Uncover the rich cultural tapestry of Peru’s Andes region on this comprehensive 12-hour tour. Explore the stunning Pisac Ruins, browse the vibrant Pisac Market, and marvel at the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins – all while enjoying the expertise of an English/Spanish-speaking guide. With hotel pickup, private transportation, and a local buffet lunch included, this tour offers an immersive experience that showcases the best of Cusco’s heritage. Discover why this tour is a must-do for those seeking to delve deeper into the heart of Peruvian culture.
Good To Know
- This 12-hour tour covers the highlights of the Cusco region, including Pisac Ruins, Pisac Market, and the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.
- The tour is priced at $92 per person and includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide.
- Key features of the tour include panoramic views from the Temple of the Sun, exploration of Inca agricultural terraces, and discovering cultural heritage sites.
- Lunch at a buffet restaurant in Ollantaytambo and free time to explore the charming streets and local handicraft stores are included.
- The tour offers wheelchair accessibility and private group options, with a cancellation policy allowing for a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This Cusco tour, titled "CUSCO: Pisac, City Tour and Ollantaytambo," offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s cultural and historical highlights.
Priced from $92 per person, the 12-hour tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide.
Highlights include the Pisac Ruins, the vibrant Pisac Market, and the four impressive ruins in Ollantaytambo, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Inca Terraces.
The tour also includes a buffet lunch in Ollantaytambo.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later is available.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a visit to the Pisac Ruins, an archaeological site featuring temples, agricultural terraces, and an observatory. Next, guests explore the famous Pisac Market known for its handcrafted goods and regional products. The tour then travels to Ollantaytambo to visit four significant Inca ruins:
| Ruin | Key Feature |
| — | — |
| Temple of the Sun | Panoramic views |
| Inca Terraces | Sophisticated agricultural engineering |
| Patio of the Thousand Tarjas | Ceremonial center or royal residence |
| Bath of the Ñusta | Inca ceremonial bath |
After the ruins tour, there’s free time to wander Ollantaytambo’s charming cobblestone streets and visit local handicraft stores.
Tour Details
Although the tour is available in both English and Spanish, it’s led by a live tour guide. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and private group options are available.
The visit to Pisac takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, while the tour of the four ruins in Ollantaytambo takes around 2 hours.
Highlights of the tour include:
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Visiting the Pisac Ruins, with its temples, agricultural terraces, and observatory
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Exploring the Pisac Market, known for its handicrafts and regional products
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Admiring the panoramic views from the Temple of the Sun
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Marveling at the Inca’s sophisticated agricultural engineering in the Inca Terraces
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Discovering the Patio of the Thousand Tarjas and the Bath of the Ñusta.
Meals and Free Time
After the tour of the ruins, travelers can enjoy a buffet lunch in Ollantaytambo, where they’ll have the opportunity to savor local cuisine, such as the traditional cuy chactado (roasted guinea pig) or the classic lomo saltado (stir-fried beef).
Following the meal, visitors will have free time to explore the charming cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and browse the handicraft stores of Ollantaytambo.
This quaint town is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and offers a chance to take in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Additional Information
This tour includes a hotel pick-up service, private transportation, and an English and Spanish speaking guide.
The tour also includes a buffet lunch and entrance fees for the Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo archaeological site, which is known as the "Tourist Ticket" and costs 70 soles.
The tour includes a buffet lunch and entrance fees for the Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo archaeological site, known as the "Tourist Ticket" and costing 70 soles.
However, tips and travel insurance aren’t included in the tour price.
Key details to note:
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Hotel pick-up service
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Private transportation
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English and Spanish speaking guide
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Buffet lunch
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Entrance fees (Tourist Ticket: 70 soles)
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Tips and travel insurance not included
Exploring Pisac Ruins
As visitors ascend the winding mountain road, they’re greeted by the impressive ruins of Pisac, an ancient Inca citadel perched atop a dramatic hilltop.
The site boasts well-preserved temples, agricultural terraces, and an impressive Inca observatory. Visitors can explore the intricate stone structures, marveling at the Incas’ sophisticated engineering and architectural prowess.
The Pisac Market, located in the nearby town, offers an opportunity to browse a vibrant array of handicrafts, textiles, and regional products, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Andes.
Discovering the Four Ruins of Ollantaytambo
The tour then proceeds to the ancient site of Ollantaytambo, where visitors can explore the impressive ruins of four distinct Inca structures.
These include:
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The Temple of the Sun, offering panoramic vistas of the valley
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The Inca Terraces, showcasing sophisticated agricultural engineering
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The Patio of the Thousand Tarjas, a ceremonial center or royal residence
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The Bath of the Ñusta, an Inca ceremonial bath
After a 2-hour tour of these captivating ruins, the group enjoys a lunch of local Peruvian cuisine before having free time to wander the charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of Ollantaytambo.
Experience Cusco’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Kickstarting the journey, the tour takes visitors to the captivating Pisac Ruins, an archaeological site brimming with Inca temples, agricultural terraces, and an astronomical observatory.
Exploring this ancient citadel offers a glimpse into the advanced Inca civilization.
Then, the tour delves into the vibrant Pisac Market, renowned for its handcrafted products and regional specialties, allowing travelers to enjoy the local culture.
Finally, the excursion culminates in Ollantaytambo, unveiling the iconic Temple of the Sun, the intricately terraced agricultural landscape, and the ceremonial bath of the Ñusta, showcasing the Incas’ architectural and engineering prowess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
The tour operator may allow you to customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. It’s best to inquire about any available options for tailoring the tour to your specific interests and needs.
How Strenuous Is the Walking Required During the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, including exploring archaeological sites and hiking uphill. Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain and some steep steps. However, the pace can be adjusted to accommodate different fitness levels.
Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements for Participants?
The tour doesn’t have any age or physical fitness requirements, but it does involve moderate walking over uneven terrain at archaeological sites. Participants should be able to handle hiking for 2-3 hours.
Can the Tour Be Arranged for a Private Group With a Specific Schedule?
Yes, the tour can be arranged for a private group with a specific schedule. The tour offers private group options, allowing flexibility to customize the itinerary and timing to suit the group’s needs.
What Is the Process for Claiming the Full Refund if I Cancel 24 Hours in Advance?
To claim a full refund, customers must cancel their reservation at least 24 hours in advance. They’ll receive a full refund after submitting the cancellation request, as long as they meet the 24-hour notice requirement.
The Sum Up
This enriching 12-hour tour offers an immersive experience in Peru’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the stunning Pisac Ruins, vibrant Pisac Market, and impressive Ollantaytambo ruins, while enjoying a local buffet lunch and free time to wander charming streets. With hotel pickup, private transportation, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide, this tour provides an excellent way to discover the highlights of Cusco at a reasonable price.
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