About this experience
It takes you deep into the heart of the Sacred Valley, where ancient history and Andean culture come to life in a single unforgettable day.
Feel the energy of Ollantaytambo’s towering stone terraces, where Inca warriors once stood their ground. Wander through Pisaq’s breathtaking ruins, perched high above the valley, and lose yourself in its vibrant artisan market, a feast of colors and traditions. In Chinchero, the ‘Rainbow Town’, watch skilled weavers create intricate textiles using techniques passed down for generations.
Every step unveils a story, every landscape leaves you in awe. Join us and experience the Sacred Valley as it was meant to be lived!
At a glance
- Duration: 10 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
- English-speaking Tour Guide
- Round-trip transportation (tourist bus)
- Tourist Ticket for archeological sites
Not included
- Lunch in Urubamba (a town located between Pisac and Ollantaytambo)
Itinerary and highlights
Chinchero (3,762 masl / 12,343 ft.) is a charming Andean village where Inca heritage and colonial influences intertwine. Here, we admire the well-preserved Inca walls that frame the main square, along with ceremonial altars that still resonate with the spiritual energy of the past.
We then visit the colonial church, a hidden gem adorned with vivid murals and intricate artwork, offering a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish traditions.
To continue our journey, we immerse ourselves in the world of Andean textiles, where local artisans share their ancestral weaving techniques. Using natural dyes and hand-spun wool, they create intricate patterns that tell the stories of their people—a craft passed down through generations, long before the Incas.
We continue deeper into the Sacred Valley, following the winding road through breathtaking Andean landscapes toward Ollantaytambo.
Arriving in Ollantaytambo (2,792 masl / 9,160 ft.), we step into one of the best-preserved Inca towns, where time seems to stand still. The town’s original urban layout, cobbled streets, and flowing water channels remain much as they were centuries ago.
Here, we explore the imposing Inca fortress, a masterpiece of strategic military planning and engineering. Towering above the town, its massive stone terraces once served as both defensive walls and agricultural terraces. Climbing the Temple of the Sun, we take in panoramic views of the valley, while uncovering the site’s role in one of the few Inca victories against the Spanish.
Leaving Ollantaytambo, we embark on a 1 hour drive through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River toward Pisac (2,972 masl / 9,751 ft.).
Upon arrival, we explore the Pisac Archaeological Site, perched high on the mountainside. Its impressive terraces, ceremonial temples, and observatories highlight the Incas’ advanced engineering and spiritual traditions. From here, breathtaking views extend across the valley.
Descending into town, we visit the Pisac Market, a lively gathering place where artisans sell handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, and pottery. This is the perfect spot to experience local culture, meet artisans, and find unique souvenirs.
After a day immersed in history and tradition, we return to Cusco, bringing our Sacred Valley journey to an end.
Meeting and pickup information
- We'll pick you up from the lobby or front door of your hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or any accommodation located in Cusco's historic center.
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- English — Guide
- English — Written
- Spanish — Audio
- Spanish — Guide
- Spanish — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Inkayni Peru Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The Tourist Ticket is 130 soles / $45 USD and there is 50% discount for students with an ISIC card. You can also use this ticket on the city tours OR purchase a partial ticket which allows a one day visit of just the two sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This ticket is recommendeded if you are not planning to visit any of Cusco's other sites
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?
accommodation located in Cusco's historic center.
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