From US$127 per person.
Sacred Valley VIP
- Chinchero Terraces and Traditional Textiles: Explore the impressive Inca terraces and experience an authentic demonstration of ancestral weaving techniques, using natural dyes and alpaca wool.
- Moray Agricultural Terraces and Maras Salt Mines: Discover the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, associated with Inca agricultural experimentation, and admire the thousands of traditional salt ponds of Maras.
- Living Inca Town of Ollantaytambo: Walk among the colossal stone blocks of the Temple of the Sun and explore ancient streets that still preserve their original Inca urban layout.
- Monumental Ruins of Pisac: Complete the journey at the spectacular Pisac Archaeological Complex, exploring its impressive terraces, ceremonial structures, and pre-Hispanic burial areas carved into the mountainside.
Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a complete experience from Cusco. Visit Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, combining history, culture, and breathtaking Andean landscapes, before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba and continuing to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress.
Explore the archaeological complex of Pisac, with its ancient terraces, temples, and spectacular valley views. This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to visit several of Cusco’s main attractions in a single day, combining archaeology, culture, gastronomy, and Andean nature in a complete and dynamic experience.
At a glance
- Days: 1
- Highest point: 3762 m
- Price: From US$127 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco Andean Communities Moray Maras Salt Mines Ollantaytambo Cusco
Altitude: 2792 a 3762 m · Meals: Buffet Lunch · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
The tour begins with passenger pickup between 06:20 a.m. and 06:50 a.m. from your hotels in Cusco. We will travel to Chinchero, where we will see its archaeological complex and textile interpretation center. We will continue to the impressive circular terraces of Moray, used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, and afterward visit the famous Maras Salt Mines, a set of more than three thousand salt pools worked by hand since pre-Inca times.
Afterward we will enjoy a buffet lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas before heading to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire. Finally, we will explore the archaeological complex of Pisac, known for its agricultural terraces, temples, and spectacular panoramic views of the valley. At the end of the tour, we will begin the return to Cusco, arriving approximately at 19:00 hours, with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas.
What is included
- Tickets and permits Partial Sacred Valley VIP Tourist Ticket for Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
- High-quality service and safety Expert professional bilingual guide, first aid kit and 24/7 assistance.
- Meals Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Transportation Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco, tourist transportation throughout the tour.
What is not included
- Handicraft purchases Bring cash in soles if you wish to buy textiles or salt directly from producers.
- Meals not included Lunch and dinner not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips and personal expenses Personal clothing and hiking equipment. Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff are optional but recommended.
- Possible Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control Any extra cost due to weather, landslides, protests, government changes, health emergencies, or other events outside our control.
- Optional Ticket: Entrance ticket to the Maras Salt Mines, USD 6.00 per person.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the VIP Sacred Valley tour different from the standard?
The VIP Sacred Valley includes access to less-crowded sites, a certified expert guide, luxury transport and lunch at a select restaurant. Groups are small (max. 8 people) for a more personalized experience.
What sites are visited on the VIP Sacred Valley tour?
Sites visited include Pisac (ruins and market), Ollantaytambo (Inca fortress), Chinchero (textile community), and in some packages also Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch at a select local restaurant with an Andean buffet is included in the VIP tour price.
What time does the tour operate and how long does it last?
The tour departs between 8:00 and 9:00 AM from the hotel and returns around 7:00 PM. It is a full day of about 10 hours.
Are archaeological site entrance fees included?
Entries to Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero require the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Ask us if you would like us to include it in the total package price.
What is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the fertile corridor formed by the Urubamba River between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, in the Cusco region. It was the breadbasket and agricultural center of the Inca Empire, and is home to some of Peru's most important archaeological sites: the Pisac ruins, the Ollantaytambo fortress and the textile village of Chinchero, among others.
Why is the Sacred Valley important in Inca history?
The Sacred Valley was the productive heart of Tahuantinsuyo: its ideal microclimate at 2,800 m / 9,186 ft allowed the cultivation of up to 40 varieties of maize and potato that supplied the Empire. It was also a residence for the most important Incas, and its agricultural terraces, irrigation canals and fortresses are an extraordinary showcase of Inca engineering.
Is the VIP Sacred Valley tour worth it compared to the Traditional one?
It depends on your budget and expectations. The VIP offers small groups (max. 8 people), a specialist guide, additional sites like Maras and Moray, and a higher-quality lunch. If you want a more personalized, in-depth and crowd-free experience, the VIP is worth every extra sol. For a first encounter with the Sacred Valley, the Traditional covers the essential sites perfectly.
Is the VIP Sacred Valley tour suitable for families?
Yes. The VIP Sacred Valley tour is excellent for families thanks to small groups (max. 8 people) and a more personalized pace. Children over 6 enjoy the Pisac market and the Ollantaytambo fortress very much. The high-quality lunch at a select restaurant is also a positive experience for the whole family.
What is the best time to visit the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley can be visited year-round. The dry season (May, October) offers blue skies and golden landscapes with wheat and corn on the terraces. In the rainy season (November, April) the valley turns incredibly green and lush, with fewer tourists. Both seasons have their own special charm.
Related tours
- Cusco City Tour Half Day, from US$87 per person
- Home of the Gods, from US$117 per person
- Moray and Maras Salt Mines by ATV, from US$167 per person