Discover the Heart of the Sacred Valley with a Full-Day Guided Tour

If you’re visiting Cusco and eager to see the Inca heartland without the hassle of planning, this Full Day Sacred Valley tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery for just $42 per person. You’ll visit key sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, with a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba included. The trip lasts around 12 hours, making it a comprehensive way to understand the significance of the Sacred Valley in Inca history.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how it combines guided explanations at each site with ample opportunities for authentic photos and personal reflection. Plus, the air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort even on the long drive between sites. The tour is perfect for those who want a structured, educational, yet relaxed experience, especially if you’re short on time but want to see some of the most iconic Inca sites.

A little consideration: the tour is quite full, so if you prefer a very slow, private experience, this might not be ideal. Also, tickets are not included, so you need to purchase entry fees separately, which is typical for group tours but worth noting.

This experience suits travelers who love history, culture, and scenic landscapes. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re interested in understanding Inca civilization beyond Machu Picchu, and want a guided overview that hits all the major highlights in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Expert guides who explain the significance of each site.
Delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, offering authentic Andean cuisine.
Comfortable transport in air-conditioned vehicles.
Flexible booking policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Not included tickets require separate purchase, so plan accordingly.

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An In-Depth Look at the Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour

Starting the Day: Pickup and Early Departure

Your adventure kicks off bright and early, with pickup from your Cusco hotel between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. The early start is ideal for maximizing your day, and the vehicle is air-conditioned—important for the sometimes warm morning ride. The group size tends to be manageable, and the guide will contact you approximately 10 minutes before arrival, ensuring you’re ready.

First Stop: Pisac—A Vibrant Market and Archaeological Wonder

Your first destination is Pisac, a town famous for its bustling market and impressive Inca ruins. The guided tour here is comprehensive, offering insights into the site’s significance both as an agricultural site and a spiritual hub. The vibrant market is a bonus—though it’s not explicitly part of the tour, many travelers find browsing the local handicrafts rewarding.

The archaeological site at Pisac is sprawling, with terraced hillsides and intricate stonework. Expect to walk uphill and navigate uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must. The guide will explain how Pisac was a key agricultural and military center, which adds context to what you’re seeing.

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Mid-Morning: Lunch in Urubamba

After exploring Pisac, you’ll travel to Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients and traditional flavors. This is a high point for many travelers—an authentic meal with options that cater to different tastes. The buffet is served in a relaxed setting, allowing you to recharge before more sightseeing. Some reviews highlight how much they enjoyed the quality of the food, considering the tour price.

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Afternoon: Ollantaytambo—Inca Fortress and Living Town

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Ollantaytambo, a highlight of the Sacred Valley. This archaeological site is renowned for its massive stone terraces and impressive fortress walls, built to guard against invasions. You’ll get a guided tour explaining the strategic importance of the site, as well as its religious and agricultural functions.

What makes Ollantaytambo special is that it’s also a living town—many descendants of the Incas still live here, weaving and practicing traditional crafts. The narrow streets and stone buildings give you an authentic feel of Inca architecture combined with contemporary life.

Late Afternoon: Chinchero—Textile and Archaeological Insights

The final stop is Chinchero, a small town known for its textile centers and archaeological remains. The guides often include a visit to a textile workshop, where local artisans demonstrate traditional weaving techniques—an eye-opening experience into Andean culture. The archaeological remains here are less grand than Ollantaytambo but still significant, offering a quieter, more reflective ending to your day.

Return to Cusco

By around 7:00 p.m., you’ll be back in Cusco, tired but enriched by a deepened understanding of Inca civilization. The hotel drop-off is typically smooth, ending your full day of exploration.

What We Love About This Tour

Two standout features make this experience worth considering. First, the knowledgeable guides truly bring history alive, explaining the significance of each site in a way that’s engaging and accessible. Their insights help you appreciate how these places fit into the larger Inca story.

Second, the scenic beauty of the Sacred Valley—from terraced hillsides to panoramic mountain views—is breathtaking. The stops are spaced out well, giving you time to absorb the sights without feeling rushed.

Possible Drawback

A potential downside is the packed schedule—with several stops in one day, you might find yourself walking a lot and feeling a little rushed at each site. Also, since tickets are not included, you’ll need to budget extra for entrance fees. The tour is best suited for travelers who want a broad overview rather than a deep, site-by-site exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see the most iconic sites of the Sacred Valley in one go. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided experiences, appreciate historical context, and value a comfortable, well-organized day. If you’re interested in local culture, scenic landscapes, and Inca ruins, this tour provides a solid introduction.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Sacred Valley tour marries history, culture, and scenery into a manageable day trip that’s good value for the price. The experienced guides help make the story of the Incas accessible and engaging, while the stops at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero cover the key highlights of the region.

The included buffet lunch is a real plus, offering authentic flavors in a relaxed setting. The comfort of air-conditioned transport and the flexibility of booking with free cancellation make this a practical choice for many travelers.

While it’s a busy day, the richness of the sites and the insight of the guides mean you’ll likely come away with a much deeper appreciation of the Sacred Valley and its importance in Peruvian history. It’s a perfect tour for those wanting to combine convenience, expert narration, and stunning scenery—especially if you prefer a group setting with shared experiences.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
You’ll get pickup from your Cusco hotel, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and a buffet lunch.

Are tickets to the archaeological sites included?
No, tickets are not included, so you will need to purchase entry fees separately at each site.

What time does the tour start?
Pickup is between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., but check availability for specific starting times.

How long does the tour last?
The full day lasts approximately 12 hours, from pickup to return to Cusco.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s generally suitable for most, but those with mobility issues or heart problems should consider the walking involved and the physical demands of site exploration.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, bring your passport or ID, biodegradable sunscreen, personal medication, and insect repellent. Drones are not allowed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food included besides the buffet lunch?
No, only the buffet lunch is included. Be sure to budget for additional snacks or drinks if needed.

What languages are tours offered in?
The tour is available in English and Spanish, with guides providing explanations in both languages.

This guided tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed experience of the Sacred Valley that balances history, culture, and scenic beauty—an excellent way to deepen your understanding of this fascinating region.