Exploring the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru is a must for any traveler seeking a culture. This full-day tour offers a chance to visit ancient Inca sites, witness traditional artisanal crafts, and savor regional cuisine. With a professional guide to provide historical context, participants can discover the area’s storied past while enjoying stunning Andean vistas. Whether you’re interested in archaeology, textiles, or simply experiencing the essence of Peruvian culture, this tour promises an enriching adventure.
About Your Stay
- Comprehensive tour exploring historical and cultural highlights in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, including visits to archaeological sites and a metalsmithing workshop.
- Includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a buffet lunch with vegetarian options, allowing travelers to experience the local cuisine.
- Involves light hiking and climbing at archaeological sites, suitable for a range of fitness levels with ample rest stops.
- High altitude with gradual acclimation during the drive, providing an opportunity to adapt to the environment.
- Ends with a scenic drive back to Cusco’s historic center, allowing further exploration of the city.
Overview of the Sacred Valley Tour
The Sacred Valley tour offers travelers a comprehensive experience exploring the historic and cultural highlights of this renowned region near Cusco, Peru.
Travelers can explore the historic and cultural highlights of the renowned Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru.
Over the course of a full day, the tour visits several key archaeological sites, including opportunities for optional light hiking.
Travelers will also visit a metalsmithing workshop and a women’s traditional weaving collective, providing insight into local craftsmanship.
Throughout the day, the professional guide shares extensive history and trivia, enhancing the overall experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a delectable buffet lunch with vegetarian options.
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Itinerary and Highlights
Although the tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco, the first stop takes visitors to the impressive Pisac archaeological site. Guests can optionally climb the ruins for stunning views over the Sacred Valley.
Next, the group visits a local workshop to see traditional Peruvian metalsmithing techniques. After a buffet lunch, the tour continues to the Ollantaytambo fortress, another major Inca site with optional temple and terrace climbing.
The day ends with a scenic drive back to Cusco’s historic center, where the tour concludes. Throughout, the knowledgeable guide provides extensive historical context and cultural insights.
Transportation and Pickup Details
For this tour, the hotel pickup in Cusco is provided for all participants. The tour operator will collect travelers from their hotel locations within the city.
Guests staying outside the historic center, in Airbnbs, or private apartments should arrange a convenient pickup spot, such as:
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A major plaza or landmark in the historic center
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A hotel or hostel in the historic center
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A transportation hub like the Cusco bus station
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The tour operator’s office
After the tour, guests will be dropped off at the Historic Center of Cusco, not at their hotel. This allows participants to continue exploring the city on their own.
Lunch Options and Dietary Accommodations
What about the lunch included in this Sacred Valley tour?
The tour includes a buffet lunch with a variety of options. Vegetarian choices are available to accommodate dietary needs.
The buffet offers a selection of regional Peruvian dishes, from traditional stews to grilled meats and fresh salads. Travelers can indulge in the tastes of the Sacred Valley while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
The lunch break provides a chance to refuel and recharge before continuing the day’s exploration of the area’s archaeological sites and cultural experiences.
Tour Guide and Language Capabilities
The tour is led by a professional guide who may be multilingual, providing insights and historical context throughout the day.
The guide offers:
Extensive knowledge of the Sacred Valley’s archaeological sites and cultural heritage, explanations of the region’s fascinating history, facilitation of interactions with local artisans, and assistance in navigating the logistics of the tour.
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Extensive knowledge of the Sacred Valley’s archaeological sites and cultural heritage.
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Explanations of the region’s fascinating history, from the Inca Empire to present-day traditions.
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Facilitation of interactions with local artisans, allowing travelers to learn about their crafts.
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Assistance in navigating the logistics of the tour, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
The guide’s expertise and multilingual capabilities enhance the tour, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of the Sacred Valley.
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Activity Level and Accessibility
Although the Sacred Valley tour involves some light hiking and climbing at archaeological sites, the activity level is generally manageable for travelers adjusting to the high altitude. The tour is designed to accommodate a range of fitness levels, with ample rest stops and easy pacing. Accessibility details are as follows:
| Accessibility | Description |
| — | — |
| Walking | Moderate, with some uneven terrain |
| Climbing | Optional at select sites, with alternative viewing options |
| Altitude | High (9,500 ft), with gradual acclimation during drive |
| Disability | Limited mobility may restrict some activities |
| Age Suitability | Suitable for most ages with proper precautions |
Booking and Pricing Information
Booking for the full-day Sacred Valley tour can be completed directly through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their sales team.
Booking for the full-day Sacred Valley tour can be completed directly through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their sales team.
The tour is priced at PEN70 for the entrance fee at the Sacred Valley. The tour operates with a maximum group size of 18 travelers, and the start time is 8:00 am.
The inclusions are:
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Hotel pick-up (specific to hotel location in Cusco)
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Professional guide (may be multi-lingual)
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Transportation by private vehicle
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Buffet lunch with vegetarian options
The tour concludes with a drop-off at the Historic Center of Cusco, not at the hotel.
Guest Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have shared overwhelmingly positive reviews for this full-day Sacred Valley tour. Overall, it has a 5.0 rating based on a single review.
Reviewers praise the tour as a great introduction to the Sacred Valley, noting it’s a manageable activity level for high-altitude adjustment. The fantastic buffet lunch also receives high marks.
However, some travelers critique the tour’s focus on souvenir sales at certain stops, which may not appeal to everyone.
The tour’s highlights, including archaeological sites and cultural experiences, seem to outweigh this minor criticism, making it a popular choice for exploring the scenic Sacred Valley.
Questions About Your Stay
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Casual attire and sturdy walking shoes are suitable for the day’s activities and exploring the archaeological sites.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on this tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, so there’s no need to bring your own food. Bringing water or small snacks is usually fine, but check with the tour operator beforehand.
Are There Any Medical Facilities Along the Route?
The tour does not make any scheduled stops at medical facilities along the route. However, the guide is trained in first aid and can provide assistance if needed during the tour. Travelers should inform the guide of any medical conditions prior to the tour.
Can I Extend My Stay in the Sacred Valley After the Tour?
Yes, you can extend your stay in the Sacred Valley after the tour. The tour provider doesn’t handle post-tour arrangements, but they can provide recommendations on accommodations and activities to extend your exploration of this region.
Are There Any Opportunities for Independent Exploration During the Tour?
The tour offers some opportunities for independent exploration. Travelers can visit a metalsmithing workshop and a women’s weaving collective during the tour, allowing them to explore these artisan experiences on their own within the itinerary.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Full Day Sacred Valley Tour with Buffet Lunch offers an immersive cultural experience in Peru’s stunning countryside. Visitors will explore ancient archaeological sites, witness traditional artisanal crafts, and savor regional cuisine. With professional guides, comfortable transportation, and flexible options, the tour provides an enriching and convenient way to discover the highlights of the Sacred Valley near Cusco.
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