Sacred Valley Classic Full Day Tour
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most visited regions near Cusco, known for its Inca history, mountain scenery, traditional villages, and important archaeological sites. Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the valley was an important agricultural, religious, and political center during the Inca Empire.
This Sacred Valley full day tour from Cusco takes you through some of the most representative places in the region without the need for long hikes or difficult routes. Throughout the day, you'll visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero while learning about Inca architecture, local traditions, and daily life in the Andes.
The tour also includes a stop at an alpaca farm such as Awanakancha or Manos de la Comunidad, where you'll learn more about traditional Andean textiles and native camelids like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.
Along the route, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, explore traditional markets, walk through impressive archaeological sites, and experience one of the most important cultural regions in Peru in a comfortable and well-organized way.
This Sacred Valley of the Incas full day tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience history, culture, landscapes, and local traditions in a single day from Cusco.
- Location: Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco Region, Peru
- Tour Type: Cultural, historical, and scenic day tour
- Best For: Families, couples, groups of friends, photographers, cultural travelers, and first-time visitors to Peru
- Weather: Mild daytime temperatures with cooler mornings and evenings
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Includes walking through archaeological sites, markets, and stone pathways.
- Duration: Full Day
- Start / End Point: Cusco / Cusco
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Meals Included: Buffet lunch in Urubamba
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a full-day tour from Cusco
- Explore the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley from the Taray Viewpoint
- Stop at an alpaca farm and learn about alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and traditional Andean textiles
- Walk through the impressive terraces and stone structures of Ollantaytambo
- Experience Chinchero, known for its weaving traditions, local culture, and Inca history
- Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley
- Travel comfortably with organized transportation and a professional local guide
- Learn more about the history, culture, and landscapes that make the Cusco region unique
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This tour is one of the best ways to experience the Sacred Valley in a single day while learning more about the history, culture, and traditions of the Andes. Beyond the archaeological sites, you'll also visit local markets, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints that show a different side of the Cusco region. Each stop offers something unique.
In Pisac, you'll explore impressive Inca terraces and browse a traditional artisan market. In Ollantaytambo, you'll visit one of the most important Inca sites in the valley, still surrounded by original Inca streets and stonework. In Chinchero, you'll learn about Andean textile traditions that local families continue to preserve today. This Sacred Valley of the Incas tour is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable and well-balanced experience with history, landscapes, culture, and plenty of opportunities for photos along the way.
What Makes This Tour Different?
The Sacred Valley was one of the most important regions of the Inca Empire because of its fertile lands, mild climate, and strategic location between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Throughout the day, you'll see how Inca history, mountain landscapes, agriculture, and local traditions remain connected even today.
From archaeological sites and traditional weaving demonstrations to colorful markets and panoramic valley views, this tour offers a broader understanding of life in the Andes. With the help of a professional local guide, each place becomes more meaningful, helping you better understand the history and cultural importance of the Sacred Valley.
Best Time to Visit
The Sacred Valley can be visited at any time of year. From April to October, the dry season usually brings clearer skies and excellent conditions for enjoying the scenery and taking photos.
From November to March, rain is more common, but the valley becomes greener and more vibrant. During these months, we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco is a great option for travelers who want to experience Inca history and Andean culture without difficult hikes or physically demanding activities.
It’s ideal for families, couples, groups of friends, active seniors, photographers, and first time visitors to Peru.
Many travelers also choose this tour before visiting Machu Picchu or hiking routes such as the Inca Trail or Salkantay, as it offers a comfortable way to acclimate to the altitude while exploring some of the most important sites near Cusco.
What’s Included in the Tour
Included
- Pickup from hotels located in Cusco’s historic center
- Tourist transportation throughout the Sacred Valley tour
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Visit to a local alpaca farm
- Stop at the Taray Viewpoint
- Guided visit to the Pisac archaeological site
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba with vegetarian options available
- Guided tour of Ollantaytambo
- Visit to Chinchero and a traditional weaving center
- Partial Tourist Ticket for Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero
- Return transportation to Cusco
Not Included
- Breakfast and dinner
- Additional snacks and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Pickup from hotels located outside Cusco’s historic center unless arranged in advance
8:00 a.m. | Morning Pickup in Cusco
Your Sacred Valley full day tour from Cusco begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center. From there, we’ll travel through the Andes toward the Sacred Valley, passing traditional villages, mountain scenery, and agricultural landscapes along the way.
8:45 a.m. | Stop at an Alpaca Farm
Our first stop is a local alpaca farm, where you’ll see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas while learning about their importance in Andean culture and traditional textile production.
9:00 a.m. | Views from Taray
We’ll stop at the Taray Viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the Urubamba River, farming terraces, and surrounding mountains.
9:45 a.m. | Visit to Pisac
Continue to Pisac, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll explore Inca terraces, stone structures, ceremonial areas, and panoramic viewpoints while learning about Inca history and agriculture.
10:30 a.m. | Pisac Artisan Market
After visiting the ruins, we’ll head to the traditional Pisac Market, where you’ll have time to browse local handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and souvenirs made by Andean artisans.
12:00 p.m. | Lunch in Urubamba
Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Vegetarian options are usually available.
1:30 p.m. | Ollantaytambo Ruins
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ollantaytambo, one of the best preserved Inca towns in Peru. You’ll walk through its impressive terraces and learn about its role as an important ceremonial and military center during the Inca Empire.
3:30 p.m. | Chinchero & Textile Traditions
Our final stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its textile traditions and Inca heritage. Here, you’ll learn about ancestral weaving techniques and natural dyes still used by local families today.
5:00 p.m. | Return Drive to Cusco
After a full day exploring the Sacred Valley, we’ll begin the return journey to Cusco.
6:00 p.m. | Arrival in Cusco
Arrival time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Meals: Buffet lunch
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation: Between 8,858 ft and 12,467 ft, depending on the places visited.
- Duration: Full Day
What to Bring
To stay comfortable during your Sacred Valley full-day tour from Cusco, we recommend bringing only the essentials in a small backpack.
- Comfortable walking shoes for archaeological sites and uneven paths
- Lightweight clothing for daytime temperatures
- A warm jacket or layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially during the rainy season
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for the high-altitude sun
- Hat or cap for extra sun protection
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day
- Camera or smartphone for photos of the Sacred Valley landscapes and Inca sites
- Personal medications if needed
- Cash in Peruvian soles for souvenirs, snacks, or optional tips
Good to Know
Weather conditions in the Sacred Valley of Peru can change quickly throughout the day, especially between higher elevations and the valley floor. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable during the tour.
We also recommend traveling light and bringing only what you’ll need during the day, as this makes visiting the archaeological sites and local markets much more comfortable.
Tour Price
| Shared Tour | From USD 120 per person |
| Private Tour | From USD 190 per person Price varies depending on the number of travelers. |
Prices may vary depending on the season, availability, and service type selected.
Optional Upgrades
Super Sacred Valley Upgrade
Add Moray and the Maras Salt Mines for a more complete Sacred Valley experience.
Private Service
Private transportation and a dedicated guide with a more flexible schedule.
Special Lunch or Picnic
Optional upgraded lunch or picnic experiences available for private tours.
No. This Sacred Valley full-day tour is considered easy to moderate. No hiking experience is needed, although some archaeological sites include stairs and uneven stone paths.
The tour includes visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, along with stops at an alpaca farm, the Taray Viewpoint, the Pisac Market, and a traditional textile center.
Yes. A buffet lunch in Urubamba is included, with local and international options as well as vegetarian dishes.
Yes. The tour includes the Partial Tourist Ticket, which covers entrance to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Yes. Many travelers choose this Sacred Valley tour from Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu because it helps with acclimatization and provides a better understanding of Inca history and culture.
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a rain jacket or poncho, water, a camera or phone, and some cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses.