Cusco to Sacred Valley Day Trip

1 Day

Cusco to Sacred Valley Day Trip

1 Day

1 Day from $ 50.00

Overview

Discover the beauty and history of the Sacred Valley on this full-day guided tour from Cusco. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Andes Mountains and visit important Inca archaeological sites, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and local villages.

This Sacred Valley day trip allows you to experience traditional Andean culture, local markets, and Inca ruins, learning about the rich history, architecture, and customs of the region from a professional guide. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Urubamba River, fertile valleys, and surrounding mountains while visiting temples, terraces, and ancient Inca settlements.

Perfect for travelers looking for a cultural and scenic experience near Cusco, this tour combines history, nature, and hands-on cultural encounters in one unforgettable day.

Highlights

Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most scenic regions near Cusco.
Visit Pisac Archaeological Site and its famous Inca terraces and ruins.
Discover the colorful Pisac Market, perfect for local crafts and souvenirs.
Tour Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca fortress and town.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and surrounding Andes Mountains.
Learn about Inca history, culture, and architecture from a professional guide.
Experience traditional Andean villages and observe local customs and lifestyle.

Trip Details

Your Sacred Valley day trip starts with a hotel pick-up in Cusco around 07:00 – 07:30 AM, where you will meet your professional guide. Begin the journey with a scenic drive through the Andes Mountains, enjoying breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and fertile valleys.
The first stop is Pisac, where you will visit the archaeological site with its impressive Inca terraces, temples, and ceremonial areas. Afterward, explore the famous Pisac Market, where you can shop for handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs while experiencing traditional Andean culture.
Continue to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress town, where you will admire its massive stone terraces, temples, and strategic architecture. Learn about the history and significance of Ollantaytambo as a key Inca settlement during the Spanish conquest.
During the tour, you will also pass through picturesque Andean villages, observing local life, customs, and traditional farming practices. After a full day of culture, history, and stunning scenery, return to Cusco in the late afternoon, arriving at your hotel around 5:30 – 6:00 PM

Itinerary

Tour Sacred Valley Pisaq

After departing Cusco around 07:00 AM, we drive through the Andes Mountains to reach the first stop, the archaeological site of Pisac. Arriving around 08:00 AM, you will explore the ancient Inca city for approximately 1.5 hours, visiting the immense Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs and the agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside. Your guide will explain the history, culture, and architecture of the Inca civilization.

After exploring the ruins, we head to the colorful Pisac Market, where you will have about 20 minutes to browse local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, immersing yourself in traditional Andean culture.

Around 10:30 AM, we drive to Moray, an Inca agricultural research site known for its concentric terraces used for crop experiments. Spend approximately 45 minutes exploring the terraces and learning about Inca farming techniques.

Next, we visit the Salineras de Maras (Maras Salt Mines) around 11:30 AM, a spectacular site where thousands of salt pools cascade down the hillside, still producing salt using the traditional Inca method. Take photos and learn about this unique cultural heritage site.

Around 12:30 PM, we drive to Urubamba for lunch. Guests can enjoy a buffet of traditional Peruvian cuisine or choose from nearby restaurants. After lunch, the tour continues to Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca fortress town, where you can see massive stone terraces, temples, and strategic architecture, learning about the Inca history and culture.

Notes Itinerario

Included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
Professional bilingual guide throughout the tour
Transportation by private bus or van from Cusco to all sites
Visit to Pisac Market and time for shopping for local crafts and souvenirs
Lunch in Urubamba at a buffet or nearby restaurant
All local taxes and service fees

Not Included

Tourist Ticket (BTC) for Sacred Valley archaeological sites: approximately S/ 130 soles
Optional entry to Maras Salt Mines S/.25.
Tips for guides, drivers, and staff.
Personal expenses, souvenirs, and travel or medical insurance.

What To Bring

Comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain at Inca archaeological sites
Light layered clothing to adjust to cool mornings and warmer afternoons in the Andes
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for high-altitude sun exposure
Rain gear: light jacket or poncho, especially during rainy season (November ,March)
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day
Camera or smartphone for photos of the Sacred Valley, Inca ruins, and local villages
Small backpack for personal items and snacks
Passport or valid ID (sometimes required at archaeological sites)
Optional: Trekking poles if you prefer extra support while walking terraces and uneven paths
Personal toiletries and any medications