Experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas without the hassle of planning—this guided day tour from Cusco takes you through some of the most captivating archaeological sites and scenic spots, all for just $23 per person. Starting early at 6:30 am, you’ll visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac—each offering its own unique glimpse into Inca ingenuity and Andean life. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of the Sacred Valley without the fuss of organizing transportation or tickets, and it’s a fantastic way to see some of the region’s most iconic sites in just one day.

What we really appreciate is the focus on authentic, less touristy experiences—like visiting a local family to learn about textile crafts—and the inclusion of impressive landscapes that make the Sacred Valley so special. Plus, the moderate price includes transportation and a bilingual guide, making it a good value for a full day of sightseeing. That said, the tour does not include lunch or entrance tickets, so planning accordingly is necessary—something to consider if you’re on a tight schedule or budget.

One potential drawback is the limited time spent at each site (around 1 to 1.5 hours). For travelers eager for a deep dive into each location, this might feel rushed. Also, the pickup and drop-off schedule (returning around 6:30 to 7 pm) could be long for those with tight itineraries. Still, this tour suits those who want a balanced, well-organized overview of the Sacred Valley’s highlights without high costs or complicated logistics.

If you’re a history lover, a landscape enthusiast, or simply eager to see the Sacred Valley’s most famous spots comfortably and affordably, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to do so. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who prefer small group settings and guided insights to enhance their understanding of the sites.

Key Points

Affordable Price: At $23, this tour offers great value for a full day of sightseeing.
Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac give a broad view of the Sacred Valley.
Authentic Experiences: Interactions with local families and insights from bilingual guides enrich the visit.
Timing & Flexibility: Slightly rushed at each site but manageable for most travelers.
Transport & Guide: Round-trip transportation and professional guide included—convenient and informative.
Tickets & Extras: Entrance fees are not included, so budget extra for tickets and optional lunch.

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A Practical Guide to the Sacred Valley Tour

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The Itinerary Breakdown

Early Morning Pickup & Chinchero
The day begins with a 6:30 am pickup from your Cusco accommodation or agreed meeting point. The drive to Chinchero takes about 45 minutes, giving you your first glimpses of rural Andean life. Chinchero is a charming town, often overlooked by travelers, but it’s packed with history. Here, you’ll visit an Inca temple and a colonial church, which sit side by side, showing layers of history. One of the standout moments is visiting a local family to watch traditional textile crafts—an authentic peek into Andean traditions that most day-trippers miss. “It was wonderful to see how they still weave using ancient techniques,” one traveler commented.

Moray Circular Terraces
Next, you’ll head to Moray, famous for its astonishing concentric terraces that resemble an Inca scientific experiment station—some say a center for agricultural experimentation. Your guide explains the purpose of the terraces and their unique climate zones. You’ll have free time to wander, take photos, and truly soak in the surreal landscape. We loved the way Moray’s circular design contrasts with the rugged mountains, creating an almost otherworldly scene.

Maras Salt Mines
Then, a short drive takes you to Salineras de Maras, where thousands of salt ponds shimmer on the hillside. It’s a fascinating place, both visually and historically, as salt extraction here has been a local tradition for centuries. You’ll see locals harvesting salt, and you can appreciate how this resource has sustained communities for generations. Visitors praise the spectacle of turquoise pools and the opportunity to buy salt directly from the producers.

Lunch in Urubamba
After a morning full of exploration, you’ll stop in Urubamba for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. For many, this is a highlight, as the food offers a taste of regional flavors, often featuring fresh vegetables, potatoes, and local meats. The all-you-can-eat setup provides time to relax and recharge. Some reviews mention the lunch as “a delicious break,” though others note that the timing might be tight if you want to linger longer.

Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
Post-lunch, the group heads to Ollantaytambo, the largest archaeological complex in the Sacred Valley. This site is a rock fortress and ceremonial center, with massive terraces and intricate stonework. We enjoyed the way Ollantaytambo’s well-preserved streets still reflect Inca urban planning, giving a sense of what life might have been like. The expansive views from the top terraces are truly spectacular.

Pisac Ruins
Finally, you’ll visit Pisac, famous for its terraced hillsides and lively market (though market visits are not included). The ruins here are among the most visited in the Sacred Valley, with a mix of agricultural terraces, temples, and military structures. It’s a great spot for panoramic photos and imagining Inca life at its height.

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation is by comfortable vehicle, and the guide manages all logistics, so you’re free to enjoy the scenery without worrying about directions or tickets. The group size is not specified, but most similar tours tend to be small or medium, which enhances the experience—more interaction, less crowding.

Entrance Fees & Additional Expenses

Entry tickets are not included in the price, costing roughly 70 soles for sites like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, plus extra if you wish to visit the salt mines. The salt mines have a separate fee of about 10 soles. Consider that for a full experience, you’ll need to budget around 130 soles for general admission. The tour’s price is competitive, especially considering that it includes transportation and guided commentary.

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The Guide & Local Insights

The bilingual guide (English/Spanish) adds significant value, providing historical context and answering questions along the way. Reviews highlight their friendliness and knowledge, which help make the journey more engaging. The ability to customize drop-offs in Ollantaytambo around 3 pm is a nice touch, especially if you plan to continue exploring or catch a train.

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Who Should Take This Tour?

This Sacred Valley tour is perfect for travelers who want a cost-effective, organized day with knowledgeable guides, without sacrificing the key sites. It’s suited for those who appreciate cultural authenticity, scenic landscapes, and a well-rounded overview of Inca and Andean life. If you prefer a more relaxed, unhurried pace at each site, this may feel a little rushed, but for most, it balances sightseeing with comfort.

If you’re short on time but want to see the highlights, or if you’re traveling on a budget and want guided insights, this tour ticks those boxes. However, if you’re looking for a deep, prolonged experience at each site or want to include lunch, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

This tour from Cusco offers an authentic, affordable way to explore the Sacred Valley’s most impressive sites, from Moray’s terraces to the salt mines of Maras. It balances guided insight with free time for photos and exploration, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a practical, well-organized day out. The inclusion of local interactions, scenic landscapes, and historical sites makes this a memorable experience, especially given its reasonable price.

While the schedule is tight and some might find the site visits somewhat hurried, this tour provides a solid overview that’s perfect for first-timers or those with limited time in Peru. For travelers eager to learn about Inca architecture, traditional crafts, and spectacular scenery—all comfortably and affordably—this Sacred Valley trip fits the bill.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with a pickup around 6:30 am and returns to Cusco between 6:30 and 7 pm, making it a full-day adventure.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Cusco is part of the package, easing the logistics of exploring the Sacred Valley.

Do I need to buy tickets beforehand?
No, tickets for sites like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac are purchased separately—costing approximately 70 soles in total, plus extra for the salt mines.

What is not included in the price?
The tour fee does not cover the buffet lunch in Urubamba, entrance tickets, or personal expenses.

Can I be dropped off somewhere specific?
Yes, the guide can drop you off in Ollantaytambo around 3 pm if you prefer to continue exploring or catch a train.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
While generally manageable, some walking within archaeological sites might be strenuous for very young children or elderly travelers. It’s best to consider individual mobility needs.

This Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers a practical, engaging, and cost-effective way to experience some of the most iconic Inca sites and landscapes—perfect for those wanting a guided, authentic day out in Peru.