Super Sacred Valley Tour 1 day Cusco

+1k Reviews

1 day

The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Must-See Places You Can’t Miss

See more photos

Expedition to the Sacred Valley tour with Moray & the Salt Mines

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most breathtaking and historically rich regions in South America. Stretching along the Urubamba River between the mountains of Cusco, this valley was the agricultural and spiritual heartland of the Inca Empire — a landscape of terraced hillsides, towering fortresses, ancient markets and royal towns that has changed remarkably little in five centuries.

Aremika Expeditions’ Sacred Valley Tour 1 day from Cusco takes you through the most iconic stops in the valley — from the panoramic Taray viewpoint and the vibrant Pisac market to the archaeological complex above, a traditional buffet lunch in Urubamba, the extraordinary Ollantaytambo fortress and the highland textile town of Chinchero — all in a single well-paced day with a licensed bilingual guide, private transport and all entrance tickets included.

💡 Perfect for acclimatization: The Sacred Valley floor sits at 2,800m — 600m lower than Cusco. This tour is ideal on your first or second day in the region, letting your body naturally adjust to the altitude while you explore some of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru.

Duration	1 day
Tour type	Archaeological
Difficulty	Easy
Guide	Inglés, español
Group size	10 to 20
Maximum altitude	3300 masl

Itinerary

Day: 1: Full Day Itinerary — Sacred Valley Tour 1 Day

07:30 AM: Hotel Pick-up in Cusco

Your adventure begins with hotel pick-up in Cusco’s Historic Center. Travel through the breathtaking Sacred Valley while your professional bilingual guide introduces the fascinating history of the Inca Empire and the remarkable destinations you will visit throughout the day.

08:15 AM: Taray Viewpoint – Panoramic Views of the Sacred Valley

Stop at the spectacular Taray Viewpoint, one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Sacred Valley. Admire sweeping views of the Urubamba River, fertile agricultural terraces, traditional villages, and the majestic Andes Mountains—an ideal location for unforgettable photographs.

09:00 AM: Pisac Artisan Market

Explore the famous Pisac Market, one of Peru’s most vibrant artisan markets. Browse a wide selection of handmade textiles, alpaca products, silver jewelry, ceramics, wood carvings, and authentic souvenirs crafted by local artisans from communities across the Sacred Valley.

10:15 AM: Pisac Archaeological Park

Discover the impressive Pisac Archaeological Site, renowned for its extensive agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, residential sectors, and the famous Intihuatana, or Inca solar observatory. This remarkable archaeological complex offers spectacular panoramic views over the Sacred Valley.

12:30 PM: Buffet Lunch in Urubamba

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley. Savor traditional Peruvian cuisine prepared with fresh regional ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.

02:30 PM: Ollantaytambo – Living Inca Town & Fortress

Visit the extraordinary Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, one of the best-preserved living Inca towns in South America. Walk through its original cobblestone streets and ancient water channels before exploring the magnificent fortress, agricultural terraces, and the iconic Temple of the Sun, one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Inca civilization.

04:30 PM: Chinchero – Inca Terraces & Traditional Weaving

Conclude your tour in Chinchero, known as the “Birthplace of the Rainbow.” Visit its impressive Inca terraces, colonial church built upon Inca foundations, and enjoy a live demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques using natural dyes, preserving centuries-old Quechua traditions.

05:30 PM: Return to Cusco

Relax during the scenic drive back to Cusco after a memorable day exploring the highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Estimated arrival: Between 06:00 PM and 06:30 PM, depending on traffic.

Overview th Sacred Valley tour

The Sacred Valley — Valle Sagrado de los Incas — runs northwest of Cusco along the Urubamba River, a wide fertile corridor that the Incas considered sacred for its mild climate, rich soil and position between the mountains and the sky. It was here that the Inca state grew much of the food that fed Cusco, and here that emperors built their royal estates, administrative centers and most important ceremonial sites.

This day tour follows the valley from east to west, beginning with the Taray viewpoint — the first panoramic reveal of the valley from above — and ending at Chinchero, the highland town traditionally said to have been the birthplace of the rainbow according to Inca mythology. In between, you visit the Pisac market and ruins, one of the largest and best-preserved Inca complexes in the region, and Ollantaytambo, the only Inca urban settlement in the Americas still inhabited within its original street plan.

What makes this tour different from others on the market is the quality of guiding. Every Aremika guide on this route has a university degree in tourism, speaks fluent English and Spanish, and has spent years studying the specific history, architecture and archaeology of each site. You will leave with a genuine understanding of who the Incas were and what they achieved — not just a collection of photographs of stone walls.

The tour is designed to be accessible to all ages and fitness levels. The walking is moderate — mostly on well-maintained paths with some stone stairs at Pisac and Ollantaytambo. There are no trekking sections and no extreme altitude changes during the day. It is one of the most family-friendly and medically appropriate activities available from Cusco, particularly for travelers in their first days at altitude

💡 Perfect first or second day activity: The Sacred Valley floor sits at 2,800m — 600 metres lower than Cusco. Doing this tour on your first full day lets your body naturally acclimatize to Andean altitude while you are active and exploring, rather than resting in your hotel room.

Trip Details

📅 Duration	Full day — approximately 10 to 11 hours
🕖 Departure	7:30am hotel pickup · Return to Cusco approximately 6:00–6:30pm
📍 Meeting point	Your hotel lobby in Cusco (pickup included)
🗺️ Sites visited	Mirador de Taray · Pisac Market · Pisac Archaeological Site · Lunch in Urubamba · Ollantaytambo · Chinchero
👥 Group size	Maximum 20 travelers
🗣️ Guide language	Bilingual — English and Spanish
⛰️ Altitude range	2,792m (Ollantaytambo) — 3,762m (Chinchero)
🚶 Physical level	Easy to Moderate — walking on stone paths and some stairs. No trekking required.
📅 Availability	Daily departures year-round · No permit required · Book up to 24h before
🌦️ Best season	May to October (dry season) for clear skies · Available and enjoyable year-round
👶 Suitable for	All ages — children, families and senior travelers welcome
🍽️ Meals	Buffet lunch included · Dietary requirements accommodated on request

Tour Highlights

🌄 Mirador de Taray — the Sacred Valley from above

The tour begins at the Taray viewpoint, where you get your first aerial perspective of the Sacred Valley — the Urubamba River below, the patchwork of agricultural fields, and the Inca terraces climbing the opposite mountainside. It is the moment you understand just how vast and beautiful this landscape is before you descend into it. An excellent spot for photographs with no crowds and no entrance fee.

🛍️ Pisac Market — the best artisan market in the Sacred Valley

The Pisac market is one of the most vibrant and authentic artisan markets in all of Peru. Unlike purely tourist-oriented craft stalls, Pisac draws artisans from communities throughout the Sacred Valley who sell their own handmade work — alpaca textiles, hand-painted ceramics, silver jewelry, carved gourds and local medicinal plants. Your guide introduces you to the different crafts and their origins, helping you understand what you are looking at and who made it before you shop.

🏛️ Pisac Archaeological Site — terraces and solar temples

Rising above the market, the Pisac ruins are one of the finest and least-visited major Inca complexes in the Cusco region. The terraces curve up the mountain with extraordinary precision — engineered for maximum sunlight exposure and designed to resist erosion on steep Andean slopes. At the summit, the ceremonial sector includes a well-preserved solar observatory (Intihuatana), temples aligned with celestial events, and sweeping 360-degree views across the valley. Your guide explains the astronomical knowledge behind the architecture.

🏰 Ollantaytambo — the Inca fortress that defeated the Spanish

Ollantaytambo is the most historically dramatic site on this tour. In 1537, it was here that the Inca leader Manco Inca inflicted one of the few military defeats on the Spanish conquistadors — flooding the valley floor and forcing Hernando Pizarro to retreat. The town below the fortress is equally remarkable: its original Inca street grid, communal water channels and stone houses are still intact and still inhabited — making it the only living Inca urban settlement left in the Americas. The fortress above features some of the finest stonework in the Inca world, including the six enormous granite monoliths of the unfinished Temple of the Sun.

🧵 Chinchero — weaving traditions and Inca terraces at altitude

The tour closes at Chinchero, a highland town at 3,762m that has preserved both its Inca heritage and its living Quechua culture better than almost anywhere else in the valley. The agricultural terraces here are among the best-maintained in the region. The colonial church, built directly on top of an Inca ceremonial platform, reveals its foundations clearly on the exterior — a physical record of two civilizations layered on top of each other. The textile demonstration by local women is one of the most genuinely cultural experiences on the entire tour: real artisans showing real techniques, not a rehearsed performance for tourists.

Book Your Sacred Valley Tour

Daily departures from Cusco · Max 12 travelers · All entrance tickets and buffet lunch included

Book Now or Ask a Question →

Included

What’s Included in This Tour

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco (6:30 – 7:00 am departure, return ~6:30pm)
Licensed bilingual guide (English/Spanish) throughout the full day
Comfortable transport
Buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba (vegetarian options available)
Visits to 5 key sites: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray and Chinchero
Small groups — maximum 12 travelers per departure
First aid kit and supplemental oxygen in the vehicle
Textile weaving demonstration at Chinchero

No Included

❌ Not included

Entrance tickets — Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero (Boleto Turístico Parcial) cost s /. 70.00 (foreign tourist).
Other expenses not detailed.
Drinks at lunch (water available)
Snacks between stops
Cusco hotel accommodation
Personal travel insurance

Recommendations

Sun protection: Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses and a brimmed hat. UV radiation is significantly stronger at altitude — even on overcast days in the Andes.
Dress in layers: The valley floor is warmer than Cusco, but Chinchero at 3,762m can be cold, especially in the morning and evening. A light fleece and a waterproof jacket are recommended year-round.
Wear comfortable walking shoes: The Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological sites involve walking on uneven Inca stone surfaces and climbing stone stairs. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with good grip are ideal. Avoid sandals or flat-soled shoes.
Bring cash in Peruvian Soles: For personal purchases at the Pisac artisan market, small toilet fees at some sites (1–2 soles) and any optional drinks or snacks during the day. Some stalls accept USD but Soles give better value.
Stay hydrated: Altitude increases dehydration even on low-activity days. Bring a water bottle and drink regularly throughout the tour. Water is available at the lunch stop.
Bring a camera or charged phone: The Taray viewpoint, Pisac terraces and Ollantaytambo fortress all offer extraordinary photography opportunities. Make sure your battery is charged before departure.
Advise dietary requirements in advance: If you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or have any food allergies, let us know at the time of booking so we can advise the lunch restaurant accordingly.
Acclimatize first if possible: If you arrived in Cusco yesterday, this is an excellent acclimatization day. If you arrived today, take the morning slowly, eat lightly and let your guide know if you feel any altitude symptoms during the tour.

Why Choose Our Sacred Valley Tour?

Visit the Sacred Valley’s most iconic archaeological sites.
Explore Pisac Market and experience authentic Andean culture.
Professional English & Spanish bilingual guide.
Comfortable tourist transportation.
Buffet lunch included in Urubamba.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco.
Perfect for travelers looking for the best Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sacred Valley tour good for acclimatization?

Yes — it is one of the best activities for your first or second day in Cusco. The Sacred Valley floor at 2,800m is significantly lower than Cusco (3,400m), which means your body gets a natural break from the altitude while still being active outdoors. Most travelers feel considerably better in the valley than in Cusco city on arrival days.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba is included in the tour price. The buffet includes a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available — please let us know at the time of booking.

Are entrance tickets included?

No. The Boleto Turístico Parcial del Valle Sagrado (partial tourist ticket) is not included, which covers entrance to Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo and Pisac archaeological sites. This ticket is valued at approximately 70 Peruvian Soles ($20 USD) per person.

What is the group size?

Aremika Expeditions operates Sacred Valley tours with a maximum of 20 travelers per group. If you prefer a fully private tour for your family or group, contact us for a private Sacred Valley tour quote.

Can I do this tour on the same day as my arrival in Cusco?

We recommend waiting until your second day in Cusco. Your first day is better spent resting and acclimatizing to the altitude of 3,400m. The Sacred Valley tour on day two is the ideal introduction to the region. If you arrive early enough and feel well, however, we can arrange a same-day booking — contact us to check availability.

Is this tour suitable for children and older travelers?

Yes. The Sacred Valley tour is one of the most family-friendly day tours from Cusco. The walking at each site is moderate — mostly flat or with gradual inclines — and the pace can be adjusted for the group. The oldest traveler we have taken on this tour was 82. Children love the Pisac market and the salt mines.

Can I combine the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu?

Yes — we offer multi-day packages that combine the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu. See our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 5-day package or contact us to build a custom itinerary.

Book Your Sacred Valley Tour

Daily departures · Small groups (max 12) · Hotel pickup included · All entrance tickets included

Book Now or Ask a Question →

Reseñas

Reviews from our travelers

Over +999 verified reviews on TripAdvisor

Price From: $ 30.00

Select the travel date

Number of people:

Price per person $30.00

Total price $30.00

Travel with Plan your trip to Peru!

Chat with a local specialist who can help you organize your trip.

Chat now

Contact information

+51 913855357 +51 913855357 info@aremikaexpeditions.com Personalized attention in English and Spanish

You may also be interested

Moderate

1 day Tour Humantay Lake 1 day

$30.00/ per person

Easy

1 day Super sacred valley Vip in Cusco 1 Day

$35.00/ per person