Sacred valley Tour 1 Day

8 Days 5.0 130 Reviews

Hit the Inca spots in Sacred Valley all in one packed day from Cusco.

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Sacred valley Tour 1 Day
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Overview

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.

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Introduction

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.

Trip Details

  • Duration: 1 Day / Full Day Trip
  • Activities: Sightseeing Culture Light Walking
  • Average Group Size: Up to 16
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Accommodation: None Day Tour Only
  • Tour Language: English Spanish
  • Hiking Distance: Approximately 4 km / 2.5 mi Total Walking
  • Starts/Ends: Cusco / Cusco
  • Minimum Altitude: 2800m (9186 ft)
  • Max Altitude: 3400m (11155 ft)
  • Age Recommended: Min 8 Years Old
  • Is Necessary Acclimatization: Yes
  • Tickets to Entrance: Is Necessary Buy in Advance

Trip Summary

Day 1: Full Day Sacred Valley Exploration

  • 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM Pickup from your Cusco hotel early light filtering in as van loads up with sleepy travelers coffee in hand maybe. Drive out heading northwest road curves down valley ward about an hour to first stop.
  • 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Arrive Pisac ruins climb the terraces slowly breathing deep at that altitude air crisp. Guide points out temples and aqueducts you snap pics wander paths spotting llamas grazing nearby. Then descend to market below browse stalls for textiles and fruits locals smile waving you over.
  • 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Bus to Urubamba short ride fields flashing by. Settle in for buffet lunch around noon spread of potatoes trout quinoa everyone digs in chatting loud about morning finds. Fuel up good because afternoon ramps.
  • 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM Head to Ollantaytambo another 30 minutes van bumps along river. Hit the fortress steps huffing up to viewpoints stones massive underfoot. Explore storehouses and plazas intense history lesson on sieges and engineering. Valley view stuns quiet moment before group regroups.
  • 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Optional quick detour to Maras salt ponds if time allows terraces of white sparkling weird and cool. Otherwise straight drive back climbing to Cusco traffic picks up.
  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Drop offs in Cusco center unwind with a beer or rest feet sore from steps but mind full of Inca echoes.

Why you'll love this tour

  • Get that rush climbing Pisac ruins early when the sun’s just warming things up and terraces stretch out forever making you feel tiny against Inca smarts. Walk the paths spot the old sundials and then drop to the market haggling for cheap souvenirs like woven bags that scream authentic. Whole thing takes a couple hours but packs in culture without dragging and yeah the views over the valley hit different from up there especially if mist rolls in soft.
  • Lunch buffet in Urubamba turns ordinary into a feast with fresh Andean grub like roasted corn and alpaca bits that surprise your taste buds big time. Sit with the group laughing over altitude jokes while servers pile plates high and suddenly you’re fueled for afternoon sites. It’s not fancy but real local flavors shine through and beats snacking on trail mix alone.
  • Ollantaytambo walls tower over you in the afternoon and climbing those steep steps gets your heart racing like you’re in an action flick but real. Touch the massive stones fitted perfect no mortar and guides explain the battles fought here which amps the excitement. Valley below greens and river winding calm contrast to the fortress vibe.
  • Quick van rides between spots let you chill with tunes or nap if needed but mostly chat with fellow tour folks from all over sharing travel hacks. Scenery shifts from hills to flatlands fast and you snap pics out the window feeling the ease of organized travel. No stress navigating buses yourself which yeah saves headaches for first timers.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 Sacred valley Tour 1 Day

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.


Reviews

Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Turkey. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, these reviews highlight the unforgettable moments that make each trip truly special.

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Oswaldo Luiz C
5.0

A Agencia primou pela qualidade. Tanto nas programações, excelentes guias, qualidade dos transportes, horários e pontualidade.

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Ruan N
5.0

A agência Yacana foi perfeita! Organizou nossos passeios no Peru da melhor forma possível, nos deu todo suporte que precisamos, independentemente do horário, nos deu dicas valiosas para os passeios, sugestões, além do acompanhamento de tudo ao longo dos dias....

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Sunshine60374635165
5.0

Experiência indescritível! Fomos em 2 casais para o Peru e contratamos absolutamente todos os passeios com a Yacana. Vale Sagrado, Machu Picchu, 7 lagunas, montanha colorida, city tour cusco e islas ballestas e oasis em Lima. Segurança impecável, pontualidade perfeita...

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Diego R
5.0

Experiência incrível, passeios todos bem feitos com a Yacana. Guias muitos preparados e prestativos, em especial a Rosa. Recomendo!

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Daniele P
5.0

A agência tem um excelente atendimento, faz adaptações e oferece os melhores passeios, além de todo o pós venda que captura os feedbacks de forma atenta e cuidadosa. Recomendo para todos que posso os serviços da Yacana.

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Flávia F
5.0

Tivemos ótima experiência com nossos tour! Equipe pontual, muito organizada, guias bem preparados e simpáticos . Empresa de confiança!

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Tamara F
5.0

Tivemos uma experiencia maravilhosa com o guia Robert e motorista Hernan no passeio a Wanacancha + Pisac! O Robert é uma simpatia e cheio de cultura - um professor!!! Recomendamos muito!!

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Miliani Greco
5.0

Desde o início do atendimento até a execução do que contratamos, foram extremamente atenciosos e pontuais. Não precisávamos nos preocupar com nada, apenas em curtir o Peru e suas belezas.

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Included

  • Private Transport
  • Professional bi-lingual guide English/Spanish)
  • The tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico) to enter Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Pisac.
  • Buffet Lunch

Not Included

  • Water
  • Tips(Optional).

What to Bring

  • Wear long trousers.
  • Rain jacket or waterproof.
  • Warm clothes
  • Sun protection 30 SPF or above.
  • Sun hat.
  • Sun Glasses.
  • Water.
  • Camera and / or video recorder.
  • Daily Departures.
  • Confirm your Hotel details at least 1 week before the tour.
  • Departure Time: 08:00am to 18:30pm.
  • Duration: 11 hours approx.
  • Departure: Pick up from your Cusco Hotel In the centre of Cusco.
  • Return: Plaza de Armas.

Is this trip right for you?

  • If crowds don’t faze you and you dig light walking on uneven paths this tour fits since groups hit 10 to 16 folks buzzing around sites. But if solitude’s your thing maybe skip or upgrade to private because sharing vans and guides means noise levels vary. Age wise over 12 usually but families with kids sneak in if they’re sturdy. Acclimatization matters though if you’ve just flown in head might pound at 3000 meters so rest in Cusco first or risk bailing early.
  • Culture seekers yeah this delivers with markets and ruins but if deep treks are your jam it’s too tame only short strolls total maybe 4 km. Moderate fitness needed for steps at Ollantaytambo but nothing killer unless altitude bites hard. Doubt it if you’re super fit expecting marathons instead. Soft pace suits beginners to Peru vibes intense at key moments like temple views.
  • Spanish or English speakers good to go guides handle both but if neither watch for mix ups in explanations. Starts ends in Cusco so easy bolt on to city stays no hotel swaps. But rainy season might muddy paths so time it dry months for comfort. Intense if you crave that Inca puzzle solving feel otherwise it might feel rushed. Families or couples find it balanced not too wild.
  • If altitude sickness history haunts you reconsider even with lower valley spots Cusco pickup spikes it. Prep with coca tea but still. Yeah for adventure lite it’s right on but hardcore hikers yawn at the van time. Personal take I wondered about skipping Maras add on but glad I didn’t for the salt ponds weirdness.

Pricing


Updgrades

  • Private van and guide for the group around 150 USD extra total for 4 people because shared tours cram in stops fast and you miss details. Worth it if introverted or want flexible timing like lingering at Ollantaytambo without rush.
  • Buffet lunch upgrade to premium Andean menu 20 USD per person includes alpaca steak and pisco tasting which beats standard veggie heavy spread if meat lover. Necessary if picky eater or group has allergies standard might lack options.
  • Entrance fees bundle 30 USD ahead covers Pisac Ollantaytambo and Maras if added because buying on site lines waste time and prices hike for tourists. Essential to skip hassles especially peak season crowds.
  • Add on Moray terraces visit 40 USD extra with transport because it’s those circular farms super unique for Inca ag smarts but not always in basic itinerary. Buy if botany geek otherwise skip for more market time.

Travel Guide

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.

Faqs

For Whom Is This Tour Recommended

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.

What Is the Food Like on the Route

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.

What time does the Sacred Valley tour start?

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.

How much walking is involved in the tour?

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.

Do I need to buy entrance tickets ahead?

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.

What is the group size like?

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.

Is acclimatization necessary before the tour?

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.

What sites does the tour typically include?

Pisac ruins and market Ollantaytambo fortress Urubamba lunch stop. Sometimes swaps for Moray terraces or Maras salt pans depending operator. Ask specifics when booking.

How long is the entire tour duration?

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.

What languages are the tours in?

English and Spanish bilingual guides switch easy. If need other request ahead might not always available. Clear enough for basics.

Is the tour suitable for children?

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.

What should I eat before the tour?

Light breakfast like oatmeal fruit avoid heavy meats dairy. Hydrate well coffee okay but not too much. Lunch included so no worry mid day.

Are there bathrooms at the sites?

Yes basic ones at ruins markets pay 1 sol sometimes. Stock tissue hand sanitizer. Van stops for breaks too.

Can I add extra stops like Maras?

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.

What is the cost of the tour?

From 25 USD group basic to 180 private all inclusive. Includes transport guide lunch sometimes fees. Budget accordingly tips extra.

How is the transportation?

Comfortable vans AC windows for views driver skilled on twisty roads. Pick up drop off hotel service. No buses public.

What if it rains during the tour?

Poncho provided or bring own paths slippery but doable. Dry season safer but tours run anyway. Indoor market time if heavy downpour.

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