Sacred Valley Tour Pisac Ollantaytambo and Chinchero

Exploring the Sacred Valley: A Complete Day Tour from Cusco

If you’re heading to Cusco and want a taste of the Inca heartland, the Sacred Valley Tour offered by Amaru Explorer South America is hard to beat. For around $40, you get a 10-hour journey through some of the most iconic sites in the region — from bustling markets to ancient ruins perched on mountain slopes. The tour kicks off early, with pickup from your Cusco hotel, and takes you northward into a landscape where history and nature blend seamlessly.

What really draws us in are two standout features. First, the guided visits to key archaeological sites like Moray, a fascinating agricultural experiment zone, and Ollantaytambo with its impressive stone terraces and temples. Second, the chance to enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine with a buffet lunch included, giving us a real taste of local flavors. A potential downside? The long day and multiple stops mean you’ll need comfortable shoes and patience for a busy schedule. This tour suits those eager to see the highlights of the Sacred Valley without sacrificing depth for convenience.

If you love culture combined with history and stunning scenery, this tour is ideal. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a well-organized day with a knowledgeable guide and a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and local food in one package.

Key Points

• Affordable and value-packed at just $40 per person with many of the region’s highlights included.
• Expert guides help bring the sites to life with insights in both English and Spanish.
• Includes a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Cusquenian dishes.
• Visits multiple iconic sites: Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and shared service.
• Long but rewarding day suited for those with good walking stamina.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Sacred Valley Tour

Starting the Journey: From Cusco to Chinchero and Moray

Your day begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel — a convenience many travelers appreciate, saving the hassle of navigating on your own. The first stop is Chinchero, a small town famous for its vibrant market and traditional weaving techniques. Here, you can witness local artisans working with mineral dyes and textiles, offering a glimpse into the living culture behind Andean crafts. The Textile Interpretation Center provides context about local weaving traditions, something we found fascinating because it’s a real opportunity to see what makes Peruvian textiles so unique.

Next, you’ll visit Moray, an archaeological site often called the Inca Agricultural Laboratory. Carved into a series of concentric terraces, Moray’s purpose was to experiment with different microclimates for crop cultivation. Walking through these terraces, you appreciate how the Incas ingeniously used the landscape — it’s like a giant, ancient science experiment. One visitor noted, “We loved the way Moray showed how adaptable the Incas were with their farming techniques.”

Maras Salt Mines and Lunch in Urubamba

From Moray, the tour proceeds to Maras, home to the stunning salt mines. These terraced pools have been in use since Inca times, and you can watch salt being harvested in real-time. The sight of shimmering white pools against the mountain backdrop offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Midday, you’ll stop in Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes. This is a real highlight — the food is both hearty and flavorful, giving you a boost for the afternoon ahead. Many reviews emphasize how much they enjoyed the meal, with one traveler saying, “The buffet was delicious, with a variety of local flavors I hadn’t tried before.”

Ollantaytambo: The Inca Fortress

Post-lunch, the focus shifts to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress and town that served as a Tambo or resting place for travelers. Famous for its massive stone terraces and the Temple of the Sun, it vividly demonstrates Inca engineering skills. Walk through its narrow cobblestone streets and imagine what life was like here centuries ago. Visitors praise the site’s impressive stonework, noting, “Ollantaytambo’s ruins are jaw-dropping — you can’t help but marvel at how they built such precise stone structures without modern tools.”

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Pisac: The Market and Archaeological Site

The last major site is Pisaq, perched atop a mountain with sweeping views of the valley. The archaeological complex includes terraced slopes, a small citadel, and a ceremonial area. We recommend climbing up to the top for panoramic views that make every step worthwhile.

After exploring the ruins, you’ll visit the Pisac handicraft market, where local artisans sell mineral jewelry and textiles. It’s a perfect place to pick up authentic souvenirs and support local craftspeople. Some travelers appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to browse at their own pace.

Back to Cusco and Final Thoughts

The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:30-7 p.m. It’s a full day, but the experience is well worth it. The guide’s commentary, combined with the diversity of sites, makes it more than just a sightseeing run — it’s an educational and cultural journey.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation: Shared service with hotel pickup simplifies logistics. The vehicle is comfortable, but expect a long day with multiple stops.

Guides: Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible regardless of your language preference.

Cost: At $40, including a buffet lunch and guided visits, the tour offers excellent value. However, you need to budget extra for the $70 entrance ticket to the archaeological sites and the $20 Salt Mines ticket.

What to Bring: Remember your passport, camera, cash, and weather-appropriate gear. Comfortable shoes are essential, especially for walking on uneven terrain.

Restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Drones, alcohol, and fires are prohibited.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Sacred Valley Tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of the region’s most famous sites without the hassle of independent planning. It’s a good fit for those who value guided insights and local cuisine and don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re curious about Inca agricultural innovations, traditional textiles, or simply want a well-organized day of sightseeing, this tour is a solid choice.

Final Word: Is It Worth It?

For $40, you’re getting a full day of exploration across several key sites that reveal layers of Inca ingenuity and local culture. The inclusion of a buffet lunch and knowledgeable guides adds to the overall experience, making it one of the best value tours in the Sacred Valley. If your goal is to see the highlights without spending too much time or money, this trip hits the mark.

While the long day might be tiring, it’s packed with memorable moments that help you understand why the Sacred Valley remains a must-visit destination. For those eager to combine history, culture, and scenery into one accessible package, this tour is a dependable choice.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking will enjoy the experience, though very young kids might find it long.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot since the tour can fill up, especially in peak season.

What if I don’t want to visit all sites?
The itinerary is fixed, but guides often tailor parts of the experience based on group interests.

Is the lunch buffet vegetarian or vegan?
The description mentions “exquisite Cusquenian cuisine,” typically including traditional options. You may want to ask ahead about dietary preferences.

How early does the tour start?
Starting times vary — check availability to confirm your pickup time.

Are the archaeological sites crowded?
Popular sites like Pisaq and Ollantaytambo can become busy, especially mid-morning and early afternoon.

Can I buy tickets on the day?
It’s best to purchase site tickets in advance if possible, as they are not included in the tour price.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain and site structures.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and a hat are advisable.

Will I have free time at each stop?
Yes, but the time at each site is limited to keep on schedule. The market at Pisaq offers a bit more relaxed browsing.

This Sacred Valley Tour offers a well-rounded, affordable way to encounter the heart of Inca civilization, with knowledgeable guides, hearty local food, and unforgettable scenery. Perfect for those who want to get the most out of a single day in the region — with authentic experiences and a bit of adventure along the way.

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