Traditional Sacred Valley

FULL DAY

Traditional Sacred Valley Traditional Sacred Valley Traditional Sacred Valley Traditional Sacred Valley Traditional Sacred Valley

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the magical Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most fertile and emblematic valleys in southern Peru. Accompanied by Machupicchu Global, you will discover ancient ruins that defy the passage of time, explore charming villages that keep ancestral traditions alive, and marvel at impressive landscapes that combine the majesty of the Andes with the warmth of the valley.

This tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history and culture of the region, offering you a complete experience that combines archaeology, living tradition, and gastronomy, all in an environment of incomparable natural beauty.

Program

07:30 am – 08:00 am | Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
Our Machupicchu Global team will pick you up from your accommodation to board our comfortable tourist bus. We will begin the journey towards the northwestern part of the city, leaving behind the urban bustle to venture into a landscape of mountains and valleys of incredible beauty.

08:45 am | Corao Viewpoint – First View of the Sacred Valley
Our first stop will be the Corao Viewpoint, a strategic point from which we will have a preliminary panoramic view of the entire Sacred Valley. From here, you can appreciate the vastness of the valley, bathed by the waters of the Vilcanota River and guarded by imposing snow-capped peaks that, according to the Andean worldview, protect and bless these fertile lands.

10:00 am | Exploration of the Pisac Archaeological Complex
We will continue our journey to the first archaeological center of the day: Pisac (whose name means “Andean partridge”). We will access this place via a paved road that snakes up the mountain. As we ascend, we will be amazed by the impressive Inca agricultural terraces that line the slopes, integrating perfectly with the natural topography.

Within the Pisac archaeological complex, we will visit its most important sectors:

  • Qanturaquay: An area of viewpoints and ceremonial terraces.
  • Intihuatana (The Solar Clock): An impressive carved stone structure that functioned as an astronomical calendar.
  • Tanqanamarka: A set of enclosures and buildings that showcase the precision of Inca architecture.

From the summit, the views of the valley and the deep river canyon are simply indescribable.

12:30 pm | Pisac Artisan Market
We will descend to the picturesque town of Pisac, located at the foot of the mountain. Here you can explore its famous artisan market, one of the largest and most colorful in the region. You will find a wide variety of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and unique souvenirs made by local artisans. You will have free time to browse the stalls, interact with the vendors, and, if you wish, purchase some authentic pieces of Peruvian art.

01:30 pm | Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
We will continue our tour towards the town of Urubamba, the agricultural heart of the valley. Here, a delicious buffet lunch awaits you at a cozy local restaurant, where you can taste a wide variety of typical Peruvian dishes. We especially invite you to try the famous Sacred Valley corn, recognized worldwide for its large size and unique flavor.

03:00 pm | Visit to Ollantaytambo – The Living Inca City
After lunch, we will head to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes of the Inca empire. This place is known as “the living Inca city,” as its cobblestone streets and Inca house bases are still inhabited by local residents, keeping the original urban layout alive.

The highlight of the visit is the Temple of the Sun, located at the highest part of the archaeological center. To access it, you will need to ascend hundreds of stone steps. The effort is worth it: from the summit, the panoramic view of the valley and the fortress is simply spectacular. You can admire the six giant monoliths of the “Sacred Rock” and understand the strategic, military, and religious importance of this enclave.

05:00 pm | Return to the City of Cusco
We will begin the return journey to the city of Cusco, a trip of approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. During the journey, you can relax and relive the moments experienced as the Andean landscape unfolds before your eyes.

07:00 pm (approx.) | Arrival in Cusco
We will arrive in the city of Cusco, dropping you off at the Plaza de Armas or a central point near your accommodation. Thus concludes an unforgettable day exploring the treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Inclusions

Includes

  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (within the historic center and nearby areas).
  • Comfortable tourist bus with all safety measures.
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English) throughout the tour.
  • Guided visits to the archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
  • Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant in Urubamba.
  • Entrance tickets to the archaeological centers included in the program.
  • Personalized assistance and permanent coordination by Machupicchu Global.

Does Not Include

  • Cusco Tourist Ticket (required to enter archaeological sites. If you do not have it, you can purchase it at the ticket offices of the sites themselves or previously in the city).
  • Beverages during lunch (soft drinks, bottled water, wine, etc.).
  • Tips for the guide and driver (personal appreciation, optional).
  • Personal expenses (handicrafts, souvenirs, additional snacks).
  • Other services not expressly mentioned in the program.

Recommendations

Recommendations for your trip:

To ensure your experience with Machupicchu Global is perfect, we share these key recommendations:

Documentation:

  • Bring your original passport or valid identification document (DNI). It is necessary for entry to archaeological sites.

Clothing and Footwear:

  • Comfortable footwear: Wear trekking shoes or sports sneakers with good traction. You will climb stone stairs at the archaeological sites, especially in Ollantaytambo.
  • Layered clothing: Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing, but bring a windbreaker jacket or a sweater. Mornings and afternoons can be cool, while at midday the sun is intense.
  • Rain protection: From October to March (rainy season), bring a waterproof poncho and a windbreaker jacket.

Sun Protection:

  • Bring a wide-brimmed hat or cap.
  • Wear UV-protection sunglasses.
  • Apply high-resistance sunscreen (50+ SPF) throughout the day. Solar radiation in the valley is very strong.

Hydration and Snacks:

  • Bring your own reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • You can bring some light snacks for emergencies, although the tour includes a full lunch.

Additional Equipment:

  • Camera: Make sure to bring fully charged batteries and enough storage space. The views are incredible, and you will want to capture them all.
  • Small backpack: To carry your personal belongings, water, camera, and sunscreen during the walks.
  • Cash: Bring soles in small denominations to buy handicrafts at the Pisac market, additional beverages, or for tips.

Other Useful Tips:

Punctuality: Respect the pick-up times and your guide’s instructions to ensure the itinerary is followed and to fully enjoy each place.

Acclimatization: This tour is ideal for those who are acclimatizing, as the valley is at a lower altitude (2,800 m a.s.l.) than the city of Cusco.

Respect for heritage: Always follow your guide’s instructions. Touching the structures or entering archaeological enclosures with food is not permitted.