Sacred Valley of the Incas
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero in one day. Recommended as a first tour for its favourable altitude.
- Duration
- 1 day (approx. 11 h)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Maximum altitude
- 3,762 m
- Group size
- Maximum 16 people
- Departures
- Daily departures
- Best season
- All year round
A full-day route through the three main complexes of the Urubamba valley: the terraces at Pisac, the fortress and temple at Ollantaytambo, and the weaving centre at Chinchero.
The valley concentrates the agricultural, hydraulic and architectural systems that explain how Inca territory was organised, and provides the historical context that makes Machu Picchu far easier to understand.
It also serves a practical purpose in the itinerary: the valley lies 600 to 900 metres below Cusco, so scheduling it during the first days aids acclimatisation.
Itinerary
08:00
Departure to Pisac
Via the Taray viewpoint to the Pisac archaeological complex, with its terraces hanging above the valley.
3,300 m above sea level
10:30
Pisac market
Free time at one of the largest craft markets in the region.
12:30
Lunch in Urubamba
Buffet with regional dishes at the lowest and warmest point of the valley.
2,870 m above sea level
14:00
Ollantaytambo
Inca fortress and temple, and the only town in the valley that still keeps its original street plan.
2,792 m above sea level
16:30
Chinchero
Traditional weaving centre with a natural dyeing demonstration, and a colonial church built on Inca foundations. Back in Cusco around 19:00.
3,762 m above sea level
What's included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Tourist transport all day
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket
- Drinks and tips
What to bring
- Sunscreen — high-altitude sun burns even on cloudy days
- Hat and sunglasses
- Layers: mornings are cold and midday is hot
- Cash for the Pisac market
Frequently asked questions
Should I do this before Machu Picchu?
Yes, and we always recommend it. The valley sits lower than Cusco, so it helps you acclimatise, and the historical context you get here makes Machu Picchu far easier to understand.
What is the Tourist Ticket?
It is a combined state-issued ticket covering Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and other sites. The full version costs S/130 for foreign visitors and is valid 10 days across 16 places; there are cheaper partial versions, such as Circuit 1 at S/70. We leave it out of the price because many travellers already have one or prefer the partial option.
Can it be done privately?
Yes. Going private lets us shift the timings and avoid most of the group traffic, especially at Ollantaytambo in mid-afternoon.
When not to go: January and February — afternoon rain