Full-Day Excursion to Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo from Cusco

Full-Day Excursion to Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo from Cusco
Rating: 4.5/5 | Review Count: 141 | Price: $47.90 per person

Travelers looking to pack a lot into a single day will find this full-day Sacred Valley tour a solid choice. Starting early from Cusco, you’ll visit key Inca sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, with stops at Moray and the Maras salt mines along the way. For just under $50, it offers a good mix of history, scenic vistas, and local culture—especially appealing if you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights.

What we love most about this tour? First, the knowledgeable guides who make history come alive with engaging stories and personalized explanations. Second, the spectacular views — from terraced mountainsides to salt evaporation ponds, the landscape alone is worth the trip.

A point to consider: the day is quite packed, and some travelers mention feeling rushed at certain stops, especially when retail shops are inserted into the itinerary. If your focus is solely on exploring the archaeological sites, this could be a downside.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized overview of the Sacred Valley’s most famous sites, combined with good food and hassle-free transfers. It’s especially popular among those who prefer small groups for more personal attention.

Key Points

• Value for Money: An affordable way to visit multiple iconic Sacred Valley sites in one day.
• Expert Guides: Guides who are knowledgeable and able to translate history into engaging stories.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Visits include Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac with a well-timed schedule.
• Inclusion of Lunch: A buffet with more than 30 typical Peruvian dishes, offering a good taste of local cuisine.
• Retail Stops: Several stops in artisan shops and salt stores which some find add value, others see as time-consuming.
• Long Day, Short Time: Expect a full 13-hour excursion, so good stamina and comfortable shoes are a must.

A Deep Dive into the Sacred Valley Tour Experience

Starting Early with Hassle-Free Transfers

The tour kicks off with pickup from your Cusco hotel between 6:30 and 6:55 am. We found this to be a real plus—no need to worry about transportation logistics or navigating busy streets. The comfort of being driven directly to the first site makes for a stress-free beginning. The vans are typically comfortable, though some reviews mention the absence of air conditioning, which can be noticeable on a hot day. Still, the early start makes sure you’re ahead of the crowds and ready to enjoy the day’s adventures.

Visiting Chinchero: A Glimpse into Inca and Colonial Cultures

The first stop is Chinchero, where you can see remains of Túpac Inca Yupanqui’s royal treasury. The highlight for many is the well-preserved Inca wall in the main square, which looks like a giant stone puzzle held together without mortar. The colonial-era temple, built atop Inca foundations, features frescoes that hint at the blending of cultures. While entrance tickets are not included (costing around 70 soles for the Sacred Valley), the site offers a tangible connection to Inca governance and architecture.

Several reviews mention the importance of this site—one reviewer noted it as a place to admire the “well preserved Inca wall and beautiful colonial temple.” It’s a brief stop but one that provides excellent photo opportunities and context for understanding Inca ingenuity.

Moray: The Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Next is Moray, where you’ll see astonishing terraced circles that resemble an ancient agricultural experiment station. This site was likely used for microclimate experiments, enabling Inca farmers to grow different crops at various altitudes. It’s a unique landscape—circular terraces descending into the earth, offering panoramic views of the valley.

Expect about 45 minutes here. It’s a highlight praised in reviews for its visual impact and insight into Inca farming innovations. When standing amid these terraces, you’ll appreciate how the Incas maximized their land use, an impressive feat of engineering.

Maras Salt Mines: Nature and Industry Collide

The salt mines, where salt is still harvested from evaporating brine pools, are a highlight for many. You’ll observe shelves of salt deposits cascading down the hillside, creating a surreal landscape. This site is not just an industrial operation but a visual spectacle—perfect for photos.

Some travelers mention the salt ponds as “surprising” and “amazing,” and the place offers a peek into traditional salt harvesting methods that have persisted for centuries. Entrance fee around 20 soles is not included, but the photo opportunities make the stop worthwhile.

Lunch in Urubamba: A Taste of Peru

Around midday, you’ll stop in Urubamba for a buffet lunch that boasts more than 30 typical Peruvian dishes. The quality varies, but reviews generally find it satisfying and a good way to refuel. The restaurant is touristy but spacious, making it a convenient stop to relax and enjoy local flavors.

It’s a good value considering the variety and quantity of food offered. Expect to find everything from ceviche to roasted meats—an edible souvenir of your day.

Ollantaytambo: A Fortress and Living Town

Ollantaytambo is a standout site—a well-preserved Inca military fortress built to defend against jungle invasions. It’s a place where you can walk through ancient streets, imagine Inca life, and marvel at the massive stone terraces. The site offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, making it a favorite for photos.

Many reviews highlight the walkable streets and the impressive stonework. Free entrance makes it accessible, and guided explanations help make sense of the complex layout. It’s a place that feels both historic and alive, as locals still use the streets today.

Pisac: The Archaeological and Astronomical Marvel

The day ends at Pisac, known for its amazing hillside terraces and Inca astronomical centers. The scattered platforms and structures are set against a backdrop of lush landscape—truly picturesque. Visitors can wander the ruins, imagining the Incas studying the stars or planning their agricultural calendar.

Reviews mention that it’s “one of the most beautiful monumental centers,” with a good balance of landscape and architecture. The site is less crowded than others and offers a peaceful ending to the day’s sightseeing.

Returning to Cusco

The journey back arrives around 7:30 pm, close to the main square. From there, you’re free to explore more, grab dinner, or simply relax after a long day. Many travelers report feeling exhausted but satisfied with the experience—others mention the long drive and the feeling of having seen so much in one day.

What the Tour Means for You

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the knowledge of the guides. Several reviews mention guides who are well-versed in Inca history and who make an effort to explain everything clearly, even translating into English. This makes the experience more meaningful, especially given the number of sites visited.

The scenic drives through mountain and valley landscapes are another standout. Many reviewers are struck by how beautiful the roads are, with mountains and terraced fields stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a reminder that traveling through the Sacred Valley is as much about the scenery as the sites themselves.

The included buffet lunch is generally seen as good value, offering a wide selection of Peruvian dishes. However, some reviewers note that the stops at artisan shops and salt stores, while interesting, can eat into the time spent at the main archaeological sites. If you’re eager to spend more time exploring each ruin and less time shopping, this is something to be aware of.

The small group size, capped at 20 travelers, means more personal attention from guides, which enhances the experience. But be prepared for a long day—13 hours in a vehicle, many steps at each site, and some early mornings.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a rundown of the Sacred Valley without the hassle of planning each site individually. It appeals most to those who enjoy guided storytelling, scenic drives, and a variety of sites in one day. If you appreciate good food, cultural insights, and don’t mind a full schedule, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

However, if you prefer to spend more time at each site or dislike retail stops, you might find the itinerary a bit rushed or frustrating. The tour’s nature makes it ideal for those with moderate physical fitness, as there’s walking involved, and the day can be long.

The Sum Up

For a reasonable price, this Sacred Valley tour offers a nicely balanced mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural highlights. The knowledgeable guides are a real asset, helping you understand what you’re seeing and making the experience richer. The included buffet lunch adds value, and the small group setting makes for a more intimate experience.

Keep in mind that the day is full and sometimes hurried—if you’re eager to explore each site at your own pace, or dislike commercial stops, you might want to consider alternative options. But for most travelers, this tour provides a solid, enjoyable way to connect with Inca history and Peruvian culture in a single, memorable day.

If you’re after a well-organized, affordable introduction to the Sacred Valley’s highlights, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Just bring your energy, a camera, and an appetite for learning and adventure.

FAQ

Is pickup from my Cusco hotel included?
Yes, the tour includes hassle-free pickup from your hotel, scheduled between 6:30 and 6:55 am.

How long is the whole trip?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 13 hours, with return around 7:30 pm.

Are tickets to the sites included?
No, tickets for the Sacred Valley (70 soles), Salineras (20 soles), and other sites are paid separately on the day.

What’s the food like during the tour?
You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with more than 30 Peruvian dishes, offering a good variety of local flavors.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring sun protection, a hat, and perhaps a face mask, especially if the weather is hot and dusty.

Is this tour suitable for kids or those with limited mobility?
Mostly yes, but be prepared for some walking and the long day. The tour’s pace can be brisk, and stairs at sites may be challenging for some.

Can I leave the tour at Ollantaytambo?
Yes, some reviews mention the option to disembark earlier in Ollantaytambo if you plan to visit Machu Picchu or continue your trip independently.