Cusco stands out as one of the most remarkable cities in all of South America. Most travelers flock here to witness the Rainbow Mountain, hike up to Humantay Lake, and explore the legendary Machu Picchu. However, a Sacred Valley tour in Cusco is an equally magnificent experience that deserves a top spot on your travel itinerary.
Taking a guided trip through this historic region allows you to experience multiple fascinating sites in a relatively short period. You will step back in time to discover ancient traditions, marvel at incredibly preserved ruins, and witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andean mountains. It is a true adventure, making the journey through the valleys just as rewarding as the famous Inca Citadel itself.
Beyond the incredible sights, this tour offers a highly practical benefit for newly arrived travelers. Because Cusco sits at a soaring elevation of 11,154 feet (3,400 meters), altitude sickness is a common challenge. The Sacred Valley rests about 1,640 feet (500 meters) lower than the city. Exploring this lower-altitude haven during your first few days is the perfect way to gently acclimate your body while still enjoying an unforgettable, action-packed day.
The famous Sacred Valley is a stunning natural corridor that stretches over 37 miles (60 km) from Pisac all the way to Ollantaytambo. During the height of the ancient Inca civilization, this region served as a vital agricultural and spiritual center. The Incas cherished the valley for its incredibly fertile land, favorable climate, and abundant natural resources. Its strategic positioning also allowed ancient warriors to spot approaching enemies from miles away.
Today, the spirit of the Incas remains very much alive. Many local communities throughout the Valle Sagrado still practice ancient traditions. You will hear locals speaking the native Quechua language, see vibrant traditional clothing, and witness spiritual ceremonies honoring Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). The valley provides a stress-free, beautiful environment to relax and soak up the rich history of the Andes.
Our tours are designed by local experts to give you an authentic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Starting around 6:45 AM, we will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. Together with a small group of 2 to 8 other travelers, you will set off to explore four major highlights.
The first stop is a traditional textile center in the charming town of Chinchero. Here, you will get up close with friendly alpacas and llamas. Local artisans will demonstrate exactly how they weave typical Andean garments and create vibrant dyes using only natural ingredients from the earth
Next, we head to the mesmerizing circular terraces of Moray. The Incas were highly sophisticated agricultural engineers. They constructed these massive circular depressions at varying elevations. The temperature difference between the top and bottom terraces can reach up to 15°C. This clever design allowed the Incas to test different crops on each level to see which environments yielded the best harvests. It stands as a brilliant marvel of ancient science and technology.
We then travel to the spectacular salt evaporation ponds of Maras. Local families have harvested salt from these ponds since pre-Inca times. An underground stream feeds highly salty water into over 4,000 individual ponds. As the sun evaporates the water, pure salt remains. You can even buy different varieties of this natural salt to take home for cooking. Please note that the entrance fee for the Maras salt mines is S/ 20 (about $6)
Exploring all these sites works up quite an appetite. We stop for a fantastic buffet lunch at Tunupa. This colonial-styled hacienda features a beautiful garden right in the heart of the Sacred Valley. You can feast on a large variety of appetizers, main dishes, and sweet desserts to fuel up for the rest of the afternoon.
Our final major destination is the magnificent fortress of Ollantaytambo. The famous Inca emperor Pachacutec conquered this area in the mid-15th century, rebuilding the town and constructing extensive farming terraces. It remains one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru today. You will climb the impressive stone terraces and learn about the advanced hydro-engineering that still provides locals with clean drinking water.
After finishing the tour, you have a convenient choice. You can ride back to Cusco with your guide, arriving around 6:00 PM. Alternatively, we can drop you off right at the Ollantaytambo train station. This allows you to catch an evening train straight to Aguas Calientes, making it incredibly easy to visit Machu Picchu the very next morning.
To make the most of your day out in the Andes, keep these helpful recommendations in mind:
A standard tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, comfortable transportation, and a knowledgeable professional guide. Our tour specifically visits Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo, and features a wonderful buffet lunch. Entrance tickets (like the Boleto Turístico and Maras fee) are usually purchased separately.
This is a comprehensive full-day experience lasting around 10 to 12 hours. We dedicate about a full hour to each archaeological site so you never feel rushed.
You can visit the Sacred Valley all year round. However, the best time is during the dry season from May to September. The skies are generally clearer, offering stunning mountain views and safer roads. The rainy season runs from November to March; while it brings fewer crowds and lush green landscapes, you should expect occasional showers.
A Sacred Valley tour in Cusco is the absolute best way to dive into the vibrant history, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming culture of Peru. From the brilliant farming terraces of Moray to the towering stone walls of Ollantaytambo, every stop offers a unique window into the ancient Inca empire. Let’s plan your dream trip to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley today. Secure your spot on our small-group tour and get ready for an authentic, unforgettable adventure!
All our tour itineraries are 100% customizable. Simply let us know your preferences below and we will contact you within 24 hours.
All of our tour itineraries are 100% customizable. Just let us know your preferences below and we’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours.
