Exploring the Sacred Valley from Cusco provides a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of the Inca Empire. This full-day tour offers a comprehensive itinerary, including visits to renowned historical sites like Chincheros, Moray, and the Salineras salt wells. Complemented by a delectable buffet lunch, the experience promises to deliver an unforgettable glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking an enriching adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Contents show

Key Points

A full-day tour from Cusco exploring the Sacred Valley, including visits to Chincheros, Moray, and Salineras, with transportation, English/Spanish-speaking guide, and lunch provided.
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, with hotel pickup between 6:35 to 6:55 am and a return around 7:30 pm.
Highlights include seeing Inca architecture, agricultural experimentation, and traditional salt harvesting, providing insight into the region’s history and culture.
The tour is priced from Kč 910 per person and has a pay later option, with cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund.
The tour is not recommended for individuals with altitude sickness or over 95 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s cultural and historical highlights. Priced from Kč 910 per person, the 13-hour tour includes hotel pickup, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, transportation, and a buffet lunch.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour’s itinerary features visits to Chincheros, Moray, Salineras, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq, showcasing Inca ruins, agricultural sites, and salt wells.

While suitable for most, the tour isn’t recommended for those with altitude sickness or over 95 years old.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Itinerary and Highlights

The Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour begins with hotel pickup between 6:35 to 6:55 am. First, visitors explore Chincheros, seeing the Inca wall and royal hacienda remains. Next, they discover the circular agricultural wonder of Moray, followed by the salt wells of Salineras. After a buffet lunch with over 30 local dishes in Urubamba, the tour visits the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo and the monumental center of Pisaq. The tour concludes around 7:30 pm near Plaza de Armas.

| Site Visited | Highlights |

|————–|————|

| Chincheros | Inca wall, royal hacienda |

| Moray | Circular agricultural construction |

| Salineras | Salt wells |

| Urubamba | Buffet lunch with 30+ local dishes |

| Ollantaytambo | Archaeological complex, military/religious/cultural center |

Sites Visited: Chincheros

Chincheros marks the start of the Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour.

Visitors will see an Inca wall and the remains of a royal hacienda. The Inca wall, built from massive stone blocks, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Inca Empire.

The royal hacienda, once a grand estate, now lies in ruins, providing a glimpse into the region’s history. Travelers will have the opportunity to learn about the site’s significance and explore the well-preserved structures.

This stop sets the stage for the day’s adventure through the stunning Sacred Valley.

Sites Visited: Moray

After visiting the Inca ruins in Chincheros, the tour continues to Moray, a remarkable archaeological site.

Nestled in a serene valley, Moray features a series of concentric terraces, each at a different altitude. This intricate system was likely used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation, taking advantage of the varying microclimates to test the cultivation of different crops.

Visitors can wander down the terraces, marveling at the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of environmental conditions. The site offers a glimpse into the Incas’ innovative agricultural practices and their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean terrain.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sites Visited: Salineras

From Moray, the tour moves on to the remarkable Salineras, or salt wells, located in the Sacred Valley.

The salt wells have been in use since Inca times, with shallow pools carved into the hillside to evaporate salty water and extract the salt. Visitors can explore the terraced salt pans and learn about the traditional salt-harvesting methods still in use today.

The Salineras provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and the local people’s resourcefulness in harnessing the area’s natural resources.

After exploring the salt wells, the tour continues on to the town of Urubamba for a buffet lunch.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Sites Visited: Urubamba

The tour then takes visitors to the town of Urubamba, where they enjoy a bountiful buffet lunch featuring over 30 local dishes.

The lunch showcases the region’s culinary diversity, with a variety of traditional Peruvian specialties on offer. Guests can sample a range of flavors, from hearty stews to fresh produce and delectable desserts.

This midday meal provides a chance to refuel and take in the local culture before continuing the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Sites Visited: Ollantaytambo

Following the buffet lunch in Urubamba, the tour then takes visitors to the archaeological complex and military, religious, and cultural center of Ollantaytambo.

The site sits at the base of impressive Inca ruins, offering a glimpse into the empire’s engineering prowess. Travelers can explore the stone terraces, temples, and storehouses that once served as a fortress against the Spanish conquistadors.

The tour guide will provide insights into Ollantaytambo’s history and significance as a strategic Inca settlement. Visitors can wander the cobblestone streets and experience the traditional Andean town atmosphere.

Sites Visited: Pisaq

After visiting Ollantaytambo, the tour progresses to the monumental center of Pisaq. Perched on mountain slopes, Pisaq features impressive Inca platforms, terraces, and architectural structures. Visitors can explore the site’s religious, military, and agricultural elements.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Platforms | Expansive stone platforms used for ceremonies and rituals |

| Terraces | Intricate agricultural terraces carved into the hillside |

| Structures | Remains of Inca administrative and residential buildings |

| Views | Panoramic vistas of the surrounding Andean peaks |

| Artisans | Local artisans sell traditional textiles and handicrafts |

The tour concludes at approximately 7:30 pm near Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

Since You Asked

Can I Purchase Travel Insurance for This Tour?

Yes, travel insurance can be purchased for this tour. The tour operator recommends checking with travel insurance providers to see if coverage is available for the activities and duration of the Sacred Valley tour.

Does the Tour Include Any Stops for Shopping or Artisan Markets?

The tour includes a stop at Chincheros, which features an Inca wall and remains of a royal hacienda where visitors can explore local artisan markets and shops. However, the tour does not have any other dedicated shopping stops.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Physical Requirements for This Tour?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or over 95 years old. There are no other stated age restrictions or physical requirements, though visitors should be able to walk at the sites visited.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

You can request a private tour, though it may cost more. The tour isn’t suitable for those with altitude sickness or over 95 years old. Check availability, as the itinerary can be adjusted to your needs.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule the Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. To reschedule, contact the provider as soon as possible to check availability.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour of the Sacred Valley from Cusco offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich Inca heritage. With visits to Chincheros, Moray, Salineras, and more, travelers can enjoy the area’s stunning natural landscapes and archaeological wonders. The included lunch and English/Spanish-speaking guide ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, this tour provides an excellent way to discover the beauty and cultural significance of the Sacred Valley.