TourismCusco

Tours & experiences

Sacred Valley Tour

About this experience

Discover the magic of the Sacred Valley on a journey filled with history, living culture, and breathtaking landscapes. We’ll visit Chinchero, where you’ll explore its archaeological site and learn the ancestral techniques of Andean weaving alongside local families. Continue to Moray, with its enigmatic Inca circular terraces, and the Maras Salt Mines, where locals still harvest salt using traditional methods.
Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba with fresh products from the valley before exploring Ollantaytambo, an impressive archaeological complex that preserves the essence of the Inca Empire. We’ll finish in Pisac, admiring its ruins, agricultural terraces, and spectacular valley views.
A tour that perfectly combines archaeology, living culture, and nature all in one unforgettable day.

At a glance

  • Duration: 12 hr

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Sacred Valley Tour

Plan your experience

Time on the tour12 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 12 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Hotel pick-up (only within Cusco’s historic center).
  • Professional tour guide (Spanish and English).
  • Tourist transportation throughout the entire tour.
  • Buffet lunch.

Not included

  • Tourist ticket (for access to archaeological sites).
  • Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines.
  • Personal expenses and tips.

Itinerary and highlights

Visit the picturesque village of Chinchero, known as the “Land of the Rainbow”, where local women preserve ancestral techniques of spinning, weaving and natural dyeing using plants, insects and Andean minerals.
You’ll also explore the archaeological site of Chinchero, featuring ancient agricultural terraces, water channels and finely carved Inca stone walls dating back to the reign of Tupac Yupanqui. The colonial church built atop the remains of an Inca palace beautifully represents the fusion between Andean and Spanish cultures.

Discover the fascinating archaeological complex of Moray, renowned for its enormous circular terraces that resemble giant amphitheaters carved into the earth. These terraces were used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, experimenting with different altitudes, temperatures, and microclimates to cultivate a wide variety of Andean crops.
Walk among the impressive stone circles and experience firsthand how Inca engineering combined science, agriculture, and harmony with nature. The panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains make Moray a perfect spot for unforgettable photos, while you learn about the creativity and innovative vision of the Inca civilization.
A must visit destination for curious travelers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to connect with Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Experience one of the Sacred Valley’s most breathtaking sights the Maras Salt Mines, a dazzling patchwork of more than 3,000 shallow salt pools carved into the mountainside. For centuries, local families have harvested these natural salt crystals using techniques that pre-date the Inca Empire.
Watch how the mineral-rich water from an underground spring is guided through intricate channels to fill the terraced ponds, where the sun and mountain breeze transform it into gleaming white salt.
This stunning landscape, shimmering under the Andean sun, offers perfect photo opportunities and a fascinating glimpse into one of Peru’s oldest living traditions. A must-see stop for travelers seeking authentic culture, incredible views, and a touch of magic from the Andes.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A perfect opportunity to savor the authentic flavors and richness of Sacred Valley cuisine while recharging for the rest of your adventure.

Explore the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of Peru’s most important and best-preserved archaeological complexes. Its massive stone walls, agricultural terraces, and irrigation channels showcase the advanced engineering of the Incas and their strategic vision to protect and manage the valley. A must-visit stop for history and culture enthusiasts.

Conclude your tour in Pisac by visiting and exploring its impressive archaeological site, perched high on a mountain with panoramic views of the valley and the Urubamba River. This Inca complex features agricultural terraces, temples, residential areas, and cemeteries, showcasing the advanced engineering and organization of the Incas.
Afterwards, descend to the vibrant Pisac artisan market, famous for its textiles, silver jewelry, and unique crafts created by talented local artisans. A perfect experience that combines history, living culture, and unforgettable memories of the Sacred Valley.

Meeting and pickup information

  • The Plaza de Armas is located in Cusco’s historic center, in front of the Cathedral. It’s easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the city center. If arriving by taxi or public transport, simply say “Plaza de Armas, Cusco,” and you will be dropped off at this central, popular location.
  • Pick-ups are available between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from hotels located in Cusco’s historic center. If your accommodation is outside this area, we will provide a nearby meeting point. Please wait in the lobby or main entrance of your hotel at the confirmed time. Our guide will be carrying a sign with the tour name or your name.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Alba Peru Trip

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 12 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Pick-ups are available between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from hotels located in Cusco’s historic center. If your accommodation is outside this area, we will provide a nearby meeting point.
Please wait in the lobby or main entrance of your hotel at the confirmed time.
Our guide will be carrying a sign with the tour name or your name.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 4–11; Youth tickets: age 12–17; Adult tickets: age 18+; Senior tickets: age 65+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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