Sacred Valley of the Incas: An excursion to the Heart of the Andes’ Ancestors
Full Day
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of Peru’s most interesting places to visit. It’s only 30 km northeast of Cusco and is known for its beautiful scenery, archaeological treasures, and lively culture.
The Vilcanota (or Urubamba) River crosses the valley, which is surrounded by high mountains, Inca farming terraces, colonial towns, and traditional markets. The Incas considered this valley sacred because it’s fertile and possessed a pleasant climate. It is still the agricultural and spiritual heart of the Andean region.
What makes the Sacred Valley stand out?
- The views are amazing, with green terraces on the hillsides and snow-capped peaks at the top of the horizon.
- Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero are famous archaeological sites that keep the Inca Empire’s architectural, military, and religious history alive.
- Villages with a living culture where people still weave, trade, and celebrate Andean holidays.
- The weather is nice and mild, making it a great place to visit all year.
A must-see place on your trip to Cusco
The Sacred Valley is more than just a way to get to Machu Picchu. It’s a place where every corner has a story, where the past and present converge, and where every visit is a real connection to Andean culture.
Tour Location
Type of Tour
Duration
Difficulty
Trip Details
Take an unforgettable trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you'll see Cusco's most beautiful landscapes, which are full of history, living culture, and old buildings.
- 6:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Cusco: Our professional guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a comfortable and safe tourist vehicle to the Sacred Valley.
- Visit Pisaq (Artisan Market and Ruins) at 8:00 AM: Visit the famous Pisaq artisan market, which is a great place to buy handmade gifts. Then, go up to the Pisaq archaeological complex to see its amazing system of ceremonial temples and agricultural terraces.
- Lunch buffet in Urubamba at 11:30 AM: Eat Andean food at a nearby restaurant with a great view of the valley.
- 1:30 PM: Visit Ollantaytambo: Visit the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is one of the last Inca villages that is still inhabited. You will feel like you've gone back in time when you walk on its cobblestone streets, witness its water channels, and explore its huge stone walls.
- 4:00 PM: Stop in Chinchero: We will stop in Chinchero on the way back to Cusco to see its colonial temple built on Inca foundations and a textile center where you can learn how to dye and weave with alpaca wool using traditional techniques.
- Back to Cusco at 6:30 PM: The city should be here soon. Take a ride to your hotel.
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual guide (ES/EN)
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites (optional with Tourist Ticket)
- Buffet lunch at a local restaurant
- Breakfast or dinner
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Bring your passport or ID
- Comfortable clothing and a light jacket
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Water and snacks