Discover the Classic Sacred Valley Tour Full Day, a well-planned small-group experience through the most iconic places of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Travel from Cusco to the valley’s most meaningful highlights: an alpaca farm, Taray Viewpoint, Pisac ruins and market, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
With comfortable transportation, expert local guides, entrance tickets included, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba, this tour is one of the best ways to experience the Sacred Valley in one day. Enjoy Inca history, local markets, living traditions, beautiful landscapes, and the care of a 100% Peruvian local operator.
Tour Type Group / Private
Duration Full Day
Activities Historical Sites, Culture
Average Group Size 8 to 12 people
Tour Language English, Spanish
Starts/Ends Cusco / Cusco
Meals Buffet Lunch
Destinations Pisac - Ollantaytambo - Chinchero
Overview of the Classic Sacred Valley Tour Full Day
The Classic Sacred Valley Tour is one of the best full-day tours from Cusco for travelers who want to understand the heart of the Inca world in a clear, comfortable, and well-organized way. This route focuses on the essential highlights of the valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, with beautiful viewpoints, local culture, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
This small-group premium tour is designed for travelers who want a complete cultural experience without adding too many stops in one day. You will visit an alpaca farm, enjoy the Taray Viewpoint, explore the Pisac archaeological site and market, discover the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, and finish in Chinchero, known for its Inca remains, colonial church, and traditional weaving.
TreXperience operates this tour with comfortable transportation, expert local guides, included entrance tickets, a carefully selected lunch stop, and responsible travel practices. The day is organized with the right timing, route, and pace so you can enjoy each place without feeling rushed.
Tour Highlights
- Classic Sacred Valley route: Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, the most important highlights of the traditional Sacred Valley tour.
- Small-group premium service: Enjoy a more personal experience with comfortable transportation and expert guiding.
- Alpaca farm: Meet llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos while learning about Andean fibers and textile traditions.
- Taray Viewpoint: Take in one of the best panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River.
- Pisac ruins and market: Explore Inca terraces, ceremonial areas, and one of the most colorful markets in the valley.
- Ollantaytambo fortress: Visit one of the strongest and most impressive Inca sites in the Sacred Valley.
- Chinchero: Learn about Inca history, colonial heritage, and traditional weaving with natural dyes.
- Tickets and buffet lunch included: Travel with the main logistics already organized for you.
Classic Sacred Valley Tour at a Glance
- 8:00 a.m.: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center.
- Alpaca farm: Learn about Andean camelids, native fibers, natural dyes, and traditional textile work.
- Taray Viewpoint: Enjoy a wide view of the Sacred Valley before descending toward Pisac.
- Pisac archaeological site: Visit terraces, temples, and ancient Inca sectors with your guide.
- Pisac market: Browse local crafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs.
- Lunch in Urubamba: Enjoy a buffet lunch with regional dishes and vegetarian options.
- Ollantaytambo: Explore the Inca fortress and the living Inca town.
- Chinchero: Visit the Inca remains, historic plaza, colonial church area, and weaving center.
- 6:00 p.m.: Approximate return and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco’s historic center.
- Comfortable tourist transportation.
- Professional local tour guide.
- Buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba with vegetarian options.
- Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket III: entrance fee to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Not Included
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Snacks and personal expenses.
- Tips, optional.
- Travel insurance, highly recommended.
Extra Upgrades and Private Service
- Maras and Moray: If you want to add Maras Salt Mines and Moray terraces, see our Sacred Valley VIP Tour with Maras and Moray.
- Private service: Upgrade to a private experience with private transportation, your own guide, and a more flexible pace.
- Vegetarian options: Vegetarian meals are usually available as part of the buffet lunch selection.
Why Book with TreXperience?
- 100% Peruvian local operator: Travel with a Cusco-based team that understands the route, timing, and local culture.
- Expert local guides: Our guides are professional, friendly, and trained to make history clear and engaging.
- Well-planned itinerary: Enjoy the classic Sacred Valley route with the right timing and a comfortable rhythm.
- Responsible travel: We support respectful visits, local communities, and fair treatment of our guides, drivers, and team.
Sacred Valley Full Day Tour Itinerary
Meet Alpacas and Explore Classic Inca Sites
This Sacred Valley Tour starts at 8:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will travel through the highlands around the city in comfortable tourist transportation as we make our way toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The first stop is an alpaca farm, where you will meet the famous South American camelids: llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Your guide will explain their differences, habits, and importance in Andean life. You will also learn how their fibers are used in traditional textiles and why this work remains so valuable for local families.
From there, we will continue to the Taray Viewpoint, a beautiful lookout over the Sacred Valley. You will see the Urubamba River, farming lands, small villages, and the mountains of the Peruvian Andes. It is a perfect stop for photos and a great introduction to the valley before visiting the Inca sites.
The next stop is the Pisac archaeological site, an Inca settlement built high on the mountainside. We will explore its lower section, where you will see agricultural terraces, ancient buildings, ceremonial areas, and impressive views of the valley. Pisac is one of the best places to understand how the Incas combined farming, architecture, spirituality, and landscape.
After visiting the site, we will continue to the town of Pisac and visit the Pisac handicraft market. This is a great place to see local artisans, colorful textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional souvenirs. It is also a good opportunity to support local families and enjoy the lively atmosphere of a Sacred Valley market.
From Pisac, we will drive about one hour to Urubamba, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The meal includes a variety of regional and Peruvian dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Vegetarian options are available.
After lunch, we will drive to the beautiful village of Ollantaytambo, known as the Last Living Inca City. Here, we will visit its impressive Inca fortress, built with massive terraces and fine stonework. This site was important for military, religious, and agricultural purposes, and it still offers powerful views of the valley.
If time allows, we will also walk through the old town at the foot of the fortress. Ollantaytambo still preserves original Inca streets, water channels, and a traditional layout that local families continue to use today. It is also one of the main gateways to Machu Picchu by train.
The final stop is Chinchero, an important Inca royal estate and ceremonial center. During your visit, you will see Inca remains, the historic plaza, the colonial church area, and a traditional weaving center where local artisans show natural dyes, Andean symbols, and textile techniques passed down through generations.
The tour ends in the late afternoon, with return to your hotel in Cusco around 6:00 p.m..
Price of the Classic Sacred Valley Tour
We operate the Classic Sacred Valley Tour in small groups to keep your experience personal, comfortable, and easy to enjoy. The group service starts from US$90 per person and includes expert local guiding, comfortable transportation, buffet lunch, and the Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket III for Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Prefer a more exclusive experience? Choose our private Sacred Valley Tour, with a dedicated guide, private transportation, and a more flexible pace. Private prices are per person and based on your group size.
Group Tour:
| Service | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Small Group Tour | From US$ 90 |
Private Tour:
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 300 |
| 2 | US$ 180 |
| 3 | US$ 145 |
| 4 | US$ 125 |
| 5 | US$ 120 |
| 6 | US$ 110 |
| 7 | US$ 99 |
| 8 | US$ 95 |
| 9 or more | Contact us for a special price |
Booking and Payment
You can pay for the tour through our booking system or at our office in Cusco using a credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us if you need to review alternative payment options.
Before You Book
- This tour can usually be booked from one day to the next, subject to availability.
- This tour is available every day.
- You will visit local markets, so we recommend bringing cash in Peruvian soles for personal purchases.
- If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know when booking.
How to Book
To book this tour:
- Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select the tour option of your choice: group or private service.
- Fill in all the requested details with your passport information.
- Enter your credit or debit card details and complete the payment.
- Our team will contact you to reconfirm your payment, pickup details, and final tour information.
Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour - Packing List
When you visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero on the Sacred Valley Tour, remember that weather in the Andes can change quickly. Even on a sunny morning, conditions can shift to wind, light rain, or cooler temperatures while you explore archaeological sites and traditional towns.
You will travel in our comfortable tourist transportation, but you should expect short walks of about 30 minutes at each stop, with stone steps, uneven paths, terraces, and market streets. To make your day as comfortable as possible, bring only what you need and keep your bag light.
What to Bring to the Sacred Valley Tour
Note: This tour involves walking on uneven terrain, so we recommend bringing only essential items and avoiding heavy backpacks. Weather in the Sacred Valley can be unpredictable, so it is always smart to bring layers and light rain protection.
Useful Information About the Classic Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco
The Classic Sacred Valley Tour is a full-day cultural experience through Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. It is the ideal route for travelers who want the traditional highlights of the Sacred Valley without adding Maras and Moray. Here you’ll find practical information about tickets, altitude, weather, places visited, drop-off options, and recommended tours before or after this experience.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
This tour includes the Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket III, which covers entrance to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. This ticket is required for the main archaeological sites included in the classic Sacred Valley route.
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is managed by COSITUC. If you plan to visit more sites in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you can also read our Cusco Tourist Ticket guide.
Altitude of the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, with many areas around 2,800 m / 9,186 ft. This often makes it more comfortable for travelers who are still adjusting to the altitude.
Even so, you will still be walking at high elevation. Drink water, take your time on stairs and terraces, and avoid rushing. If you are concerned about altitude, review the CDC’s high-altitude travel advice.
Best Time to Visit the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley can be visited all year. The dry season, from May to September, usually offers clearer skies, better views, and more comfortable walking conditions. The rainy season, from November to March, brings greener landscapes and more frequent showers.
Weather can change quickly, so we recommend bringing layers, sun protection, and light rain gear in any season.
How This Tour Is Different from the Sacred Valley VIP Tour
The Classic Sacred Valley Tour focuses on the traditional route: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. It is perfect if you want the essential Sacred Valley experience with a more classic flow.
If you want to add Moray terraces and the Maras Salt Mines in the same day, see our Sacred Valley VIP Tour with Maras and Moray. If you prefer a shorter half-day experience, review our Maras, Moray and Chinchero Tour.
Places You Will Visit
This tour is built around the classic highlights of the Sacred Valley: alpaca farm, Taray Viewpoint, Pisac archaeological site, Pisac market, buffet lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Each stop adds a different part of the story: landscapes, textiles, markets, Inca engineering, living towns, and Andean traditions.
Alpaca Farm
The alpaca farm is a warm and easy first stop on the way to the Sacred Valley. You will see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos, and learn why their fibers are so important in Andean textile traditions.
Taray Viewpoint
Taray Viewpoint offers one of the best panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. From here, you can see the Urubamba River, farming lands, villages, and mountains before continuing toward Pisac.
Pisac Archaeological Site
Pisac is one of the most important Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. Its terraces, ceremonial areas, ancient sectors, and valley views help you understand how the Incas connected farming, religion, architecture, and landscape.
Pisac Market
Pisac Market is one of the most colorful stops on the route. You will find textiles, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and traditional souvenirs made or sold by local artisans.
Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress
Ollantaytambo is one of the strongest Inca sites in Peru. Its massive terraces, stone walls, temple sector, and views over the valley make it one of the most powerful stops of the day. The town still preserves original Inca streets and water channels.
Chinchero
Chinchero is known for its Inca remains, historic plaza, colonial church area, and weaving traditions. Local artisans show how natural dyes and traditional looms are used to create textiles with Andean symbols and colors.
Ending in Ollantaytambo for the Train to Machu Picchu
You can request drop-off in Ollantaytambo if you are taking a train to Aguas Calientes after the tour. This works best for trains departing after 4:00 p.m. In that case, you may not visit the final stop in Chinchero.
If you want to continue to Machu Picchu after the Sacred Valley, see our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days.
Recommended Tours Before or After This Tour
The Classic Sacred Valley Tour pairs perfectly with the Cusco City Tour before your valley visit. If you want a more complete Sacred Valley route, consider the Sacred Valley VIP Tour with Maras and Moray.
For a complete multi-day plan, see Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 3 Days.
Classic Sacred Valley Tour Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Sacred Valley Tour?
It is a full-day small-group tour from Cusco focused on the traditional Sacred Valley route: alpaca farm, Taray Viewpoint, Pisac ruins and market, buffet lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. It includes transportation, guide, lunch, and entrance tickets for the main sites.
How is this tour different from the Sacred Valley VIP Tour?
This classic tour focuses on Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. The Sacred Valley VIP Tour is longer and adds Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. If you want those extra sites, see our Sacred Valley VIP Tour with Maras and Moray.
What time does the tour start and end?
Pickup is around 8:00 a.m. from hotels in Cusco’s historic center. The tour usually returns to Cusco around 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic, weather, and group pace.
Are entrance tickets included?
Yes. The tour includes the Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket III, which covers Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
You can learn more about this ticket in our Cusco Tourist Ticket guide or on the official COSITUC website.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A buffet lunch is included at a local restaurant in Urubamba. The buffet usually offers a variety of Peruvian and regional dishes, with vegetarian options available.
Is this tour good for my first days in Cusco?
Yes. The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, so many travelers find it more comfortable while acclimatizing. The tour includes transportation between stops and short walks at the sites.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes short walks of around 30 minutes at each stop, usually on terraces, stone steps, market streets, and uneven paths. You do not need to be an expert hiker, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Can I finish the tour in Ollantaytambo?
Yes. We can drop you off in Ollantaytambo if you are catching a train to Aguas Calientes. This works best for trains departing after 4:00 p.m. In this case, you may not visit the final stop in Chinchero.
Can the tour finish at a hotel in the Sacred Valley?
The group tour normally returns to Cusco. If you need drop-off at a hotel in the Sacred Valley, we recommend booking private service so we can organize the route and logistics properly.
Are there discounts for children or students?
Unfortunately, there is no student discount available for this tour.
Are there restrooms along the route?
Yes. Restrooms are available at several points along the route, especially at the restaurant in Urubamba where we stop for lunch.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own snacks or drinks. Please avoid leaving any waste at the places we visit, and let us know in advance if you have special dietary requirements.
Are drones, tripods, or flash allowed during this tour?
Drone use is restricted and requires special permits. Tripods and flash may also be restricted in churches and archaeological parks. Please follow your guide’s instructions and all site rules.
Can I customize the tour?
Yes, customization is possible in private service. You can adjust the rhythm, spend more time at selected places, or add special interests such as photography, markets, textiles, horseback riding, mountain biking, or picnic meals.