Full Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco (1 Day)

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Your trip to the Sacred Valley begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, at 6:30 a.m. On our private transport, we head to the village of Chinchero, known as the “rainbow village of the Incas”. Here you will meet talented Andean weavers, famous for their skill in using alpaca and llama wool. You can see how they make colorful textiles using traditional techniques and natural dyes, while our local guide explains the cultural value of these customs that are still alive. In addition, Chinchero is home to an important archaeological site, where the summer palace of Inca Pachacútec once stood. Later, the Spaniards built a church on those remains, creating a unique contrast between Inca heritage and colonial architecture. After this cultural and historical experience, we continue the journey to Maras and Moray.

   1.5 h

2. Next stop is Moray, a unique archaeological site that showcases the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Incas. Here you will find huge circular terraces built in natural depressions of the terrain, which the Incas used as an experimental center for the cultivation of different products. Each level has its own microclimate, which allowed different altitude conditions to be simulated and crops adapted. As you tour this impressive place, our local guide will explain how these terraces worked and why Moray is considered one of the great examples of Andean agricultural wisdom. It is a fascinating visit that combines nature, science and Inca legacy in one place.

   40 min

3. We continue to one of the most photogenic places in the Sacred Valley: the Salineras de Maras. This incredible resort is made up of hundreds of geometric pools on the mountainsides, where salt has been produced in a traditional way since pre-Inca times. The famous pink salt of Maras is valued for its unique flavor and nutritional properties. During the visit, you’ll learn how locals continue to use the ancestral solar evaporation method, guiding spring water into pools and manually collecting salt crystals. This activity, inherited from generation to generation, is an essential part of life in the community. Maras not only surprises by its beauty, but also by its living history and tradition.

   40 min

4. After exploring Moray and Salineras, we pause in the peaceful village of Urubamba, located on the banks of the river that bears its name. Here we will enjoy a delicious meal in a local restaurant, with options of Peruvian cuisine and fresh products from the region. It’s the perfect time to relax, share travel impressions and recharge before continuing with the next wonders of the day. The stop lasts about an hour, ideal for relaxing and enjoying Andean hospitality in one of the quietest villages in the valley.

   40 min

5. The next stop will be Ollantaytambo, known as the last living Inca city. This charming village has been inhabited continuously since the time of the Incas, and still retains its cobblestone streets, waterways and original constructions. Nestled between two hills with archaeological remains, we will explore its impressive Inca complex. We will climb to the old fortress where the Temple of the Sun is located, ceremonial enclosures and agricultural terraces that offer spectacular views of the valley. Our guide will tell you about the historical battle of 1537, when Manco Inca managed to resist the Spanish forces in this fortress. Although he achieved victory, the Incas decided to retreat to the jungle to continue their resistance. Today, Ollantaytambo is also important because it is the starting point for Machu Picchu, since from here the train departs for Aguas Calientes.

   1 h

6. We will continue to Pisac, where some of the largest and most amazing Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley are located, after Machu Picchu. After about 45 minutes of travel, we will arrive at this impressive archaeological site on top of the mountain. Our guide will take you to the Temple of the Sun, ceremonial fountains, ancient agricultural platforms and other constructions that show the legacy of the Incas. Then we will go down to the village to tour the artisan market of Pisac, one of the most popular in the valley. Here you can find handmade textiles, ceramics, jewelry and crafts made by local communities. At the end of the visit, we will return to Cusco. The arrival is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., concluding a day full of history, culture and unforgettable landscapes.

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Cusco

• Its from-price is 56% below the median of the 1358 day trips we list in Cusco.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Cusco

Cusco, the old Inca capital high in the Peruvian Andes, blends massive stone walls with colonial churches and is the gateway to Machu Picchu.

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, framed by the cathedral and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Inca stonework survives throughout the centre, most famously at the Qorikancha, the sun temple on which the Spanish built a monastery, and in the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street. San Blas, the artisans' quarter, climbs steeply with workshops and cafés.

Top-ranked sights in Cusco: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo Ruins.

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