Sacred Valley Tour Full Day
Immerse yourself in the Sacred Valley Full Day Tour and feel the heartbeat of the Inca Empire echoing through its timeless landscapes. Journey through breathtaking Andean valleys and vibrant villages that still preserve ancient traditions.
Marvel at ingenious Inca architecture as you explore the agricultural terraces of Moray, the shimmering Maras Salt Mines, the vibrant town of Pisac, and the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo. Each site reveals the harmony between culture, nature, and spirituality that makes this valley truly sacred.
Overview
The Most Complete and Exclusive Route into the Heart of the Inca Empire
Experience the most iconic route in the Andes with Ali Peru Treks. This full-day tour is designed for those seeking a high-quality experience, combining archaeology, stunning landscapes, and living culture in a relaxed, unhurried itinerary. From the lush cornfields of Urubamba to the towering stone fortresses, we provide an all-inclusive service where your only responsibility is to enjoy the journey.
Tour Highlights
- Connect with Andean Wildlife: Interact with and feed llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas at our selected rescue center.
- Panoramic Vistas: Capture the perfect photograph of the valley from the Taray Viewpoint.
- Deep Archaeology: Explore the largest Inca cemetery in Pisac and the majestic fortress of Ollantaytambo (home to the 90-ton megalith).
- Science & Geology: Marvel at the Moray agricultural laboratory and the white Maras Salt Mines, the highest in the world.
Sacred Valley Summary:
- 07:00 AM | Personalized Pickup: We pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco to begin the journey in our private vehicle.
- Cultural Morning: Visit the camelid center, Taray Viewpoint, and the Pisac archaeological complex, followed by time at its vibrant artisanal market.
- 12:00 PM | Buffet Lunch: Enjoy an exquisite selection of local gastronomy at an exclusive restaurant in Urubamba.
- Afternoon of Wonders: Explore the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras salt pans. We conclude with a visit to the Ollantaytambo fortress, the last “living” Inca town.
- 06:00 PM | Guaranteed Return: We end the service by dropping you off comfortably at your hotel door in Cusco.
Itinerary
- 07:00 AM – Direct Hotel Pickup: We begin our expedition with a punctual pickup directly from your hotel door in Cusco. You will travel in a comfortable, private vehicle designed to provide maximum relaxation as we venture into the timeless landscapes of the Andes.
- Andean Camelid Sanctuary: Our first stop is an authentic farm where you will get up close with alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos. You will discover the economic importance of their fiber and learn ancient natural dyeing techniques that local artisans still preserve today.
- Taray Viewpoint: We will make a strategic stop to contemplate the vastness of the Sacred Valley. From here, the Urubamba River snakes beneath snow-capped peaks, offering the perfect opportunity to capture the most iconic photograph of the trip.
- Pisac Archaeological Park: We will explore the heights of Pisac, home to the largest Inca cemetery in South America and a complex system of agricultural terraces that defy gravity. After the visit, we will walk through its famous artisanal market—a feast of local colors and flavors.
- Buffet Lunch in Urubamba: You will enjoy a world-class buffet lunch, featuring the finest regional ingredients and fresh valley produce for a restorative and exquisite culinary experience.
- Moray (Agricultural Laboratory): Discover the impressive circular terraces where the Incas conducted genetic experiments on crops, taking advantage of the different microclimates created by the varying depths of the earth.
- Maras Salt Mines: Witness over 3,000 white salt pans shimmering under the sun, maintained by local families since pre-Hispanic times.
- Ollantaytambo Fortress: Our final destination is a masterpiece of military and religious engineering. Here, your Ali Peru Treks guide will showcase the astounding skill of Inca architects at the Temple of the Sun. You will stand before the largest rock in the complex, weighing approximately 90 tons. You will learn how this megalith was transported and carved with a precision that continues to amaze modern engineers worldwide.
- 6:00 PM – Return to Cusco: We conclude our journey by dropping you off comfortably at your hotel. You will return with a deep connection to the spirit of the Andes and the satisfaction of high-quality service.
Includes
Included
- All entrance tickets are included (Tourist Ticket and Maras Salt Mines). We pre-manage your tickets so you can enter every site directly without waiting in line.
- Private Transport: Direct door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco in modern, comfortable vehicles.
- Professional Guide: An expert in history and Andean culture will accompany you throughout the entire journey.
- Buffet Lunch: An exquisite local gastronomy feast at a selected restaurant in Urubamba.
- Social Impact: Your booking directly supports our community school in Huayllaccocha.
Not Included
- Breakfast: We suggest having breakfast at your hotel before the 7:00 AM pickup.
- Drinks & Snacks: Bottled water and additional snacks outside the buffet lunch are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, handicrafts,.
Ali Peru Treks Tip: We recommend bringing cash (Soles) for water and small purchases along the way, as credit cards are rarely accepted in rural areas.
Packing List
What to Bring for the Sacred Valley Tour
To ensure you have the best experience with Ali Peru Treks, we recommend bringing the following items:
Essentials:
- Original Documents: Your original passport or ID. These are mandatory for entrance ticket validation at the archaeological sites.
- Cash (Peruvian Soles): Essential for buying water, snacks, souvenirs, or for tips, as many rural areas do not accept credit cards.
Clothing & Footwear:
- Comfortable Footwear: Hiking shoes or sneakers with good traction (you will be walking on uneven terrain and stone paths).
- Layers: Weather in the Andes changes rapidly. We recommend a “layering” strategy: a light t-shirt, a fleece or sweater, and a warm jacket.
- Rain Jacket or Rain Poncho: Indispensable throughout the year, as mountain weather is unpredictable.
- Sun Hat or Cap: To protect yourself from the intense Andean sun.
Personal Care:
- Sunscreen: UV radiation is very high in the mountains; high-factor protection is a must.
- Insect Repellent: Especially useful for the areas of Ollantaytambo and the Maras Salt Mines.
- Sunglasses: To protect your eyes during the guided walks.
Extra Gear:
- Small Daypack: A comfortable backpack to carry your personal belongings.
- Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Power Bank: To ensure your phone or camera stays charged for all the amazing photos you’ll take.
- Camera: To capture the unforgettable landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Ali Peru Treks Tip:
The Sacred Valley is at high altitude. We recommend staying well-hydrated and getting a good night’s sleep before the tour to prevent altitude sickness.
Travel Info
Travel Information
Before starting your Sacred Valley adventure with Ali Peru Treks, we provide these essential tips and useful facts to ensure your experience is perfect:
Weather and Seasons
The Sacred Valley has a temperate but highly variable climate.
- Dry Season (April to October): Sunny days with clear blue skies, but very cold mornings and nights.
- Rainy Season (November to March): Presence of intermittent rain, but the landscape becomes intensely green and beautiful.
- Pro Tip: Regardless of the season, Andean weather is unpredictable. Always carry a light jacket or a rain poncho in your daypack.
Altitude and Acclimatization
The tour reaches a maximum altitude of 12,342 ft (3,762 m) in Chinchero.
- Advice: We recommend spending at least one day in Cusco before taking this tour. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals on your first day, and try the traditional coca tea to help with acclimatization.
Currency and Payments
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (S/).
- While cards are accepted in many places in Cusco, in the Sacred Valley villages (such as the markets in Pisac or Ollantaytambo), cash is almost mandatory for small purchases, water, or tips.
Health and Safety
- Solar Radiation: Due to the altitude, you are much closer to the sun. Apply sunscreen even if the day looks cloudy to avoid burns.
- Water: Always drink bottled or filtered water; avoid drinking tap water.
Connectivity
Cell phone signals are generally good at most archaeological sites. However, in some stretches of the road between Maras and Moray, the signal may be unstable. Take those moments to disconnect and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!
Ali Peru Treks Commitment
We are dedicated to providing a safe, educational, and high-quality journey. If you have any specific health concerns or dietary restrictions for the buffet lunch, please let us know in advance.
Faqs
Frequently asked questions
Does this tour include entrance tickets?
At Ali Peru Treks, we include all necessary entrance fees, such as the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) and the entry to the Maras Salt Mines. Our goal is to save you time and hassle—you won’t have to wait in line; you’ll go straight to the sites.
What makes Ali Peru Treks different from standard tours?
We focus on a premium experience. Unlike conventional tours that rush through every stop, we provide a well-planned itinerary, comfortable transportation, and expert guides who provide deep cultural insight. Additionally, your booking directly supports our social project in the Huayllaccocha community.
Is this tour physically demanding?
No. This tour is rated as Easy. Most of the travel is done in our private, modern van. The walks at the archaeological sites are moderate and taken at a relaxed pace, making it ideal for families, seniors, and travelers who are still acclimatizing to the altitude.
What if I am staying in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo)?
We can certainly coordinate a pickup or drop-off at your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Please contact us in advance to organize the logistics and check if any additional fees apply based on the distance.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for the buffet lunch?
Yes. The restaurant we select in Urubamba offers a wide variety of dishes, including fresh salads, vegetarian, and vegan options. If you have specific food allergies or dietary restrictions (such as gluten-free), please let us know when booking.
Why does the tour start at 7:00 AM?
We start early to ensure we are among the first to arrive at the sites. This allows you to experience the beauty of the Andes without the massive crowds and gives us the best natural light for your photographs.
What documents do I need to bring?
You must bring your original Passport (or ID used for booking). These are required by the authorities at the entrance of each archaeological site. A digital photo is usually not enough; the physical document is necessary.
Is there a restroom on the bus?
While our vans do not have restrooms, we make frequent strategic stops at locations with clean facilities (such as the alpaca farm, restaurants, and visitor centers) to ensure your comfort throughout the day.
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