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Explore the agricultural and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire at your own pace with a dedicated guide. These private tours offer flexible itineraries to sites like Moray, Pisac, and the Maras salt mines, complete with personalized transport.
Free Cancellation Explore local landmarks with licensed guides on a flexible private tour designed to avoid crowds and forced shopping.
Free Cancellation Explore ancient Inca ruins and Andean landscapes on this full-day journey through the Sacred Valley.
Free Cancellation Explore the Sacred Valley’s ancient terraces, salt mines, and traditional villages on a private, full-day guided tour.
Free Cancellation A private full-day journey through the Sacred Valley, visiting Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq.
Free Cancellation A comprehensive one-day tour of the Sacred Valley, Moray, and the Maras salt mines for small groups.
Free Cancellation Explore Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines with local guides who live and work in the Sacred Valley.
Free Cancellation Explore ancient Inca ruins and Andean landscapes on a guided Sacred Valley tour starting from Ollantaytambo.
Free Cancellation Explore the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, the Maras salt mines, and local markets on a full-day guided tour.
Free Cancellation Explore the Sacred Valley’s history and local culture with expert guides and a complimentary airport transfer.
Free Cancellation Explore at your own pace with private tours led by university-trained guides with 15 years of local experience.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Sacred Valley — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A private tour of the Sacred Valley offers a highly personalized journey through the breathtaking heartland of the ancient Incan Empire. Traveling with a dedicated local guide and private transportation allows you to avoid the crowded tourist buses, customize your itinerary, and explore monumental ruins and vibrant indigenous markets entirely at your own pace.
Explore dramatic hillside ruins featuring extensive agricultural terraces and the largest known Inca cemetery. Afterward, visit the vibrant local market to see traditional commerce in action.
Climb the massive stone steps of this spectacular Inca fortress. Built along steep mountain slopes, it showcases advanced urban planning and served as a historic battleground in 1537.
Walk along the observation areas of a stunning canyon complex featuring over 5,000 ancient salt-evaporation ponds. These patchwork pools have been manually harvested since pre-Inca times.
Discover unique circular ruins that resemble giant amphitheaters carved into the earth. The Incas used these massive depressions as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with different microclimates.
Visit the 'birthplace of the rainbow' to see impressive Inca terracing and a colonial church. You'll also watch local weavers demonstrate ancient textile techniques using vibrant natural dyes.
Enjoy the ultimate luxury of a private vehicle and guide. You can linger longer at your favorite sites, stop for impromptu photos of the Andean peaks, and easily accommodate mobility needs.
Booking a private tour of the Sacred Valley requires a bit of logistical planning, especially regarding entrance tickets and transportation routes. Here is what you need to know before securing your guide.
The options here are fully private experiences. You can choose between comprehensive 10-12 hour full-day tours that cover all major sites, or shorter 5-6 hour half-day tours focusing specifically on highlights like Maras and Moray.
Most private tours do not include the required Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico). You will need to purchase this in cash at the first site you visit. The 2-day partial ticket for the Sacred Valley costs S/. 70 for foreigners, while the 10-day full ticket is S/. 130.
The Maras Salt Mines are privately owned by the local community and are not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket or most tour prices. You must bring 10 Soles in cash per person to pay this separate entry fee at the gate.
While premium VIP private tours often include a buffet lunch, standard private tours usually leave lunch out of the base price. This gives you the flexibility to choose where to eat; your guide can recommend excellent local spots to try regional dishes like Manca chicharro.
Many travelers use a private Sacred Valley tour as a transit day. Tour operators can pick you up in Cusco, tour the valley, and drop you off at your hotel in Urubamba or directly at the Ollantaytambo train station so you can continue to Machu Picchu.
The Sacred Valley sits at about 9,000 feet, which is significantly lower than Cusco. Taking a private tour here during your first few days is highly recommended to help your body acclimate gently while avoiding strenuous group paces.
Most private tour operators offer flexible booking terms. You can generally receive a full refund if you cancel your excursion at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Full-Day Private Tour | VIP Private Tour | Half-Day Private Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10 - 12 hours | 11 - 12 hours | 5 - 7 hours |
| Best for | Seeing all major valley highlights in one day | All-inclusive luxury with meals and tickets handled | Travelers short on time focusing on Maras & Moray |
| Includes Lunch? | Usually No | Yes | No |
| Price from | $115 | $225 | $88 |
Archaeological Sites: The major ruins in the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray, are generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Best Time of Day: To optimize photography and avoid the massive crowds from large bus tours, early departures between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM are highly recommended.
Local Markets: The traditional markets in Pisac and Chinchero start setting up early. The best atmospheric photography and authentic local interactions happen between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM before the main tourist rush.
Private Tours: The easiest method is booking a private tour, which includes door-to-door transportation from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Train Services: PeruRail and Inca Rail operate scenic routes through the valley. Note: The Poroy station near Cusco usually closes from January to April for weather maintenance, requiring departures from Ollantaytambo instead.
Taxis & Colectivos: A private taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs around S/. 80 to S/. 100. For budget travelers, local shared vans (colectivos) depart from Av. Huayruropata in Cusco and cost S/. 15 to S/. 20 (USD 4-6) per person.
Dry Season (May to October): This is the optimal time to visit the Sacred Valley. You will experience mostly sunny days and minimal rainfall, perfect for exploring outdoor ruins and hiking. Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the peak tourist months, so advance booking is essential.
Rainy Season (November to April): These months see heavy precipitation, making steep stone steps at ruins slippery. January through April are the wettest months, which also causes the closure of the Poroy train station near Cusco.
Wheelchair Users: The Sacred Valley is generally more favored for wheelchair travelers than Cusco due to its flat valley floor. The Maras Salt Mines and the main viewpoint at Moray are highly accessible. However, hillside ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo feature steep, uneven stone steps that are not wheelchair friendly.
Elderly Travelers: The lower altitude (9,000 feet) greatly benefits older travelers. While flat markets are easy to navigate, pacing is crucial when climbing the terraces at Ollantaytambo. Private tours are ideal here, as guides can customize gentle routes.
Families: The valley is incredibly family-friendly. Kids love exploring the circular terraces of Moray and visiting the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary to see rescued llamas and condors.
Ticketing: You must purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket at the entrance of major sites. Cash (Soles) is highly preferred. Card payments (Visa/Mastercard only), Plin, or Yape incur a 3.15% fee.
Baggage: Large backpacks or bags exceeding 40 x 35 x 20 cm are prohibited inside the archaeological sites. You can securely leave larger bags inside your private tour vehicle.
Food & Drink: Full meals and eating utensils are not allowed inside the ruins. However, you may bring light snacks and bottled water to stay hydrated.
Generally, no. Most private tours cover your transportation and guide, but you must purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (S/. 130 for the full ticket or S/. 70 for the partial ticket) in cash at the first ruin you visit.
Yes, this is a very common request. Many private tours will pick you up in Cusco, guide you through the valley's highlights, and drop you off at the Ollantaytambo station in the late afternoon so you can catch your train to Machu Picchu.
Yes. The Maras Salt Mines are owned by the local community and are not part of the standard Cusco Tourist Ticket. You will need to pay a separate entrance fee of 10 Soles in cash directly at the site.
Yes, visiting the Sacred Valley is a great way to acclimate because the valley floor is at 9,000 feet, significantly lower than Cusco's 11,150 feet. A private tour also allows you to walk at your own pace without feeling rushed by a large group.
It depends on the specific tour you book. VIP or premium private tours often include a buffet lunch, while standard private tours usually exclude meals so you can choose a local restaurant that fits your budget and tastes.
No. Drones are strictly banned over all archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Even on a private tour, flying a drone can lead to immediate confiscation of your equipment by site authorities.
While you can customize your start time, most operators recommend an early departure between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This helps you beat the large tour buses to the ruins and provides the best morning light for photography.
Yes, private tours are highly recommended for those with mobility concerns. While sites like Ollantaytambo have steep stairs, your guide can tailor the itinerary to focus on flatter, accessible areas like the Maras viewpoints and the valley floor.
A comprehensive full-day private tour typically lasts between 10 and 12 hours. This gives you ample time to visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, and the salt mines without rushing.
No, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are prohibited inside the archaeological sites unless you have obtained a special professional photography permit from Peru's Ministry of Culture in advance.
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As licensed guides who grew up in this region, we bring over three years of formal training and local knowledge to every tour. Our vehicles are fully permitted, and we use our experience to plan routes that avoid peak crowds whenever possible. Because this is a private tour, you have the flexibility to adjust the pace at each site, though we must arrive at the final archaeological park before its 4:00 PM entry cutoff. We prioritize an authentic experience by providing honest information about every site and local business. We do not include mandatory shopping stops; we only visit stores if you specifically request to do so. For meals, you are welcome to bring your own snacks or we can recommend vetted local restaurants for lunch based on your preferences.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish
The Sacred Valley was the agricultural and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire. This tour explores the region's most significant archaeological sites, including the terraced hills of Pisaq and the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. Along the way, you will visit the traditional village of Chinchero to see its colonial temple and the market town of Urubamba. This excursion is often used as a strategic gateway to Machu Picchu. You can choose to end the day in Ollantaytambo to catch a train to Aguas Calientes, rather than returning to Cusco. Because the valley sits at a lower elevation than Cusco, spending time here is also a practical way to acclimatize to the altitude. The tour operates daily throughout the year, departing at 8:30 am and concluding at 6:30 pm. The itinerary includes guided visits to Pisaq, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and the colonial site of Chinchero.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
This full-day private tour travels through the heart of the Sacred Valley, visiting the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. The day begins in Chinchero, where you will visit a traditional textile center to see how Andean wool is dyed and woven. From there, you will head to Moray to see the deep, circular agricultural terraces used by the Incas, followed by the Maras salt mines, a complex of over 3,000 evaporation ponds built into the mountainside. You will travel in a private vehicle with a professional local guide who provides historical context for each site. Because this is a private tour, the schedule is flexible, giving you more time to walk through the stone streets of Ollantaytambo or explore the ruins at Pisac. The tour is designed for those who want to see the region's major landmarks at their own pace without the constraints of a large group.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This private full-day tour departs from Cusco to explore the most significant archaeological and cultural sites in the Sacred Valley. You will visit the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient Maras salt mines (Salineras), where thousands of individual pools are still harvested by hand. The itinerary continues through the valley with a stop in Urubamba before heading to the massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, known for its well-preserved stone architecture. The final stop is the Pisaq archaeological site and its traditional market, offering a comprehensive look at the region's history and local life before returning to Cusco.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This full-day tour is built for travelers who want to see the Sacred Valley’s major highlights alongside the Maras salt mines and Moray terraces in a single trip. By combining these routes, you can visit Chinchero, the Salineras, and the agricultural ruins of Moray before continuing through the valley to Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. The tour runs daily throughout the year, departing at 7:00 a.m. and returning by 7:00 p.m. To keep the experience personal, we limit group sizes to a minimum of two and a maximum of eight people. This 12-hour itinerary provides a practical way to cover the region's essential archaeological sites and landscapes when your schedule is tight.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
We are a local tour operator based directly in the Sacred Valley. Because we live and work here, we can provide direct pricing and a more personal approach to every trip. Our guides grew up in these mountains and offer a firsthand perspective on the history and culture of the region. This tour takes you to three of the valley’s most significant sites: the traditional weaving town of Chinchero, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, and the ancient Maras salt mines. You will spend time at each location learning about Incan engineering and modern-day Andean traditions without the rush of a large group tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour begins in Ollantaytambo, offering a focused look at the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Historically, this area was the agricultural, spiritual, and political heart of the Inca Empire. The valley’s layout and fertile soil made it a vital resource for sustaining the civilization and its leaders. The itinerary covers various Inca and Pre-Inca archaeological sites, highlighting the engineering and cultural history of the region. As you travel between these landmarks, you will see the high-altitude landscapes and traditional farming terraces that characterize this part of the Andes.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Located about 15 kilometers north of Cusco, the Sacred Valley is a region defined by its high-altitude mountains, Inca citadels, and traditional weaving villages. This full-day tour departs from Cusco for a 1.5-hour drive into the valley to visit several of the area’s most significant historical sites. The itinerary includes the weaving town of Chinchero, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, and the salt evaporation ponds of Maras. You will also explore the ruins and markets of Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba River. A buffet lunch is included in the tour price to ensure a comfortable pace throughout the day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour takes you into the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit its most significant historical and cultural sites. Led by local guides, you will explore the region’s heritage through a mix of guided walks and hands-on activities designed to provide a deeper understanding of traditional Andean life. We aim to balance informative sightseeing with a relaxed pace that allows you to soak in the scenery. For added convenience, every booking includes a complimentary transfer for either your arrival or departure.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
With 15 years of experience, our team provides fully private tours designed to move at your own pace. We focus on timing our visits to avoid the busiest crowds, ensuring a more relaxed and personal connection with each location. Our guides are university-educated and language-certified, allowing us to communicate clearly and cater to your specific interests. We prioritize your requirements to ensure the trip is both informative and comfortable.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, French, Spanish