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Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco | Classic Sacred Valley Route

Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco | Classic Sacred Valley Route

Experience the iconic Sacred Valley in one day, connecting ancient Inca sites, traditional villages, and spectacular mountain scenery.

Explore this tour
Duration

Full Day

Max. altitude

9,500 ft.

Starting point

Cusco

Difficulty

Easy

Sacred Valley Full Day Tour

Planning your Sacred Valley visit from Cusco should be exciting, not stressful. With so many places to see, transportation options, entrance tickets, and timing to consider, organizing everything on your own can quickly become complicated. This full-day Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco is designed to make your day simple, comfortable, and enjoyable from the moment you leave your hotel until you return to Cusco.

Our tour brings together the essential highlights of the Sacred Valley in a carefully organized experience, allowing you to focus on exploring the region without worrying about routes, transportation, schedules, or how to get between sites. From the moment your day begins, everything is taken care of, so you can relax and fully enjoy the journey.

Traveling with a knowledgeable local guide also means you are not simply looking at ancient ruins or passing through Andean communities without understanding their importance. You will learn the stories, history, and cultural traditions that make the Sacred Valley such a meaningful part of Peru.

Along the way, you will discover the Chinchero ruins, the impressive Inca site of Ollantaytambo, and the archaeological complex and traditional market of Pisac, three of the most memorable highlights of the Sacred Valley.

This journey isn’t just about checking off one sight after another; it’s been carefully designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the Sacred Valley as a whole including its history, culture, landscapes, and connections to the Inca world.

Make the most of your time in Cusco and discover the Sacred Valley at a comfortable pace. Join us for a memorable day exploring the heart of the Andes of Peru.

Why take this Sacred Valley Tour?

  • Iconic Inca Sites
  • Expert Local Guide
  • Comfortable Transportation
  • Easy Cusco Departure

Quick Itinerary

Sacred Valley Tour at a Glance:

A simple overview of the route, and main experiences included in your day. See how the journey unfolds from Cusco.

  • STOP1

    Chinchero Ruins:

    Visit the Chinchero ruins and learn about the Inca history of the area. You will also have the option to stop at a local alpaca farm to see the animals and learn about traditional Andean textiles.

  • STOP 2

    Ollantaytambo Ruins:

    Take your time to walk through the ancient terraces and see the large stones used in its construction. From the upper part, you can enjoy views of the Sacred Valley while your guide explains the site and the stories behind its ancient structures.

  • STOP 3

    Pisac Ruins:

    Our final stop of the day takes us to Pisac, where we’ll spend time around the archaeological site. Afterward, we’ll head to the traditional market, a good place to see local crafts, textiles, and everyday life before returning to Cusco.

Know What to Expect

Take a closer look at the full itinerary and see how your Sacred Valley experience unfolds from Cusco and back.

View Full Itinerary

Discover each place

Take a closer look at each stop included in our Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco. Here you can find practical details about each place, including its altitude, approximate visit time, and what you can see during your visit. This helps you know what to expect at every stop along the route.

Alpaca Farm

Alpaca Farm

Our first stop is a local alpaca farm in Chinchero, where you can see alpacas up close and learn about traditional Andean textiles. It’s a relaxed way to start the day and get introduced to local culture. It is a short, relaxed visit before continuing to the main archaeological sites.

Time at site 25m
Altitude 12,342 feet
Best time to visit All year round
Activity Experience
Travel tip This is a good opportunity to see and compare different alpaca products made with traditional Andean materials.
Chinchero

Chinchero

Next, we visit the Chinchero ruins, where your local guide will explain the history of this important Inca site and the role it played in ancient times. Take your time walking around the archaeological area, see the Inca terraces and stonework, and enjoy the mountain views before continuing your journey.

Time at site 1h 20m
Altitude 12,342 feet
Best time to visit All year round
Activity Exploration
Travel tip Chinchero is at a higher altitude, so temperatures can feel cooler, especially in the morning.
Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo

Next, we visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, where your local guide will explain the history and importance of this remarkable ancient site. We will climb the terraces toward the Temple of the Sun, enjoy views across the valley, and see the impressive megalithic stonework that shows the incredible skill of Inca builders.

Time at site 1h 30m approx.
Altitude 9,350 feet
Best time to visit All year round
Activity Exploration
Travel tip Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the visit includes climbing stone terraces and walking on uneven surfaces.
Pisac market

Pisac market

Before heading to the ruins, we will stop at the traditional Pisac Market. Take some time to walk through the stalls, see local crafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs, and browse at your own pace. It is a nice opportunity to experience the local culture and find something to take home from your journey.

Time at site 30m
Altitude 9,749 feet
Best time to visit All year round
Activity Cultural Market
Travel tip If you plan to buy something, feel free to negotiate the price. Bargaining is common and widely practiced in local markets in Peru.
Pisac Ruins

Pisac Ruins

We finish the tour at the Pisac ruins, where your local guide will walk with you through the terraces, stone structures, and different areas of the site. Take in the views of the valley, hear the stories behind the ruins, and enjoy some time to explore before we start our journey back to Cusco.

Time at site 1h 30m approx
Altitude 11,483 feet
Best time to visit In the afternoon
Activity Walking
Travel tip Pisac ruins are often more enjoyable in the afternoon, when there are usually fewer visitors and you can explore the site at a more relaxed pace.
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Sacred Valley Tour Itinerary (Full Day from Cusco)

Find out more about this incredible tour below, where you will find a detailed itinerary of all the highlights and experiences included in this full-day adventure through the Sacred Valley:

Moray Ruins in the Sacred Valley of Peru

Your Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco starts in the morning with pick-up from your hotel. You will meet your local guide and driver, and then we will leave Cusco and start our journey. Along the way, your guide will tell you more about the area and the places we will visit during the day.

Our first stop is a local alpaca farm. Here, you can see alpacas, llamas up close. You will also learn about alpaca wool and how local people make traditional textiles. If you are looking for alpaca sweaters, scarves, or other products, this is a good place to take a look and see what is available. After this short visit, we continue toward Chinchero.

At Chinchero, we will visit the Inca ruins. Your local guide will walk with you around the site and explain what you are seeing, including the old terraces, stone walls, and other remains. You will have time to take pictures, enjoy the views, and ask your guide questions about the history of Chinchero and the people who lived here. After the visit, we continue our trip to our next destination.

Next, we arrive in Ollantaytambo. This is one of the main stops of the tour, and we will spend some time exploring the Inca ruins. Your guide will explain the history of the site as we walk up the terraces toward the Temple of the Sun. You will see the large stones used by the Incas and the careful work that went into placing them. From the terraces, you can also enjoy beautiful views and the mountains around Ollantaytambo town.

After Ollantaytambo, we will stop in Urubamba for lunch (Not included) after a break for lunch we continue to Pisac. When we arrive, we will first visit the traditional Pisac Market. You can walk around the different stalls, look at local crafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs, and take your time to see what interests you. This is also a good place to look for something to take home from Peru. If you want to buy something, bargaining is common in local markets, so you can ask the vendor if there is a better price.

After the market, we continue to the Pisac ruins, which are the last main stop of our tour. Your guide will walk with you through the archaeological site and explain the different areas as you explore. You will see the Inca terraces, stone structures, and other parts of the ruins while enjoying views of the Sacred Valley below. The afternoon is also a nice time to visit Pisac, as it can be quieter than the busier hours of the day.

Once we finish our visit to Pisac, we start our way back to Cusco. This is a good time to relax, enjoy the views, and talk with your guide about the places you have visited during the day. We will arrive back in Cusco in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and the time spent at each stop. Your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.

Meals Not Included
Walking Distance Modetare
Difficulty Easy / Beginner
Trip Duration Approx. 8 - 9 hours
Minimum Elevation 11,090 ft.
Highest Elevation 12,342 ft.
Free Cancellation Yes

Inclusions

To help you plan your Sacred Valley Tour with confidence, this section explains what is covered in your tour and which expenses are not included. You can review everything before booking, so you know exactly what to expect.

Included

  • Private transportation
  • English speaking guide
  • Local taxes

Not included

  • Entrance tickets (70 Soles p/p)
  • Lunch
  • Tips

Watch The Tour Experience

Get a glimpse of the places, landscapes, and moments you will experience during our Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco, from the first stop to the return journey with our local guide.

Watch The Tour Experience
5.0

165+ verified reviews on Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor

Great value and great service

The tour was great and the organisation was immaculate. The driver and guide were very polite, punctual and informative, the process was easy and the tour operator had a briefing call with us to give us all the timings. They also printed out all tickets for us which made every step go smoothly.

Amazing experience and great staff!

I can not say enough positive things to encapsulate how amazing this company is. They were so communicative and helpful for our trip. We started out in Cusco and they did a private pickup to/from the train station. Coordinated our entry tickets and a private guide for Machu Picchu. Carlos was our planner and walked us through every step and answered every question.

Amazing, well planned trip to Machu Picchu

Our group of 5 did a one day trip to Machu Picchu with pickup from Sacred Valley and drop off in Cusco. Carlos helped us tremendously in organizing the schedule and all needed tickets, and he checked up on us throughout the day to ensure we didn't have any problems. Carlos was extremely responsive and quick to answer any questions, and made us feel comfortable that the trip would go as planned. Our driver Alex and Machu Picchu tour guide Anibal were also excellent.

Excellent experience, highly recommend!

Had a great experience with this trip! Everything was set up perfectly from start to finish. The team that helped us was very communicative and very clear on what we needed to bring and what was going to happen throughout the day. They were always available to answer questions. The tour itself was incredible our guide was super knowledgeable and very friendly. Would highly recommend using them for any tour!

Cusco!

Incredible, everything super organized and very friendly staff!

A 10: friendly, effective, and professional

Very happy from all points of view. Super well organized, a support at all times for any necessary organizational detail (we were a large group coming from many countries, which made it not easy), the explanations and the tour itself were very complete, and the guides were extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend them.

Well organized tour & very friendly staff!

Everything went according to plan; it was well organized and the staff was friendly. I highly recommend it.

Machu Picchu with Family

Very good communication for coordinating the tour, competitive price, the guides were very good and fun.

Amazing experience – Highly recommended!

Julio from Come See Peru helped us organize an incredible and truly unforgettable trip. I am German and got married in Peru, so I wanted to bring my friends and family to discover how wonderful this country is. Thanks to Julio and his team, everything was perfectly organized from beginning to end. They took care of every detail and made sure everyone felt welcome, comfortable, and well looked after. Even today, my family and friends still talk about the amazing memories they made during this trip. Visiting Machu Picchu is always a unique and magical experience, but being welcomed with such warmth and genuine care made it even more special. The team was always attentive, making sure everyone was happy and felt at home. Thank you, Julio and the entire Come See Peru team, for making this journey so memorable. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, reliable, and caring travel agency in Peru.

Excellent service!

The guide was punctual, very attentive, friendly, and provided us with all the information.

Private tour prices

Sacred Valley Tour Price

The price for the Sacred Valley tour starts from $120 USD per person. Final cost may vary depending on the number of participants, the more people in your group, the better the price per person. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your group size or to customize your itinerary.

2 Travelers

From
US$ 120 .00
per person
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3 Travelers

From
US$ 100 .00
per person
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Verified traveler experiences

Customer Reviews

Read recent feedback from travelers who joined our Sacred Valley private tours.

5.0 based on 169 reviews
5 Stars 165
4 Stars 0
3 Stars 0
2 Stars 0
1 Star 0
Liyana S Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Great value and great service

The tour was great and the organisation was immaculate. The driver and guide were very polite, punctual and informative, the process was easy and the tour operator had a briefing call with us to give us all the timings. They also printed out all tickets for us which made every step go smoothly.

Whitney H Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Amazing experience and great staff!

I can not say enough positive things to encapsulate how amazing this company is. They were so communicative and helpful for our trip. We started out in Cusco and they did a private pickup to/from the train station. Coordinated our entry tickets and a private guide for Machu Picchu. Carlos was our planner and walked us through every step and answered every question.

Jenn W Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Amazing, well planned trip to Machu Picchu

Our group of 5 did a one day trip to Machu Picchu with pickup from Sacred Valley and drop off in Cusco. Carlos helped us tremendously in organizing the schedule and all needed tickets, and he checked up on us throughout the day to ensure we didn't have any problems. Carlos was extremely responsive and quick to answer any questions, and made us feel comfortable that the trip would go as planned. Our driver Alex and Machu Picchu tour guide Anibal were also excellent.

Read all 169 reviews

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Come See Peru.
Local operator based in Cusco, Peru.

Email: comeseeperutours@gmail.com
Phone: +51 973 620 327
Legal name: COME SEE PERU TOURS EIRL | 20608161156

Day Tours

All day tours may be cancelled up to 72 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made within this period will incur a 60% fee, in recognition of the time and resources our team has reserved for your visit.

Terms and Conditions – Machu Picchu Tours

By booking with us, you agree to our terms, conditions, and policies.

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets

All tickets are strictly non-refundable, non-modifiable, and non-transferable once purchased. This policy is regulated by the Ministry of Culture and applies without exception.

Train Tickets

Train tickets may be changed or canceled up to 48 hours prior to departure. After this period, no changes or cancellations are allowed.

Please note that last-minute cancellations are not permitted, including those due to health or personal reasons.

Travel Insurance Recommendation

To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend securing travel insurance. This coverage can help in case of unforeseen events such as flight delays, medical emergencies, or other unexpected situations during your trip.

Additional information for this trip.

It is a full day trip from Cusco that allows you to visit key Inca sites such as Pisac, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, the salt mines of Moray and Maras.

The tour has a duration of 8 and 6 hours, starting in the morning and returning to Cusco in the late afternoon or evening.

Travel companies typically includes: transportation, English speaking guide. Entrance fees (Boleto Turistico and Salt Mines) may or may not be included depending on the package.

Yes, a partial or full Boleto Turístico is required to visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray. The ticket can be purchased at the sites on the day of the activity.

Yes, many travelers opt to stay in Ollantaytambo after the tour to take the train to Machu Picchu.

Of course it is. The tour is for coulples, families with kids, the trip comes with gentle hikes and lots of cultural learning. The tour can be customized for private groups.

The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco (around 2,800-2,900 m / 9,200-9,500 ft), so it is actually a great way to acclimatize gradually.

Yes. Many tours offer the Sacred Valley + Maras and Moray option. It is a longer day, but very rewarding.

Ultimate Travel Guide to the Sacred Valley, Peru

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of Peru’s most visited destinations. Located a short distance from Cusco, this historic region is filled with ancient ruins, traditional villages, colorful markets and breathtaking scenery.

In this travel guide we will cover everything you need to know about the Sacred Valley: what to see, how to get there, where to eat and much more.

Where is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

The Sacred Valley extends along the Urubamba River, between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and is located north of Cusco, in Peru.

Historically, the Sacred Valley was very important for the Inca Empire because of its ideal climate, agricultural potential and strategic location. Today it is one of the main destinations to visit in Peru.

What is the Altitude in the Sacred Valley?

One of the reasons travelers love visiting the Sacred Valley is because it is located at a lower altitude than Cusco, which is excellent with altitude acclimatization:Cusco: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Pisac: 2,972 m (9,751 ft)
Urubamba: 2,871 m (9,419 ft)
Ollantaytambo: 2,792 m (9,160 ft)
Maras Salt Mines: 3,380 m (11,089 ft)
Moray: 3,500 m (11,482 ft)

Where to eat in the Sacred Valley of Peru?

The Sacred Valley has a growing gastronomic scene that mixes traditional ingredients with modern Peruvian cuisine.

Best places to eat:

  • Tunupa Restaurant (Urubamba): Buffet lunch with traditional dishes and nice views.
  • El Huacatay (Urubamba): Haute cuisine with locally sourced organic ingredients.

Must-try dishes:

  • Quinoa soup
  • Alpaca steak
  • Andean trout
  • Chicken chili
  • Chicha morada

Best Time to Visit the Sacred Valley

The best time to visit the Sacred Valley is during the dry season, from April to October, when the skies are clear and the views are stunning.

May–September Dry, sunny, and cool (ideal for travel)
October–March Rainy season, but still green and lush

What to bring for the Sacred Valley

  • Passport (required for the ruins)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light jacket or sweater (mornings and evenings are cool)
  • Camera or phone
  • Cash for souvenirs and entrance tickets
  • Rain poncho (during the wet season)

Where to Stay in the Sacred Valley

If you want to extend your visit, consider spending a night or two in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.

Recommended Areas:
Urubamba: Central location, quiet, great restaurants

Ollantaytambo: Perfect base for taking the train to Machu Picchu

Why Stay in the Sacred Valley?

The elevation is lower than Cusco (better for acclimatization), it is also close to Machu Picchu (especially from Ollantaytambo). Urubamba or Ollantaytambo both are surrounded by breathtaking nature and ancient ruins. The Sacred Valley is deal for visiting Pisac, Maras, Moray and other attractions in the area.

Cheap options

Hostal Iskay (Ollantaytambo): Cozy and affordable, with spectacular views and located a short distance from the ruins.
Hotel Munay Tika (Urubamba): Quiet, clean and perfect for budget travelers looking to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Casa de Wow (Ollantaytambo): Artistic and cozy guesthouse with local charm, also it is close to the train station (10 minute walk).

Mid-range peaks

El Albergue (Ollantaytambo): Located at the train station, with an ecological farm and nice rooms.
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado (Urubamba): Elegant, quiet and with great service in a scenic setting.
Intiterra Boutique Hotel (Urubamba): Elegant and modern, ideal for couples or families.

Luxury Stays
Tambo del Inka (Urubamba): 5-star resort with private train station, spa, and beautiful rooms.
Sol y Luna (Urubamba): Charming hotel, fine dining, and a true luxury retreat with a social mission.
Las Qolqas Eco Resort (Ollantaytambo): Eco-luxury near the town, perfect for nature lovers.

 

What to bring for the Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco

To make the most of your Sacred Valley tour, it’s important to come prepared. Weather during the day can change quickly, so bringing the right essentials will keep you comfortable throughout the tour. Below is a quick checklist of what to pack for a more enjoyable experience:

  • Passport
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light jacket
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Extra money (for entrance fees, tips)
  • Camera
  • Snacks
  • Rain poncho (especially during wet season)
  • Personal medication (especially for altitude)
  • Small backpack
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