Pisac and Ollantaytambo Tour: Explore Two Iconic Inca Sites in One Day

7:00 a.m. – Pickup at your hotel in Cusco.

Location: Pickup at your hotel in Cusco.

Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,150 feet).

Start your day with pickup at your hotel in Cusco, where you will meet your guide and driver.

8:30 a.m. – Visit to the alpaca farm.

Location: Local alpaca farm in the Sacred Valley.

Altitude: 2,900 meters (9,514 feet).

At the local alpaca farm, you will interact with the alpacas and learn about their importance to Peruvian culture, especially during the Inca era. Alpacas are a vital source of wool and continue to play an important role in the lives of many locals.

9:30 a.m. – Explore the Pisac Market.

Location: Pisac Market, in the town of Pisac.

Altitude: 2,972 meters (9,750 feet).

Explore the Pisac Market, one of the most famous markets in the Sacred Valley, known for its vibrant selection of handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and fresh local produce. You can also buy traditional Peruvian souvenirs and fresh food from local artisans.

11:00 a.m. – Visit the Pisac ruins.

Location: Pisac ruins.

Altitude: 2972 meters (9750 feet).

Duration of visit: 1-1.5 hours.

These ruins are located high on a mountain overlooking the Sacred Valley. The ruins of Pisac are famous for their agricultural terraces, which were used by the Incas to cultivate crops in different microclimates.

1:00 p.m. – Optional lunch in Urubamba

Location: Urubamba, a town in the Sacred Valley.

Altitude: 2,870 meters (9,416 feet).

Enjoy an optional buffet lunch (not included in the tour price) at a local restaurant in Urubamba. This is a great opportunity to try traditional Peruvian dishes such as cuy (guinea pig), alpaca meat, lomo saltado, and ceviche.

2:00 p.m. – Arrival in Ollantaytambo.

Location: Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca city.

Altitude: 2,792 meters (9,160 feet).

After lunch, you will travel to Ollantaytambo, a city known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and its still-intact Inca urban layout. The city is located on the banks of the Urubamba River, offering a picturesque backdrop of lush vegetation and imposing mountains.

2:30 p.m. – Exploration of the Ollantaytambo ruins

Location: Ollantaytambo ruins.

Altitude: 2,792 meters (9,160 feet).

Duration of visit: 1 hour.

The ruins of Ollantaytambo are an ancient fortress and temple complex built by the Incas to protect the Sacred Valley. Visit the Temple of the Sun, a site famous for its enormous stone blocks and terraces that were used for agriculture. The stones used in the ruins weigh over 80 tons and were transported from a quarry miles away without modern technology.

3:30 p.m. – Visit to the town of Ollantaytambo

Location: Town of Ollantaytambo.

Altitude: 2792 meters (9160 feet).

Duration of visit: 30 minutes.

Stroll through the narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, which retain their original Inca design. You will see the ancient water channels that still supply the village, just as they did in Inca times. The village offers a glimpse of what life was like in the past and is one of the most charming villages in the Sacred Valley.

4:00 p.m. – Return to Cusco.

Return to Cusco with an estimated arrival time of 4:30 p.m.

Altitude upon arrival: 3,400 meters (11,150 feet).

After a full day exploring Pisac and Ollantaytambo, we will return to Cusco. Your tour will conclude with an estimated arrival time at your hotel at 4:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m giving you time to rest and reflect on the incredible experience.

Additional information:

Duration: Full-day excursion (approximately 7 – 8 hours).

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, camera, hat, and cash for any purchases.

Level of difficulty: Moderate hike, suitable for most ages, although there are some hills to climb in Pisac.

Weather: Be prepared for possible weather changes, as temperatures can vary depending on altitude.