Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
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Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Soak up yourself in the ancient and natural wonders of the Sacred Valley also known as Urubamba Valley where the history, ancient citadels, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony to make your day tour a unique experience.
Our private full-day tours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco or Urubamba to Cusco are the perfect way to visit the highlights of this valley as you make your way to your hotel in Cusco city or even the Cusco Airport. This is a perfect 1 day tour for those who choose Ollantaytambo town or Urubamba town as the base to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, also this tour is designed for those who are returning to Cusco city or to the airport after Machu Picchu Tour and want to make most of their limited time.
Visiting the Sacred Valley’s must-see sites, places like Pisac, Moray, the Salt Ponds of Maras, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo, under the personalized attention of a friendly and knowledgeable guide from Beyond Andes Travel is a great opportunity to get firsthand information from a local expert who grew up and lived in this area of Cusco.
This day tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is the ideal way to make the most of your time in the Sacred Valley and see everything it has to offer. At the end of the tour, you can choose to be transferred back to Ollantaytambo/Urubamba, move to Cusco, or be dropped off at the airport of Cusco.
The Sacred Valley also known as Urubamba Valley was a place of great importance for the Inca civilization where they worked advanced agricultural techniques that still amaze nowadays. The valley’s mild climate, rich fertile soil, and abundant water sources from the mountains made it the perfect place for agriculture and living. The crop terraces the Incas built are still standing today as a testament to their advanced knowledge and ingenuity.
Our private 1-day tours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco are designed to provide a unique and flexible experience, allowing you to customize the perfect itinerary to your interests and preferences. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our day tours from Ollantaytambo, please do not hesitate to contact us or call at +51 974 760 767. We are always happy to assist and share our passion for this extraordinary destination.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS IN BRIEF:
Trip Summary
Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo Summary
- Tour start point: Ollantaytambo – Hotel pick-up at between 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM (depends on the itinerary you select, this will be informed once you make your tour choice).
- Tour end point: Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, or Cusco airport – around or after 6:00 PM
- Itinerary options: Several options to experience, see the itinerary section for further details..
- Guides: Knowledgeable, Funny, and Friendly (unique character of Beyond Andes Guides).
- Service Type: Private and Semi-private service.
- Departure: Daily departures, available for booking on any date, we require 2 people to open a new departure.
- Group Size: Up to 10 participants
- Best time to Travel: From May through October.
- Is this tour for me? It is available for all (families, couples, friends, and much more)
Itinerary
1Experience Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Maras, Moray, & Chinchero from Ollantaytambo
Since the Sacred Valley also known as Urubamba Valley is a vast valley that even encompasses the Machu Picchu area, exploring it properly requires even 2 days, however, you can still visit in a day from Ollantaytambo by visiting the must-see Inca sites, for which, we have designed a series of tours for specific interests and preferences.
See them on the following lines, select your best choice, and let us know to go forward with the arrangements.
1-Day Options for Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo:
- Option 1: Ollantaytambo ruins and town, Pisac ruins, Pisac market optional. From $110.00
- Option 2 (most requested): Ollantaytambo, Chinchero ruins, Maras salt ponds, and Moray ruins. From $100.00
- Option 3. Maras salt ponds, Moray ruins, and Pisac ruins. From $110.00.
We normally start our tours between 7:00 am – 8:00 am from your hotel in Ollantaytambo town or Urubamba town, if flying from Cusco out to Lima around 6:00 pm, then our recommendation would be to select just a couple of places to visit and be on time at the airport.
We will then drive towards the ancient sites where we start exploring them, the sites are located far from each other (between 30 min to 1 hour by car), en route you will stop at scenic spots. Lunch will be around 1:30 PM at a local restaurant, your guide will provide recommendations and based on them, you will select one.
After visiting all sites, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Cusco city, Cusco airport, or even return to your hotel in Ollantaytambo/Urubamba.
Food
No included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Walking Distance
Short walks
Weather
Unpredictable!
Note on Itinerary
Although we strive to strictly follow the itinerary outlined above, please be advised that it is subject to changes due to many factors beyond our control. These factors may include incidents in the operated destination, strikes, political disputes, terrorism attempts, entry or border difficulties, extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Please note that Beyond Andes Travel is not responsible for any changes or amendments resulting from such circumstances.
In the event that we must deviate from the original schedule or itinerary, we will make our best to provide the best alternative options available to ensure a fantastic experience. However, any additional expenses that may be incurred will be the sole responsibility of the client and not of & Beyond Andes Travel.
Included
- Private transport (very comfortable SUV or Van)
- Professional Beyond Andes Guide
- Pick up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo town and drop off at your hotel in Cusco city or airport.
Not Included
- Meals
- Entrance tickets/BOLETO TURISTICO for Sacred Valley plus Maras Salt Mines (ticket cost is PEN 70/ $25.00 for tourist ticket and PEN 20/ $7 for Maras Salt Mines). We can also purchase them, if so please let us know to include in the tour cost.
- Travel insurance
- PayPal fees
- Gratuities
What to bring
- Original passport
- Comfortable shoes or hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Rain gear if traveling in wet season (November – April)
- Snacks
- Personal medication
Recommendations
Recommendations on Tourist Tickets for Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo
Boleto Turistico General: Also called full access tourist ticket, this ticket allows you to visit over 15 places in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, the South Part of Cusco, and some museums in Cusco City and lasts for 10 days, it is very convenient to purchase this ticket when you have enough days to visit the highlights of the Sacred Valley and Cusco, you can get the tickets in Cusco city or at the first archaeological site you will visit, the cost is PEN 130.00 ($40) per ticket. Payment is only in cash and in local currency.
Boleto Turistico Parcial: Also called partial access tourist ticket, there are 3 types of partial tickets; one of the tickets is only to visit the archaeological sites in Sacred Valley, another ticket is only for Cusco city, and the third ticket is only for South of Cusco, so make sure to get the right ticket when purchasing. These tickets only cover just a certain area and have a duration of 1 and 2 consecutive days (for Sacred Valley). This ticket is very convenient to purchase when you have only a day or very limited time to visit the Cusco area, Sacred Valley, or South of Cusco in a day. The ticket cost is PEN 70.00 ($25). Payment is only in cash and in local currency.
Maras Salt Pans Tickets: The tickets are purchased at the main checkpoint of the salt pans whose cost is PEN 20.00 ($7) Payment is only in cash and in local currency.
Bring the following for your Sacred Valley Tour
Please keep in mind to bring the following: Sunblock, sunhat, fleece or jacket, rain gear/poncho if traveling in wet season (Nov to April), hand sanitizer, a bottle of water, deet or bug spray, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for meals. And do not forget to bring your tourist tickets for the Sacred Valley Tour or cash in Soles to purchase them.
Luggage
If you want us to drop you off at your hotel in Cusco city, then don’t worry to bring your large pieces of luggage with you, our vehicles have enough room for them.
Can I still fly out from Cusco to Lima that evening?
Yes, that’s totally possible, if so, we recommend you book your flight after 8:00 PM. We will finish the tour around 6:30 PM at the Cusco airport. Also, we recommend taking about 3 sites or ruins in the Sacred Valley to visit this way you will enjoy them properly. We will be happy to drop you off at the airport after the tour.
Pricing List
Private Service
Tour Payment Schedule
- At time of reservation: 50% of the total balance.
- 60 days prior to departure: Balance should be paid fully, or once upon your arrival in Cusco the other 50% of final balance must be paid fully OR before the tour begins.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee: $15 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 Persons | $ USD 199.00 | Inquire Now |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 99.00 | Inquire Now |
| 3 Persons | $ USD 89.00 | Inquire Now |
| 4 Persons | $ USD 79.00 | Inquire Now |
| 5 Persons | $ USD 69.00 | Inquire Now |
Travel Guide
Sacred Valley also known Urubamba Valley
Sacred Valley or Urubamba Valley is a fascinating place in Cusco that is full of history, vibrant culture, and amazing vistas, located in the Andes Mountains of the Cusco region. If you’re planning a trip to this destination, here is a travel guide to help you maximize your journey.
Getting to the Sacred Valley from Cusco is about one hour by car drive from Cusco city. From Cusco, you can hire a cab, take a bus, or join a tour to travel to the Sacred Valley. Also, you can take a scenic train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes Town/ Machu Picchu Town, which is located near the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.
On our day tours to this valley, you will visit and enjoy the ancient Incan ruins, majestic mountains, and traditional villages. Here are some of the must-do attractions in this valley:
- Machu Picchu: This famed Incan citadel is perched high in the Andes Mountains and it is the most popular destination in Peru. The site is believed to have been built in the 15th century and it features amazing stone ashlar walls and astonishing views of the surrounding mountains.
- Ollantaytambo: This place is known for its well-preserved Incan constructions, including its massive fortress and religious building — the Temple of the Sun. The town also maintains its authenticity from the Incan times, today it’s featured beautiful cobblestone streets, ancient water channels, and stone portals, so the name of The Living Inca Town.
- Pisac: Pisac is another large Inca citadel nestled high in the rugged mountains of Sacred Valley, this place is famous for its massive farming terraces that cover the hillsides, many neighborhoods linked by Inca trails, and great prehispanic cemetery. Pisac also has a town that is lively and vibrant for its market.
- Maras Salt Mines: The salt ponds of Maras are unique and special for locals, it is comprised by a couple of thousand of pools fed by a single spring, these pools are set over the ancient terraces. The existence is from the prehispanic times and it produces a unique type of pink salt that is highly valued in the local cuisine.
- Moray: Moray is from the 15th century and located in the plains of Sacred Valley where the Incas built circular-shaped terraces whose function was a main experimental center for agriculture since the terrace platforms feature different types of microclimates. The site also offers wondrous views of the surrounding mountains and it is a popular area for hiking and picnicking.
- Chinchero: Chinchero is located in the highland part of the Sacred Valley, prehispanic farming terraces, sacred spots, and Incan constructions make this place special additionally the 16th-century Spanish church with beautiful frescos and the weaving coop centers run by local ladies add a special significance.
Some Hotels in Sacred Valley
Hotels in Sacred Valley: Sacred Valley offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some popular options include:
- Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel: Awarded as the best luxury hotel in Peru whose property is located at a perfect place in Urubamba town.
- Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado: This luxury hotel belongs to the Belmond chain, it is located on the banks of the Urubamba River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. .
- Sol y Luna: This boutique hotel is part of Relais & Châteaux and it is located in the town of Urubamba and offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities..
What to eat in Sacred Valley
Peru is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which features a mix of Incan, Spanish, and modern influences. Some popular dishes include:
- Ceviche: This dish is made of raw fish that is marinated in lime/lemon juice (a special lemon type from the Cusco’s jungle) and served with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
- Lomo Saltado: This hearty dish features tender strips of beef that are stir-fried with onions, local chili peppers, tomatoes, and french fries. It comes with rice (in Peru is normal to have potatoes and rice in a dish).
- Quinoa Soup: Very typical soup to the highlands of Peru, this nutritious soup is made of quinoa as a main ingredient and comes with vegetables and spices.
- Chicha: An ancient drink, it was the main alcoholic drink in the Incan empire. It is made of fermented corn and it is a popular drink in the highlands of Peru, especially for local farmers and it is often served at local festivals and celebrations.
In short, Sacred Valley is truly a unique and fascinating destination in Cusco that offers a wealth of culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Historical Background of Sacred Valley also called Urubamba Valley in a Nutshell
Dominated by the majestic peaks of the Urubamba mountain range, the valley has been used as a main agricultural land and as a storehouse for agricultural products for the city of Cusco since Inca times, and today is famous for being home to maize cobs–the sacred and main food of the Incas, with the largest kernels in the world.
The iconic royal retreat is the best-known tangible remnant of the Inca Empire–Machu Picchu, which was built in the imposing Andes mountains above the Sacred Valley. The Incan civilization had a special preference for Sacred Valley reason of that the Inca rulers built many citadels, agricultural terraces, and religious temples along the Valley, today many of these ancient constructions still mesmerize many travelers.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas envelops a fertile agricultural land due to its location right below the Urubamba mountain range, which supplies fresh water and creates a special climate for agriculture; this valley also envelops beautiful cultural landscape, punctuated by small villages of Quechua-speaking communities and dotted with the surviving remains of great Incan remains.
During our Sacred Valley tours, you will experience these special sites with a knowledgeable local guide to get firsthand information about the history, culture, agriculture, and local cuisine.
Faqs Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
The Sacred Valley of Urubamba is located in the Andean highlands of Cusco Peru. It was considered sacred as the river that runs through (Willcamayu in Quechua) by the Incas, nowadays this river is still called Willcamayo by the locals, besides it was a very important valley for agriculture due to its very fertile land and good climate.
Our vehicles are new and roomy, don’t worry about your luggage, you will have enough in the car to bring with you.
Yes, it is totally possible.
Besides Machu Picchu, some of the top attractions in the Sacred Valley include Ollantaytambo, Pisac, the Maras salt ponds, Chinchero, and Moray.
Yes, you can visit the whole highlights in 1 day although tour may be a bit rush, that’s why recommend to visit it in 2 days. However if you are tight in time, then you can visit at least 4 places in a day
The Sacred Valley is located about an hour’s car drive from Cusco City. You can reach it by shuttle (cheapest option), cab, or private transfer that includes some stops en route.
Yes, it is totally possible, you just need to arrive before 9:00 AM.
The best time to visit Sacred Valley is during the dry season, which runs from May through September. However, this is also high tourist season, so be prepared for crowds. If you prefer fewer tourists, you can visit during the rainy season from November through March.
The weather in the Sacred Valley is unpredictable as in any location in the highlands, so it’s better to dress in layers (for further exact details ask your tour agency). Comfortable hiking shoes are also recommended if plan on exploring archaeological sites or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
The Sacred Valley holds many traditional communities, so it’s important to respect their customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting ancient Inca sites, villages, or religious sites, and always ask for permission before taking photos of local people or their homes (you can even tip them if taking many photos of them).
The Sacred Valley is one of the safest places to travel in Cusco, but it’s always important to take precautions as in any part of the world. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at late night, avoid taking some day hikes just by yourself, for this hire a licensed guide. Altitude sickness can also be a concern for some travelers, however, this valley is perfect to prevent this sickness, so most travelers skip Cusco and travel to Sacred Valley to get acclimated on their first days.
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