Cusco is the main travel destination for many travelers in South America since it was the center of the famous Inca civilization, a culture whose legacy has prevailed and keeps astonishing tourists even centuries after its dissolution.
The Incas have certainly marked the Cusqueñan region, leaving countless riddles to be solved and a well-rooted cultural heritage in its inhabitants. Therefore, the remains of their settlements are the living proof of their ancestral knowledge and administrative strategies.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most sought-after attractions within the city of Cusco, it comprehends several archeological sites that served as ceremonial, residential, administrative, and military centers during the Inca Empire.
Nonetheless, the authentic scenery of the region also complements the whole experience through the sacred valley with towering snow-capped mountains and lagoons that simply spellbind every visitor.
Our tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas passes by the most important archeological sites of the region to later bound for the renowned Machu Picchu Town in a magical train ride through the Peruvian highlands and high jungle. Find out everything about it here!
1. Pisac
For most tours to the Sacred Valley, the town of Pisac is the first stop. It is located 30 kilometers away from Cusco City at an altitude of 2,972 meters above sea level. The small town is home to one of the Inca ruins within the region and to one of the most diverse local markets.
- Pisac Archeological Site
It served as a control and religious center during the Inca era. However, the real purpose of the structure is still unknown, according to some historians it was the Inca Pachacutec’s royal hacienda with administrative, ceremonial, and agricultural areas, but this theory remains uncertain.
The Archeological Site of Pisac is located at 3,300 meters above sea level, offering incredible views of its surroundings and the Sacred Valley, learn everything about it with this travel guide.
- Awanacancha Museum
If you love alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas as much as we do, then this is the place for you! The Awanacancha Museum has an exhibition of Peruvian textiles and research about the cultural impact of these traditions across the Cusqueñan lands.
It also is an animal shelter, where they house several camelids in a safe environment, looking to promote the preservation of the authentic fauna of the Peruvian highlands.
- Pisac Artisan Market
It is one of the largest local markets in the whole region. The Pisac Artisan Market comprehends a cultural expression full of diversity, where the most talented artisans sell their handmade pieces, as well as food, vegetables, fruits, and more.
2. Ollantaytambo
It is located 70 kilometers away from Cusco and has an altitude of 2,792 meters above sea level. The small town of Ollantaytambo is one of the perfect examples of Inca urbanism. Its cobbled streets will leave you breathless as well as the Inca open draining system. Likewise, the Incas built one of the largest ceremony centers in the area:
- Archeological Site of Ollantaytambo
The ancient structure is located in the heart of the town, it served as a ceremonial fortress with terraces for agricultural exploitation and experiments, as it was in Moray.
The archeological site is recognized as the only place that defeated the Spanish army during colonization for almost 50 years. For further information about the site, take a look at this blog.
On this opportunity, you’ll get to experience the best sites within the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We want you to feel comfortable, so we have prepared an authentic itinerary where you’ll get to visit each site calmly so you can fully appreciate everything:
07:30h - 08:00h | Hotel pick up
Just after breakfast, our team will pick you up from your accommodation so we can start the adventure towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas
08:00h - 08:45h | Cusco to Pisac
Once we’re all set, we’ll continue to Pisac, a beautiful small town recognized for its cultural expression and ancestral traditions.
09:00h - 09:30h | Awanakancha Textile Museum
In Pisac, we’ll have the privilege of getting to know one of the most important museums of the area, where you’ll get to learn the weaving process of the traditional textiles of the region.
09:30h - 10:00h | Taray Viewpoint
Following the itinerary, we’ll travel through the exuberant nature of Pisac until reaching the highest peak of the road. Here, you will fully appreciate the otherworldly scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
10:00h - 11:15h | Pisac Archeological Site
Finally, we’ll get to the first Inca settlement of the circuit. The complex is certainly one of the most beautiful in the area due to its strategic location above the mountains and the spellbinding landscape in its surroundings.
11:30h - 12:00h | Pisac Artisan Market
For those looking for the best souvenir to take home, here is your best chance! The Pisac Artisan Market holds the most authentic collection of textiles and traditional artworks in the region.
12:00h - 13:00h | Pisac to Urubamba
Around this time, we’ll hop back on to the shuttle heading towards Urubamba, a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains and an evergreen natural landscape.
13:00h - 14:00h | Buffet Lunch
After a whole morning full of history and adventure, now it’s time to take a break and enjoy the famous Peruvian gastronomy in a buffet restaurant surrounded by the soothing sound of the Urubamba River.
14:00h - 14:45h | Urubamba to Ollantaytambo
Following the itinerary, we’ll continue to Ollantaytambo. The small town is a well-preserved example of the urbanistic knowledge of the Incas, surrounded by towering mountains and a flourishing nature.
15:00h - 16:30h | Ollantaytambo Archeological Site
Ollantaytambo was an administrative, ceremonial, and military center. Therefore, it played a great role during the Inca Empire. You’ll surely be impressed by its structure since it is the biggest pre-Columbian site in the Sacred Valley.
Important Note:
- You can continue your experience to Aguas Calientes with a train ride from the Ollantaytambo Train Station.
- If you wish to return to Cusco, the departure time from Ollantaytambo will be at 16:45h, arriving at Cusco around 18:00h.
For further information about the departure times from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, please contact your travel agent.
If you wish to experience this tour to its fullest, we have the perfect adventure for you. Keep in mind that you can organize your trip according to your interests, we are here to help you with any inquiry you may have, including assistance during your travel planning process.
The Sacred Valley Tour is included in all our travel experiences. However, if you want to include it in your customized travel itinerary, please contact us. Our local expert team will make sure to optimize your time and adventure with a tailor-made travel plan for you.
Likewise, we care to provide the best experience to every one of our passengers, which is why we work with certified drivers, professional guides, and an all-time monitored car fleet with GPS tracking.
- Duration: 10 hours approx.
- Entrance: All entrance fees are included in our travel packages.
- Included: Transport, entrance fees, English-speaking guide, pick up at the hotel, lunch.
Viagens Machu Picchu cares to provide everything you need to have an authentic adventure through our country. Get to know all the special offers we have in Peru travel packages and start planning the trip of your life!
Cusco has many adventures for you and we'd love to show you everything about them! If you're planning the perfect itinerary through this magical region, don't miss this blog about the best 10-day trips from Cusco so you can make the most of your experience.
