Full Day | Sacred Valley | Lunch Buffet

If you’re visiting the Cusco region and want a comprehensive taste of what the Sacred Valley offers, this full-day tour is a solid choice. For around $30 USD, you’ll explore key archaeological sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac — all served up with a buffet lunch and plenty of opportunities for authentic cultural encounters.

What we love most about this adventure is how it balances immersive Inca history with vibrant local traditions. The chance to meet a local family in Chinchero, watching them craft textiles using natural dyes, adds a genuine touch few tours can match. Plus, the stunning Andean landscapes — with their rolling terraces and salt flats — are genuinely breathtaking.

A possible drawback? With so many sites packed into one day, the pace can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger longer at each spot. But if you’re eager to see the highlights without overextending, this tour keeps things manageable while delivering a well-rounded experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an affordable, well-organized day that combines history, culture, and scenic beauty without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s perfect for those with a curiosity about the Incas and who appreciate authentic local interactions.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major Sacred Valley sites in one day.
• Authentic cultural experiences, like textile-making with local families.
• Beautiful landscapes, including terraces, salt flats, and lush valleys.
• Affordable price point with included transportation, guide, and buffet lunch.
• Optional site entrance tickets available on the spot, simplifying planning.
• Flexible options to end the tour in Ollantaytambo if preferred.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Sacred Valley Tour

Starting the Day: Early Departure from Cusco

Your adventure begins bright and early at 7:00 AM at the Machu Picchu Reservations office in Cusco. The tour is designed to maximize your day, so expect a 45-minute drive to the first stop, Chinchero. This early start means you’ll get a head start on the crowds and have ample time at each site.

Chinchero: A Blend of Ancient and Modern

Our guide, whose name might be Carlos or Maria, will lead us through the Inca archaeological site in Chinchero. This site is renowned for its well-preserved Inca terraces and the beautiful old colonial church right in the town square. We loved the way the guide explained the history behind the terraces, which were used for ancient agriculture — a reminder of the Incas’ ingenuity.

A highlight here is the chance to meet local artisans. You’ll visit a traditional textile workshop, where you’ll see women dyeing natural fibers with pigments extracted from plants and minerals. This hands-on demonstration offers a glimpse into a craft that’s been passed down for generations, giving the experience an authentic, personal touch.

Moray: A Marvel of Inca Engineering

Next, we head to Moray, a site famous for its circular agricultural terraces. As our guide explained, these terraces likely served as an experimental agricultural laboratory, showcasing different microclimates. We appreciated the clear explanations about how the Incas used terraces to grow diverse crops.

The photo opportunities here are fantastic — the concentric circles create a surreal landscape against the backdrop of the mountains. You’ll have about 30 minutes to explore and snap photos, making it a highlight for anyone interested in Inca ingenuity.

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Maras Salt Mines: A Unique Natural Wonder

The visit to Maras is both educational and visually striking. The salt pans, still in use today, are a testament to Inca and pre-Inca salt harvesting techniques. You’ll learn about how salt is collected and processed, and see salt crafts made from the mineral. We found the display of salt products both quirky and fascinating.

There’s plenty of space for photos, especially with the salt pans stretching out in geometric patterns. If you’re into local crafts and natural resources, this stop won’t disappoint.

Lunch: A Tasty Break in Urubamba

Around 12:30 PM, the tour pauses for a buffet lunch in the charming town of Urubamba. For many, this meal is a highlight — a chance to enjoy Peruvian flavors in a relaxed setting. The buffet usually includes traditional dishes like roasted meats, local vegetables, and possibly some regional specialties, offering good value for the price.

The quality is generally solid, with some reviews praising the delicious food and generous portions. This is a great chance to recharge before the afternoon’s exploration.

Ollantaytambo: The Inca Fortress and Town

After lunch, the tour visits Ollantaytambo, one of the most iconic Inca archaeological sites. The impressive terraces and ceremonial stones are a testament to Inca engineering prowess. We loved the way the site combines history with a lively local town, where residents still live amid the ruins.

You’ll have about an hour here, which is enough to walk around and appreciate the complexity of the site. The view from the terraces overlooking the valley is particularly memorable.

Pisac: A Final Cultural and Scenic Stop

The last stop is Pisac, famed for its terraced hills and bustling market. Here, your guide will walk you through the archaeological remains, highlighting their strategic and spiritual significance. Photographers will love the sweeping views and the intricate terraces.

This visit provides a fitting end to the day — a perfect combination of Inca architecture, local markets, and spectacular vistas.

Returning to Cusco

The tour wraps up around 6:30 PM, with a comfortable drive back to Cusco. The timing allows for a full day of exploration without feeling overly rushed, though some travelers might wish for more time at certain sites.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Transport and Group Size: The included transportation is comfortable, and the group sizes tend to be manageable, making it easier to ask questions and get personal attention.
• Entrance Tickets: The tour price doesn’t include the 70 soles for admission to the sites — these can be purchased at Chinchero, which is convenient.
• Additional Fees: If you want to visit Maras salt mines independently, expect to pay an extra 15 soles.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
• Meal Quality: The buffet lunch is generally well-reviewed for its taste and variety, offering good value for the day’s price.
• Language Options: The tour is offered in both Spanish and English, with guides fluent in both.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This full-day Sacred Valley tour suits budget-conscious travelers eager to see the highlights. It’s especially good if you love history, local culture, and scenic landscapes but prefer to keep things simple and organized. Families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a well-rounded overview will find this tour a practical choice. It’s less ideal if you want an in-depth experience at a particular site or prefer a slower pace.

The Sum Up

For just about $30, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites, combined with authentic cultural moments like textiles and salt harvesting. You’ll leave with a vivid sense of Inca ingenuity and local traditions, set against some of Peru’s most beautiful landscapes. The included buffet lunch adds to the value, ensuring you’re well-fed for the day’s adventures.

The experience provides a nice balance of guided insight and free exploration, making it perfect if you want a structured yet authentic taste of the region. If your goal is to see the key sites comfortably and affordably, this tour delivers a memorable day packed with variety and local flavor.

FAQ

Does the tour include entrance fees?
No, the entrance tickets for the sites (costing around 70 soles) are paid separately, but you can buy them in Chinchero, which is the first stop.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is offered in both Spanish and English, and guides are fluent in both, so you can choose your preferred language.

Can I end the tour in Ollantaytambo instead of Cusco?
Yes, you have the option to finish the tour in Ollantaytambo, which might suit travelers planning to catch a train or explore more locally.

Is the buffet lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba, offering local dishes and a good value for the price.

How long does each site visit last?
Expect between 30 minutes and an hour at each stop — enough to explore, take photos, and appreciate the site without feeling rushed.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely — it’s a family-friendly, well-organized way to introduce kids and adults alike to the Inca sites and landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Whether you’re after a culture, stunning photo opportunities, or simply a convenient way to see the highlights, this tour offers a solid, affordable option. It’s a day packed with history, scenery, and local life — perfect for travelers wanting a broad yet authentic glimpse of the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby