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Discover the richness of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in a one-day experience that brings together history, culture, and the most impressive Andean landscapes. Explore ancient archeological sites and visit traditional towns that keep the customs and expressions of Andean culture alive.
Sacred Valley of the Incas 1-day tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your adventure with complete confidence.
- Buffet lunch included: A break in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, with typical Andean dishes, fresh salads and regional desserts.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
Programme summary
Cusco – Taray Viewpoint – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Chinchero – Cusco
A full day combining Andean landscapes, archaeological sites and living culture: the panoramic view from the Taray Viewpoint, the Pisac archaeological complex and its traditional market, Ollantaytambo, which still preserves its Inca town layout, and Chinchero, where you can admire the textile art that keeps Andean culture alive.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day, approx. 12 hours |
| Schedule | Departure 7:00 a.m. / return 7:30 p.m. |
| Maximum altitude | Chinchero: 3,762 m / 12,343 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Ollantaytambo: 2,792 m / 9,160 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperature | Minimum 2 °C / 36 °F, maximum 25 °C / 77 °F |
Highlights
- Taray Viewpoint (3,200 m / 10,499 ft): an impressive panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, with its fertile farmland and the majestic Vilcanota range.
- Pisac archaeological complex (2,972 m / 9,751 ft): an Inca citadel named after the bird shape of the mountain it sits on. It stands out for its ancient mountainside tombs, extensive agricultural terraces and the mix of simple buildings with fine carved stonework.
- Pisac Market: one of the most traditional markets in the Sacred Valley, where artisans and villagers from Andean communities sell textiles, silver jewellery and local produce in a colourful setting.
- Urubamba (2,871 m / 9,419 ft): the heart of the Sacred Valley, known for its pleasant climate, fertile land and mountain scenery.
- Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft): considered one of the last living Inca towns, with its stone streets, water channels and an impressive fortress that witnessed important events in Inca history.
- Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,343 ft): an important Inca agricultural and cultural centre, known for its terraces, its colonial church and views of the snow-capped peaks surrounding the valley.
- Chinchero textile centre: a place where Andean women keep alive the ancient techniques of weaving and natural dyeing, passed down from generation to generation.
Sacred Valley of the Incas 1-day tour itinerary
Cusco – Taray Viewpoint – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Chinchero – Cusco
A complete journey through the valley that was the breadbasket of the Inca empire, among citadels, markets and villages that keep their traditions alive.
- The adventure begins with the pickup from your hotel between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. In about 35 minutes we reach the Taray Viewpoint, where your guide explains the historical and agricultural importance of the Sacred Valley, overlooking the Vilcanota range and the vast farmland that still feeds the Andean communities.
- After a 20-minute drive we reach the Pisac Archaeological Complex, named after the pisaca, a local bird whose shape can be seen in the mountain. We explore the urban area, the agricultural terraces, the ceremonial fountains and the famous Inca cemetery, considered one of the largest in South America. The guided visit lasts 40 to 50 minutes.
- We walk down to the traditional Pisac Craft Market, where you will have 25 to 30 minutes to browse its colourful stalls of crafts, textiles and local produce.
- We drive for an hour to Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, for a buffet lunch with a wide variety of typical Andean dishes, fresh salads and regional desserts.
- In 45 minutes we reach the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex, an Inca centre with military, agricultural, religious and administrative functions that controlled access to the valley. We see its monumental terraces, temples and the famous stone-carved fountains with designs linked to the Andean chakana.
- After an hour's drive we arrive in Chinchero, the "land of the rainbow", a retreat for the nobility during the reign of Túpac Inca Yupanqui and a control point between Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- We visit a textile centre, where local artisans demonstrate the ancestral process of natural dyeing with plants, minerals and insects, traditional weaving techniques and how to recognise genuine baby alpaca garments.
- We head back to Cusco, arriving at around 7:30 p.m.
What the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour includes
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Meals
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba, combining the richness of Andean cuisine with a selection of regional desserts.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco's historic centre. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour, with drop-off very close to the Plaza de Armas, on Calle Plateros.
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket, required to enter the Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero archaeological sites. It is paid in soles and can be the Partial Ticket (BTP), approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, or the General Ticket (BTG), approx. 130 soles / 40 USD, which also covers the City Tour, the South Valley, Moray and some museums in Cusco.
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Tips (optional).
Sacred Valley of the Incas tour price
Rates by group size
| Your group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 38 USD |
| 3 people | To be confirmed |
| 4 people | To be confirmed |
| 5 people | To be confirmed |
| 6 or more people | To be confirmed |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch at a premium restaurant | 15 USD per person | Options such as Tunupa Valle Sagrado, Don Ángel or Inka Casona Restaurant, known for the quality of their service, their range of dishes and their facilities. We recommend requesting it in advance so we can confirm availability. |
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings, more time at each site and the freedom to stop whenever you wish. |
The Tourist Ticket is not included
To enter Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero you will need the Partial Ticket (approx. 70 soles / 21 USD) or the General Ticket (approx. 130 soles / 40 USD). You can buy it on the day of the tour; we recommend bringing cash in soles.
What to bring on the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour
These are the most important items for this full-day tour.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- Original, valid university student card, if you wish to use the student rate for the Tourist Ticket.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and some snacks.
- Cash in soles for the Tourist Ticket, purchases and souvenirs along the way.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes with good non-slip soles.
- Light, breathable clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing for the morning and evening.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photographs at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- This is an ideal tour for acclimatising in Cusco before tours that involve hiking.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 12 hours. It starts between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. and ends at around 7:30 p.m. in Cusco.
Does the tour include hotel pickup? Where does it end?
Yes, it includes pickup from hotels in Cusco's historic centre. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged in advance. On the return we drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas, on Calle Plateros.
Is breakfast included? Will there be a stop to buy food?
No, breakfast is not included. Because of the departure time and the itinerary, it is not always possible to stop for breakfast. We recommend asking your hotel for a box breakfast or buying light snacks the night before.
Is lunch included?
Yes. The programme includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba, with a varied selection of typical Andean dishes, fresh salads, vegetarian options and regional desserts. For a more exclusive dining experience, you can choose a premium restaurant for an additional 15 USD per person.
Do I need the Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley?
Yes. It is required to enter the Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero archaeological sites. You can buy the Partial Tourist Ticket (BTP) or the General Tourist Ticket (BTG):
- Partial Ticket (foreign adult): approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
- General Ticket (foreign adult): approx. 130 soles / 40 USD.
How much is the Tourist Ticket for students and children?
- Foreign student or child aged 10 to 16: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, with original passport.
- Foreign student aged 17 to 22: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
An original physical university card is required, showing a photograph, full name, university and expiry date. Children aged 9 and under enter free.
How are the entrance tickets paid? Can I pay by card or in dollars?
We recommend bringing cash in soles to speed up entry. Some points accept credit or debit cards, with a surcharge of around 5 % and subject to signal availability. Dollars are also accepted, although change is not always available.
Should I buy the tickets in advance or on the day?
You can buy them on the day of the tour. However, if you have time in Cusco, we recommend buying them in advance to avoid delays.
Do children aged 3 and over pay for a seat?
Yes. For safety reasons and in line with current transport regulations, passengers aged 3 and over must have their own seat, especially on full-day tours.
Can children and older travellers take part?
Yes. It is an ideal tour for families, couples and travellers of all ages; we recommend it from age 5. There is no upper age limit for adults, as long as they can move about independently and walk short distances comfortably: many travellers over 75 enjoy it without any problems.
As it is a shared service, the group follows a general pace. If you would like more time or extra breaks, you can choose the private service.
Is the Sacred Valley a good tour for acclimatising?
Yes. It is one of the most recommended tours for your first days in Cusco, as it lets you see major sights while your body gradually adapts to the altitude.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy. Most of the tour is by tourist transport, combined with short walks within the archaeological sites.
At what altitude does the tour take place?
Between 2,792 m / 9,160 ft at Ollantaytambo and 3,762 m / 12,343 ft at Chinchero, the highest point of the tour.
How long do we spend at each site?
Times may vary slightly depending on the group's pace:
- Taray Viewpoint: 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pisac Archaeological Complex: 40 to 50 minutes.
- Pisac Market: 25 to 30 minutes.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba: approx. 1 hour.
- Ollantaytambo: 40 to 50 minutes.
- Chinchero and textile centre: 20 to 30 minutes.
What clothing should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, shoes with good soles, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm jacket and a rain poncho in the rainy season.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs all year round. Between November and March we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
In which languages is the tour guided?
In Spanish and English throughout the tour.
What happens if I feel unwell because of the altitude?
Our guides are trained in first aid and carry a first-aid kit and oxygen tank to assist you with anything that may arise. If you prefer not to walk, you can stay in the vehicle until you feel better and then continue the tour.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself. With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
