Cusco : Excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Cusco’s Sacred Valley excursion promises an unparalleled journey through the Inca empire’s heartland. Embracing ancient history and breathtaking vistas, this tour invites travelers to uncover the secrets of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. With a focus on culture, the experience showcases the region’s timeless allure – from the grandeur of archaeological sites to the flavors of a sumptuous Andean lunch. Whether seeking to explore the Inca legacy or simply bask in the valley’s natural splendor, this excursion offers an enriching adventure worth discovering.

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Key Points

Excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a one-day tour available from Cusco, priced from $30 per person.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, an Andean buffet lunch, and a bilingual guide.
Highlights of the itinerary include visiting the Pisac archaeological center, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero town.
Participants can choose between a partial ticket (70 soles) or an integral ticket (130 soles) valid for 10 days.
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, and participants should bring recommended items such as sunscreen and comfortable shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This exciting excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas provides a comprehensive one-day tour from Cusco.

Priced from $30 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, an Andean buffet lunch, and a bilingual guide.

Enjoy a comprehensive tour of the Sacred Valley for $30 per person, including hotel pickup, transportation, lunch, and a bilingual guide.

Visitors can explore the archaeological centers of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, as well as the town of Chinchero.

Two ticket options are available: a partial ticket for 70 soles or an integral ticket for 130 soles valid for 10 days.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior and the reserve now, pay later option.

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Itinerary Highlights

The excursion begins with hotel pickup in Cusco between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.

First, visitors explore the Pisac archaeological center, guided through its ancient ruins.

After, they savor an Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba.

The tour then moves to Ollantaytambo, where guests discover the impressive Temple of the Sun within the archaeological site.

Finally, the group visits Chinchero town, seeing its archaeological sites and textile interpretation centers before returning to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

Inclusions and Costs

The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas includes several key features.

Participants receive hotel pick-up in Cusco and round-trip transportation. An Andean buffet lunch is provided, along with the services of a bilingual guide.

Entrance fees to the selected archaeological sites are covered, either through a partial or full tourist ticket. The partial ticket costs 70 soles, while the integral ticket, valid for 10 days and covering 16 sites, is 130 soles.

Important Information for Participants

Although the excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, the tour offers an immersive cultural experience for participants.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID card, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, and comfortable hiking shoes. Sunscreen is also recommended to protect against the strong Andean sun.

The tour itinerary includes visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, providing opportunities to explore ancient Inca ruins and cultural heritage sites.

Participants are advised to check availability and confirm pick-up times with the tour operator a day or two before the scheduled departure.

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Booking and Communication

To book the excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visitors should check availability before making a reservation, especially for last-minute trips.

When booking the Sacred Valley excursion, visitors should check availability beforehand, especially for last-minute trips.

It’s also recommended to contact the tour operator via WhatsApp one or two days before the tour to confirm the pick-up time.

The booking process is straightforward:

Check tour availability.
Select the desired date and number of participants.
Choose the payment option, either reserving now and paying later or paying in full.
Provide the necessary personal and contact information.
Receive confirmation of the booking and any additional details.

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Exploring the Pisac Archaeological Center

What awaits visitors at the Pisac archaeological center? This impressive Inca site perches high above the Sacred Valley.

Explore the extensive ruins, which include an impressive agricultural terracing system, ceremonial plazas, and remnants of the once-thriving city.

Follow your guide through the site, learning about Inca engineering and the strategic importance of Pisac’s location.

Marvel at the stunning views of the valley below.

After the guided tour, you’ll have time to wander the site independently, capturing photos and soaking in the majestic atmosphere of this significant Inca archaeological treasure.

Enjoying the Andean Buffet Lunch in Urubamba

After exploring the Pisac archaeological center, the tour continues to Urubamba for a delightful Andean buffet lunch.

Exploring the Pisac archaeological center, the tour continues to Urubamba for a delightful Andean buffet lunch.

The spread features a mouthwatering array of local specialties:

Hearty quinoa soup, infused with the rich flavors of the Andes.
Roasted potatoes, seasoned to perfection and served with creamy aji sauce.
Succulent roast guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy, paired with fragrant rice.
Vibrant salads brimming with freshly harvested produce from nearby farms.

The buffet offers a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary traditions of the Sacred Valley, allowing travelers to savor the authentic tastes of the region.

Discovering the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Center

Refreshed from the Andean buffet, the group now journeys to the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological center.

They marvel at the massive stone terraces and massive stone structures that once formed part of an Inca royal estate. The guide explains the historical significance of the Temple of the Sun, an impressive temple complex built by the Incas.

Participants explore the narrow streets and canals of the town, discovering the architectural marvels left by the Incas. The visit provides a window into the sophisticated engineering and urban planning of the ancient civilization.

Reluctantly, the group boards the bus, eager to explore the final stop of the day.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator’s policy states that only service animals are permitted, as the tour involves visiting historical sites and riding in vehicles. Bringing pets would not be suitable for this excursion.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer special discounts for students or seniors. However, the overall pricing is reasonable, and the tour provides an excellent value with its comprehensive itinerary and inclusions.

Can I Stop at Local Markets During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at the Chinchero town, where visitors can explore local markets and textile interpretation centers. This provides an opportunity to interact with the local community and purchase handmade crafts.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?

The tour allocates around 1-2 hours for each site visit, allowing ample time to explore the archaeological centers, Chinchero town, and textile interpretation centers. The duration at each location may vary depending on the group’s pace and interests.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

There’s no option to customize the itinerary. The tour has a fixed schedule with durations allocated for each site visit. However, the tour operator may accommodate special requests if possible.

Sum Up

The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas from Cusco offers an enriching cultural experience. Priced at $30 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and an Andean buffet lunch. Participants will explore ancient Inca sites, benefiting from a bilingual guide and seeing the region’s history and stunning landscapes. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to discover the cultural heritage of the Incas.

You can check availability for your dates here: