About this experience
Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a private full-day tour from Cusco. Begin at Taray Lookout Point, with panoramic views of the valley, then continue to Pisac to explore its archaeological site, visit the Gold and Silver Museum, and browse the traditional handicraft market.
Around midday, enjoy a buffet lunch at Restaurante Don Angel in Urubamba, featuring dishes from Peru’s Coast, Highlands, and Jungle.
In the afternoon, visit Ollantaytambo, one of the finest examples of Inca urban planning. Explore its archaeological site, ancient streets, water channels, and preserved stone structures before concluding at the Main Square.
Travelers with a train to Aguas Calientes can continue from Ollantaytambo station. Otherwise, return to Cusco at 5:45 p.m., arriving around 7:00 p.m. The private service offers greater comfort, flexibility, and personalized attention with a private guide.
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr
- Private experience
Planning perspective
How I’d plan this experience
I’d choose this private Sacred Valley day if you want a guided sampler of several major stops without coordinating transport between them yourself. The appeal is the mix: a lookout, Pisac’s archaeological site and market, a buffet lunch, then Ollantaytambo. It’s a substantial day, though, not a slow exploration of the valley; your best reason to book is the private format and the convenience of having the route and lunch arranged.
Who this day suits
This suits you if you want cultural and archaeological stops in one outing, with a guide and private transport rather than a group itinerary. The stated duration is 12 hours, so I’d plan for a full, active day rather than treating it as a relaxed excursion. Travelers are advised to have at least a moderate level of fitness, and to pay attention to how they respond to the altitude. If you have a serious medical condition, the guidance recommends consulting your doctor before taking part.
Choose it for variety, not a deep dive
Pisac combines an archaeological site with time at the museum and handicraft market; later, Ollantaytambo brings a different focus on Inca urban planning, streets and water channels. That variety is the strength, but the listed stops are relatively brief: 45 minutes at Pisac’s site and 20 minutes each for the museum and market. I’d pick this itinerary if seeing contrasting places matters more to you than lingering at any one of them.
Lunch and the practical trade-offs
The included buffet at Restaurante Don Angel makes a useful midday pause, with dishes representing Peru’s Coast, Highlands and Jungle. I think that works well if you’d rather have lunch built into the day than spend time arranging it independently. One cost to factor in: admission to Pisac and Ollantaytambo’s archaeological sites is not included. The stated ticket cost is S/ 70 per person, though the tour information notes that a Boleto Turístico may cover it.
Decide where your day ends
The finish matters if you’re connecting to Machu Picchu by train. The tour can end in Ollantaytambo, with drop-off at the main square about a five-minute walk from the station; you need to share your train departure time. Otherwise, the stated return leaves Ollantaytambo at 17:45 and estimates arrival in Cusco around 19:00. I’d choose the Cusco return only if that evening schedule suits you, and confirm pickup details after booking.
Planning analysis informed by the tour itinerary · Updated November 12, 2026
Plan your experience
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
A Slow Sacred Valley Itinerary: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray
Skip the rushed day tour. This three-day route gives the Sacred Valley the time it deserves, with honest notes on transport, food, and where to sleep.
Sacred Valley Travel Guide From Cusco
Plan a Sacred Valley trip from Cusco with practical route choices, transport tradeoffs, overnight options, rail connections, budgeting advice, accessibility questions, and current 2026 travel cautions.
Sacred Valley With Kids Guide
Plan a calmer Sacred Valley family trip with practical advice on Cusco Tourist Tickets, child fares, flexible pacing, rail connections, packing, and accessibility questions.
What is included
- Optional drop-off at the main square in Ollantaytambo or at your hotel in Cusco on the return.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Private pickup from your hotel in central Cusco.
- Onboard satellite internet during transport.
- One bottle of water.
- Comfortable private transportation.
- Certified professional tour guide, private service.
- Buffet lunch.
Not included
- Tips, which are at each traveler's discretion.
- Meals and beverages not mentioned above.
- Transfers outside the service area are not included.
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites (Pisac and Ollantaytambo) are not included in the tour.
Itinerary and highlights
A strategic stop to take in one of the most breathtaking views in the Sacred Valley. From the lookout, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains, cultivated fields, and Andean communities spread across the valley.
The day's first major stop is Pisac, where you'll explore its important archaeological site, located at roughly 3,300 meters (10,825 ft) above sea level. The site combines Inca architecture, agricultural terraces, and sweeping views of the Sacred Valley.
Pisac's altitude is similar to that of Cusco, and the visit is unhurried, giving you time to walk around and take in the site at your own pace.
Get an up-close look at the craftsmanship developed in the region and discover how traditional goldsmithing techniques are still used today to create gold and silver pieces.
During the visit, you'll learn more about the methods used by local artisans and the Inca influence visible in the designs and details of their work.
Explore the colorful stalls of Pisac’s traditional handicraft market, featuring handwoven textiles, traditional clothing, ceramics, jewelry, and locally made crafts. Take some time to browse the market, meet local artisans, and find unique pieces inspired by Andean culture.
After a morning devoted to Andean history and culture, it's time for a break to enjoy Peruvian cuisine.
At Restaurante Don Angel, you'll be able to sample a variety of dishes representing Peru's three major regions, Coast, Highlands, and Jungle, in a buffet lunch.
Urubamba sits at roughly 2,870 meters (9,415 ft) above sea level, lower than both Cusco and Pisac, providing a pleasant opportunity to rest and enjoy the meal before continuing through the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo is one of the most impressive examples of Inca urban planning. Its cobblestone streets, water channels, and well-preserved structures let you see up close the organization and engineering skill developed by the Incas.
During the visit, you'll tour the Ollantaytambo archaeological site and have time to explore its structures and admire the surrounding landscape.
The town sits at roughly 2,790 meters (9,155 ft) above sea level, lower than Cusco, making this leg of the tour more comfortable for many travelers.
We'll wrap up the experience at Ollantaytambo's main square, where you can continue your journey if you've booked a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
You can continue on to Aguas Calientes by train, departing from the Ollantaytambo Train Station.
If you'd prefer to return to Cusco, the transportation from Ollantaytambo is scheduled to depart at approximately 17:00 h, with an estimated arrival in Cusco around 19:00 h.
Meeting and pickup information
- • Pickup service is available from various locations in central Cusco. • If your accommodation is not on the list or is outside the pickup route, we'll arrange a nearby meeting point. • You'll receive your confirmed pickup time after booking through WhatsApp. • If you choose to end the tour in Ollantaytambo, you'll be dropped off at the town's main square, located approximately a 5-minute walk from the train station. • If you choose to return to Cusco at the end of the tour, we can drop you off at your hotel. This service is available only for hotels located within the Historic Center of Cusco service route. Contact our team to confirm availability.
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Viagens Machu Picchu
Accessibility and practical details
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children under 5 years of age are free of charge as long as they do not occupy a seat.
- If you'd prefer to return to Cusco, the departure time from Ollantaytambo is 17:45 h, with an estimated arrival in Cusco around 19:00 h.
- If you wish to stay in Ollantaytambo to board the train to Machu Picchu, please send us your train departure time. Please note that this tour ends between 17:00 - 17:30 h.
- Because this is a high-altitude tour, we recommend travelers pay attention to how their body is responding and move through the experience at a comfortable pace. Most of the route takes place at altitudes similar to or lower than Cusco's.
- Travelers with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions should consult their doctor before taking part in this activity.
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?
What are the pickup arrangements?
• If your accommodation is not on the list or is outside the pickup route, we'll arrange a nearby meeting point.
• You'll receive your confirmed pickup time after booking through WhatsApp.
• If you choose to end the tour in Ollantaytambo, you'll be dropped off at the town's main square, located approximately a 5-minute walk from the train station.
• If you choose to return to Cusco at the end of the tour, we can drop you off at your hotel. This service is available only for hotels located within the Historic Center of Cusco service route. Contact our team to confirm availability.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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