Tour to Sacred Valley of the Incas (1 Day)

Explore the captivating Sacred Valley of the Incas on a one-day tour. Discover vibrant markets, impressive Inca fortresses, and unique agricultural terraces. This excursion immerses you in the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of the region. With transport, an expert guide, lunch, and entrance tickets included, you can enjoy a personalized experience at an affordable price. What await you in this enchanting valley?

Key Points

• One-day excursion to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo Fortress, Moray, and the Salt Pans of Maras.
• Priced from $48 per person, with group transport, guided service, lunch, and entrance tickets included.
• Meeting point in Cusco, with pickup options and a maximum group size of 16 travelers.
• Tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly and accessible by public transportation.
• Mixed reviews with a strong overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, highlighting the need for improved communication from the tour operator.

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley of the Incas tour is a one-day excursion that explores the stunning landscapes and historical sites in the Cusco region of Peru. Priced from $48 per person, the tour includes group transport, a guided service, lunch, and entrance tickets.

The meeting point is Plaza de Armas in Cusco, with the tour ending at Plaza Regocijo. Communication is maintained via WhatsApp.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and accessible by public transportation. The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

Customer reviews are generally positive but note occasional communication and service issues.

Inclusions

The Sacred Valley of the Incas tour includes a group transport service, a group guide service, lunch, and entrance tickets (Tourist Ticket, payable in cash at Pisac).

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.

The guide service ensures visitors gain valuable insights into the rich history and cultural significance of the Sacred Valley.

Lunch is provided, allowing travelers to recharge during the day’s explorations.

The included entrance tickets grant access to the key sites, eliminating the need for additional purchases on the day of the tour.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers can choose between two pickup options for the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour – directly at the meeting point or an arranged pickup.

The meeting point is at Plaza de Armas in Cusco, and the tour ends at Plaza Regocijo, also in Cusco.

Pickup options include:

1. Directly at the meeting point in Plaza de Armas.

2. Arranged pickup, which requires coordination via WhatsApp.

3. Communication takes place through WhatsApp to ensure smooth coordination.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour, which has a maximum of 16 travelers.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible and near public transportation.

Tour Accessibility

Is the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour wheelchair accessible? No, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, it’s stroller accessible. Travelers can also access the tour via nearby public transportation. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows the guide to provide attentive service to each participant.

The group size is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience and attentive service from the guide.

While the tour may not be suitable for all mobility levels, the organizers have made efforts to accommodate various needs and make the experience accessible to as many travelers as possible.

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews for the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour present a mixed picture.

While the majority of travelers report satisfaction, there are some notable complaints:

1. Lack of communication from the tour operator before and during the tour.

2. Issues with reliability, with one traveler reporting being left without transport and having to arrange a private tour elsewhere.

3. Concerns about the quality of the tour guide and overall service.

However, the tour maintains a strong 4.8 rating from 59 reviews, with 95% of travelers recommending the experience.

Pisac Market

The Sacred Valley tour includes a stop at the vibrant Pisac Market, where visitors can enjoy the local culture and purchase authentic Andean handicrafts.

This open-air market features a wide array of colorful textiles, pottery, jewelry, and other traditional crafts. Travelers can bargain with the friendly vendors, offering a unique opportunity to interact with the locals.

The market also offers a variety of local produce, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional Peruvian delicacies.

Ollantaytambo Fortress

After exploring the vibrant Pisac Market, the tour continues to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress. This ancient Inca stronghold offers a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Incas.

The tour includes:

Climbing the steep terraces for panoramic views, examining the Inca stonework, learning about the fortress’s strategic importance, and witnessing the impressive water features.

1. Climbing the steep terraces for panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley.

2. Examining the well-preserved Inca stonework and architectural features.

3. Learning about the strategic importance of the fortress in the defense of the Sacred Valley.

4. Witnessing the impressive Inca-engineered water features and irrigation system.

Visitors come away with a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization.

Moray and Maras

Continuing the journey, the tour next explores the remarkable ruins of Moray and the salt pans of Maras.

Moray features a series of concentric circular terraces, believed to have been an Inca agricultural experiment station. Visitors can descend into the terraces, marveling at the impressive engineering.

Nearby, the salt pans of Maras have been in use since Inca times. Thousands of small pools capture the salty water that evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals. Guests can observe the local workers harvesting the salt, a fascinating glimpse into traditional methods.

These unique archaeological sites provide insights into Inca ingenuity and sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Tour?

For this tour, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that can withstand moderate activity and changing weather conditions. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are advised to navigate the uneven terrain.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

The tour can likely be customized to include additional sites, but this may incur extra costs. Travelers should inquire with the tour provider about the possibility and pricing for customizing the itinerary to meet their specific interests.

What Are the Best Photo Opportunities During the Tour?

The best photo opportunities on this tour include the Pisac ruins, the colorful local markets, and the stunning mountain landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Travelers can capture iconic Inca architecture and vibrant cultural scenes throughout the day.

Is There an Option to Book Private Transportation?

Yes, there’s an option to book private transportation for this tour. The tour provider offers a private transfer service for an additional fee, which allows for a more personalized and flexible experience compared to the group transport.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site on the Itinerary?

The itinerary doesn’t provide specific time spent at each site. The tour aims to visit the highlights of the Sacred Valley, but the schedule may vary depending on group size and activity duration. Travelers should expect a full-day excursion with multiple stops.

The Sum Up

This one-day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a captivating exploration of Inca heritage and stunning landscapes. From the vibrant Pisac Market to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, the tour promises an immersive experience at an affordable price. With a small group size, personalized guidance, and all-inclusive services, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking to discover the rich cultural and natural wonders of the region.