 hours from pickup to drop off. Back in Cusco by 6 PM usually time for dinner. Flexible if traffic or weather slows.
English and Spanish bilingual guides switch easy. If need other request ahead might not always available. Clear enough for basics.
Min age around 8 years old sturdy ones fine but younger might tire on walks. Families do it steps challenge but fun for teens. No strollers though.
Light breakfast like oatmeal fruit avoid heavy meats dairy. Hydrate well coffee okay but not too much. Lunch included so no worry mid day.
Yes basic ones at ruins markets pay 1 sol sometimes. Stock tissue hand sanitizer. Van stops for breaks too.
Yeah for about 40 USD extra if time allows salt ponds cool circular white terraces. Book when reserving or ask guide day of might squeeze in.
From 25 USD group basic to 180 private all inclusive. Includes transport guide lunch sometimes fees. Budget accordingly tips extra.
Comfortable vans AC windows for views driver skilled on twisty roads. Pick up drop off hotel service. No buses public.
Poncho provided or bring own paths slippery but doable. Dry season safer but tours run anyway. Indoor market time if heavy downpour.
Discover the breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and living culture of the Sacred Valley.
The Peruvian Andes are comprised of a number of rivers that descend from beautiful valleys and is the site of numerous archaeological complexes and indigenous communities. This magnificent valley was highly regarded by the Incas due to its unique geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the major strategic points for food production due to the nutrient rich earth and the place where the best grain of corn in Peru is produced.
We will collect you from your hotel, between 8am and 8:30 am. We will then begin our guided tour of The Sacred Valley of The Incas. Visit the picture-perfect town of Pisac with its colourful artisan market. At midday, we will enjoy a buffet lunch in a touristic restaurant in the Sacred valley, after which we will head to the town where the Incas constructed their fortress in Ollantaytambo, to protect from any invaders from that part of the valley and from any possible invasions from the jungle region. We will have the opportunity to walk through the streets of the town to get a better idea of how this military and religious during Inca times. We will return to Cusco along the road to Chinchero, where we will find the rest of the royal treasures of Túpac Inca Yupanqui. Admire the well-preserved Inca wall in the principal plaza and visit the stunning colonial church, with fascinating frescoes on the entrance, built over the Inca foundations. At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel at approximately 6:30pm.
Recommendations Book ahead especially dry season crowds swarm sites and vans fill quick. Go with reputable operators check reviews on TripAdvisor or whatever to avoid sketchy ones. Tip guide 5 to 10 soles if service shines. Pack light no big luggage. Stay hydrated coca leaves help but don’t overdo. If first Peru trip pair with Cusco walking tour day before.
Weather Valley temps hover 15 to 20 C daytime drops to 5 C nights but since day tour you dodge cold. Sunny mostly dry months but winds whip through passes. Rainy season Nov to March muddies roads and paths so avoid if possible. Always check forecast Cusco airport has updates. Layers beat sweating or shivering.
Season of the Year Recommended May to October dry clear skies perfect for photos and walking no slips on wet stones. June July peak but book early. Shoulder April or Nov cheaper less people but pack rain gear just in case. Avoid December holidays chaos everywhere.
How to Dress Adequately for the Tour Layers rule t shirt fleece jacket pants that dry fast. Sturdy shoes no sandals rocks trip you up. Hat for sun glares off white salt if Maras. Light scarf dust from roads. No heavy coats van has heat but ruins expose you. Change socks if sweat builds.
How to Prepare Physically Spend two days in Cusco walking streets to acclimate heart races less at altitude. Light cardio before trip like stairs practice. Eat light breakfast tour day avoid grease. Breathe slow on climbs. If smoker quit few days prior lungs thank you. Rest well night before.
How Are the Local People Quechua folks warm smile easy chat in markets sell handmade stuff proud of heritage. Respect space no pushy photos ask first. They farm terraces still live simple but welcoming to tourists sharing chicha brew if lucky. Barter fair don’t lowball too hard. Friendly but shy sometimes language barrier fun to bridge.
Travelers to Peru require a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. Most nationalities (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Brazil) do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high altitude is strongly recommended.
Hotel nights feature comfortable 3-star boutique hotels in private en-suite rooms. On mountain treks, we provide premium 4-season Eureka tents (2 persons in a 4-person tent), foam sleeping mattresses, spacious dining tents with tables and chairs, and clean portable toilet facilities.
Your tour begins in Cusco, Peru. We include airport arrival transfer to your hotel. An informative briefing with your professional trekking guide takes place at your Cusco hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your tour begins.
We had great tours with them! Rosa Guide very good and with a lot of information!
We had an incredible experience with the tours! Everything was very well organized, from the schedules to the support during the trips. The guides were very attentive, helpful, and gave us a lot of interesting...
A wonderful experience, very punctual, capricious, service at all times, no doubt was the best choice, me and my friends felt very safe.
The Yacana was our best choice of trip. Always inquisitive and ready to serve us. Super we indicate!
