If you’re visiting Cusco, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This full-day tour offers beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins and traditional markets all within a short drive from Cusco.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn what to expect, the top sites you have to visit, how much it costs, and the best tips to make the most of your Sacred Valley tour in 2025.
What is the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region located in the Andes of Peru, near Cusco. The Sacred Valley in Peru was a very important area for the Incas, not only because of its natural beauty, but also because it offered an ideal climate and fertile land for cultivation. It is called “sacred” because the Incas considered it a special place, full of energy, and here they built temples, cities, agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers.
One of the reasons why this region is called “Sacred Valley” is because of the ancestral name of the river that runs through it: the Urubamba River. In ancient times, this river was known in Quechua as “Wilka Mayu”, which means “Sacred River”. The Incas considered this river as a sacred element because it was supposed to be the mirror of the Milky Way, The river had no a meaning only agriculturally, but also spiritually and astronomically. The course of the Wilka Mayu River was aligned with the Milky Way to which the Incas attributed a deep religious and cosmic meaning, since they believed that the terrestrial river was the reflection of the celestial river.
Today, the Sacred Valley is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Peru. It is full of ancient ruins, traditional villages, handicraft markets and incredible landscapes. From this valley you can also access Machu Picchu, so many travelers include it in their itinerary.
What to Expect on the Sacred Valley Tour
The Sacred Valley tour consists of a full day excursion that allows you to explore some of the most important archaeological sites and villages. During the tour, you visit places such as Pisac, famous for its impressive agricultural terraces and its market where you can buy local textiles and handicrafts. A stop is then made in Urubamba for lunch typically lunch is a buffet lunch. Then you visit Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress noted for its architecture and historical importance. The tour also includes a visit to Chinchero on the way back to Cusco, Chinchero is known for its traditional weaving demonstrations and colonial ruins built on top of Inca structures. Throughout the day, visitors enjoy spectacular landscapes of mountains and valleys, while learning about the culture, history and traditions of the region from a local guide. It is an experience that combines archaeology, living culture and nature, ideal for those wanting to learn more about the Inca heritage before continuing with other adventures in Peru.
Most Visited Places in the Sacred Valley Day Trip
The places to visit during your Sacred Valley tour vary according to the type of service and route you take, the Classic Sacred Valley tour includes the following places in its itinerary:
Pisac
Pisac Ruins in the Sacred Valley
- Traditional market: Ideal for buying alpaca things, ceramics, jewelry and handmade souvenirs.
- Archaeological site: A big center of crop production, temples and breathtaking panoramic views.
Urubamba
- A quiet town where you usually have lunch. It is known as the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo
- Inca fortress with huge terraces and stone temples perfectly assembled.
- From here many travelers opt to take the train to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu pueblo.
Chinchero
Chinchero Ruins in the Sacred Valley
- Known for its colonial church and Inca constructions.
- Demonstrations of traditional Andean weaving made by local communities.
How to Take a Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco
Guided Group Tour (most popular):
If you really want to connect with history and have a meaningful experience, the standard group tour of the Sacred Valley may not be the best option for your. These tours usually follow a fixed itinerary that cannot be changed, so there is not much flexibility to explore at your own pace. However, they are certainly the most economical option. It is the best choice for travelers on a tight budget. The tour is combined with people from all over, which can be fun, but the experience tends to be a bit rushed and touristy. In many cases, the guides spend more time taking the group shopping than visiting the historic sites.
Group Tour Sacred Valley
Still, if you are short on time or just want a quick and affordable view of the Valley, it’s not a bad option. Just don’t expect an in-depth or personal experience.
Private Tour
If you are looking for a deeper and more authentic experience in the Sacred Valley, the private tour is undoubtedly the best option. Unlike the group tour, this type of service offers more flexibility, as you can adjust the schedules and the itinerary based on your preferences, choose how long to stay in each place and even avoid stops that do not interest you.
Sacred Valley Private Tour
This tour is designed for those who really want to immerse themselves in Inca history and culture, without commercial distractions. No stops are made to visit stores or tourist markets, but rather learning, exploration and quiet enjoyment of the archaeological sites and landscapes of the valley are prioritized. Of course, the private tour is more expensive than the group tour, but it is totally worth it if your priority is to live a more personalized experience, without rushing or crowds.
Self-Guided Tour
Another interesting option for touring the Sacred Valley is to do it on your own. This alternative is ideal for independent travelers looking to move at their own pace, without depending on a group or a guide.
Doing the tour on your own gives you total freedom to choose the places you want to visit, how long to stay in each place and in what order to do the tour. You can take local transportation (such as public buses), rent a car or even hire a private driver for the day.
However, if you go without a guide, you will not have detailed explanations about the significance of the sites, so it is recommended to bring a good book guide, tourism apps or do some research beforehand. This option is cheaper than a private tour and more flexible than a group tour, but requires more planning and organization
Sacred Valley Tour Itinerary
Here’s a full-day itinerary starting from Pisac:
08:00 AM – Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
Departure toward the Sacred Valley via scenic mountain roads.
09:00 AM – Explore Pisac ruins and local market
Guided visit to the impressive Inca archaeological site of Pisac, followed by free time at the traditional artisan market.
11:00 AM – Drive to Urubamba through the valley
Enjoy the stunning views of the Andean landscape on the way.
12:00 PM – Buffet lunch in Urubamba
Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch featuring Peruvian dishes.
01:30 PM – Visit Ollantaytambo fortress
Guided tour of one of the most important Inca military, religious, and agricultural centers.
03:30 PM – Visit Chinchero
Explore the colonial church built on Inca foundations and watch a traditional Andean textile weaving demonstration.
05:00 PM – Return trip to Cusco
Drive back through the highlands, enjoying the late afternoon light over the mountains.
06:00 PM – Arrival in Cusco
Drop-off at your hotel.
Which Tourist Ticket Do I need for the Sacred Valley Tour?
If you are planning to do the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour, one of the most common questions is: what kind of ticket do I need to visit the Sacred Valley? Most of the ruins that are part of the tour (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, among others) do not sell individual tickets, but are accessed with the Cusco Tourist Ticket also know as Boleto Turistico. This ticket is mandatory to enter many of the most important historical sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Types of Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
1. General Tourist Ticket
- Price: S/ 130 soles (approx. USD 35) 2.
- Valid for: 10 consecutive days
- Includes: 16 archaeological sites and museums.
Ideal if you are going to:
- Do the Sacred Valley tour.
- Visit museums and sites in the city of Cusco
- Explore the South Valley (Tipon, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas)
Included sites of the Sacred Valley:
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
Other important sites included:
- Sacsayhuaman
- Qenqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
- Folk Art Museum
- Regional Historical Museum
- Pachacutec Monument
2. Partial Tourist Ticket
There are 3 types of partial tickets, valid only for 2 days and focused on specific areas:
Partial Ticket – Circuit III (Sacred Valley)
Price: S/ 70 soles (approx. USD 19).
Includes only 4 sites:
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
Ideal if you only do the Sacred Valley Tour and will not visit other sites in Cusco.
Where to buy the Tourist Ticket
You can buy it at:
- COSITUC offices in Cusco
- Archaeological sites included in the ticket (like Pisac or Ollantaytambo)
The ticket must be carried physically (there is no digital version).
Important: The Tourist Ticket does not include the entrance to the Salt Mines of Maras
Although the Salt Mines of Maras are usually included in the itinerary of the Sacred Valley Tour, it is important to know that they are not part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket. The entrance to this site is paid separately directly at the site.
Entrance fee: S/ 20 soles (approx. USD 6) per person.
The ticket must be paid in cash at the entrance, no previous reservation is required to get the ticket.
Best Time to Visit the Sacred Valley in Peru
The best time to visit the Sacred Valley in Peru is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers the best weather for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring ancient Inca sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines.
Season Breakdown:
Dry Season (May to October) – Best for travel
- Weather: Sunny days, cool mornings, and almost no rain.
- Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F) during the day, 5–10°C (41–50°F) at night.
Why visit now?
- Best conditions for trekking and photography.
- Clear skies = perfect views of the Andes and ruins.
- June hosts Inti Raymi, the Inca Sun Festival in Cusco.
Tip: This is high tourist season. Book tours and accommodations early, especially from June to August.
Rainy Season (November to April) – Lush but wet
- Weather: Frequent afternoon rains, especially in January and February.
Pros:
- Fewer tourists, lower prices.
- The Sacred Valley looks green and vibrant.
Cons:
- Some trails may be muddy or slippery.
- Rain can delay transport and limit visibility at ruins.
February: Not ideal for trekking; some trails (like Inca Trail) are closed for maintenance.
Recommended Tours to the Sacred Valley
1. Day Sacred Valley Tour – Cultural Experience
Price: From $74 USD
Includes: Visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
Ideal for: Travelers looking for a complete experience in one day.
2. Super Sacred Valley VIP 1 Day Tour – Extended Tour
Price: From $89 USD
Includes: Visits to all the main archaeological centers of the valley.
Ideal for: Those who want a more exclusive and personalized experience.
3. Maras, Moray and Salineras Tour – Half Day Trip
Price: From $59 USD
Duration: Half day
Includes: Visits to the agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras.
Ideal for: Archaeology and photography lovers.
4. ATV Tour in Maras and Moray – Adventure Tour
Price: From $45 USD
Duration: Half day
Includes: ATV adventure through the lanscapes.
Ideal for: Adrenaline seekers and unique experiences
5. Sacred Valley Full Day Tour from Ollantaytambo
Price: From $99 USD
Duration: Full Day Tour
Ideal for: Travelers looking for a complete experience with expert guides.
Where to Stay in Peru Sacred Valley?
Complete guide for each type of traveler and budget:
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is not only one of the most popular destinations in Peru for its archaeological wealth and natural beauty, but also offers a wide variety of accommodations for all budgets. Whether you are traveling as a backpacker, as a couple, with your family or looking for a luxury hotel, the Sacred Valley of the Incas has the perfect place for you to rest and connect with the culture and nature of the environment.
Choosing where to stay in the Sacred Valley depends on several factors: your itinerary, whether you plan to visit Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo, how long you will stay, and what kind of experience you are looking for. Some prefer to stay in Urubamba, ideal for relaxing and far away from tourist buildings others choose Ollantaytambo, for its beauty and proximity to the train station to Machu Picchu.
To know the best options read our article of where to stay in the Sacred Valley
Avoid Altitude Sickness: Stay in the Sacred Valley First
When planning your trip to Peru, it is common to consider Cusco as the starting point for your exploration. However, many travelers fail to consider a key aspect of the itinerary: altitude. Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level (about 11,155 feet), a considerable altitude that can cause altitude sickness or “soroche”. For this reason, more and more visitors choose to begin their adventure by staying in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is situated at a lower altitude, between 2,700 and 2,900 meters (8,860 to 9,514 feet).
Lower altitude = better adaptation
The Sacred Valley, with locations such as Urubamba o Ollantaytambo is located in a lower area than Cusco, which allows the body to adapt more gradually to the altitude. This difference in altitude, although it may seem minimal, can make a big difference and avoid the common symptoms of altitude sickness.
When arriving directly from Lima, many travelers suffer from symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Extreme fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
These symptoms are common when you go up too quickly without acclimatization time. But by staying in the Sacred Valley first, your body has a better chance to get used to the less oxygenated air, without the immediate impact of Cusco’s 3,400 meters.
Are There Tours from the Sacred Valley?
Many travelers start their adventures in Cusco, but what if you are planning to stay in the Sacred Valley, in places like Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, and want to do tours from there?
There are tours that depart from the Sacred Valley, but they are not common in group mode. Most of the group tours depart from Cusco, because this is where the trave agencies are concentrated. If you are looking for tours that start directly from the Sacred Valley, the best option is private tours. In this sense, Come See Peru is a leading and highly recommended agency that offers customized private tours from Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
Conclusions: Is the Cusco Sacred Valley Tour worthwhile?
The Cusco Sacred Valley Tour is, without a doubt, one of the most complete and enriching experiences you can have during your visit to Peru. It not only allows you to see the archaeological ruins of past civilizations, but also immerses you in a natural environment of stunning beauty, with villages full of tradition, handicraft markets, and an Andean energy difficult to describe in words.
This tour is ideal for those looking for an in-depth introduction to the Inca legacy before visiting Machu Picchu. During a single day you can visit sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and in some itineraries, also Moray and the salt mines of Maras.
In addition, the tour offers opportunities to sample local cuisine, interact with artisans and enjoy spectacular views throughout. Although it is a long day, the pace is well balanced, and suits couples, families and solo travelers alike.
if you want to avoid large groups and you are looking for a more intimate experience a private option from Cusco or from the Sacred Valley itself is highly recommended.
