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This full-day tour covers several important historical sites in the Sacred Valley, starting from Cusco. The itinerary is designed to provide an overview of the region’s significance during the Inca period, focusing on archaeological centers, local markets, and traditional towns. The trip shows examples of Inca architecture, urban planning, and agricultural methods.
The day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. The route travels north into the valley, with initial stops at the markets in Qorao and Pisaq, where local artisans sell their goods. The tour then proceeds to the Pisaq archaeological site, which features extensive agricultural terraces and stone buildings. Lunch is provided in the town of Urubamba.
In the afternoon, the tour continues to the town and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved example of an Inca settlement. The final stop is Chinchero, visited on the way back to Cusco. This village is known for its remaining Inca walls and a colonial-era church built on Inca foundations. The tour ends with the return trip to Cusco in the early evening.
We start the Sacred Valley Inca Sites Day Trip, collecting from your accommodations in Cusco, between 8:00 to 8:30 am to take you to our vehicle and start the trip on the Sacred Valley Inca Sites Day Trip. We visit the following archeological sites and its attractions:
Qorao typical market. After 30 minutes riding in our vehicle, will start the tour in one of our traditional markets, Qorao. Here you appreciate the beautiful work of local Artisans and time for shopping .
located at the Andes Mountains and the Valley itself, we will head to the traditional town of Pisaq. There, we visit the market and learn a bit more about the lifestyle of the local people. We then visit a traditional or artisan oven, after that, we visit the archaeological complex and see agricultural terraces, Inca cemeteries and royal Inca buildings. Our buffet lunch will be in Urubamba village.
Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, we ahead to Ollantaytambo, walk the streets and see the archaeological complex of this little town to get a clear idea of what this place was really like during the period of the Inca Empire.
Chincheros. On the way back to Cusco, we will visit the picturesque village of Chinchero where we see the remains of the royal estate of a inca emperor and a colonial temple. You also see the well-preserved Inca Walls at the main plaza.
After the guided tour, we will return to Cusco. 6:30 pm.
Please note: Prices are a reference and may vary based on availability and season.
How long to visit This is a full-day excursion that lasts approximately 10 hours. It is an efficient way to see the main highlights of the Sacred Valley in a single day.
Recommendations Drink coca tea or plenty of water to help with the effects of altitude. Bring some cash in Peruvian Soles for purchases at the markets. Walk at a relaxed pace to conserve energy.
Climate The climate in the Sacred Valley is temperate. The rainy season runs from October to April. The dry season (May to September) has warm, sunny days and cold nights. Average temperatures are between () and ().
The local people The population in the Sacred Valley is primarily of Quechua descent. Many residents maintain traditional customs related to agriculture and textile production. They are generally welcoming to tourists.
How to prepare for the tour The best preparation is to acclimatize to the altitude by spending one or two days in Cusco before the tour. Pack your day bag according to the “What to Bring” list, and get a full night’s sleep before the tour.
Recommended age This tour is suitable for most ages and does not require a high level of physical fitness. It is a good option for families, couples, and solo travelers.
How to acclimatize To acclimatize, arrive in Cusco at least one or two days before your tour. During this time, you should rest, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and drink plenty of water and coca tea. This helps your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
Is lunch included in the tour package?
Yes, a buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba is included.
Are the entrance fees for the archaeological sites included?
Yes, the tour price includes the entrance tickets for all the sites mentioned in the itinerary: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
How much walking is there on this tour?
This is not a hiking trip. Transportation between sites is by vehicle. You will walk through the towns and archaeological sites, which can include uneven paths and stairs.
What is the highest altitude reached during the tour?
The highest point of the tour is the village of Chinchero, which is at an elevation of approximately 3,762 meters (12,343 feet).
Is it necessary to acclimatize before this tour?
Yes, acclimatization is highly recommended. You should spend at least one or two days in Cusco or another high-altitude location before the tour to let your body adjust.
What type of clothing should I wear for the day?
Wear comfortable layers. A T-shirt, a fleece or sweater, and a jacket are a good idea. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Will there be opportunities to buy souvenirs?
Yes, you will have time to shop for crafts and other goods at the markets in Qorao and Pisaq.
Is the guide fluent in English?
Yes, the tour is led by a professional, English-speaking guide.
What time does the tour finish in Cusco?
The tour typically concludes with drop-off in Cusco around 6:30 PM, though this can vary with traffic conditions.
Is this tour a good option for families with children?
The tour is suitable for most ages. Families can participate, but parents should consider the long duration of the day and the effects of altitude on children.
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
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To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
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The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
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