Excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Explore the captivating wonders of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with this enriching day-long excursion. Uncover the impressive ruins at Pisac, browse the lively handicraft market, and marvel at the majestic Ollantaytambo fortress. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming town of Urubamba before returning to Cusco. With guided tours, hotel pickups, and free cancellation, this affordable adventure promises an unforgettable cultural experience in Peru’s breathtaking highlands. Discover why the Sacred Valley has long enchanted travelers from around the world.

Key Points

• An all-day adventure in the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas, featuring visits to Pisac ruins, a handicraft market, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo ruins.
• Prices start at $20 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
• Tour includes hotel pickup and return, transportation, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, and partial tourist ticket for entrance fees.
• Highlights include exploring the Inca architectural marvels at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and shopping for traditional Andean textiles and ceramics.
• Optional add-on visit to the Maras salt mines available for an additional fee.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a day-long adventure that takes visitors on a journey through Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced from $20 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include visits to the Pisac ruins, a handicraft market, the town of Urubamba, and the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins.

Travelers will be picked up from their Cusco hotel and transported by minibus or bus, with an English and Spanish-speaking guide to provide an informative and insightful experience.

Itinerary Highlights

After being picked up from their Cusco hotel, travelers embark on an immersive journey through the Sacred Valley.

The first stop is Pisac, home to an archaeological site shaped like a partridge. Visitors can explore the ruins and browse the local handicraft market for authentic souvenirs.

Continuing on, they travel along the Vilcanota River to Urubamba, the capital of the Sacred Valley, where they enjoy a delicious lunch.

The final highlight is Ollantaytambo, featuring a guided tour of the impressive ruins and hilltop fortress before returning to Cusco’s main square.

• Explore the Pisac Ruins and handicraft market

• Enjoy a lunch in Urubamba, the Sacred Valley’s capital

• Discover the Ollantaytambo ruins and hilltop fortress

Pisac Ruins

Perched atop a mountain spur, the Pisac Ruins captivate visitors with their remarkable Inca architecture and sweeping vistas. Shaped like a partridge, this significant archaeological site once served as a fortified town, agricultural center, and place of worship.

Explorers can wander through the intricate network of stone houses, storehouses, and plazas, marveling at the ingenuity of the Inca engineers. The towering stone terraces, carved into the mountainside, are a testament to the Inca’s advanced construction techniques and deep connection to the land.

A visit to Pisac offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley.

Handicraft Shopping

Visitors to the Pisac Ruins can take advantage of the abundant local handicraft shops, where they’ll find an array of traditional Andean textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs.

Shoppers can peruse vibrant woven textiles like alpaca blankets, ponchos, and tapestries, as well as hand-painted ceramics and pottery.

Vibrant woven alpaca blankets, ponchos, and tapestries mingle with hand-painted ceramics and pottery at the local shops.

• Intricate embroidered garments and accessories

• Colorful, geometric-patterned bags and totes

• Unique wood carvings and metal sculptures

This is the perfect opportunity to support local artisans and bring home a piece of Peruvian culture.

Bargaining is expected, so visitors should be prepared to negotiate prices and haggle for the best deals.

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Urubamba and Lunch

From Pisac, the excursion continues along the Vilcanota River to Urubamba, the capital of the Sacred Valley.

Here, travelers will enjoy a delicious lunch in the town’s center. Urubamba is known for its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and stunning mountain vistas.

After lunch, the group heads to the ancient Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, where they’ll explore the impressive ruins on a guided tour.

The day’s activities provide a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo Ruins

After enjoying a delicious lunch in Urubamba, the group makes its way to the ancient Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

The guide leads them on a captivating tour of the impressive ruins, highlighting:

• The massive stone terraces and staircases that wind up the hillside

• The impressive Temple of the Sun, with its intricate stonework

• The stunning views overlooking the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains

As the group explores the well-preserved site, they gain a deeper understanding of the engineering feats and strategic importance of this Inca stronghold.

Hotel Pickup and Return

The excursion begins with hotel pickup from Cusco at the indicated time, allowing participants to start the day’s adventure without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.

Travelers are transported in a comfortable minibus or bus, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who provides insights along the way.

The return trip to Cusco’s main square at the end of the day ensures a seamless experience, with no need to worry about finding your own way back.

The return trip to Cusco’s main square ensures a seamless experience, with no need to worry about finding your own way back.

This all-inclusive service makes the excursion to the Sacred Valley a convenient and stress-free way to explore this remarkable region.

Tour Inclusions

Though the excursion’s price may vary, the tour includes several key components to provide a comprehensive experience. These include hotel pickup and return transfers, transportation by minibus or bus, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Plus, the tour offers:

• A partial tourist ticket, which covers entrance fees to notable sites like the Pisac Ruins and Ollantaytambo fortress

• Access to the Maras salt mines, an extra attraction with a small additional fee

• An informative live tour guide to enhance the excursion and bring the Sacred Valley’s history and culture to life.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Excursion?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the excursion. The tour doesn’t include meals, so you’re free to pack your own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the day.

Are There Any Restroom Stops Along the Way?

Yes, there are restroom stops along the way. The tour includes several stops at local towns and historical sites, providing opportunities to use the restrooms during the excursion.

Is the Excursion Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The excursion may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. While transportation is provided, the sites visited have uneven terrain and steps that could be challenging. It’s best to inquire about accommodations before booking.

Can I Purchase Additional Entrance Tickets at the Sites?

Yes, you can purchase additional entrance tickets at the sites. The cost for the Partial tourist ticket is 70 S/ ($18.90) for foreign adults and 40 S/ ($10.80) for Peruvian adults. The Maras salt mines entry is 10 S/ ($2.70) per person.

What Should I Bring to Make the Most of the Excursion?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and some extra cash for any additional purchases or snacks you might want. Having a camera on hand can help capture the scenic landscapes and cultural highlights of the day.

Sum Up

This captivating excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a chance to take in Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the impressive Pisac ruins, peruse a lively handicraft market, and marvel at the majestic Ollantaytambo fortress. With a relaxing lunch in Urubamba and convenient hotel pickups, this tour provides an unforgettable experience in the breathtaking Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: