Starts at
Starts at
Trip Overview
The Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour is one of the best ways to understand Cusco beyond the city center.
This route takes you through a wide Andean valley shaped by farming terraces, mountain towns, Inca stonework, old markets, rivers, and living textile traditions. In one day, you move from Cusco to Qorao, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, seeing how the Inca world used land, water, astronomy, agriculture, and architecture with great care.
The Sacred Valley is not just a road between Cusco and Machu Picchu. It was one of the most important areas of the Inca world, with fertile fields, ceremonial centers, storage systems, towns, and routes that still remain part of local life today.
With Machu Picchu Gol Travel, the tour includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, professional guide, buffet lunch in Urubamba, route coordination, and return to your accommodation or a nearby accessible point in Cusco.
This is a strong full-day option for travelers who want history, mountain scenery, local markets, Inca sites, and Andean textile work in one organized route.
Tour at a Glance
Ends at
Ends at
Duration
Duration
From
US$ 100
Deposit
6%
Travel staff
Local Guide
Transport
by Bus
Accommodation
Accomodation
Departures
Daily Departures
Season
All year
Meals
1B, 1L, 1D
Physical level
Easy
Max altitude
15,090 feet (4,600 meters)
Sites to visit
Cusco, Soraypampa
Day by Day Schedule
Day highlight: Understanding the Sacred Valley through Inca sites, valley views, local markets, and textile traditions.
The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. The usual pickup window is in the morning, depending on your hotel location, traffic, and group logistics.
The route leaves Cusco and heads toward the first stop at Qorao Market. This is a short stop where travelers can see local crafts, textiles, souvenirs, and Andean products. It is also a good place for photos with llamas, local scenery, and the first views outside the city.
The next stop is a Sacred Valley lookout. From here, the valley opens below with fields, mountains, villages, and the river corridor that made this region so important for Inca agriculture and movement.
After the lookout, the group continues to Pisac. First, you spend time in the local market area, where sellers offer crafts, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and other handmade items. The market is lively, but it also gives a look at how tourism, trade, and local work meet in the valley.
Then, the route continues to the Pisac archaeological site. This site is known for its long terraces, stone paths, ceremonial areas, and views over the valley. Your guide explains the role of Pisac in the Inca world, including agriculture, astronomy, and the use of mountain slopes for farming and control.
After Pisac, the drive continues through the Sacred Valley toward Urubamba, where a buffet lunch is served. This is a good moment to rest, try different Peruvian dishes, and prepare for the afternoon visits.
In the afternoon, the group reaches Ollantaytambo, one of the strongest Inca towns in the valley. The archaeological site rises above the town with large terraces, stone steps, walls, water channels, and temple areas. From the upper sections, the views across the valley are wide, with mountains surrounding the site.
Ollantaytambo is also important because its original Inca street layout is still visible. People still live in a town shaped by old stone walls, narrow streets, and water channels.
On the return toward Cusco, the final stop is Chinchero. Here, you may see Inca walls, the main plaza area, and the colonial church zone built over older foundations. The visit also includes an Andean textile center, where local women explain how wool is washed, dyed with natural materials, spun, and woven.
After Chinchero, the transport returns to Cusco. Drop-off is usually at your hotel or a nearby accessible point, depending on traffic and street access.
Technical details
- Meals: Buffet lunch
- Maximum altitude: Approx. 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Walking level: Light to moderate walking, with stairs, stone paths, terraces, and uneven ground
- Transport: Tourist bus or tourist vehicle
- Route type: Market stops, viewpoints, archaeological sites, valley roads, textile center
- Recommended gear: Comfortable shoes, warm jacket, rain protection, sun protection, water, cash in soles, and small daypack
Places You Will See
Qorao Market
Qorao is a short stop outside Cusco where travelers can see local crafts, souvenirs, textiles, and Andean products. It is also a good place for early photos before entering deeper into the valley.
Sacred Valley Lookout
The Sacred Valley lookout gives a wide view of the valley floor, mountains, agricultural areas, and settlements. This stop helps travelers understand why the Incas valued this land for farming, movement, and settlement.
Pisac Archaeological Site
Pisac is one of the most important Inca sites in the valley. Its terraces climb the mountain slopes, showing how the Incas adapted farming to steep terrain.
The site also includes ceremonial spaces, stone paths, and areas linked to observation and agricultural planning. From above, the valley views are strong and help explain why Pisac held such strategic value.
Pisac Market
Pisac Market is one of the best-known market stops in the Sacred Valley. Travelers can see textiles, silverwork, ceramics, alpaca clothing, carved items, and local crafts.
This is also a good place to buy gifts directly from local sellers. Bring cash in soles if you plan to shop.
Urubamba
Urubamba is one of the main towns in the Sacred Valley and a common lunch stop on this route. Its lower altitude and fertile land make it an important agricultural area.
The included buffet lunch is served here, giving travelers time to rest before the afternoon visits.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is both an Inca archaeological site and a living town. The site includes high terraces, stone steps, water channels, walls, and temple areas.
The town below still keeps part of its old Inca layout, with narrow streets, stone walls, and water running through channels. This makes Ollantaytambo one of the most important stops in the valley.
Chinchero
Chinchero sits at higher altitude on the return route to Cusco. It is known for Inca walls, a colonial church zone, open views, and weaving traditions.
The textile stop gives travelers a closer look at how local women use wool, natural dyes, and weaving methods passed down through generations.
Inclusions
What’s Included
Guide and Safety
- Professional English and Spanish-speaking guide
- First aid kit
- Basic assistance during the tour
- Route management according to traffic, site access, and safety conditions
- 24/7 customer support before the tour
Meals
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Vegetarian or special dietary requests with advance notice, when available
Transport
- Hotel pickup in Cusco city
- Tourist transport during the Sacred Valley route
- Return transport to your hotel or a nearby accessible point
- Transport between Qorao, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Cusco
What’s Not Included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal purchases
- Extra drinks
- Extra costs caused by traffic, strikes, site closures, weather, government decisions, or force majeure
Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets are not included and must be paid separately.
| Ticket | Approximate price |
| Cusco Tourist Ticket | From S/ 70 to S/ 150 per person |
The Cusco Tourist Ticket gives access to several archaeological sites and museums in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, depending on the ticket type.
Ticket prices and conditions may change without prior notice. Bring cash in soles and a valid document.
Recommendations
Before the tour
- Eat a light breakfast before pickup, since breakfast is not included.
- Bring cash in soles for entrance tickets, bathrooms, snacks, and shopping.
- Carry your passport or ID.
- Wear comfortable shoes because archaeological sites have stairs, stone paths, and uneven ground.
- Bring a warm layer, especially for Chinchero and the return to Cusco.
- Bring rain protection from November to March.
- Charge your phone or camera before departure.
- Tell us in advance if you are vegetarian, vegan, or have food restrictions.
During the tour
- Stay with your guide at each site.
- Do not climb on restricted walls or archaeological structures.
- Respect local sellers, weaving centers, farming areas, and archaeological rules.
- Ask before taking close photos of local residents.
- Keep small bills for tickets, bathrooms, snacks, or market purchases.
- Walk slowly if you feel altitude discomfort.
- Drink water during the day.
- Keep your belongings close in markets and busy areas.
More Tour Information
- Tour name: Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour
- Duration: Full day
- Starting point: Cusco
- Ending point: Cusco
- Main route: Cusco, Qorao, Sacred Valley lookout, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Cusco
- Tour type: Archaeological, cultural, and scenic day tour
- Transport: Tourist bus or tourist vehicle
- Maximum altitude: Approx. 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
- Group size: Up to 12 travelers
- Meals included: 1 buffet lunch
- Guide: Professional English and Spanish-speaking guide
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Walking level: Light to moderate walking, with stairs and uneven stone paths at archaeological sites
- Best for: First-time travelers in Cusco, families, couples, solo travelers, and guests preparing for Machu Picchu
- Operation: Available year-round
- Recommended start: Morning pickup, subject to confirmation
- Travel through the Sacred Valley, one of the most important areas around Cusco during the Inca period.
- Stop at Qorao Market for local crafts, Andean products, and photos with valley scenery.
- Take photos from a Sacred Valley lookout with wide views of mountains, fields, and villages.
- Walk through the Pisac archaeological site, known for terraces, stonework, and its position above the valley.
- Spend time at Pisac Market, where local sellers offer textiles, crafts, silverwork, and souvenirs.
- Have a buffet lunch in Urubamba, with different Peruvian food options.
- Visit Ollantaytambo, an Inca town with stone streets, terraces, temples, and mountain views.
- Stop in Chinchero, where Inca walls, a colonial church area, and textile traditions come together.
- Learn from local women at an Andean textile center about natural dyes, weaving, and traditional techniques.
- Travel with Machu Picchu Gol Travel, a Cusco-based team focused on clear timing, safe transport, local guides, and respectful service.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is usually from hotels located in Cusco city. Some streets in the historic center are narrow, steep, or closed to vehicles. If your hotel or Airbnb has difficult access, we may coordinate a nearby meeting point.
The exact pickup time is confirmed before the tour. Traffic and street access can cause small variations.
Luggage storage
This is a full-day tour, so large luggage is not needed. You can leave your main luggage at your hotel or coordinate storage with our office if required.
Do not leave valuables inside stored luggage. Passport, money, cards, medication, electronics, and cameras should stay with you.
Payment conditions
A deposit may be required to secure guide service, transport, buffet lunch, and operation staff.
The remaining balance should be paid before the tour according to the instructions from our reservations team. Cash payments in Cusco may avoid online transaction fees. Card or online payments may include gateway fees.
Entrance tickets are not included and are usually paid directly in soles.
Return to hotel
At the end of the tour, we return you to your hotel or to a nearby accessible point if your accommodation is located on a street without vehicle access.
Return time may vary due to traffic, site flow, weather, road works, or local events.
Availability
The Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour can usually operate any day of the year.
Because this tour does not include Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, it is more flexible and can often be booked with short notice. Even so, advance booking is recommended to secure guide availability, transport, and buffet lunch coordination.
For last-minute bookings, please contact the reservations team of Machu Picchu Gol Travel directly. We will do our best to arrange the service, but acceptance depends on availability.
Transport Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco city
- Tourist transport throughout the Sacred Valley route
- Return to your hotel or nearby accessible point in Cusco
Transport times may vary due to traffic, street closures, strikes, parades, festivals, road works, or other local events.
Altitude and Physical Condition
The Sacred Valley route reaches around 3,750 m / 12,303 ft, especially near Chinchero and higher road sections.
The walking is easy to moderate, but some travelers may feel shortness of breath, headache, or tiredness due to altitude. Walk slowly, drink water, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
Older travelers, people with heart conditions, respiratory issues, recent injuries, or mobility concerns should inform our team before booking.
Terrain During the Tour
The tour includes:
- Market areas
- Viewpoints
- Stone paths
- Archaeological stairs
- Terraces
- Uneven ground
- Town streets
- Short walks between transport and site entrances
Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Travel Restrictions
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some tours. Roads can be blocked, and access to certain areas may be affected. When this happens, we will try to keep your trip as close as possible to the original plan.
In some cases, tours may be changed or canceled. Any change will be coordinated by our operations team. Safety comes first, and decisions will be made to protect travelers and staff.
Lost objects
Please check your belongings whenever leaving transport, archaeological sites, restaurants, markets, textile centers, or viewpoints. You are responsible for your personal items during the tour.
Keep passport, money, cards, medication, electronics, and cameras with you at all times.
Site and market rules
Some places may restrict drones, tripods, large equipment, food, or access to certain areas. Please follow your guide’s instructions and respect local regulations at each site.
When buying textiles or crafts, ask questions respectfully and remember that handmade work takes time and skill.
Enquire Now
Ready to book the Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour with Machu Picchu Gol Travel?
Send us your travel date, number of travelers, hotel location in Cusco, and any special request. Our reservations team will check guide assignment, transport availability, buffet lunch coordination, pickup details, and entrance ticket information for your tour.
Essential documents and money
- Valid passport or ID
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Credit or debit card
- Travel insurance information
- Emergency contact information
Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Sun hat
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Personal gear
- Small backpack
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Camera or phone
- Power bank
- Small dry bag or plastic bag for rain
- Personal medication
Health and personal care
- Sunblock, SPF 50 or higher
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal hygiene items
- Altitude medication, only if approved by your doctor
Special requirements
Travelers with special requirements must inform our reservations team in advance. This includes mobility limitations, wheelchair use, crutches, medical equipment, service animals, professional photo or video equipment, or any condition that may affect walking through archaeological sites.
Why Choose Machu Picchu Gol Travel
Machu Picchu Gol Travel is a Cusco-based travel agency operating day tours, archaeological routes, treks, and travel services across Peru.
Our team knows the Sacred Valley as more than a route between Cusco and Machu Picchu. It is a living valley with towns, markets, farming areas, sacred mountains, Inca sites, textile work, and local families who still use the land in ways connected to older traditions.
This tour passes through Qorao, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. These places involve archaeological areas, local commerce, farming communities, restaurants, textile centers, and tourist roads that need careful timing and respectful operation.
Our service focuses on clear pickup coordination, trained local guides, safe transport, practical ticket information, and good timing at each stop. We also help travelers understand which entrance tickets are required, since the Cusco Tourist Ticket is not included in the service price.
Traveling with Machu Picchu Gol Travel means seeing the Sacred Valley with a local team that understands the roads, site order, market timing, lunch coordination, traffic conditions, and the details that make a full-day tour feel organized from start to return.
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