Sacred Valley Full Day Tour - Itinerary

This Sacred Valley Tour starts at 8:00 am with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will travel through the highlands around Cusco on our way to the Sacred Valley.

Alpaca Farm: The first stop is at Awanacancha farm, where you will get to know the famous South American camelids: llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos, as well as learn about their differences, importance, and habits. From here, we'll reach Mirador Taray, an observation platform where you'll witness the Sacred Valley's breathtaking vistas, including the Urubamba River and the farming lands in the Peruvian Andes. 

Pisac Archeological Site: The next stop is at the archaeological site of Pisac, an Inca village built on top of the mountain. This extraordinary place boasts a complex of impressive temples, houses, and hundreds of tombs enclosed by gigantic walls. There are also agricultural terraces you can explore.

Pisac Market: After visiting the site, we'll make our way to Pisac town and check out the handicraft market. This is a popular place for local craftspeople who manufacture their goods and sell them directly to tourists. From here, it'll be just 1 hour to Urubamba, where you'll enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. The restaurant offers a buffet-style meal with several options and fresh ingredients sourced from the area.

Ollantaytambo: After lunch, we'll drive to the lovely village of Ollantaytambo, known as the "Last Living Inca City." The town still has its original Inca streets, which the locals still use today. While exploring the village, you will have the chance to see the well-guarded Inca citadel constructed to defend the Inca people from potential attackers. Ollantaytambo also serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Chinchero: The last place to visit is Chinchero, a royal estate and ceremonial center during the Inca Empire. It is said to have been a favorite of the 10th Inca King, Tupac Inca Yupanqui. During your visit, you will explore an Inca Palace, visit its colonial church, and learn about the local artisan's renowned weaving techniques and natural dyes.

The tour will end in the late afternoon, returning to your hotel in Cusco around 6:00 pm.

Places we visit in the Sacred Valley

During the Sacred Valley tour, we will travel in a private van and visit the Inca sites and local markets. It's important to listen to the tour guide's directions and follow the times at each Inca site to complete the tour as in the itinerary. 

Alpaca farm

Awanacancha Alpaca farm is a traditional Andean farm in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near Pisac. The farm is dedicated to breeding and conserving alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas, all native to the Andean region.

At Awanacancha, you can learn about the history and importance of these animals to Andean culture and economy, as well as the traditional weaving techniques used to make textiles from their wool. The farm has a variety of interactive exhibits that showcase the different breeds of South American camelids and demonstrate the shearing, spinning, and weaving processes used to produce textiles.

The highlight of a visit to Awanacancha is the opportunity to interact with the animals themselves. You can feed and pet the alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas and learn about their habits and behavior. You can also observe how their wool is harvested and processed into yarn and how the yarn is dyed and woven into beautiful textiles using traditional techniques.

Mirador Taray

Mirador Taray is a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, with the Andes mountains in the distance.

You can take a short hike up a hill that overlooks the valley to reach Mirador Taray. The trail is relatively easy and takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. Along the way, you will pass through crops such as corn and quinoa fields and may encounter local farmers working in the areas.

Once at the top of the hill, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, including the Urubamba River and the surrounding mountains. It is a great place to take photos and soak in the beauty of the Andean landscape.

In addition to the views, Mirador Taray is also a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region. The viewpoint is located near several important Inca ruins, including the Pisac archaeological site and the Ollantaytambo fortress.

Pisac Inca Site (The largest cemetery of the Incas)

The Pisac Inca site is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of Cusco. It is situated at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River. The site consists of a large archaeological complex, including the remains of several Inca buildings, tombs, and burial sites.

The most notable feature of the Pisac Inca site is the Inti Watana, a large stone structure that served as an important ceremonial center for the Incas. The Inti Watana is located on the site's highest point and consists of a large rectangular platform with two concentric circular stone walls. The platform is believed to have been used for astronomical observations, and the outer wall was used as a sundial.

In addition to the Inti Watana, the Pisac Inca site is famous for its enormous farming terraces. The site also has several smaller structures, including storage rooms, workshops, and living quarters for the priests and nobles who resided there.

Pisac Market

The Pisac Local Market is a popular place in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The market is known for its wide range of colorful and handcrafted textiles, pottery, jewelry, and other handicrafts made by local artisans.

The market is open daily but is busiest on Sundays when vendors from the surrounding villages come to sell their products. You can browse the stalls and find various unique items, including alpaca wool clothing, hats, scarves, and blankets. Many of the textiles feature intricate designs and patterns that are based on traditional Andean motifs.

In addition to textiles, the Pisac Market also offers a variety of other handicrafts, including pottery, jewelry, and musical instruments. You can watch artisans create their products using traditional techniques, and many vendors are happy to explain the process and answer questions.

The market is also a great place to sample traditional Andean foods, such as empanadas, tamales, and chicha, a fermented corn beverage. You can also find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs and spices used in traditional Peruvian cuisine.

The Pisac Local Market offers a unique opportunity to experience Andean culture and tradition firsthand. It is a colorful and lively place, full of interesting sights, sounds, and smells, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Peruvian culture and handicrafts.

Ollantaytambo (Last Living Inca Citadel)

Ollantaytambo (2792 m - 9160 ft) is a small town located in the Sacred Valley, about 60 kilometers northwest of Cusco. It is known for its impressive Inca ruins, which include a massive fortress, a temple complex, and a series of agricultural terraces.

The town was built on the foundations of an ancient Inca city, one of the last strongholds of the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquistadors. The Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo are considered some of Peru's best-preserved examples of Inca architecture and engineering.

The fortress of Ollantaytambo is perhaps the most impressive structure in the town. It is situated on a hill overlooking the town and features massive walls made of large granite blocks. The fortress was built to defend the Sacred Valley against invading forces and played a crucial role in the region's defense during the Spanish conquest.

In addition to the fortress, Ollantaytambo also has a temple complex used for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations. The temple features a series of stone structures, including a large platform used for ceremonial purposes.

Finally, Ollantaytambo is also known for its agricultural terraces, which were built on steep hillsides to allow for the cultivation of crops such as corn and potatoes. The terraces are an impressive example of Inca engineering, and they are still in use today by local farmers.

Visitors to Ollantaytambo can explore the Inca ruins and learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire. The town also has a lively market where visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Ollantaytambo is also a popular starting point for the Inca Trail, a multi-day hike that leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

Chinchero (Land of Great Weavers)

Chinchero, located at 3,762 m (12,343 ft), is indeed known as the "Land of Great Weavers" due to its rich history and tradition of textile production. The town has been a textile production center since the Inca Empire, and many of the techniques and designs used by the weavers today have been passed down through generations of artisans.

One of the most unique aspects of Chinchero's textile production is using natural dyes made from plants and insects. The weavers use various materials to create different colors, including cochineal insects, indigo plants, and various types of berries and leaves.

In addition to using natural dyes, the weavers of Chinchero are also known for their intricate designs and patterns. Many of these designs are based on traditional Inca motifs, such as the chakana (Inca cross) and the puma (a symbol of power and strength). The weavers use various techniques, including backstrap weaving and pedal looms, to create their intricate and beautiful textiles.

Nowadays, you can visit Chinchero's local textile market and see the weavers at work, creating their beautiful textiles using traditional techniques and natural dyes. You can also purchase handmade textiles, such as scarves, blankets, bags, and other handicrafts made by local artisans.

The area around Chinchero is renowned for its natural beauty and is often referred to as the "land of the rainbow." This is because of the many different colors that can be seen in the landscape due to the mineral-rich soil. The colors are vivid during the rainy season when the sun shines through the raindrops, creating a rainbow effect.

Price for the Sacred Valley Tour

Price per person:

• US$ 120 - Small group tour
• For 4+ Travelers, contact us to get a special price: info@trexperienceperu.com

To book the Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 50 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit card at no booking fees at all.

Similar tours you might be interested in: 

• Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour
• Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley hike
• Humantay Lake from Cusco
• Classic Inca Trail 4 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 days

Useful information about the Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful and historical place in Peru, once the center of the Inca Empire and now a popular tourist destination. The Sacred Valley is home to many ancient ruins, including the famous Machu Picchu, as well as stunning natural scenery. If you plan a trip to Peru, add the Sacred Valley of the Incas to your itinerary! 

Location

The Sacred Valley is located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, about 50 kilometers (300 miles) from Cusco. It is a beautiful and fertile valley with many Inca sites. The main towns in the Sacred Valley are Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. The Urubamba River runs along the Sacred Valley, the Amazon River's tributary, the world's largest river. 

History

The Sacred Valley was once an important center of the Inca Empire and home to some of the most important Inca sites, including Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley was also an important agricultural area for the Inca and is still home to many traditional indigenous communities.

The Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Sacred Valley in the early 16th century and quickly began building their settlements and churches. The Spanish also forcibly relocated many indigenous people from their homes in the Sacred Valley to work on plantations and in mines. However, the indigenous people of the Sacred Valley have maintained their cultural traditions and played an important role in Peruvian society.

Weather

The Sacred Valley is also known for its stunning scenery and mild climate. The weather in the Sacred Valley is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 15-25 degrees Celsius. However, there can be some variation depending on the time of year and the valley's altitude.

For example, it can be cooler in the morning and evening, and the temperature can drop below 10 degrees Celsius at higher altitudes. The Sacred Valley has two main seasons – the wet season (from November to March) and the dry season (from April to October).

The wet season is characterized by more rainfall, sometimes making conditions muddy and slippery. However, this is also the best time of year to see the valley's waterfalls at their fullest. The dry season is generally hotter and drier, but there is still plenty of vegetation thanks to irrigation channels that bring water from nearby mountains. No matter what time of year you visit the Sacred Valley, you're sure to be mesmerized by its natural beauty.

Altitude

The altitude ranges from 2,700 to 3,400 meters (8,860 to 11,200 ft) above sea level. The valley is one of the most fertile areas in the world and is home to many different crops, such as potatoes, maize, quinoa, and amaranth. The soil is also extremely rich in minerals, which has made it a popular destination for agriculture and mining.

Best hotels in the Sacred Valley  

There are several hotels and resorts to choose from in the Sacred Valley, so it isn't easy to know which one is right for you. To help you decide, we've compiled a list of our top picks for the best hotels in Sacred Valley.

• Tambo del Inka: Hotel Tambo del Inka is a five-star hotel that offers luxury accommodations and stunning views of the Andes Mountains. The hotel features a full-service spa, fitness center, and restaurants. Guests can choose from various room types, including suites and standard rooms.
• Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a colonial-style hacienda located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The hacienda was built in the 16th century and was meticulously restored recently to its original splendor.
• Aranwa Sacred Valley: Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Hotel Aranwa is a luxury hotel that offers its guests an authentic Andean experience. The hotel's design is inspired by traditional Quechua architecture, and its rooms and suites are decorated with hand-woven textiles and indigenous artwork.
• Sonesta Posada Yucay: A beautiful, colonial-style hotel located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Surrounded by mountains and gardens, the hotel offers stunning views of the valley below.
• Pakaritampu Hotel: A lovely hotel located in the heart of the charming town of Ollantaytambo. The hotel offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is just a short walk from the main square and the train station.
• Del Pilar: The closest hotel to the Inca Trail, it offers stunning views of the mountains and valley and is just a short walk from the Ollantaytambo ruins.

Restaurants in the Sacred Valley

Many restaurants in the Sacred Valley of the Incas offer traditional Peruvian food as well as international cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include: 

• Alhambra Hacienda Restaurant
• Muña's Restaurant
• Don Angel Inka Restaurant
• El Chuncho - Ollantaytambo

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful, lush valley in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The Sacred Valley is home to many ancient ruins, including the famous Machu Picchu, in the Urubamba province. It is a popular tourist destination for its stunning scenery and rich cultural history. To reach Machu Picchu, you need to travel through the Sacred Valley.

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The ancient Inca citadel was built in the 15th century and is located high in the Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Sacred Valley Map

Things to do in the Sacred Valley

Anyone can explore the Sacred Valley. There are plenty of things to do to entertain visitors of all ages. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Visit the Inca ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero
• Go horseback riding through the valley.
• Explore the colorful markets of Pisac and Chinchero
• Whitewater raft down the Urubamba River.
• Visit the towns of Maras and Moray,
• Explore their traditional markets and learn about salt production at Maras Salt Mines.
• Take a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, home of Machu Picchu.

Tips for visiting the Sacred Valley

1. Start your visit in Cusco: Cusco is the gateway to the Sacred Valley, and it's a great place to acclimate to the altitude before heading into the valley. Please spend a few days exploring the city and its Inca ruins before heading out.

2. Take your time: The Sacred Valley is huge, and there's a lot to see and do. Don't try to pack too much into one trip – take your time and enjoy the valley at a relaxed pace.

3. Visit during the off-season: The Sacred Valley is busiest during peak tourist season (June-August), so if you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit for shoulder season (April-May or September-October).

4. Hire a tour company: A local guide can show you around the Sacred Valley and help you make the most of your visit. They can also share insider tips on where and what to see.

5. Stay in Ollantaytambo town for 1 night: Several villages are located throughout the Sacred Valley, each with unique charms. Staying in Ollantaytambo before Machu Picchu and the Inca trail is a perfect choice.

Sacred Valley Tour Frequently Asked Questions

Are you thinking about taking a trip to the Sacred Valley in Peru? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. Fortunately, we've got answers. This page will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Sacred Valley tour. From what to pack to how to get there, we've got you covered.