Scared Valley Of Incas VIP (Full Day)

A luxury day in the Sacred Valley of Incas: what to expect

If you’re planning a visit to Cusco and want a smooth, insightful way to explore the Sacred Valley, this VIP full-day tour offers just that. For $46.16 per person, you get to visit some of the most notable archaeological sites—Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Maras—without the hassle of organizing your own transportation or entrance tickets. The tour lasts around 8 hours, starting early at 6:00 am with hotel pickup, so you can sit back and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery while a guide shares stories and insights.

What we really like about this experience is its small-group format, which typically keeps the atmosphere intimate and allows for more personalized attention from your guide. Plus, the included lunch is a nice touch, saving you the trouble of finding a meal on your own after a morning of sightseeing. It’s a good choice for travelers who prefer a guided, relaxed day that covers key highlights efficiently.

However, one potential drawback is the mixed reviews about reliability—at least with this particular operator. One traveler noted that their pickup never arrived, which highlights the importance of confirming arrangements beforehand. Also, the admission tickets are not included for all sites, so you should budget around 70 Soles for partial or 130 Soles for full access, if you wish to enter everything.

This tour suits those who want to maximize their Sacred Valley experience without spending hours figuring out logistics or navigating public transport. It’s ideal for travelers who value expert commentary and want to see a variety of sites in one day, especially if they’re willing to be flexible with minor hiccups.

Key Points

• Efficient itinerary: Visit five main sites in the Sacred Valley in just one day, perfect for those with limited time.
• Guided experience: A bi-lingual guide provides in-depth insights, making the history and significance of each site more meaningful.
• Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickup, transportation, and lunch included make it easier to relax and enjoy the day.
• Variable admission costs: Entrance fees are not included; budget around 70-130 Soles if you want full access.
• Mixed reviews on reliability: One traveler experienced a no-show pickup, so double-check your booking and communicate with the operator.
• Ideal for: Visitors seeking a well-organized, informative tour with a small group, who don’t mind some variability in site access.

Exploring the Sacred Valley in Comfort and Style

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most picturesque and historically significant regions near Cusco. This VIP tour aims to offer a luxurious, simplified way to see its highlights without the stress of organizing transportation or worrying about tickets. For around eight hours, you’ll visit five standout sites, each with its own story and splendor.

Starting early from your Cusco hotel, the tour kicks off at Chinchero, a charming high-altitude village famed for its colorful Sunday market and traditional dress. We loved the views overlooking the valley and the chance to see a living piece of Inca culture. The village’s claim as the mythical birthplace of the rainbow adds a layer of mystique, making it a memorable first stop.

Next, you’ll head to Moray, an agricultural experiment site famous for its concentric terraces. This site is especially fascinating because of its ingenious drainage system and the way the Incas tested crops in different climate zones within a single location. We found the terraces quite striking, showcasing Inca engineering at its best.

From there, the Maras Salt Mines offer a visually stunning experience. The patchwork of shallow pools fed by mineral springs creates a landscape that almost looks surreal—each pool a different shade of brown, white, or blue. This site was a favorite for many travelers because of its unique appearance and the chance to see a still-functioning salt extraction operation.

The visit to Ollantaytambo is a highlight for many. This ancient town is a living Inca city with well-preserved stone streets and terraces. The impressive fortress and the Temple of the Sun demonstrate the strategic and ceremonial importance of the site. We appreciated the guide’s explanations about how the fortress was built between two mountains to defend the valley.

Finally, Pisac provides an awe-inspiring archaeological complex perched atop a hill. Its stone walls and terraces reflect incredible craftsmanship, and the panoramic views of the valley are breathtaking. The site’s importance during the Inca period and its connection to local legend make it a fitting last stop.

Throughout the day, your guide (sometimes named Frank, as one reviewer mentioned) offers cultural and historical insights, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing. The included lunch is a practical bonus, giving you energy for the afternoon.

The Practicalities: What You Should Know

The transportation is comfortable, with a small group that generally keeps things intimate. However, always confirm your pickup times and details, especially since one traveler noted that the operator failed to show up initially. The tour begins at 6:00 am, so be prepared for an early start, and bring layers to cope with high altitude and variable weather.

Admission fees are separate, so plan to spend around 70 Soles for partial tickets or 130 Soles for full tickets if you want access to all sites. The tour includes hotel transfer, transportation, a guide, and lunch, making it a good value considering the convenience and the expert commentary.

The group size, capped at 15 travelers, ensures you can ask questions and get more personalized attention, but keep in mind that the reliability of the operator depends on booking and communication. One review mentioned difficulty in reaching the company or confirming details, so it’s wise to stay in touch ahead of your tour day.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience best suits travelers who want a guided, hassle-free day of exploring the Sacred Valley’s highlights. It’s perfect if you appreciate small-group tours and are eager to learn about Inca culture from a knowledgeable guide. If you’re comfortable with some uncertainty regarding entrance tickets and the possibility of logistical hiccups, this is a solid choice.

It’s especially suitable for those who want to focus on the sights and stories rather than navigating buses or taxis themselves. The inclusion of lunch and hotel pickup makes it easier to enjoy the day without worrying about minor details.

If you’re a traveler who values authentic cultural experiences and wants to see a variety of sites in one day with expert insights, this tour delivers a compelling package.

The Sum Up

For those looking to experience the Sacred Valley comfortably, this tour provides a good mix of sites, stories, and scenery. The guided approach enhances your understanding of Inca civilization, and the small-group setting helps keep the experience intimate. While some travelers have encountered issues with reliability, the overall value—especially with included transportation and lunch—makes it worth considering.

This tour is best for curious travelers who want a structured day of sightseeing without the headaches of planning every detail themselves. It’s ideal if you’re okay with some flexibility around entrance fees and understand that a tour’s success can sometimes depend on factors outside the operator’s control.

If you cherish knowledgeable guides and stunning views, and you’re prepared for a possibly bumpy start, you’ll likely find this an enjoyable, rewarding way to connect with the Sacred Valley’s past and present.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 6:00 am with hotel pick-up, so plan to be ready early to avoid missing the bus.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel transfer within Cusco, making it convenient to start your day.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance fees are not included. You should budget approximately 70 Soles for partial tickets or 130 Soles for full access to all sites.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, covering key archaeological and cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, from early morning pickup through late afternoon, including lunch.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but be aware of the early start and high altitude. Confirm with the operator if you have specific health concerns.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, water, sun protection, and a small amount of cash for optional extras or entrance fees.

What if the operator doesn’t pick me up?
One traveler experienced a no-show, so it’s wise to confirm your booking and communicate with the company in advance.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour has a fixed itinerary, but you can choose to skip certain sites if you prefer, especially if you want to control entrance fees.

Would I recommend this tour?
Yes, especially if you value guided insights, want to visit several sites efficiently, and don’t mind some variability in site access or minor logistical issues.

Whether you’re a first-timer exploring the Sacred Valley or someone who appreciates guided tours that blend comfort with culture, this VIP experience offers a practical, scenic, and informative way to spend your day with a taste of Inca history.