Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Chinchero
Highlight of the Day: Explore the remarkable Inca terraces of Pisac, admire the panoramic views from Taray, and discover the impressive archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo.
Our Sacred Valley Tour begins at 7:30 AM to make the most of the day and avoid the busiest hours. Our English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby, and we will travel by tourist vehicle from Cusco toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through traditional Andean towns and beautiful mountain landscapes.
After approximately 45 minutes, we will stop at an alpaca farm or Awanacancha, where you can observe llamas, alpacas, and other Andean camelids. We will then continue to the Taray viewpoint to admire the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding agricultural lands. From here, you will begin to appreciate why the Incas considered this fertile region so important.
Next, we will visit the Pisac archaeological site, famous for its extensive agricultural terraces, impressive stonework, and mountain setting. Your guide will explain how the Incas adapted the landscape for farming and built settlements across the steep hillsides. After exploring the ruins, we will descend to the town of Pisac to visit its traditional handicraft market, where you can browse local textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and souvenirs.
We will continue along the Urubamba River to the town of Urubamba, where we will stop for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, our journey continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important Inca archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Explore its monumental terraces, carefully fitted stone walls, and remarkable religious and ceremonial structures. The site also offers insight into Inca architecture, astronomy, and the strategic importance of this ancient settlement.
- If your tour ends in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, or you are taking a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, we will coordinate the final arrangements according to your booking. In this case, you will not visit Chinchero, as the itinerary is organized to allow sufficient time for your onward journey. Our guide will assist you with reaching the train station in time for your departure when applicable.
- If your Sacred Valley Tour returns to Cusco, we will continue to Chinchero on the way back. This traditional Andean town is known for its textile heritage, local weaving demonstrations, and mountain scenery. You will learn how local artisans use traditional techniques and natural dyes to create colorful textiles before we return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
Important: The order of visits and arrival times may vary depending on traffic, site conditions, and your selected itinerary. Please inform us in advance if you need to catch a train from Ollantaytambo so we can coordinate the route accordingly. Entrance tickets and lunch are included only if specified in your booking confirmation.
