Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo

Trip Length

Group Size

Activity Type

Hiking Adventure

Physical Level

Easy

Overview

I’ve always had this idea of forgoing the usual city base and staying right in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley. That’s why this tour, which kicks off from either Ollantaytambo (approx. 2,792 meters / 9,160 feet) or Urubamba (approx. 2,871 meters / 9,419 feet), has firmly nudged its way to the top of my bucket list. It’s the perfect setup. I can imagine tackling this incredible journey right before or after my trip to Machu Picchu, making it a seamless part of my return to Cusco. The thought of a full-day, private guided tour exploring the valley’s must-see sites is just what I’m craving.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, or the Urubamba Valley, was one of the most vital hubs for their civilization, and I’m fascinated by why it was so revered. It wasn’t just a name; it was called “Sacred” for a reason. There’s the incredibly fertile soil, the mild climate, and the abundant water from the sacred Urubamba River, which the Inca believed was spiritually connected to the Milky Way. I can’t wait to see the ancient agricultural terraces where they grew maize, potatoes, and quinoa, and to feel that pervasive sense of history that still lingers in the air.

And if this specific itinerary isn’t the perfect fit? No problem. The idea that this tour is completely customizable is a huge draw. I love that I could reach out and tailor-make a guided tour from scratch, ensuring I get to see everything on my personal hit list.

The Details That Matter

Pickup and Drop-off: The convenience is top-notch. They’ll pick me up from my hotel in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and can drop me off back in the valley or continue on to my next stop in Cusco city.
Timing and Duration: The day starts between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, depending on the chosen itinerary. It’s an all-out trip, lasting approximately 9 to 10 hours.
Group Size: The best part? It’s a completely private tour. It’ll just be my group with our own guide and transportation. This is the ultimate way to experience the valley.
Difficulty: It’s rated as Easy to Moderate. I won’t need to be super-fit, just mobile. There will be some walking and a few sections with uphill Inca steps, but it’s suitable for almost everyone. A little time for altitude acclimatization is recommended but not mandatory.
Customizable? Absolutely. This tour can be tweaked, have add-ons, or be attached to any other trek or tour. The flexibility is incredible.

Highlights

Itinerary

DAY 1: A Personalized Journey Through Incan Wonders

The adventure starts with a pickup from my accommodation in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba at a flexible time. From there, it’s about crafting the perfect day from this incredible hit list of sites:

I’m desperate to explore the Ollantaytambo Ruins, one of the most stunning and grandest Inca sites in the valley. I can just picture the impressive terraces, the otherworldly Temple of the Sun, and the ceremonial fountains of the Water Temple.

A visit to the amazing Inca Terraces of Moray (approx. 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet) is non-negotiable. It’s such a unique site, believed to have been an elaborate agricultural laboratory where each terrace offered a distinct micro-climate. The sheer genius of it is fascinating.

Then there are the famous Salt Mines of Maras (approx. 3,380 meters / 11,090 feet). I can’t wait to see this surreal landscape where locals have been harvesting salt since pre-Inca times by evaporating water from a subterranean stream.

Around midday, there’s a well-deserved stop for lunch (which isn’t included, offering the freedom to choose a spot).

The tour also explores the eastern side of the valley, and I definitely want to see the Pisac Ruins (approx. 2,972 meters / 9,751 feet). I’ve heard they are the most extensive in the valley—even larger than Machu Picchu! I imagine being amazed by the stunning farming terraces and the fortress-like ruins at the top of the mountain. Whether to visit the famous Pisac Market is up to me, as it’s an optional stop.

A visit to Chinchero (approx. 3,762 meters / 12,343 feet) is also on the list. This small town is known for its spectacular mountain views and its vibrant, traditional textile weaving centers, which would be a perfect way of getting my culture fix.

At the end of the day, I can choose to return to my hotel, continue to Cusco, or get dropped off at the Ollantaytambo train station. The flexibility is just perfect.

Choosing Your Perfect Pace

There are three distinct ways to experience the valley, which makes planning so much easier:

CLASSIC SACRED VALLEY TOUR: This feels like the perfect option for a more relaxed, slow-travel approach. It allows for an in-depth exploration of the two major archaeological sites, Pisac and Ollantaytambo, with plenty of time to soak in their history without any rush.
BEST SACRED VALLEY TOUR: This tour is ideal for focusing on the western side of the Sacred Valley. It covers Chinchero, Moray, the Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. Since these sites are relatively close to each other, there’s ample time to explore each one thoroughly.
ABSOLUTE SACRED VALLEY TOUR: For the traveler who wants to see it all in one epic day, this is the one. It covers both the eastern and western ends of the valley, hitting all the must-see sites. However, it’s good to know this is a packed itinerary and might feel a bit rushed. If I’d rather explore at a leisurely pace, I’d lean towards the first or second option.

Inclusions

Included

Convenient Hotel Pickup & Drop-off: They’ll pick you up from your hotel or the train station in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and drop you off at your chosen location afterward.
Professional English-Speaking Local Guide: You’ll have an expert local guide to bring the history and culture of these incredible sites to life.
Private Transportation: You’ll travel in comfort and style with a private vehicle exclusively for your group.

No Included

Sacred Valley Pass: This is not included, but they can easily add it to your tour package for convenience.
Lunch: Lunch is not included, which gives you the flexibility to choose a restaurant that suits your taste and budget. This can also be added to your tour if you prefer.
Gratuities: Tips for your guide and driver are not included but are a wonderful way to show your appreciation for a great day.

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Why Choose "Peru Day Tours" for your next adventure

OUR TOUR GUIDES

A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.

OUR CHEFS

We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.

MEALS: WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.

OUR MULEETERS AND HORSES

Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.

Faqs

What is the sacred valley of the Incas?

The sacred valley is a sacred place where they grew products so that the entire empire could feed themselves because the lands were fertile, that is why the Inca descendants lived in the place. The same place also connected the Inca with their sun god.

What is in the sacred valley?

There are very important works as a maximum expression of their high philosophy, science, technology and art of the Incas such as temples, enclosures and laboratories that only they were able to build with the help of their sun god and form a great empire.

What attractions are visited?

The most visited attractions are the following:

The archaeological complex of Pisac: it was a place where there was a greater number of terraces and which could be seen in the shape of a Pisac.
The archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo: it is a place where you can see a great fortress and impressive architecture.
The Maras salt mines: in this place you can see an incredible place where nature transformed the place of salt deposits through a legend.
Moray archaeological complex: it is a place where you can see an impressive product air conditioning laboratory.
Chinchero archaeological complex: it is a place where you can see a place where the capaq ñan passing through was like a refuge.

Climate

It has a very temperate climate, sometimes it is warm, but in the months of January to March, little rain falls on some days, but the rest of the day it has a bright blue sky and it is very pleasant to walk and enjoy the landscape and its surroundings. .

How to do the tour?

To get to the sacred valley you can do it on your own but the most advisable thing is to hire a tour of the sacred valley that will cost you very cheap and your trip will be guaranteed, safe and organized because they already have transportation, food and a guide to help you. You will drive at all times without any risk.

How much does it cost to do the tour?

To be able to take the tour of the sacred valley it will cost you very cheap by hiring a travel agency that will cost you S/. 75 visiting all the tourist attractions and the income depends on the ticket that acquires the partial ticket this s/. 70 and the general ticket is s/.130.

How long does the tour last?

The valley tour takes place for an entire day, which is approximately 8 hours from the starting point to the return point with a tour of approximately one and a half hours at each point of the tourist attractions.

There are restaurants?

In the sacred valley there are many tourist restaurants, basic and local, but all of them provide you with good first-class service such as:

Moray Viewpoint.
Munay restaurant.
Incas house restaurant.
They will restore tunupa

Is there medical care?

In the Sacred Valley, if you have an emergency or if you suffer an accident, you will be quickly evacuated to a clinic since the Sacred Valley has the best medical care clinics such as: