Sacred Valley of the Inkas Premium Full Day Tour in Peru

Discovering the Sacred Valley of the Inkas: A Balanced Look at a Full-Day Guided Tour

If you’re heading to Cusco and want to see the highlights of the Sacred Valley in just one day, this Premium Full Day Tour offers a practical way to tick off five major Inca sites—Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Flats, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Starting early in the morning with hotel pickup, you’ll spend roughly 12 hours exploring these archaeological marvels, learning from bilingual guides, and enjoying a generous buffet lunch.

What we particularly like about this tour is its all-inclusive transportation, which takes the hassle out of navigating often-challenging roads and parking. Plus, the visit to a handicraft workshop in Chincheros adds an authentic local flavor that many travelers enjoy. On the other hand, a key consideration is that the tour has experienced some issues with punctuality, leading to missed sites for some travelers—something to keep in mind if tight timing matters for your trip.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of the Sacred Valley without the hassle of independent planning, and who are comfortable with group travel and a somewhat packed schedule. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors eager to see varied highlights in a single day, provided they’re aware of the potential for schedule slip-ups.

Key Points

• Convenience: All transportation and guided explanations simplify a busy day of sightseeing.
• Diverse Sites: Visit five major archaeological sites and learn about Inca culture and history.
• Authentic Touch: Includes a visit to a handicraft workshop, adding a local artisan experience.
• Meal Included: Enjoy a buffet lunch with vegan options, giving you energy for the day.
• Guided Expertise: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Some Drawbacks: Past reviews report late pickups and missed stops, so punctuality can vary.

A Close Look at the Sacred Valley Full Day Tour

Starting Early and Getting Comfortable

The tour begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel between 6:45 and 7:00 am, a time that might feel a little early but is necessary to fit in all the sights. The group is limited to about 20 travelers, which balances intimacy with the social aspect of travel. The roundtrip transportation is included, making the journey from Cusco to the Sacred Valley smoother and more comfortable than trying to navigate on your own.

First Stop: Chinchero

Your first destination is the charming colonial town of Chinchero, where you’ll spend about 1.5 hours. Here, the highlight is a handicraft workshop, offering a glimpse into traditional Peruvian crafts like textiles and weaving. You’ll also get to explore the archaeological site and the main plaza, which offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to soak in local life.

A common theme in reviews is how enjoyable the guide’s explanations are, with comments like “the tour guide was great,” which adds a layer of local knowledge and storytelling that makes these sites come alive. However, some travelers note that admission tickets for the archaeological parks are not included, so plan for extra costs if you wish to explore more thoroughly.

Moray and Salinas de Maras

Next stop is the enigmatic Moray, famous for its terraced circular depressions that resemble giant natural holes. These terraces are thought to have been agricultural experiments or a ceremonial site. The visit here lasts about 40 minutes, but a key point is that admission tickets are not included, so you might find this adds to your overall expenses.

From there, you’ll head to the Salinas de Maras, a stunning complex of salt evaporation ponds dating back to Inca times. Watching salt miners work in these terraces is a fascinating window into ancient and ongoing local practices. Again, entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly.

Lunch and the Urubamba Valley

By mid-morning, it’s time for a well-earned buffet lunch in Urubamba, which includes vegan options—an appreciated touch for vegetarian or vegan travelers. The hearty meal provides the energy needed for the rest of the day’s explorations.

After lunch, the group moves on to Ollantaytambo, a fortress and temple complex that was a key defensive site and royal estate. You’ll visit the impressive Temple of the Sun and learn about its strategic role during the Inca civil war. The guided visit lasts about an hour, with admission not included, so check your budget.

Pisac: The Final Highlight

The tour concludes at Pisac, renowned for its hillside terraces, temples, and aqueducts. This site often leaves visitors with an appreciation for Inca engineering, especially after walking on the preserved straight aqueducts. The visit here lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Returning to Cusco

Expect to arrive back in Cusco around 7:30 pm, making it a full but rewarding day. However, previous reviews highlight that timing issues can cause some stops to be missed. One reviewer noted, “Showed up 2 hours late. Did not pick us up at hotel…missed the last 2 stops,” which suggests that punctuality can be a gamble.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

This tour offers a bilingual guide, transportation, and a buffet lunch with vegan options—great for simplifying logistics and ensuring a comfortable experience. The admission tickets to individual sites like Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac are not included, so you should factor in extra costs.

The tour’s price is $36 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the number of sites visited and the inclusion of transportation and lunch. However, the value depends heavily on your ability to manage the extra entrance fees and your patience with the schedule’s flexibility.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Cusco eager to get a solid overview of the Sacred Valley. If you’re comfortable with a group setting and can accept some variability in timing, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a guided, all-in-one day. It’s also great if you want to combine sightseeing with a taste of local artisans and a hearty meal.

However, if punctuality is a top priority or if you prefer to explore sites at your own pace, this tour might be less suitable. Some previous guests experienced missed sites due to late pickups, so arriving early and being flexible can help maximize your experience.

Summary of Who Will Love This Tour

Travelers looking for a cost-effective, comprehensive introduction to the Sacred Valley will find value here. The guides’ knowledge consistently draws praise, enriching the visit with context and stories that make the ruins more meaningful. The included lunch and organized transport make it particularly attractive for those who prefer not to worry about logistics.

If you’re on a tight schedule or want a more relaxed, in-depth experience of each site, you might want to consider alternatives. But if your goal is to see a variety of key Inca sites in one day with a spirited group, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into this fascinating region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sites does the tour visit?
The tour visits five main sites: Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Flats, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

Is the transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Cusco is included, making travel between sites quite convenient.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance tickets to sites like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac are not included. You’ll need to purchase these separately.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting early in the morning and returning around 7:30 pm.

What’s the meal situation?
A buffet lunch is included, with vegan options available. It’s a good way to refuel after a morning of sightseeing.

How big are the groups?
The maximum group size is about 20 travelers, which helps keep things manageable and allows for more personal attention.

What should I be aware of regarding punctuality?
Some guests have experienced late pickups or missed stops due to schedule delays. It’s advisable to confirm your pick-up time and be ready early.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those who prefer a very relaxed pace or more time at each site might find it a bit rushed. Punctuality issues could also impact the experience.

This Sacred Valley tour offers a well-organized way to see the highlights in one day, especially if you value guided insights and a hassle-free trip. While it excels in delivering a broad overview, being aware of potential schedule hiccups will help you enjoy the best of what this incredible region has to offer.