Full Day Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour: The Imperial Blueprint
Between the high-altitude peaks of Cusco and the cloud forest of Machu Picchu lies a strip of land so fertile and spiritually significant that the Incas believed it was the earthly reflection of the Milky Way. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is where the empire’s most sophisticated agriculture, engineering, and astronomy converged.
At Via Inca Travel, we reject the standard tourist bus approach. We believe the valley should be experienced at an enjoyable human pace, with the depth that these monumental stones deserve. Our Sacred Valley tour from Cusco is a masterclass in Andean heritage, designed to show you not just the ruins, but the living culture that still breathes in the dust of these ancient streets.
Tour Details
Tour Summary: Full Day Sacred Valley Highlights
A full-day small-group excursion traversing the Sacred Valley of the Incas, exploring the archaeological site and market of Pisac, a buffet lunch in Urubamba, the fortress of Ollantaytambo, and a flexible drop-off at Ollantaytambo train station or return to Cusco via Chinchero.
- Day 01: Full Day Sacred Valley Tour. Morning pickup in Cusco (~7:30 AM), scenic descent into the Sacred Valley, guided exploration of the Pisac archaeological ruins and artisan market, local buffet lunch in Urubamba, guided tour of the Ollantaytambo living fortress, and drop-off at Ollantaytambo train station (for travelers heading to Aguas Calientes) OR return transfer to Cusco with an optional stop in Chinchero depending on time.
Inclusions Highlight: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco (or drop-off at Ollantaytambo station), comfortable tourist transportation, official entrance permits (Boleto Turístico for Sacred Valley sites), local buffet lunch in Urubamba, and university-licensed local guide.
Detailed 1-Day Full Day Sacred Valley Itinerary
Our native guides do not simply recite dates from guidebooks. They share ancient Andean legends, architectural secrets, and cultural depth that bring every stone site to life.
Your full-day journey begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 7:30 AM. Leaving the city behind, we descend into the warmer Sacred Valley of the Incas, following a scenic mountain road carved alongside the sacred Urubamba River. As the elevation drops, you will notice the climate become noticeably milder and the landscape transform into rich agricultural land.
Our first major destination is Pisac (9,750 ft / 2,972 m). While many travelers only visit the town plaza, we drive up the mountain ridge to explore the extensive Pisac Archaeological Site. Perched dramatically over the valley, Pisac features sweeping agricultural terraces that cascade down vertical cliffs like giant staircases. Your guide leads you through the ceremonial sector, the Intihuatana sun-temple complex, and ancient storage rooms while explaining how Incan agricultural engineers turned these steep mountains into an immensely productive food source. Afterwards, we head down to the lively village square below to explore the vibrant Pisac Artisan Market, famous for handmade textiles, silver jewelry, and ceramics.
Following our time in Pisac, we continue driving along the valley floor to the town of Urubamba (9,420 ft / 2,870 m). Here, we stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a hearty buffet lunch featuring fresh Andean ingredients, native corn, quinoa, meats, and seasonal vegetables (included).
After lunch, we drive to Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m), widely celebrated as the only remaining “Living Inca Town” on the continent. The urban grid, stone doorways, and narrow water canals running through the cobblestone streets have remained continuously inhabited since the 15th century. We climb the monumental stone terraces of the Ollantaytambo Fortress, where Manco Inca famously defeated Spanish forces in 1537. At the summit, standing before the Temple of the Sun with its massive pink granite monoliths fitted together without mortar, your guide decodes the stone-quarrying logistics across the roaring river canyon.
Tour Conclusion Options:
• Option A (Boarding Train to Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu): If you have booked an evening train to Aguas Calientes, your tour concludes directly at the Ollantaytambo Train Station following the fortress visit, where our guide will assist you to the boarding gates.
• Option B (Return to Cusco via Chinchero): If your itinerary returns to Cusco, we begin the drive back across the high plateau. Depending on time and traffic conditions, we make an optional stop in the traditional highland village of Chinchero (12,342 ft / 3,762 m) to admire its colonial church built over Incan palace foundations and attend a live Quechua textile weaving demonstration presented by local women. We then complete the final drive back to Cusco, arriving near the historic center around 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
What’s Included in the 1-Day Tour?
Total transparency is our rule. We deliver top-tier logistical services with zero hidden fees or surprise costs.
Included:
- Transfers: Hotel pickup in Cusco and round-trip tourist ground transportation (or drop-off at Ollantaytambo Train Station).
- Official Entry Permits: Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) covering Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero archaeological sites.
- Meals: Local buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Certified Local Guide: University-licensed English-speaking guide specializing in Sacred Valley history and Incan archaeology.
- Cultural Experience: Optional Quechua textile weaving demonstration in Chinchero (time permitting).
- 24/7 Logistics Support: Real-time coordination from our local Cusco team throughout the excursion.
Not Included:
- Accommodation: Hotel stays in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
- Unspecified Meals: Breakfast, dinner, and beverages during lunch.
- Gratuities: Optional tips for local driver and guide.
Tour Prices & Package Options
Personalize Your Experience: Select your preferred service option from the table below. Rates are per person in US Dollars (USD).
Group Tour (Shared Service)
Private Tour (Exclusive Service)
Popular Upgrades: Private tour upgrade option.
Essential Trip Planning Information
Acclimatization & Altitude Advantage: The Sacred Valley floor sits between 9,160 ft (2,792 m) and 9,750 ft (2,972 m), significantly lower than Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,400 m). Spending a day exploring the valley is a fantastic way to rest your body and acclimatize comfortably before taking high-altitude treks or visiting Machu Picchu.
Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) Note: This tour requires the Circuit 3 Partial Tourist Ticket (or the 10-Day Full Tourist Ticket). Keep your ticket safe if you plan on visiting other sites during your stay in Cusco.
Train Station Drop-off Protocol: If you have an evening train ticket to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), please inform us at the time of booking so our guide and driver can drop you off directly at the Ollantaytambo Train Station after visiting the fortress.
Chinchero Visit Note: The stop in Chinchero on the return route to Cusco is optional and subject to available daylight and road conditions.
Stairs & Physical Effort: Exploring Pisac and Ollantaytambo involves climbing steep stone stairways at altitude. While the pace is relaxed, comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good grip are essential.
Clothing & Essentials: Sacred Valley weather is generally warmer during the day than Cusco, but late afternoons can be chilly. Dress in layers, wear sun protection (hat, UV sunglasses, sunscreen), carry a light rain jacket, and bring cash (Peruvian Soles) for artisan markets.
