Spend an incredible day exploring some of the most beautiful and fascinating places in the Sacred Valley. This full-day tour takes you through ancient Inca sites, traditional Andean towns, and stunning natural landscapes. You'll visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac—all in one well-organized trip. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, where you can taste traditional Peruvian dishes (vegetarian options are also available).

It’s the perfect way to experience the heart of the Sacred Valley in just one day—especially if you don't have time to visit all the main attractions of Cusco.

If you'd like to visit Machu Picchu without missing the opportunity to explore the Sacred Valley, we also offer a trip that combines both experiences.

SACRED VALLEY FULL-DAY

Embark on a full-day adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most beautiful and historically rich regions in Peru. This complete experience combines visits to impressive archaeological sites, picturesque Andean villages, and the fascinating salt mines of Maras. Discover ancient engineering, vibrant local culture, and breathtaking landscapes as you journey through this sacred land.

Sacred Valley Full-Day at a Glance

  • 06:45 – 07:00 AM: Hotel pickup in Cusco
  • Morning: Visit the Chinchero archaeological site and a local textile workshop
  • Late Morning: Explore the circular Inca terraces of Moray and the Maras salt mines
  • 12:30 PM (approx): Buffet lunch in Urubamba
  • Early Afternoon: Guided tour of Ollantaytambo Fortress
  • Late Afternoon: Visit the Inca ruins of Pisac
  • 07:30 PM (approx): Return to Cusco

SACRED VALLEY FULL-DAY ITINERARY

Cusco – Chinchero

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Cusco between 6:45 and 7:00 AM. From there, we drive to the highland town of Chinchero, a town known for its colonial church, Inca terraces, and textile traditions. At the archaeological site, you’ll explore ancient walls and learn about the town’s importance during the Inca Empire. You'll also visit a local weaving workshop to see traditional Andean techniques still used today.

Moray and Maras Salt Mines

Next, we visit Moray, a remarkable Inca site made up of circular agricultural terraces. These concentric platforms likely served as a kind of open-air agricultural lab, where different temperatures and microclimates helped the Incas experiment with crops.
Afterwards, we head to the salt mines of Maras, a dramatic landscape of thousands of white salt pools cascading down a mountainside. Used since pre-Inca times, these pools are still worked by local families who harvest salt by hand.

Lunch in Urubamba

Around midday, we arrive in the town of Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. This is a great moment to relax and sample a variety of Peruvian dishes, with plenty of options for all dietary preferences.

Ollantaytambo

Following lunch, we explore the impressive Inca site of Ollantaytambo. This archaeological complex was once a royal estate and a stronghold during the Spanish conquest. Climb the ancient terraces to reach the ceremonial temples, admire the stonework, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

Pisac Archaeological Site

Our final stop is the Pisac ruins, located on a hillside above the town of the same name. This site features agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains, and temples with intricate stone construction. It’s one of the most important sites in the valley and offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and river.

Return to Cusco

After visiting Pisac, we begin our return to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel around 7:30 PM, having experienced the best of the Sacred Valley in a single, enriching day.
 

INCLUDED

  • Transportation throughout the tour
  • Professional tourist guide (English / Spanish)
  • Tourist ticket (Boleto Turístico Parcial) for Sacred Valley archaeological sites (Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac)
  • Entrance fee to Maras Salt Mines
  • Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley

NOT INCLUDED

  • Snacks and additional food or drinks
  • Personal expenses

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

  • Original passport or ID (required for entrances and identification)
  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash in small bills (for souvenirs or local purchases)
  • Small backpack or sling bag
  • Comfortable sneakers or trainers
  • Warm jacket (it can get cold in the afternoon)
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Rain jacket (recommended during the rainy season from November to March)
  • Cash in local currency to buy souvenirs
How long is the tour?

The tour lasts a full day—approximately 12 hours. It starts with pickup at 6:45 – 7:00 AM and finishes with your return to Cusco around 7:30 PM.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. The Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico Parcial), which gives you access to Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, is included. Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines is also included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch in Urubamba is included in the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?

Yes, it is suitable for travelers of all ages. The walking at the archaeological sites is generally moderate, with time for rest. If you have any mobility issues, please let us know in advance

Do I need to bring my original passport?

Yes, your original passport or ID is required to validate entrance tickets at some sites and for identification purposes.

How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour involves moderate walking at archaeological sites, often on uneven or stepped paths. You don’t need to be especially fit to enjoy the tour, but due to the altitude (up to 3,500 m / 11,482 ft), we recommend checking with your doctor if you have any medical conditions or concerns about high altitudes.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes, a hat or cap, sunscreen, a warm jacket for the afternoon, and a rain jacket if traveling during the rainy season (November to March).

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?

The tour operates year-round. The dry season (April to October) is ideal for clearer skies and dry trails. The rainy season (November to March) brings lush scenery but occasional rain showers.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?

Yes, several stops offer opportunities to buy handmade textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs from local artisans. Bring cash in small bills (Peruvian soles).

Where can I store my luggage during the tour?

Most hotels in Cusco offer luggage storage for guests during tours. You can also arrange to leave it with us at the agency if necessary.

SACRED VALLEY FULL-DAY TRAVEL INFORMATION

Tour Duration:

Full day (approximately 12–13 hours)

Altitude Range:

From 2,800 m (Urubamba) to 3,700 m (Chinchero)

Weather Conditions:

  • Dry Season: April to October – clear skies and sunny days, with colder temperatures in the morning and afternoon.
  • Rainy Season: November to March – expect cloudy skies, occasional rain showers, and muddy trails; rain gear is essential.

Temperature:

Mornings and late afternoons can be cold, especially in higher areas like Chinchero and Moray, where freezing winds are common. Midday sun can be intense, so sun protection is crucial.

Required Documents:

Bring your original physical passport for identification and entry to archaeological sites.

Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico):

Entrance fees to Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac are covered by the Partial Tourist Ticket, which is included in the tour.

Health & Safety Tips:

  • Use sunscreen even on cloudy days—UV radiation is strong at high altitudes.
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Carry cash in small bills for local markets or optional purchases during the tour.

Recommended Clothing & Gear:

  • Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
  • Warm jacket or fleece (afternoons can be chilly)
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Lightweight rain jacket (especially during the rainy season)
  • A small backpack for personal items and water