Embark on the most complete full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley, visiting all of its most significant historical and cultural sites in a single, unforgettable journey. This “VIP” tour goes beyond the standard itinerary, including the vibrant culture of Chinchero, the agricultural genius of Moray, the ancient salt mines of Maras, the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, and the sprawling mountain-top citadel of Pisaq. It’s the ultimate way to experience the entire breadth and beauty of the Inca heartland.
Tour Duration: Approximately 12 hours.
Start Time: 6:20 AM – 6:50 AM
End Time: Approximately 6:30 PM
Difficulty: Moderate (A long day with extensive walking at multiple high-altitude archaeological sites)
Maximum Altitude: 3,762 meters (12,343 ft) in Chinchero
The day begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Cusco between 6:20 and 6:50 AM. We will head north to our first stop, the Chinchero Archaeological Site, known for its beautiful Inca terracing and colonial church. Afterward, we will visit a local family association to explore a Textile Interpretation Center, where you will witness a live demonstration of ancient weaving and dyeing techniques passed down through generations.
Next, we travel to the incredible Moray Archaeological Site. Considered an Inca agricultural laboratory, you will marvel at its unique circular terraces that created different microclimates. We then continue to the picturesque colonial town of Maras and its nearby salt mines, a stunning landscape of over 3,000 salt wells that have been hand-harvested by local families since before the time of the Incas.
We proceed to the town of Urubamba, the commercial heart of the Sacred Valley, to enjoy a delicious and varied buffet lunch featuring a selection of fresh, local Peruvian dishes.
Continuing our tour, we head to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that remains continuously inhabited. Here, the ancient Inca urban design is perfectly preserved in its cobblestone streets and water channels. We will climb the impressive terraces of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, which served as a formidable fortress and ceremonial center. (Note: If your tour connects to Machu Picchu, you will be dropped off at the Ollantaytambo train station after this visit).
To conclude our exploration of the valley, we drive to our final destination: the magnificent Pisaq Archaeological Site. Perched high above the modern town, this sprawling complex features stunning agricultural terraces, residential areas, and what is believed to be the largest Inca cemetery. The views of the valley from this vantage point are truly breathtaking.
After a full day of discovery, we will begin our journey back to the city of Cusco. The tour concludes at the Plaza de Armas around 6:30 PM, leaving you in a central location to enjoy your evening.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
National Tourist Ticket:
Foreign Tourist Ticket:
(Partial ticket valid for 1 day and General ticket valid for 10 days).
The Sacred Valley VIP tour allows you to visit several important Inca sites in just one day, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq. It’s a comprehensive tour that includes cultural experiences, incredible archaeological sites, and breathtaking views, all in one package.
The Sacred Valley is filled with fascinating legends, such as the story of Ollantay’s forbidden love and the belief that Maras Salt Mines were formed by the tears of the god Viracocha. These myths give each place a deeper meaning, connecting visitors to the spiritual side of the Inca culture.
Moray was an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. The circular terraces allowed them to experiment with different crops in various climates, helping them improve their farming techniques. Each level had its own microclimate, which helped the Incas understand how plants would grow in different regions.
It’s important to bring layers of clothing for changing weather, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the archaeological sites, and it’s also helpful to bring cash for entrance fees and small purchases.
Ollantaytambo was an important Inca military, religious, and agricultural center. It’s one of the few places that maintains its original Inca layout and is still inhabited today, making it a living piece of Inca history where you can see how people have lived in harmony with ancient traditions for centuries.
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