Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
CUSCO - CHINCHERO - MORAY - SALINERAS DE MARAS - OLLANTAYTAMBO - PISAC - CUSCO
DETAILED ITINERARY – SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS TOUR
📍 Tour Start Point
The tour begins at 6:45 a.m. from the Machu Picchu Team office located at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. From there, we’ll begin our scenic drive into the Sacred Valley.
🚌 Drive to Chinchero
Our first stop is Chinchero, approximately 45 minutes from Cusco. Here, your guide will take you through Inca archaeological remains, a colonial church, and a traditional weaving demonstration by a local family, where you’ll learn how natural dyes and Andean techniques are still used today.
🏛️ Explore Moray
Next, we head to Moray, known for its impressive circular agricultural terraces. You’ll learn how the Incas used these structures as an experimental farm and enjoy time to take photos and explore the site.
⛏️ Visit the Maras Salt Mines
A short drive takes us to Maras, where you’ll visit the famous salt mines, still in use today. Learn about the salt-harvesting process, admire the unique landscape, and browse small stalls offering handcrafted salt products.
🍽️ Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
At around 12:30 p.m., we’ll stop in Urubamba, a charming town nestled in the valley, for a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian cuisine with options for all dietary preferences.
🏯 Discover Ollantaytambo
After lunch, we’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important archaeological sites in the valley. Your guide will walk you through the Temple of the Sun, Inca terraces, and water channels. You’ll finish around 3:00 p.m., with the option to end your tour here if you’re continuing by train to Machu Picchu.
🏞️ Final Stop – Pisac
We then head to the Pisac archaeological site, known for its extensive terraces and panoramic views. Your guide will explain the site’s significance and give you time to take photos and explore the area.
🚌 Return to Cusco
After exploring Pisac, we’ll begin the drive back to Cusco, arriving at Plaza Regocijo between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m..
📌 Note: Travel time between destinations varies from 30 minutes to 1 hour, with 30 minutes to 1 hour of exploration time at each site. If you haven’t yet purchased the Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket), don’t worry—it can be purchased at Chinchero, the first stop.
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
🚌 Tourist Transportation:
Experience comfortable, premium tourist transportation throughout your Sacred Valley adventure, ensuring seamless and stress-free travel between destinations. Relax and enjoy the spectacular Andean scenery while we handle the journey from one breathtaking location to the next with complete ease and comfort.
🗣️ Professional Tour Guide:
Our experienced bilingual guides (English and Spanish) possess extensive knowledge of Sacred Valley history, culture, and archaeology. At each archaeological site, your guide provides captivating explanations and fascinating stories to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this remarkable region.
🍽️ Buffet Lunch Included:
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a top-rated restaurant in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley. Our menu features an extensive selection of traditional Peruvian cuisine, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available to accommodate every taste and dietary preference.
Not Included
🎟️ Entrance Fees – Sacred Valley Tour
- To access the main archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley and Cusco, you must purchase the Tourist Ticket (BT). This ticket can be acquired in Cusco city (at the Municipality) or directly at your first archaeological site visit, such as Chinchero. Important: Payment is accepted only in cash and Peruvian soles; U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, credit/debit cards, and electronic payments are not accepted. We recommend bringing the exact amount for easy purchase. Two ticket types available: the General Tourist Ticket costs 130 soles, includes 16 sites to visit, and is valid for 10 days; the Partial Tourist Ticket costs 70 soles, covers 4 sites, and is valid for 2 days.
- 🟢 General Tourist Ticket – 130 soles: Valid for 10 days, includes entry to 16 sites, such as Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, several Cusco museums, and southern sites like Tipón and Pikillacta.
- 🟡 Partial Tourist Ticket – 70 soles: Valid for 2 days, includes 4 Sacred Valley sites: Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Perfect for travelers with shorter itineraries focused on this region.
- 🧂 Maras Salt Mines – 20 soles: Entry to the Salineras de Maras is not included in the Tourist Ticket and must be paid separately in cash at the entrance.
What to Pack
Prices
Pricing
SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS FULL DAY TOUR (GROUP SERVICE) – 2026 SEASON
Full-Day Group Tour to Sacred Valley of the Incas – We offer two competitive pricing options: our regular rate for travelers booking only this tour, and an exclusive promotional rate for customers who have already booked another tour with Machu Picchu Team, such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Machu Picchu tour, or any other experience with us. Existing customers qualify for our special promotional rate of $23 USD per person.
REGULAR PRICE: $27 USD per person
PROMO PRICE: $23 USD per person
👣 Group Size: Our Sacred Valley of the Incas full-day tour operates with groups of 14 to 16 people, with a maximum of 18 participants. Each group is accompanied by a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish), ensuring a safe, informative, and personalized experience throughout your journey.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
? HOW TO BOOK THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS FULL-DAY TOUR
? Online Booking
- Step 1: Click the “BOOK ONLINE” button
Step 2: Choose Your Date. Select your preferred travel date — we have daily departures available. - Step 3: Enter Your Information, Fill in your basic personal details, including name, nationality, hotel in Cusco, and WhatsApp number.
- Step 4: Secure Payment, Pay safely using any debit or credit card. A 5 % processing fee applies for online payments.
- Step 5: Confirmation & Details, Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive an automatic confirmation email with your payment receipt and tour confirmation. A follow-up email will include detailed instructions and personalized information to prepare you for your trip.
- Booking Deadline: You can book online until 9:00 PM the day before the tour.
? Booking at Our Office in Cusco
Location:
Visit us at our central office:
? Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
Our friendly staff will walk you through the details and show you a map of the tour.Payment Options:
- Cash: We accept USD, EUR, and soles.
- Cards: All major cards accepted. A 3.9% card fee applies and is paid by the customer.
? Required Information for Booking
- Full Name
- Nationality
- Hotel Name in Cusco
- WhatsApp number (with country code) or Peruvian cellphone — essential for coordinating your hotel pick-up
? Tour Terms & Conditions
Agency Cancellations: In case Machu Picchu Team must cancel the tour due to weather, political issues, or other unforeseen circumstances (either before or during the trip), we will provide a 100% refund of the tour cost.
Modifications & Rescheduling: You may reschedule your tour or switch to a similar option (Palcoyo, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, or 7 Lagoons) at no extra cost until 7:00 PM the day before your original tour date. To make changes, email us at info@machupicchuteam.com.
Cancellations & Refund Policy
- Full Refund:
Cancel at least 24 hours before the tour to receive 100% of your payment back. - Partial Refund (50%):
Cancel within 24 hours but before 7:00 PM the day before the tour. - No Refund:
Cancellations made after 7:00 PM the day before the tour are non-refundable. - ? To cancel, email us at info@machupicchuteam.com.
Faqs and Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions Sacred Valley of the Incas — Full-Day Tour from Cusco
Where does the Sacred Valley tour begin?
- The tour starts at 6:45 a.m. from the Machu Picchu Team office, located at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, just steps from Cusco’s Main Square.
- Hotel pick-up is not available due to heavy morning traffic and narrow streets in Cusco’s historic center.
- Meeting directly at our office ensures punctual and smooth departure.
Where does the tour end, and can I finish in Ollantaytambo?
- The tour typically concludes at Plaza Regocijo between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Alternatively, you can end your tour in Ollantaytambo at approximately 3:30 p.m., which is ideal if you plan to take a train to Machu Picchu or stay overnight there.
- Note: If you choose to remain in Ollantaytambo, you will not visit Pisac, as it is located on the return route to Cusco.
What services and inclusions are offered during the tour?
- Tour group size: Typically 14 to 16 people, maximum of 18, led by a professional bilingual (English/Spanish) guide.
- Buffet lunch included, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets at no additional cost (please notify in advance).
- Free luggage storage at our central office (available daily 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and early mornings 4:45 a.m. to 5:15 a.m.).
- We are direct local operators, not intermediaries—you book and travel with us.
- Tourist Ticket (BTG): If you don’t have one, you can purchase it at Chinchero, the first stop. Price: 70 soles (partial) or 130 soles (full) — cash in soles only.
- Free date changes or switch to a similar tour (Palcoyo, Humantay Lake, 7 Lagoons) allowed until 7:00 p.m. the day before (email: info@machupicchuteam.com).
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- 100% refund: Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.
- 50% refund: Cancel within 24 hours but before 7:00 p.m. the day prior.
- No refund: Cancellations after 7:00 p.m. the day before the tour.
- To cancel, email info@machupicchuteam.com.
What should I bring for the Sacred Valley tour?
- ? Clothing: Wear layers—T-shirt, sweater, and comfortable pants. Bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- ☀️ Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to the intense high-altitude sun.
- ? Camera: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for amazing photo opportunities.
- ? Cash: Useful for buying tickets, snacks, or souvenirs—soles only.
- ? Water: Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- ? Snacks: Pack energy bars, fruit, or nuts for energy throughout the journey.
- ? Small backpack: Handy for carrying all your essentials while keeping your hands free.
- ✅ Extra tip: Pack light and check the weather forecast before your tour to be fully prepared.
What is included in the Sacred Valley full day tour?
Round-trip transport from your hotel in Cusco, professional bilingual guide, entrance fees to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, visit to Maras salt ponds and Moray terraces, and buffet lunch at a local restaurant. All taxes included. Not included: tips and personal expenses.
How far is the Sacred Valley from Cusco?
About 60 km from Cusco, 1.5 hours by car. The valley sits at 2,800m — 600 meters lower than Cusco — making it an ideal first-day tour for acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu.
What will I see on the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour?
The tour covers Pisac market and terraced ruins, the massive Ollantaytambo Inca fortress, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, and the active Maras salt ponds harvested since pre-Inca times.
Is the Sacred Valley tour good for acclimatization?
Yes — it is one of the best first-day activities from Cusco. The valley’s lower altitude (2,800m vs Cusco’s 3,400m) allows gradual adjustment before your Machu Picchu visit. Activity level is light to moderate with no strenuous hiking required.
Travel Guide
Gallery
Photo Gallery
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