Discover the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a full day from Cusco. Visit the market and ruins of Pisac, the great fortress of Ollantaytambo, and the weaving town of Chinchero, taking in vibrant Andean culture and stunning mountain landscapes along the way.
Suitable for all ages.
Entrance fees are not included. Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero are all covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket, either the Circuit III partial (S/ 70 for foreign visitors, around USD 19) or the integral (S/ 130, valid ten days across sixteen sites). There is no individual ticket for these sites, so one or the other is required. Bring cash in soles.
It is one of the best days you can plan early in a Cusco trip. Urubamba sits around 2,870 m, Ollantaytambo at about 2,790 m and Pisac near 2,970 m, all several hundred metres lower than Cusco at 3,399 m. Many travellers sleep better and feel noticeably stronger down here, which is why we often suggest this tour before anything at high altitude.
The driving is comfortable and the walking is optional in intensity. Both Pisac and Ollantaytambo are built on terraced hillsides reached by long flights of uneven Inca stone steps, and climbing to the upper levels is the demanding part. You can enjoy the lower terraces and the views without going all the way up, and your guide will pace the group accordingly.
Yes, a buffet lunch in Urubamba is included, along with hotel pickup, transport and a bilingual guide. Vegetarian options and other special diets can be arranged if you tell us when you book. Entrance fees, drinks and personal travel insurance are not included.
Pickup in Cusco is at 08:00 and you are back around 18:30, so a little over ten hours in total, with Pisac in the morning, Ollantaytambo before lunch and Chinchero in the afternoon. The order can shift slightly with market days and road conditions.
