From Cusco: Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo Without Lunch

The "From Cusco: Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo Without Lunch" tour offers an intriguing day trip through the historic and picturesque region surrounding Cusco. For just $18 per person, travelers can explore landmarks like Pisac, Urubamba, and the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo. While the tour has received mixed reviews, its bilingual guide and included hotel pickup suggest a convenient and immersive experience. But what lies beyond the standard itinerary, and what surprises might the day have in store?

Key Points

• This one-day tour from Cusco visits Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, with the highlight being the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.
• The tour does not include lunch, but transportation and a bilingual guide are provided.
• Entrance fees are an additional cost, with a general pass costing 130 soles and specific site tickets costing 70 soles.
• The tour has an overall rating of 3.8/5 based on 4 reviews, with praise for the guide and sites but criticism for the tight schedule.
• Recommendations include being prepared for climbing steps, bringing personal items, and being mindful of the time spent at each archaeological site.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco includes a visit to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo without lunch. The tour costs $18 per person and lasts one day.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour includes hotel pickup, visits to Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, as well as entrance tickets and transportation.

Travelers should bring their passport, insect repellent, and be prepared for climbing steps.

The tour has an overall rating of 3.8/5 based on 4 reviews, with praise for the guide and sites, but criticism for the tight schedule and lack of time at each location.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour includes several highlights throughout the day.

Travelers will be picked up from their hotel lobby between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and travel to Pisac, where they’ll explore the impressive architecture and terraces.

The tour begins with hotel pickup between 7:00 and 7:30 AM, followed by exploration of Pisac’s impressive architecture and terraces.

Next, they’ll visit Urubamba for a buffet lunch.

The highlight of the tour is the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where guests can marvel at the Inca’s impressive stonework.

The final stop is Chinchero, home to a colonial temple and agricultural terraces.

The tour wraps up with arrival back in Cusco around 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Each site is allotted 1 to 1.5 hours of exploration time.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual professional tour guide (English/Spanish), and a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

The entrance tickets cost 130 soles for a general 10-day pass with different circuits, plus an additional 70 soles for the sites of Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. These fees cover access to the archaeological sites.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card, as well as any personal items they may need, such as binoculars, medication, and insect repellent.

Tips for the tour are recommended, as the schedule can be tight, and visitors may wish for more time at the sites.

Important Information and Recommendations

When visiting the Sacred Valley, travelers should be prepared for climbing steps and be aware of the tight schedule.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s recommended to bring the following:

Passport or ID card, personal medication, and biodegradable insect repellent are recommended for a smooth and enjoyable Sacred Valley experience.

• Passport or ID card

• Personal medication

• Biodegradable insect repellent

Plus, having access to the internet and a pen can be helpful.

Travelers should also be mindful of the time spent at each archaeological site, as the tour itinerary is designed to cover multiple locations within a limited timeframe.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on the 4 reviews available, this tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Travelers praised the lively guide and the interesting sites visited. However, some felt the lunch option was unclear, the schedule was too tight, and there was a lack of time at each site.

Plus, a few reviewers perceived a bias in the information provided to English speakers compared to Spanish speakers.

To improve the experience, suggestions include allowing more time at the archaeological sites and reducing the emphasis on tourist shops and markets.

Exploring Pisac’s Architecture and Terraces

Departing from Cusco, the tour first takes visitors to the ancient Inca site of Pisac. The guide leads the group through the archaeological ruins, pointing out the impressive architecture and terraced agricultural fields.

Highlights of the Pisac segment include:

• Exploring the well-preserved Inca constructions, such as the residential areas, temples, and fortifications.

• Marveling at the sophisticated engineering and construction techniques used in the terraced hillsides.

• Learning about the important role Pisac played in the Inca Empire’s agricultural and defensive systems.

After the insightful exploration of Pisac, the tour continues on to the next stop, Ollantaytambo.

Discovering Ollantaytambo’s Inca Ruins

After exploring the impressive ruins of Pisac, the tour group continues on to the archaeological site of Ollantaytaytambo.

Perched atop terraced stone ruins, the Inca fortress commands sweeping views of the Urubamba River Valley. Visitors marvel at the engineering feats of the Incas, who constructed this mountain-top citadel with massive stone blocks.

The tour guide explains the site’s strategic importance and points out features like the Sun Temple and the unfinished Temple of the Sun.

With limited time, the group navigates the site’s steep stairs and pathways, taking in the grandeur of this important Inca stronghold.

Visiting Chinchero’s Colonial Temple and Terraces

The tour group then departs Ollantaytambo and heads to the town of Chinchero, located high in the Andes.

At Chinchero, they visit the colonial-era church and explore the agricultural terraces that stretch across the hillsides.

The highlights include:

• Admiring the distinctive architecture and colorful frescoes of the 17th-century church

• Wandering through the terraced farming plots, a testament to the Inca’s sophisticated agricultural techniques

• Observing the local weavers demonstrating their traditional textile-making methods

With a final stop in this picturesque Andean town, the tour wraps up and returns to Cusco, arriving in the early evening.

Things To Know

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Travelers can discuss options with the tour provider to adjust the schedule, activities, or sites visited based on their interests and preferences.

What Is the Policy for Solo Travelers?

The tour’s policy for solo travelers is the same as for other group sizes. They can book the tour and it’ll run as scheduled with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is $18.00 per person, regardless of age or student status. There’s no indication of any special pricing options for those groups.

Can I Opt-Out of Visiting Certain Sites if I Prefer?

Yes, you can opt-out of visiting certain sites if you prefer. Just let the tour guide know ahead of time, and they’ll accommodate your preferences within the overall itinerary.

Are There Any Options for a Private or Small-Group Tour?

Private and small-group tours are available for this Sacred Valley excursion. These options allow travelers to customize their itinerary and spend more time at specific sites if desired. Prices may vary based on group size and personalized services.

Sum Up

The "From Cusco: Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo Without Lunch" tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the Sacred Valley’s key highlights, including Pisac, Urubamba, and the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins. While the tour has received mixed reviews, its highlights, bilingual guide, and hotel pickup make it a convenient option for those seeking to explore the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: