Cusco face to face
This Day Tours Cusco is going to give to you the spectacular option to meet with real indigenous peo
Experience a full-day Sacred Valley tour, exploring each archaeological site and Inca ceremonial center. The Inca Culture revered the Sacred Valley of the Incas as a special region, now a captivating attraction for thousands each year. Local communities, majestic mountains, serene valleys, stunning vistas, vibrant handicraft markets, and extensive Inca remains converge to create an ideal day trip where you’ll immerse yourself in PURE CULTURE.
Chinchero with its textile traditions, Moray, renowned as the Greenhouse of Incas, Salineras boasting over 3000 Salt Fountains, The Inca City of Ollantaytambo, and the city of Pisaq eagerly await your visit.
IMPORTANT: For this tour, we offer daily departures in both group and private settings. Therefore, we recommend passengers arrive in Cusco a day prior to the tour for your convenience. This is a unique opportunity to explore all five sites of the Sacred Valley in a single day, surpassing the three sites included in the Classical tour.
Main Sites: Your journey encompasses four key sites: Pisac, Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo, and Chincherro. Our knowledgeable guide will collect you from your hotel lobby around 8 am.
Scenic Drive: Our route follows a winding road that meanders through the mountains to the north of Cusco. Along the way, we pause at the renowned El Mirador (Lookout Point), where you’ll delve into Inca history and gain fascinating insights.
Pisac Exploration: Continuing on, we arrive at Pisac, offering a guided tour of the ruins. You’ll also have approximately 30 minutes of free time to explore these captivating archaeological wonders at your own pace.
Pisac Market: Our next stop is the vibrant Pisac market, where you can immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and perhaps find some irresistible bargains.
Lunch Break: We take a break for lunch at a local buffet (please note that lunch is not included). Here, you can savor a wide array of delectable Peruvian-style dishes.
Ollantaytambo Exploration: Following lunch, we trace the course of the Urubamba River to the charming town of Ollantaytambo. We explore the ruins, a significant site of Incan construction from the height of the Inca empire. What makes this location exceptional is the presence of rock formations representing the Inca god, Wiracocha.
Chincherro Excursion: Our journey then leads us to the fascinating ruins of Chincherro, allowing you to further delve into the rich Inca heritage.
Finally, we return you to your hotel in Cusco (or the Sacred Valley) around 5:00-6:00 pm, concluding this comprehensive and enriching Sacred Valley tour.
Our full-day Sacred Valley tour kicks off with a hotel pick-up, typically between 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., depending on your hotel’s location.
We embark on the North Route of Cusco City, reaching Chinchero in approximately 40 minutes. This picturesque spot, perched at the highest point of our tour (3762 meters), welcomes us with its vibrant beauty. Here, we explore the Inca Site and have the opportunity to browse and shop for local crafts and textiles.
Our journey continues to Moray, a captivating example of an agricultural experimentation center—an Inca-era greenhouse. Nestled within a natural geographical depression, Moray’s uniqueness sets it apart from other Inca sites.
The next stop is the town of Maras, where we access the Salinas (Salt Mines). This natural wonder is a rare sight, with over 3000 salt springs still actively utilized by locals employing ancestral techniques to extract this precious mineral.
Urubamba awaits us next, providing a break for a leisurely lunch. Following lunch, our route leads us to Ollantaytambo, the largest Inca site in the region. Known as a “living Inca city,” it was constructed upon the remnants of an Inca settlement. Here, you’ll encounter locals in traditional attire, preserving their cultural heritage in their daily lives.
Our final destination for the day is Pisaq, another remarkable Inca city. Here, expansive agricultural terraces and ceremonial buildings await exploration.
On the return journey to Cusco, around 19:00 (approx.), we’ll drop you off one block away from the main square, as traffic congestion often makes it challenging to reach your hotel at this time.
Important Information:
Prepare for an unforgettable day exploring the Sacred Valley with us!
When it comes to planning an unforgettable adventure in Cusco, Peru, the choices can be overwhelming. With so many travel agencies vying for your attention, it’s essential to select one that stands out and offers a truly exceptional experience. That’s where “Tierras Andinas” Travel Agency comes into play. Here are some compelling reasons why you should choose us for your Cusco adventure:
Location: The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a captivating and historically significant region in Peru. It was once the epicenter of the Inca Empire and has evolved into a beloved tourist destination. The Sacred Valley boasts a wealth of ancient ruins, including the renowned Machu Picchu, amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, be sure to include the Sacred Valley of the Incas on your itinerary.
Location and Main Towns: Situated in the Andes Mountains of Peru, the Sacred Valley is approximately 50 kilometers (300 miles) from Cusco. This fertile valley is graced with numerous Inca sites and is home to prominent towns like Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. The valley is cradled by the Urubamba River, a tributary of the Amazon, which is the world’s largest river.
Historical Significance: The Sacred Valley was once a pivotal hub of the Inca Empire, housing some of its most significant sites, including Machu Picchu. This valley was also a crucial agricultural center for the Inca and remains inhabited by traditional indigenous communities to this day.
Colonial Influence: In the early 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Sacred Valley, initiating the construction of settlements and churches. Sadly, they forcibly relocated many indigenous inhabitants from the valley to work in plantations and mines. Nevertheless, the indigenous people of the Sacred Valley have admirably preserved their cultural traditions and continue to play a vital role in Peruvian society.
Climate: The Sacred Valley is renowned not only for its historical treasures but also for its mild and enchanting climate. Typically, the weather in the Sacred Valley is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 15-25 degrees Celsius. However, variations can occur depending on the time of year and the valley’s altitude. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially at higher elevations, where temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius. The Sacred Valley experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season (from November to March) and the dry season (from April to October). The wet season brings more rainfall, resulting in muddy and slippery conditions, but it’s also the best time to witness the valley’s waterfalls in their full glory. The dry season is generally hotter and drier, yet lush vegetation persists thanks to irrigation channels that transport water from nearby mountains. Regardless of when you visit the Sacred Valley, its natural beauty will captivate you.
Altitude: The Sacred Valley spans altitudes ranging from 2,700 to 3,400 meters (8,860 to 11,200 ft) above sea level. This valley is celebrated for its fertility and sustains a variety of crops such as potatoes, maize, quinoa, and amaranth. The soil’s richness in minerals has made the valley a sought-after destination for agriculture and mining.
Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley:
Restaurants in the Sacred Valley:
Many restaurants in the Sacred Valley of the Incas offer traditional Peruvian cuisine as well as international dishes. Some popular options include:
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu:
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a lush and captivating valley in the Andes Mountains of Peru, boasting ancient ruins and cultural richness. It is an essential stop on the journey to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most renowned archaeological sites. This ancient Inca citadel, constructed in the 15th century, rests high in the Andes and holds UNESCO World Heritage status, making it one of the Seven Wonders of the World.