Sacred Valley VIP
FULL DAY
Embark on a fascinating adventure and discover the most emblematic treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas on an extended full-day tour. This valley, blessed with a privileged climate, fertile lands, and the flow of the Vilcanota River (sacred to the Incas), was the agricultural, spiritual, and political heart of the empire. With Machupicchu Global, you will explore its most impressive archaeological sites, visit picturesque Andean villages, and immerse yourself in the rich living culture of this sacred region.
A tour designed for those who wish to live a profound and enriching experience, combining history, archaeology, living traditions, and dreamlike landscapes.
Program
07:00 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, equipped with all safety measures and mandatory insurance (SOAT). We will begin the journey to the heart of the Sacred Valley, leaving the city of Cusco behind to venture into a landscape of mountains and valleys of incredible beauty.
08:30 am | Visit to Chinchero – The City of the Rainbow
Our first stop will be the picturesque village of Chinchero, known as the “City of the Rainbow.” Here we will visit the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat, a colonial gem built in 1607 on the foundations of the palace of Túpac Yupanqui. We will explore its impressive Inca agricultural terraces and have the opportunity to visit its traditional craft market, where you can appreciate and purchase high-quality textiles made with ancestral techniques. The local residents, dressed in their traditional costumes, offer a living sample of Quechua culture.
10:00 am | Exploration of Moray and Maras – Agricultural Laboratories and Salt Mines
We will continue our tour to the fascinating archaeological complex of Moray. This unique site consists of several levels of concentric circular terraces that functioned as an experimental agricultural laboratory. The Incas created different microclimates at each level to study the adaptation of crops from various regions of the empire. The acoustics and views of the place are simply spectacular.
A short distance away, we will descend to the ancient Maras Salt Mines. This impressive set of thousands of salt pools, which harness a natural saltwater spring, has been exploited since pre-Inca times. The white terraces embedded in the mountainside create a dreamlike landscape you will not forget. You can walk among the pools and observe the community members working to extract salt, just as their ancestors did.
01:00 pm | Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
We will head to the picturesque village of Urubamba, the agricultural heart of the valley, to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a cozy local restaurant. You will taste the best of Peruvian cuisine, with a wide variety of typical dishes. We especially invite you to try the famous Sacred Valley corn, recognized for its large size and unique flavor.
03:00 pm | Visit to Ollantaytambo – The Living Fortress
In the afternoon, we will visit the imposing archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important military, religious, and agricultural complexes of the Inca empire. Its enormous stone terraces rise majestically over the valley, and at the top you can admire the six giant monoliths of the “Sacred Rock” and the Temple of the Sun. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to walk through the cobblestone streets of the town of Ollantaytambo, considered one of the best-preserved living Inca towns in Peru, where its inhabitants still maintain the original urban layout and many ancestral customs.
05:00 pm | Exploration of Pisac – Market and Fortress
Our last stop will be the impressive archaeological complex of Pisac, strategically located on a mountaintop overlooking the valley. Its agricultural terraces, tunnels, aqueducts, and ceremonial enclosures are a testament to the advanced architectural knowledge of the Incas. From the summit, the panoramic views of the valley are simply unforgettable. Upon descending, we will have time to explore the famous Pisac artisan market, one of the largest and most colorful in the region. Here you can find ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and unique souvenirs. Do not forget to try the delicious traditional empanaditas sold in the square.
07:00 pm | Return to the City of Cusco
We will board our transport to begin the return journey to 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
- Transfers: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and return to a central point.
- Tourist transport: Comfortable tourist bus with mandatory SOAT insurance.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English) throughout the tour.
- Guided visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
- Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant in Urubamba.
- Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites and attractions mentioned in the program.
- Personalized assistance and constant monitoring throughout the excursion 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).
- Additional 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 and Money:
- Bring your original passport or valid identification document.
- Bring cash (soles) in small denominations to buy handicrafts, additional beverages, try the empanaditas in Pisac, or for tips. Some market stalls do not accept cards.
Clothing and Footwear:
- Comfortable footwear: Wear trekking shoes or sports sneakers with good traction. You will climb many stone stairs at the archaeological sites, especially in Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
- Layered clothing: Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing, but bring a windbreaker jacket or a light sweater. Mornings and afternoons can be cool, while at midday the sun can be intense.
- Sun protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat or cap, UV-protection sunglasses, and apply high-resistance sunscreen (50+ SPF) throughout the day. Solar radiation in the valley is very strong.
Hydration and Snacks:
- Water: Bring your own reusable water bottle. You can refill it during stops. Staying hydrated is essential.
- Small backpack: Bring a light backpack to store your personal belongings, camera, water, and sunscreen during the walks.
Additional Equipment:
- Camera: Make sure to bring fully charged batteries and enough storage space. The views of the Sacred Valley are incredible, and you will want to capture them all.
- Insect repellent: Especially if you are sensitive to bites, it can be useful during visits to archaeological sites.
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.
Respect for heritage: Respect the rules and regulations of the archaeological sites. Always follow your guide’s instructions. Touching the structures or entering the precincts with food is not permitted.
Acclimatization: If you have just arrived in Cusco, this tour is ideal because it takes place at a lower altitude than the city (the valley is at about 2,800 m a.s.l.), allowing for gentler acclimatization.