Sacred Valley Tour Full Day

The valley area between Pisac and Ollantaytambo is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On this tour we will drive through the mountains to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas” which had great significance in Inca Culture. The Valley has a milder climate and lower altitude from Cusco and we will see a succession of picturesque villages, agricultural terraces, and several archeological sites.

We will pick you up at your hotel at 7am,  then drive in our private van towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route via Pisac. We stop at Ccochawasi Animal Sanctuary to see native animals like the condor, llama, alpaca and puma. Then we drive for 10 minutes up to the Taray lookout to have a classic view of the Urubamba valley and river with crops covering the mountains like a carpet. Afterwards we will drive to the archaeological site of Pisac, where we can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2000 tombs. We can admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and  the religious area of this important citadel. Here we will spend more than 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then we head back to the colorful market of Pisac to shop. Afterwards we go to Urumbamba for lunch, then Ollantaytambo.  We will explore the archeological site of Ollantaytambo for 1.5 hours  and admire the water fountains, the Sun Temple,  and the impressive store houses all made from giant rocks.  Heading  back, we visit the colonial church of Chinchero and the Inca remains in that area. We can buy some hand-made souvenirs in Chinchero as well. Finally we will return to Cusco, dropping you at your hotel by 6.30pm.

Pisac Market & Ruins

In the town of Pisac, there is the largest handcraft market in the region of Cusco. Here we experience a vibrant atmosphere of communities, traditions and bartering. There are many handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style to purchase. Every Sunday there is also a procession of the mayors who  go to church at around 9.30am to attend the traditional Mass held in Quechua.

Ollantaytambo

It is here in this beautiful, strategic spot,  that the Inca king Pachacutec built his fortress/sanctuary of Ollantaytambo. It is a beautiful setting and the hills that surround it hide some of the most impressive archeological sites in the Valley. It contains structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Hall, and the Baños de la Princesa (Princess Baths!). This site is one of the few places where the Spaniards lost a battle during the conquest.

Chinchero

The remains of what was the royal hacienda of Inca Tupac Yupanqui, as well as a beautiful colonial church built on Inca foundations.

There is also a Sunday market here (although it attracts fewer tourists than Pisac) where you can find many handicrafts and local products.