Exploring the Sacred Valley of Cusco is a must-do experience for any visitor to Peru. This VIP full-day tour offers a chance to explore the region’s rich Incan heritage and stunning natural beauty. From the vibrant artisan market in Chinchero to the captivating Salinas de Maras salt mines, this carefully curated itinerary promises an immersive journey that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. What’s more, the tour’s personalized approach and expert guides ensure an unforgettable day of discovery.

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Key Points

A full-day excursion in the Sacred Valley of Cusco with a maximum group size of 18 for a personalized experience.
Itinerary includes visiting an artisan market in Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, and Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park.
Scenic lunch provided in Urubamba, and the tour concludes with souvenir shopping at the Pisaq artisanal market.
Group transport, traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, professional guide service, and entrance fees to archaeological centers are included.
Additional expenses for historical sites and salt mines may arise, and the bilingual tour has received mixed reviews regarding the detail of explanations.

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley VIP tour is a full-day excursion that takes travelers on an immersive exploration of Cusco’s renowned Sacred Valley.

A full-day excursion that immerses travelers in the renowned Sacred Valley of Cusco.

With a maximum group size of 18, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.

The itinerary includes visits to the artisan market in Chinchero, the Salinas de Maras (Salt Mines), and the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, along with a scenic lunch in Urubamba.

Travelers will also have the opportunity to shop at the Pisaq artisanal market.

The tour starts early at 7:00 am and is priced from $40.00 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights include a visit to the artisan market in Chinchero, where travelers can browse handmade textiles, pottery, and other crafts.

The group then travels to Salinas de Maras, an impressive salt mine complex with scenic views.

Next, they explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, a well-preserved Inca town and fortress.

Throughout the day, participants enjoy scenic vistas of the Sacred Valley.

A traditional Peruvian buffet lunch is provided in Urubamba.

The tour concludes with souvenir shopping at the Pisaq artisanal market before returning to Cusco.

Inclusions

The tour includes group transport, a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, and professional guide service in both English and Spanish.

Experience a taste of Peruvian culture with group transport, a traditional buffet lunch, and bilingual guide service.

Entrance fees to the Archaeological Centers are covered. However, extra drinks aren’t included.

Travelers have the option to either be picked up from their hotel or meet at the designated meeting point at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Customers also have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes group transport, a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, professional guide service in English and Spanish, and entrance to archaeological centers.

However, additional expenses may arise, such as 40 soles for historical sites and 10 soles for the salt mines. Visitors should plan accordingly for these extra fees.

Customer Feedback

What do customers say about the tour? Overall, reviews are quite positive, with many praising the tour guide’s responsibility and friendliness.

However, some have concerns about the time spent at sites and additional entrance fees, which can add up to 50 soles per person.

The bilingual tour also received mixed reviews, with Spanish explanations being more detailed than English.

A few customers felt some aspects of the tour felt gimmicky, with unexpected sales pitches during the experience.

Despite these minor issues, the tour maintains a strong 4.5-star average rating from 33 total reviews.

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Getting to the Sacred Valley

Although the Sacred Valley is located approximately 15 km from Cusco, travelers have several convenient options to reach this historic destination.

Joining a guided tour is a popular choice, as it provides transportation and minimizes the hassle of getting there. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi or private transfer, which offers flexibility and comfort.

For the more adventurous, public transportation, such as:

Local buses
Shared vans
Trains

are also available, allowing for a more immersive cultural experience.

Regardless of the transportation method, the journey to the Sacred Valley sets the stage for an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s rich heritage.

Exploring the Salt Mines

As visitors wind their way through the picturesque landscape of the Sacred Valley, one of the standout attractions is the captivating Salinas de Maras, or the Maras Salt Mines.

These ancient salt ponds, dating back to Inca times, cover the hillside in a mesmerizing patchwork of white. Visitors can explore the networks of salt ponds, each one meticulously maintained by local families.

The process of harvesting salt is a labor-intensive one, and travelers can witness the locals at work, scraping the salt crystals from the ponds. A visit to the Salinas de Maras offers a glimpse into this unique and traditional way of life.

Cultural Immersion in Ollantaytambo

After exploring the captivating Salinas de Maras, the tour continues to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Visitors can:

Wander through the ancient Inca fortress and marvel at the impressive terraced walls and stone structures that once housed a thriving civilization.
Discover the historic town of Ollantaytambo, with its narrow cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, providing a glimpse into the past.
Interact with local artisans and shop for unique handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs at the bustling marketplace.

The Ollantaytambo experience provides a deeper understanding of the Inca legacy and the resilience of the Andean culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour itinerary can be customized to individual preferences, though it may incur additional costs. Travelers should consult with the tour operator to discuss any desired changes or extra activities they’d like to include in the Sacred Valley VIP tour.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, and sun protection. Bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended for the outdoor activities throughout the day.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?

The tour has no age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. There are no specific requirements for children, though the full-day itinerary may not be suitable for very young kids. Families should consider their children’s stamina and interests when booking.

Can I Purchase Additional Entrance Tickets During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional entrance tickets during the tour. The itinerary includes entrance fees to the Archaeological Centers, but there are optional extra fees for attractions like the Salinas de Maras (10 soles) and historical sites (40 soles).

How Much Time Is Allotted for Independent Exploration at Each Site?

The tour itinerary doesn’t specify exact durations for independent exploration at each site. However, customers note they’d have liked more time for self-guided visits instead of compulsory stops with sales pitches.