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Explore the rich history and agricultural ingenuity of the Incas with a Sacred Valley tour departing directly from Ollantaytambo. These private, full-day excursions visit iconic sites like Moray, Maras, and Pisac, with convenient options to end your journey in Cusco.
Free Cancellation A private, full-day tour of the Sacred Valley covering Ollantaytambo, Moray, the Maras salt pools, and Chinchero.
Free Cancellation Discover the Sacred Valley’s Incan ruins and salt mines on a private, flexible tour with a local guide.
Free Cancellation Explore the Inca ruins and traditional markets of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero in the Sacred Valley.
Free Cancellation Explore the Inca heartland on a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, starting directly from Ollantaytambo.
Free Cancellation A flexible journey from Ollantaytambo to Cusco exploring the Sacred Valley’s history, culture, and landscapes.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Sacred Valley — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Taking a Sacred Valley tour starting from Ollantaytambo is a fantastic way to explore the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire. These tours often weave through dramatic mountain landscapes and monumental ruins, allowing you to discover ingenious agricultural sites and vibrant traditional markets while making your way toward Cusco.
Climb the massive stone steps of this spectacular Inca fortress built along steep mountain slopes. It serves as a living testament to advanced Incan urban planning and military defense.
Walk along observation areas to view over 5,000 ancient salt-evaporation ponds terraced into the canyon. These striking pink and white pools have been manually harvested since pre-Inca times.
Explore massive circular depressions carved into the earth, which the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory. The temperature varies by up to 5°C between the different terrace levels.
Wander through extensive agricultural terraces and ancient ceremonial baths perched high on a hillside. Afterward, visit the bustling local market known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the birthplace of the rainbow, featuring a colonial church built on Inca foundations. Watch local artisans demonstrate ancient textile techniques using natural plant dyes.
Planning your Sacred Valley excursion from Ollantaytambo requires a bit of logistical preparation, especially regarding entrance fees and transportation routes. Here is what you need to know before securing your tour.
Most tours originating from Ollantaytambo are private, full-day excursions lasting 6 to 8 hours. This allows for a flexible pace and personalized attention from a knowledgeable local guide.
Many travelers use these tours as a scenic transfer. Instead of a direct taxi ride, you can spend the day exploring the valley's highlights and get dropped off directly at your hotel in Cusco.
Tour prices generally cover transport and your guide, but exclude entrance fees. You will need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) in cash at the first archaeological site you visit.
The Maras Salt Mines are privately managed and are not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Be sure to carry an extra 10 Soles in cash per person to pay the entry fee at the gate.
The Sacred Valley floor sits at roughly 9,000 feet, which is significantly lower than Cusco. Starting your trip in Ollantaytambo is an excellent strategy to help your body acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
Flat areas and viewpoints like Moray are highly accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. However, hillside ruins like Ollantaytambo and Pisac require climbing steep, uneven stone steps.
Most tour operators offer flexible booking terms. You can typically receive a full refund if you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Private Transfer Tour to Cusco | Comprehensive Sacred Valley Tour | Half-Day Highlights Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6-8 hours | 7-8 hours | 5-6 hours |
| Best For | Travelers needing to get to Cusco while sightseeing along the way | Seeing all major sites like Pisac, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo at your own pace | Quick visits to Moray and Maras before catching a train or relaxing |
| Includes | Private transport, guide, hotel drop-off, sometimes box lunch | Private transport, knowledgeable guide, hotel pick-up | Private transport, guide, targeted itinerary |
| Price From | $88 | $135 | $118 |
Archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley operate on a standard daily schedule, typically opening at 7:00 AM and closing at 5:00 PM.
To make the most of your visit, early departures between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM are highly recommended. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the sites before the large tour buses arrive around 10:00 AM, and the soft morning light is perfect for photography.
If you are visiting the traditional markets in Pisac or Chinchero, vendors begin setting up quite early. The best atmospheric photography and authentic local commerce can be witnessed between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
The Sacred Valley is highly connected, though transit methods vary by budget and comfort. From Cusco, you can hire a private taxi to Ollantaytambo for roughly S/. 80.00 to S/. 100.00, taking about 1.5 hours.
For independent travelers on a budget, local vans known as colectivos depart regularly from Av. Huayruropata in Cusco. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs just S/. 15 to S/. 20 (USD 4-6) per person.
If you are traveling by train via PeruRail or Inca Rail, note that the Poroy station near Cusco typically closes from January to April due to rainy weather and track maintenance. During these months, you must plan your train departures directly from the Ollantaytambo station.
The optimal time to visit the Sacred Valley is during the dry season from May to October. These months offer sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring outdoor ruins and hiking steep terraces.
Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the peak tourist months, so advance booking for tours and trains is essential to secure your spot.
The rainy season runs from November to April and is generally considered the worst time to visit. Heavy precipitation from January to April can cause transit disruptions, including the annual closure of the Poroy train station near Cusco.
The Sacred Valley is generally more accessible than Cusco due to its flat valley floor and lower altitude of 9,000 feet, which significantly helps elderly travelers and children avoid altitude sickness.
Sites like the Maras Salt Mines and the main observation viewpoint at Moray are easily accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility limitations.
However, major hillside fortresses like Pisac and Ollantaytambo feature very steep, uneven stone steps that are not wheelchair accessible and require careful pacing for elderly visitors. Hiring a private tour is recommended so you can customize the route to your physical comfort level.
Facilities at the archaeological sites are basic but functional. You will find ticket booths at the entrances of all major ruins where you can purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Be aware that these booths primarily accept cash in Peruvian Soles; card payments incur a 3.15% fee.
Restrooms are typically located outside the main entrance gates of the ruins, so it is wise to use them before beginning your trek up the terraces.
Food is not sold inside the archaeological parks, and eating meals within the ruins is prohibited. You are allowed to bring light snacks and bottled water. If you want a substantial meal, there are excellent local roadside restaurants between Maras and Chinchero serving regional dishes like Manca chicharro.
The Ministry of Culture enforces strict rules to protect the ancient Inca sites. Drones are completely banned over all archaeological areas, and unauthorized use will lead to immediate confiscation.
Additionally, respectful behavior is mandatory. Public nudity, costumes, and damaging the stone walls (including graffiti) are strictly illegal and subject to severe sanctions under Peruvian law.
No, most tour operators do not include the entrance fees in the base price. You will need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (S/. 130 for the full ticket or S/. 70 for the partial ticket) in cash at the first site you visit.
The Maras Salt Mines are privately owned by the local community and are not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. You must pay a separate entrance fee of 10 Soles in cash directly at the site.
Yes, many private tours are specifically designed as scenic transfers. They pick you up from your hotel or the train station in Ollantaytambo, guide you through sites like Moray and Chinchero, and drop you off at your accommodation in Cusco.
The Sacred Valley floor is at an elevation of about 9,000 feet, which is significantly lower than Cusco (11,150 feet). Starting your trip here actually helps your body acclimate more gently and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
No, drones and aerial flights are strictly banned over all archaeological sites in Peru. Using one without official authorization can result in immediate confiscation of your equipment and expulsion from the site.
Wear comfortable, flexible layers and a good rain jacket, as the weather can change rapidly. Slip-resistant hiking or sports shoes are essential for navigating the steep, uneven stone stairs at ruins like Ollantaytambo.
Yes, backpacks and bags larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm are prohibited inside the archaeological sites. It is best to leave large luggage in your private tour vehicle while you explore.
While personal photography is allowed, you should always ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of local vendors or weavers in places like the Pisac or Chinchero markets. It is customary to offer a small gratuity in exchange.
Flat sites like the Maras Salt Mines and the main viewpoint at Moray are highly accessible. However, exploring the hillside ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo requires climbing steep stone steps, which can be challenging and requires careful pacing.
Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and camera stabilizers are strictly prohibited inside the ruins unless you have obtained a special commercial photography permit from Peru's Ministry of Culture well in advance.
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This full-day private tour focuses on the history and culture of the Sacred Valley, moving at a pace that suits you. You will visit the archaeological site of Moray to see the Incan agricultural terraces, followed by the Maras salt mines, where thousands of pools are still harvested by hand. The itinerary also includes the ruins of Chinchero, known for its traditional weaving heritage, and the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. Unlike standard group tours, this experience is designed to maximize your time at the actual sites. We do not make stops at commission-based souvenir shops, allowing more room for questions and conversation with your local guide. Whether you want to linger at the ruins or move quickly through the salt pools, the schedule remains flexible throughout the day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This private tour focuses on the architectural and agricultural ingenuity of the Inca. You will visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, the multi-tiered salt pools of Maras, and the circular terraces of Moray, which served as an ancient agricultural laboratory. A midday break for lunch is included in the town of Maras. In Chinchero, you will explore the local ruins and observe traditional Andean weaving techniques. Unlike standard group excursions, this itinerary avoids stops at commission-based tourist shops, allowing more time at the historical sites. You can set your own pace and engage directly with your guide throughout the day. At the end of the tour, you have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or transferred directly to Cusco.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour travels through the Sacred Valley to visit the massive Inca fortresses and agricultural terraces built into the surrounding mountains. You will explore archaeological sites in towns like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where modern life continues on the same streets laid out by the Inca centuries ago. The itinerary includes stops in Urubamba and Chinchero, communities known for preserving pre-Hispanic customs and traditional weaving. You will walk through local marketplaces and see how ancient ruins remain an active part of these Andean towns.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour offers a direct route into the Sacred Valley, departing from Ollantaytambo to explore one of Peru’s most significant historical regions. Once the agricultural and spiritual center of the Inca Empire, the valley remains home to a wealth of archaeological sites that date back to both the Inca and pre-Inca eras. As you travel through the valley, you will visit key ruins and learn about the political and religious importance of the area. The journey provides a close look at ancient engineering and terrace farming, set against the backdrop of the Andes mountains and the Urubamba River.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This trip turns the transfer between Ollantaytambo and Cusco into a full day of exploration through the Sacred Valley. Instead of a direct drive, we take a slower pace that allows for deeper stops at historical sites and scenic viewpoints. The itinerary is designed to be flexible, giving you time to appreciate the surroundings without the rush of a standard tour group. Led by local guides from Encuentros Peru Adventure, you will learn about the traditions and history that define the Andean highlands. We focus on small groups and private tours to ensure the experience is conversational and tailored to your interests. You’ll visit significant landmarks and lesser-known spots, gaining a perspective on the region that goes beyond the typical tourist path.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish