Immerse yourself in the magic of the Sacred Valley, a hidden treasure in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. With its breathtaking landscapes, ancient Inca ruins and colorful markets, this valley is a must-see destination for lovers of history, culture and natural beauty.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, known locally as the Vilcanota Valley, stretches along the Urubamba River and serves as one of the most significant historical corridors in the Andes. This fertile valley was the agricultural engine of the Inca Empire, producing the giant white corn that is still exported globally today. Bio Andean Expeditions organizes this full-day tour to connect travelers with the geography that allowed the Andean civilization to flourish. We start the day by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco using our own private transportation, ensuring a punctual and comfortable departure towards the lower elevations of the valley.
As we descend from Cusco into the valley, the landscape changes drastically. The harsh high-altitude vegetation gives way to lush green fields and warmer temperatures. Our guides, who are experts in Andean history and geography, will explain the importance of this microclimate. The valley was not only a farming hub but also a spiritual zone, where the reflection of the Milky Way was believed to mirror the river below. This connection between the earth and the cosmos is a central theme that our team highlights throughout the day.
The first major destination is usually Pisac, a massive site that guards the southern entrance to the valley. Unlike other tours that might rush this visit, Bio Andean Expeditions allocates sufficient time to explore the extensive agricultural terraces that carve the mountainside. These structures are engineering masterpieces that prevented erosion and expanded farming land. Above the terraces lies the largest ancient cemetery in the region, honeycombed into the cliff face, which our guide will point out and explain in detail.
Following the historical exploration, the tour transitions to the living culture of the town of Pisac. The traditional market here is a hub of commerce where communities from the high mountains come to sell their produce and crafts. While it has become a popular spot for visitors to buy silver and textiles, our guides help you identify authentic local interactions. You will see how the barter system, or “trueque,” occasionally still functions among the locals, preserving a tradition that predates the arrival of the Spanish.
Midday is dedicated to gastronomy in the province of Urubamba. We pause the exploration to enjoy a complete buffet lunch. Bio Andean Expeditions selects restaurants that prioritize local, organic ingredients. This is not just a meal but a chance to taste distinct Peruvian flavors, such as rocoto peppers, quinoa soups, and alpaca meat, alongside international options. This break allows the group to rest and recharge before continuing deeper into the valley.
The afternoon focuses on Ollantaytambo, often called a “Living Inca City” because the current residents still live in the original stone enclosures built centuries ago. The archaeological site here is a fortress that displays some of the most impressive stonework in Peru. Huge pink granite monoliths were dragged from a quarry on the opposite side of the river, a feat of engineering that our guide will detail. This site is also famous for being one of the few places where the Incas successfully repelled the Spanish forces during the conquest.
Finally, the return route takes us through the high plains of Chinchero. This town sits at a higher altitude than the rest of the valley and offers sweeping views of the snow-capped mountains. Here, we visit a colonial church built directly on top of Inca palace walls, a visual representation of the cultural clash and synthesis that defines modern Peru. After a full day of history, culture, and scenery, our private transport brings you back to Cusco, leaving you at your hotel or the main square
Itinerary Summary
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Bio Andean Expeditions is a trusted travel agency based in Cusco, Peru, dedicated to offering authentic and memorable experiences throughout the region.
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The tour begins promptly at 07:30 a.m. when the Bio Andean Expeditions team collects you from your hotel. We depart Cusco heading north, stopping first at the Taray Viewpoint. From this high vantage point, you can see the Urubamba River winding through the valley floor and the peaks of the Andes framing the view. It provides an excellent geographic context for the day ahead. We then descend to the Pisac archaeological site. Here, the guide leads a walking tour through the vast agricultural terraces and the residential sectors built on the mountain ridge. You will learn how the Incas managed water and soil to feed an empire.
After the historical site, we descend to the town of Pisac to explore the artisan market. This is a colorful location full of textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. It is an excellent place to observe local life and perhaps buy a souvenir. Following the market visit, we drive along the river to the province of Urubamba. At approximately 12:30 p.m., we stop for a buffet lunch. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, allowing you to try salads, soups, main courses like “Lomo Saltado” or trout, and desserts.
With energy replenished, we continue to Ollantaytambo. This town is unique because it retains the original Inca street plan. We visit the main archaeological complex, which served as both a temple and a fortress. The ascent to the Temple of the Sun involves a series of stone steps, but the view from the top is rewarding. The guide will explain the mystery of the “tired stones” and the unfinished construction resulting from the Spanish invasion.
The final leg of the journey takes us up out of the valley floor to the high plains of Chinchero. This town is famous for its weavers. We will visit a local family to see a demonstration of how they turn alpaca wool into fine textiles using natural dyes made from plants and insects. We also visit the colonial church, which features fascinating frescoes and sits directly atop the stonework of a former Inca palace. As the sun begins to set, we board our private transport for the 45-minute drive back to Cusco, arriving around 06:30 p.m.
Travel Advice for the Sacred Valley
Bio Andean Expeditions provides these practical tips to help you enjoy your trip without hassles.
Understanding the Altitude
The Sacred Valley is actually lower in altitude than Cusco, which makes it a great place to acclimatize.
What to Eat
Since lunch is included, you will have a chance to try local food.
Money and Shopping
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with a pickup directly from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco. We end the tour by dropping you off near the Plaza de Armas or back at your hotel, depending on traffic restrictions and accessibility in the city center.
Can I take my luggage with me on the tour?
Yes, you can bring your luggage if you plan to stay in the Sacred Valley (for example, in Ollantaytambo) instead of returning to Cusco. Our private transport has ample storage space for backpacks and suitcases. Please inform us in advance.
Do I need to buy the tourist ticket in advance?
It is not strictly necessary to buy it days in advance. You can buy the “Boleto Turistico” at the entrance of the first site we visit (Pisac) using cash (Soles). However, buying it beforehand in Cusco can save time at the gate.
Is the lunch suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the buffet lunch in Urubamba offers a wide variety of salads, steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, and other meat-free dishes. If you have severe allergies (like gluten or nuts), please inform the guide at the start of the tour.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
The activity level is moderate. At Pisac and Ollantaytambo, you will need to walk up stone steps to reach the main temples. However, you can choose to walk as much or as little as you like; you are not forced to climb to the very top if you feel tired.
Is there a bathroom on the bus?
Our vehicles do not usually have onboard toilets, but we make frequent stops. There are bathrooms at the archaeological sites and the restaurant. Be aware that public toilets at the sites usually charge 1 or 2 Soles for entry.
What is the difference between the full and partial tourist ticket?
The full ticket (130 Soles) covers 16 sites and is valid for 10 days. The partial ticket (70 Soles) covers only the Sacred Valley sites (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray) and is valid for 2 days. For this tour alone, the partial ticket is sufficient.
Will I get altitude sickness in the Sacred Valley?
It is less likely than in Cusco because the valley is significantly lower in elevation. Most people feel better in the valley. However, Chinchero is high (3,700 meters), so you might feel short of breath there if you walk fast.
Can I finish the tour in Ollantaytambo to take the train?
Yes, this is a very common request. Many travelers take this tour and ask to be dropped off in Ollantaytambo around 03:30 p.m. or 04:00 p.m. to catch a train to Machu Picchu. You will miss the visit to Chinchero, but it saves travel time.
How many people are in the group?
Bio Andean Expeditions focuses on quality, so we limit our groups to a maximum of 12 people. This ensures you have personal interaction with the guide and a more comfortable experience in the transport compared to large buses.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the archaeological sites of the Incas were built with many terraces and stairs, making them inaccessible for wheelchairs. However, you can visit the lower parts of the sites and the markets with some assistance.
What happens if it rains?
The tour proceeds rain or shine. The rainy season is from November to March. We recommend bringing a rain poncho. The landscapes are often greener and more beautiful during the rainy season, despite the occasional showers.
Are there ATMs in the Sacred Valley?
Yes, there are ATMs in Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. However, they can occasionally be out of order or out of cash, so it is always safer to withdraw the money you need in Cusco before leaving.
Can I buy water along the route?
Yes, there are small shops and vendors at the entrance of every archaeological site and in the towns we visit. You can buy water, soda, and snacks easily. Please remember to dispose of your plastic waste responsibly or take it back to the bus.
Do the guides speak good English?
Yes, all guides working for Bio Andean Expeditions are certified professionals who speak fluent English. They are trained to communicate complex historical and cultural concepts clearly and engagingly for international visitors.
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From November to January — especially in December — Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets, the most complete and popular route we usually include, are sold out on many dates.
For new bookings with departures during these months, if Circuit 2 is not available for your travel date, we will secure Circuit 3 first (lower urban sector with a longer, more immersive walk) or, if that is also unavailable, Circuit 1 (upper panoramic area with the iconic postcard view). All options are subject to availability.
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