Sacred Valley Tour
Cusco, Peru · Activity
About Sacred Valley Tour
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a breathtaking Andean corridor stretching along the Urubamba River just north of Cusco. Celebrated for its rich agricultural fertility, it served as the imperial heartland and personal estate grounds for successive Inca rulers. Today, it is famous for its combination of monumental archaeological ruins, dramatic mountain landscapes, and vibrant indigenous culture.
Don't miss
- Climb the massive stone terraces and explore the sun temple atop the living Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo.
- Wander through the colorful traditional artisan market in the riverside village of Pisac to shop for authentic textiles.
- Gaze over thousands of glistening, sun-drenched evaporation ponds carved into the canyon wall at the Maras Salt Mines.
- Discover the enigmatic concentric circular agricultural depressions at Moray, used by the Incas as a crop experimentation lab.
Plan your visit
The dry season from May to October offers optimal weather with clear sunny skies and minimal rain. Departing early in the morning ensures you reach the major archaeological sites before the largest crowds arrive.
Visiting most ruins requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), while the Maras salt ponds require a separate small local entrance fee. These tickets cannot be booked entirely online and are typically bought in cash upon arrival at the first checkpoint or arranged through your tour operato
The Sacred Valley begins roughly 45 to 60 minutes north of Cusco's historic center by vehicle. Most visitors arrive via organized day tours, private drivers, or by boarding local shared minivans known as colectivos from Cusco.
Tips for visiting
- Wear layers with sun protection, as the valley can be chilly in the early morning and quite hot under the midday sun.
- Carry Peruvian Soles in cash, since local craft vendors, snack stalls, and public restrooms rarely accept credit cards.
- Wear sturdy footwear with good traction to safely navigate the steep, uneven stone steps at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself on staircases; although the valley is lower than Cusco, it is still high-altitude terrain.
- Consider packing your luggage and finishing your tour at Ollantaytambo station if you are catching an evening train to Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley Tour FAQ
Is the Sacred Valley at a higher altitude than Cusco?
No, the Sacred Valley sits significantly lower than Cusco, averaging between 2,800 and 2,970 meters above sea level compared to Cusco's 3,400 meters. Because of this, the air is richer in oxygen, making it a pleasant place to visit. Many travelers even choose to sleep in the valley during their first nights to acclimatize more comfortably.
Can I end the tour in Ollantaytambo instead of returning to Cusco?
Yes, ending your day trip in Ollantaytambo is an extremely popular and efficient way to travel. The town features the primary train terminal heading directly to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Taking an evening train from here eliminates the need to backtrack to Cusco only to travel outward again the next day.
Is the entrance to Maras included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
No, the Maras Salt Mines are owned and operated by a local community cooperative, meaning they are excluded from the standard Boleto Turístico. You must pay a separate cash fee directly at the entrance gate before heading to the viewing platform. Nearly all guided tours make a stop here but ask passengers to pay this modest fee individually.
Is it better to take an organized tour or explore independently?
An organized or private tour is usually best for a single-day trip because the highlights are spread out across dozens of miles. While public colectivos run between main towns like Pisac and Urubamba, reaching remote spots like Maras and Moray independently requires multiple taxi negotiations and extra time. A tour streamlines transport logistics and provides insightful historical context at each site.
More things to do in Cusco
Saqsaywamán Landmark
Marvel at the colossal zig-zag stone fortress overlooking Cusco, showcasing Inca engineering at its most impressive.
Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral Landmark
Stroll through the grand main square and admire the centuries-old colonial cathedral built over an Inca palace.
Qorikancha Landmark
Explore the Inca Temple of the Sun, whose masterfully carved stone foundations support the Santo Domingo Convent.
San Pedro Market Shopping
Immerse yourself in sensory overload with aisles of exotic fruits, local street foods, herbs, and textiles.
San Blas Neighborhood Neighborhood
Wander up steep cobblestone streets filled with artisan workshops, cozy cafes, and panoramic sunset viewpoints.
Pre-Columbian Art Museum (MAP) Museum
Discover exquisite ancient pottery, jewelry, and wood carvings housed in an elegant colonial courtyard mansion.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Nature
Trek high into the Andes to witness breathtaking mineral-striped peaks set against snow-capped mountains.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: KarloManson, fe31lopz on Pixabay.