Sacred Valley Vip full day

Experience the Sacred Valley in One Day with this Full-Day VIP Tour

If you’re looking to get a comprehensive taste of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this full-day VIP tour in Cusco offers a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. For just $30 per person, you’ll visit five major sites—Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac—with roundtrip transportation and a buffet lunch included. The tour typically lasts about 12 hours, starting early at 7:00 am, and offers the comfort of hotel pickup, making it a hassle-free way to see some of the most iconic Incan sites.

What we love most about this experience is how it packs in so much without feeling rushed. The knowledgeable guides really bring each location alive with their stories and insights, making history accessible and engaging. Plus, the chance to interact with local communities and see traditional textiles and salt production adds a genuine, personal touch to the visit.

One thing to consider is that because the tour hits so many sites, your time at each stops might be somewhat limited. If you’re after a deep dive into any one place, this might be a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration. However, for first-time visitors or those craving an overview of Sacred Valley’s highlights, it’s a fantastic value.

This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their day with a comprehensive, guided experience that balances history, local culture, and scenic views. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate seeing multiple sites in one go without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Visit five major Sacred Valley sites in a single day, ideal for busy travelers.
• Authentic insights: Guided by English and Spanish-speaking professionals who enhance understanding.
• Cultural interaction: Opportunities to learn about Andean textiles and salt production from locals.
• Value for money: At $30, the tour offers transportation, a buffet lunch, and expert guidance.
• Limited time at each site: While comprehensive, the quick visits mean you won’t get a deep-dive into each location.
• Comfortable logistics: Hotel pickup and roundtrip transport make logistics simple and stress-free.

A Deep Dive into the Sacred Valley Vip Full Day Tour

The Early Start and Convenient Pickup

We appreciated the early 7:00 am hotel pickup, which ensures you beat some of the crowd and make the most of the day. Cusco’s narrow streets and traffic can be tricky, but the tour company’s roundtrip transportation takes that stress off your shoulders. Meeting at Plaza Regocijo, a central spot in Cusco, makes it easy to find your guide and hop on the bus.

First Stop: Chinchero – Inca Ruins and Colonial Charm

Your first visit is to Chinchero, a town famous for its Inca walls and colonial church. The site offers a glimpse of Inca masonry—notably well-preserved stonework—mixed with colonial architecture, giving a taste of Cusco’s complex history. We loved that the guide explained the significance of the ruins and the colonial church, which adds context to the site.

A highlight here is the chance to visit a local textile center, where artisans demonstrate traditional weaving techniques. As one reviewer mentioned, “You will participate briefly in the textile center,” which helps you understand the importance of textiles in Andean culture. Keep in mind, admission tickets for Chinchero aren’t included in the $30 price, so budget around 130 soles if you want to visit the sites.

Moray: Circular Terraces and Agricultural Innovation

Next, your journey takes you to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site with circular terraces that served as an agricultural experiment station. We loved how the terraces spiral down in concentric rings, each with different microclimates, showcasing the Incas’ ingenuity in farming.

A reviewer described Moray as “very important in Inca times, especially in agriculture,” and you’ll understand why as you walk through these terraces. The site offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to imagine how ancient farmers tested crops in diverse conditions.

Again, tickets aren’t included (around 130 soles), so plan accordingly. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, so it’s a quick but memorable stop.

Maras Salt Mines: A Spectacle of Traditional Salt Production

From Moray, you descend to the Maras Salt Mines, a landmark for its stunning landscape of over 3,000 salt wells. The salt pans were used since Inca times, and today, salt is still harvested manually by local families. We found the salt terraces visually mesmerizing—like a giant, shimmering patchwork quilt draped across the hillside.

The 20-minute visit is a snapshot of traditional salt extraction, and it offers a unique photo opportunity. As one reviewer noted, “This place is picturesque for its landscapes,” and it’s easy to see why. Be aware that the entry fee here is 20 soles.

Ollantaytambo: The Last Living Inca City

After a hearty buffet lunch in Urubamba, your next stop is Ollantaytambo, often called “The Last Living Inca City.” This site is more extensive, with impressive stone terraces, temples, and a fortress that played a strategic role in Inca resistance.

The guide’s commentary here enriches the experience, explaining the significance of the site’s architecture and history. One reviewer called the guide “incredible, funny, professional,” which makes the visit more engaging. Expect about an hour here to explore the ruins and walk through the quaint town streets.

Pisac: The Enchanting Hilltop Village and Market

Your final site is Pisac, perched on the slopes of the Intihuatana hill. The archaeological site features terraced ruins with sweeping views of the valley. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of local artisans selling crafts by the entrance, adding a lively, authentic feel.

While the stop is only about 30 minutes, it leaves a lasting impression. The impressive terraces and the picturesque town make Pisac a must-see for those interested in Inca architecture and traditional markets.

The Return to Cusco

After a full day of exploring, the tour returns you comfortably to Cusco, ending at the meeting point. The entire experience is designed to give travelers a broad overview of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites, all with the convenience of professional guidance and transportation.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At only $30, this tour packs in a surprising amount of sights, with expert guides providing context that truly enhances the experience. You’ll learn about Inca engineering, agriculture, salt production, and community life—elements that bring history alive. The inclusion of a buffet lunch adds to the value, giving you energy for the day’s adventures.

While some reviews note that the limited time at each stop means you might not explore every site in depth, it’s ideal for travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of planning. The small group size (max 17 travelers) ensures more personalized attention, and the friendly guides often receive praise for their helpfulness and knowledge.

Practical Considerations

Remember that admission tickets are not included in the tour price. Budgeting around 130 soles for sites like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, plus 20 soles for Maras, is wise. Also, expect a lot of driving between sites—this is a full-day tour, so bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and water.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want a quick, curated introduction to the Sacred Valley’s highlights. It’s also ideal for those who prefer guided logistics and enjoy learning from a knowledgeable guide. If you’re interested in cultural interactions with local artisans and want scenic views without long hikes, this tour suits you well.

However, if you’re a history buff or a photographer seeking more time at each site, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. This tour is best for travelers looking for a practical, engaging overview rather than an in-depth archaeological exploration.

FAQs

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Cusco is included, with pickup from your hotel and a comfortable bus ride between sites.

Are tickets to the sites included?
No, the tour price does not include entrance tickets. You will need to budget around 130 soles for Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, and 20 soles for Maras Salt Mines.

What is the guide’s language?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, so you can expect explanations in either language depending on your preference.

How long do we spend at each site?
Site visits vary from about 20 to 60 minutes, which is enough to see the highlights but not to explore each location in detail.

Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast is not included. However, a buffet lunch is provided, with vegetarian options praised in reviews.

Who is this tour suitable for?
It’s ideal for travelers wanting a broad, guided overview of the Sacred Valley without extensive walking or multiple days of travel.

In the end, this Sacred Valley VIP tour offers a time-efficient, well-rounded introduction to the Incas’ impressive achievements and stunning landscapes. With friendly guides, convenient logistics, and a variety of sites, it’s a smart choice for travelers eager to see the highlights and learn about local life—all in one memorable day.