About this experience
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of Peru's most iconic destinations and one of the main gateways to discovering the history, culture, and traditions surrounding Machu Picchu. Amid mountains, ancient villages, and impressive archaeological remains, this region reveals different facets of the legacy left behind by the Incas.
On this full-day excursion departing from Cusco, you'll visit some of the Sacred Valley's most representative sites, including Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Along the way, you'll take in stunning Andean landscapes, explore important archaeological sites, and get to know traditions that remain part of local communities' daily life today. The experience also includes a buffet lunch featuring flavors representative of Peruvian cuisine.
Altitude is simply part of the region's geography, but the route moves through different elevation levels throughout the day, allowing for gradual acclimatization.
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.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
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
- Optional drop-off at Ollantaytambo Main Square or Cusco return.
- Complimentary bottle of water and on-board satellite WiFi.
- Full buffet lunch at a regional restaurant in Urubamba.
- Central Cusco meeting point pickup at Plaza Regocijo.
- Roundtrip air-conditioned ground transportation from Cusco.
- Professional tour guide in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Not included
- Gratuities for tour guide and driver.
- Personal purchases and craft market expenses.
- 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.
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 departure time from Ollantaytambo is 17:45 h, with an estimated arrival in Cusco around 19:00 h.
Meeting and pickup information
- For private services, we can pick you up directly from your hotel and drop you off at your hotel after the tour, provided that the hotel is located within the central area of Cusco.
- Transfer pickup takes place at Plaza Regocijo,in Cusco, between 07:45 h and 08:00 h Please arrive at the meeting point within this window. If you arrive after the scheduled time, your absence will be treated as a NO SHOW, with no right to a refund.
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Viagens Machu Picchu
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Transfer pickup takes place at Plaza Regocijo,in Cusco, between 07:45 h and 08:00 h Please arrive at the meeting point within this window. If you arrive after the scheduled time, your absence will be treated as a NO SHOW, with no right to a refund. Our team will be waiting for you near the square's fountain.
- 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?
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
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
