Absolute Sacred Valley Tour Full Day
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Join us on the Absolute Sacred Valley Tour with a Local Guide
Absolute Sacred Valley Tour – Experience all the highlights of the Sacred Valley in just one day! This guided tour is ideal for those with limited time but who are willing to make the most of their visit to the Sacred Valley. On this full-day tour, you will have the opportunity to visit all the must-see sites in the area, including Pisac, Moray, the Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
Our Absolute Sacred Valley Tour itinerary is carefully crafted to ensure that you don’t miss any of the must-see sites in the Sacred Valley, including the amazing Pisac Ruins, the stunning Inca site of Moray with its circular terraces, the Maras Salt Mines with its salt pans, and the otherworldly Ollantaytambo. We are one of the few companies that offer this comprehensive Sacred Valley Tour that covers all the key sites.
This Sacred Valley Tour option is perfect for travelers interested in history, the local culture, and breathtaking scenery. This tour is also ideal for those heading to Machu Picchu on the evening train from Ollantaytambo as well as for those who are planning to spend the night in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. The tour can begin from Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba.
Do not see a perfect tour for you? No problem! You can also check our Best of Sacred Valley Tour or the Extended Sacred Valley Tour, both options depart from Cusco. If you prefer a more leisurely pace to explore the Sacred Valley, you may consider checking out our 2-Day Sacred Valley Tour starting from Cusco Airport or you can also customize based on your preferences, please contact us at info@cuscolocalfriend.com or fill out the contact form on our site and make your tour from scratch.
Why you will love this tour
- Embark on our exclusive Sacred Valley Tour, designed to offer a comprehensive and unforgettable experience of all the must-see sites in the region in just one day!
- Discover the rich history of the Incas as you explore two major Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, gaining a deep understanding of our culture and heritage.
- Visit the stunning Moray and Maras Incan Salt Pools, where you can witness the traditional method of farming salt by local communities.
- Our tour is personally tailored and flexible, providing a private guided experience with our friendly and knowledgeable Cusco Local Friend™ Tour Guide.
- If you are going on a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu, this is a perfect activity to spend an Acclimatization day while exploring the best of the Sacred Valley.
- Unlike the standard bus tours, we do not waste your time by stopping at commission stores. You get to explore and experience the real Sacred Valley with a friendly local guide.
- Avoid crowds and enjoy a private tour at your pace. Enjoy a personal experience, and go at your own pace. You will be able to talk to your guide and ask questions and be involved during the tour.
Trip Details
- Pickup location: Hotels in Cusco and Ollantaytambo
- Drop off Location: Hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba
- Pick-up Time: @7:00 – 8:30 AM (Based on the pick-up location you provide)
- Duration: 10 – 11 Hours approx.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Group Size: You decide! This is a private tour so you will have the Guide and transportation only for your group.
- Difficulty: EASY – MODERATE, you don’t need to be super-fit. Just mobile. Suitable for Everyone, although there is quite a lot of walking, there will be a couple of uphills (Inca steps). Altitude acclimatization is recommended but not mandatory.
- Customizable? Yes! Private, custom and add-ons are all available. You can add this tour to any trek or tour
ITINERARY
Absolute Sacred Valley Tour Itinerary
- We start the day adventure to the Sacred Valley with the pickup from your accommodation and drive to the Eastern side of the Sacred Valley while you enjoy the amazing scenic views of the area
- Our first place to visit is Pisac Ruins, the most extensive archaeological sites in the Valley (it is even bigger than Machupicchu) You will be amazed by the stunning Incan farming terraces and the fort-like ruins of an Inkan village on the top of the Mountain. Whether or not to visit the Pisac Market is your choice, as it is an optional stop.
- Visit a local Llama and Alpaca farm and get your best snapshot.
- Visit the famous Salt Mines of Maras, where locals have been harvesting high-quality salt since pre-Inca times by evaporating warm salty water from a nearby subterranean stream.
- We will then continue to the amazing circular Inca Terraces of Moray, believed to be an elaborate agricultural laboratory; each terrace has a unique micro-climate with which the Incas could determine the optimal growing conditions for different crops.
- After visiting these unique sites we make a stop at a local restaurant for a deserved lunch (Lunch is at an extra cost)
- Finally, we visit Ollantaytambo – One of the grandest Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, boasting Inca terraces, an otherworldly Temple of the Sun, a Water Temple with ceremonial fountains, and much more.
- At the end of the tour, we can either return to your Hotel or drop you off at the Train station in Ollantaytambo (in case your trip plans continue to Machupicchu)
Note on the Itinerary
* The order of visiting the sites is flexible, is based on your Hotel location
While we make every effort to follow the schedule outlined above, please note that this itinerary is subject to change due to various factors beyond our control. These factors may include strikes, political unrest, local festivals, severe weather conditions, and site closures during certain hours due to regulations beyond the control of Cusco Local Friend. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any changes or amendments resulting from these circumstances.
In some cases, we may need to modify our original schedule to accommodate these conditions. In such cases, we will offer the best alternative options available to ensure you have a memorable experience.
* Important!
- This is a full-day excursion that starts early in the morning. It is specially designed for those with limited time who are willing to visit all the must-see sites of the Sacred Valley in a single day. Please note that normally, these sites are covered in one and a half days, so please note that the tour may feel a bit rushed.
Included
- Pickup from your Accommodation (We can start this tour from Cusco and Ollantaytambo as well as from the train station in Ollantaytambo); and drop-off at your Hotel
- Professional English-speaking Local Guide
- Private transportation
- Complimentary water
Not Included
- Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket / Pass (We are happy to add this ticket cost to your tour) Alternatively, please bring cash to purchase this ticket at the first site we visit.
- Lunch and drinks
- Any other extra expenditures
- Gratuities
Book this Experience
What to Expect
Impressive views, mild to hot temperatures although kind of windy at some places in the afternoons; mostly sunny days during the months of May, June, July, and August; Stops at scenic spots en route; Friendly English speaking tour guide; Your journey your way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sacred Valley worth visiting ?
Yes Definitely! The Sacred Valley is definitely worth visiting. Its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and impressive archaeological sites make it a must-see destination in Peru. Travelers can explore the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, admire the amazing salt pans of Maras, and experience the traditional way of life in the local communities.
The valley also offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and zip-lining, making it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts. Even if it’s just to relax, enjoy the beauty and acclimate at a Sacred Valley hotel, it is definitely worth visiting. Overall, the Sacred Valley is a unique and fascinating destination that should not be missed.
What is the Tour cancellation policy ?
- If cancellation is made with more than 3 days minimum notice, we will refund the full amount of your deposit minus the 20% admin fees
- If cancellation is made within less than 3-day notice, no refund can be given.
- The strikes and natural disasters are unlikely events that are beyond our control which may force us to change the tour dates or in the worst scenario and if that represents a risk to the safety of our clients, cancel the tour. The strikes are normally announced a couple of weeks in advance so we will let you know in advance in case one is scheduled for that specific tour date and provide alternatives to either change or cancel the tour.
Is this a private or shared Tour ?
Our guided tours, including this Absolute Sacred Valley Tour, are private, which means that you will have a dedicated local tour Guide and transportation exclusively for your group.
What is the "Boleto Turistico" or Tourist Ticket / Pass ?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket, also known as the “Boleto Turistico” is a pass that allows visitors access to various archaeological sites, museums, and other cultural attractions in and around the city of Cusco, including the Sacred Valley. The ticket can be purchased at the entrance gate of the sites and they only accept cash in PEN SOL.
There are different types of tickets available, with the most popular being the “General Tourist Ticket” or “Boleto Turistico General,” which allows access to 16 different sites in and around Cusco, including the famous Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, such as Pisac, Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. If you plan to visit multiple attractions in both Cusco and the Sacred Valley, purchasing the General or Full Cusco Tourist Ticket can be a cost-effective way to gain access to these sites.
Alternatively, the “Partial Tourist Ticket” or “Boleto Turistico Parcial” is another ticket option. Unlike the General Tourist Ticket, this ticket only provides access to a limited number of sites. This ticket may be a good choice for visitors with limited time or those who are primarily interested in specific tourist attractions in the region.
So, if you’re wondering which ticket to purchase for a Sacred Valley Tour, the Partial Tourist Ticket will suit you best for visiting the Sacred Valley sites unless you also plan to visit the sites in Cusco. In that case, it would be best to get the Full Ticket.
At the end of the tour, can you drop us off at Ollantaytambo train station ?
Yes of course! Our guided tours are private so we are able to drop you off at the train station in Ollantaytambo so you can catch your train to Machu Picchu town.
What should I pack for this day trip ?
- Camera
- Daypack with personal belongings
- Sunblock and sunhat
- Comfortable shoes (running or hiking shoes)
- Cash in PEN SOL for your Entrance Tickets, souvenirs or any other expenditures
- Rain gear or rain plastic “poncho”, especially for the rain season (November to April) They can be purchased locally
Why Travel with us
Local Knowledge & Expertise
It's great to travel with professional experts from the same destination you are going, that's how you get first-hand information. With deep in-country knowledge, We know the ins and outs of all the logistics, we will ensure you can make the most of your time away.
Personalized Experiences
Your time is precious - we know that. Your experience is our top priority. No big bus groups, No flags to follow! Traveling with a private guide and driver you’ll do what you want, when you want with the freedom to change your plans on the fly.
Friendly Local Guides
Great sights don’t make an amazing tour. Great guides do! Our guides don’t read from a script, we give them the freedom to make each tour their own, and your experience unique. We love what we do and it shows. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the buzz and excitement that Cusco Local Friend to offer.
Exclusive Itineraries
It’s not all about the destination, it’s also about the journey. We offer only the best itineraries and tours. As local experts, we know first-hand what tours or experiences are the ones that most travelers enjoy and request. Escape the crowds! Never waste any minute, never miss any highlight!
Trip Reviews
Cusco Local Friend has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence due to the most consistent 5-star reviews in Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu for exceptional levels of service and care.
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