Day 01: Sacred Valley tour from Cusco
Tour Itinerary – Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day
Full Itinerary — Sacred Valley of the Incas
7:30 AM — Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Our transport picks you up at your hotel in the Cusco historic center. We depart toward the Sacred Valley, passing through the town of Corao before reaching the first viewpoint of the day.
10:00 AM — Taray Viewpoint
A panoramic stop above the Sacred Valley — the full breadth of the valley, the Vilcanota River, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks spread out below. One of the best photography stops of the day.
11:00 AM — Písac Archaeological Park
Písac (also written Pisaq) sits 33 km northeast of Cusco. Its hilltop Inca citadel is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley — built in the shape of a partridge according to the Inca tradition of designing cities as animals. The guided visit lasts approximately 50 minutes, covering the agricultural terraces, the residential sector, and the ceremonial complex with its remarkable astronomical observatory.
After the ruins, the tour descends to Písac’s main square, known for its colorful artisan market where local communities sell textiles, ceramics, and handcrafts.
👉 Want to add Maras Salt Mines and Moray to your Cusco day? See the half-day tour →
1:30 PM — Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
A full buffet lunch in the valley town of Urubamba, prepared with fresh local ingredients — including Andean staples like quinoa, native potatoes, roasted corn, and grilled meats. Included in the shared service price. (Not included in private service — see pricing table.)
2:30 PM — Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
Ollantaytambo is arguably the most impressive site of the day — and one of the most historically significant in all of Peru. It is the only Inca city that remained inhabited without interruption from the Inca Empire to the present day, preserving its original street layout, water channels, and stone architecture intact.
The hillside fortress — built by the Inca Pachacutec after conquering the region — served as the last Inca stronghold during the Spanish conquest, when Manco Inca successfully repelled Spanish forces here in 1537. The guided visit (approximately 50 minutes) covers the enormous agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, and the still-functional water system of the Inca.
Ollantaytambo is also the main train departure point for Machu Picchu by train — worth knowing if you’re planning your Machu Picchu day trip.
4:00 PM — Chinchero
Chinchero is the most distinctly Andean stop of the tour — a traditional village built directly on Inca foundations, where local communities have preserved their ancestral weaving techniques for generations. Watch artisans demonstrate the natural dyeing process using local plants and insects, and browse the traditional market for handwoven textiles.
Chinchero also offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, a distant view of the Chinchaypuqyu snowcap.
~6:00 PM — Return to Cusco
After Chinchero, we return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 PM. Drop-off at your hotel in the historic center.
Note: times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on group pace and site conditions.
📌 Good to know: the Sacred Valley sits between 2,700m and 3,760m above sea level — significantly lower than Cusco (3,400m). Most travelers feel noticeably better here than in the city, making this tour an ideal way to spend your first full day while your body continues to acclimatize to the altitude.
