Sacred Valley Tour

Duration

Full day

Group

15 + Travelers

Max Altitude

2450m

Difficulty

Easy

Sacred Valley Full Day Tour

When visiting Cusco, many travelers focus only on Machu Picchu—but the Sacred Valley holds some of the most important Inca sites in the region. This full-day tour takes you through the heart of the Inca Empire, combining history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Explore the impressive ruins of Pisac, stroll through its colorful local market, visit the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, and discover the traditional village of Chinchero, home to an authentic Andean Textile Center. Along the way, enjoy scenic viewpoints overlooking the Andes and the Sacred Valley’s stunning countryside.

A perfect introduction to the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Sacred Valley.

Sacred Vallley Inclusions

What’s Included?

  • Tourist Transportation
    Comfortable, tourist-class transportation throughout the Sacred Valley tour. Enjoy a smooth and relaxing journey while we take care of all transfers between sites.
  • Professional Tour Guide
    The tour is led by a bilingual guide (English–Spanish) with strong knowledge of the Sacred Valley’s history, culture, and archaeology, providing clear explanations at each location.
  • Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
    Buffet lunch at a well-rated restaurant in Urubamba, offering a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

What’s Not Included

  • Entrance Fees – Sacred Valley
  • To visit the archaeological sites, travelers must purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BT). This ticket can be purchased in Cusco or at the first archaeological site visited, such as Chinchero. Payment is accepted only in cash and in Peruvian soles.
  • General Tourist Ticket – 130 soles
    Valid for 10 days and includes entry to 16 sites, such as Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, Sacsayhuaman, Cusco museums, and southern valley sites.
  • Partial Tourist Ticket – 70 soles
    Valid for 2 days and includes four Sacred Valley sites: Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Ideal for travelers with limited time.
  • Maras Salt Mines – 20 soles
    Entrance to the Salineras de Maras is not included in the Tourist Ticket and must be paid separately in cash at the entrance.

Sacred Valley Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco – Chinchero – Moray – Maras – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Pisac – Cusco
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Tour Start – Cusco

The tour begins at 6:45 a.m. from the Machu Picchu Reservations office, located at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. From here, we depart toward the Sacred Valley, enjoying scenic views along the way.

Chinchero

After approximately 45 minutes, we arrive in Chinchero. Visit its Inca archaeological remains, a colonial church, and a traditional Andean textile center. A local family will demonstrate ancestral weaving techniques and the use of natural dyes that are still practiced today.

Moray Archaeological Site

We continue to Moray, famous for its circular agricultural terraces. Your guide will explain how the Incas used this site as an agricultural research center, experimenting with microclimates. Free time is provided for exploration and photos.

Maras Salt Mines

A short drive takes us to the Maras Salt Mines, a unique landscape of thousands of salt pools still harvested by local families. Learn about the traditional salt extraction process and enjoy time to explore and photograph the site.

Lunch in Urubamba

Around 12:30 p.m., we stop in Urubamba for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The menu features traditional Peruvian dishes, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.

Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site

After lunch, we visit Ollantaytambo, one of the most important and best-preserved Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. Explore the Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces, and ancient water channels with your guide. The visit ends around 3:00 p.m., and travelers continuing to Machu Picchu by train may choose to end the tour here.

Pisac Archaeological Site

The final archaeological stop is Pisac, known for its extensive terraces and panoramic views of the valley. Your guide will explain the historical and strategic importance of the site, with time for photos and exploration.

Return to Cusco

After visiting Pisac, we drive back to Cusco, arriving at Plaza Regocijo between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Packing List

Essentials

  • Passport (original)mandatory to enter Machu Picchu

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (physical or digital)

  • Train tickets (if applicable)

  • Travel insurance information

  • Extra cash (Peruvian soles) for snacks, souvenirs, or restrooms

Clothing

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing

  • Long-sleeve shirt (sun & insect protection)

  • Warm jacket or fleece (early mornings can be cold)

  • Waterproof jacket or poncho (especially Nov–Mar)

  • Comfortable hiking pants

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes

  • Hat or cap for sun protection

  • Sunglasses

  • Extra pair of socks

Additional Items

  • Small daypack (required – no large backpacks allowed)

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)

  • Insect repellent

  • Snacks or energy bars

  • Camera or smartphone

  • Power bank / portable charger

  • Personal medications

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Wet wipes or tissues

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Essential Information About Sacred Valley Tour

Travel Information

We want your trip to Peru to be smooth and worry-free. Below you’ll find important information to help you prepare for your tour and understand how our services work.

Luggage Storage

You may store your main luggage at our office (by prior arrangement) or at your hotel, free of charge.
Items not needed during the tour can usually be stored safely at your hotel. We recommend keeping valuables in the hotel safe.

Pick-Up Information

Pick-ups are available within Cusco city. We strongly recommend staying in the historic center for easier access.
Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed the day before the tour. Please note that traffic and narrow streets may cause minor time variations.

Group Tours

Group tours include travelers of different ages and fitness levels. Each participant is free to walk at their own pace.
Any changes to the itinerary are decided by the guide after consulting the group.

Strikes and Demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations can occasionally affect travel in Peru. If this happens, our operations team will coordinate any changes with you. Your safety is always our top priority.

Lost Items

Please keep track of your personal belongings at all times. We are not responsible for lost or forgotten items during the tour.

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FAQs

What Circuit Will My Machu Picchu Day Trip Follow?

For our Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, we prioritize Circuit 2, as it is the most complete route and allows you to explore both the upper panoramic viewpoints and the lower urban sector of the Inca city. This circuit offers the best overall experience and covers the majority of the archaeological site.

If Circuit 2 is not available, we will assign the best alternative circuit available at the time of booking.


How Do I Book a Machu Picchu 1-Day Tour with Bigfoot Machu Picchu?

Booking is simple:

  1. Click the “Book Now” button on our website

  2. Select your preferred travel date

  3. Complete the booking form with your personal details

  4. Pay only the deposit using a credit or debit card

The remaining balance is paid in Cusco, one day before the tour, at our office.


How Is the Outstanding Balance Paid?

The outstanding balance must be paid one day before the tour and can be settled in:

  • Cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) – recommended (no fees)

  • Credit card – 2.9 % service fee applies

⚠️ Cash payment is mandatory one day prior to departure.


Can I Change My Departure Date After Tickets Are Purchased?

Unfortunately, Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.

To change your departure date:

  • A new Machu Picchu ticket must be purchased

  • A train change penalty applies

The total rescheduling cost is USD 100 per person, subject to ticket availability for the new date.


Circuit 2 Is Sold Out on the Official Website—Can You Still Get It?

If Circuit 2 is sold out, we cannot secure it directly either, as all tickets are purchased from the official government platform.

However, we can offer a combined solution:

  • Circuit 3 with guide (approx. 2 hours)

  • Exit and re-enter for Circuit 1 on your own (approx. 1 hour)

This option allows you to see most of Machu Picchu, including iconic viewpoints and temples.
Additional cost: USD 45 per person (extra ticket).


The Official Website Shows No Availability, but Your Website Does—Is It Legit?

Yes. If standard tickets are sold out, we can arrange access via the Short Inca Trail permit, which includes entry to Machu Picchu through Circuit 3.

Please note:

  • Access is limited to the lower section only

  • The classic panoramic photo is not included

  • Additional cost: USD 30 per person


When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

The best months are the shoulder seasons:

  • April, May, September, October, and November

These months offer:

  • Pleasant temperatures

  • Lower rainfall

  • Fewer crowds compared to peak season


Do I Need My Original Passport?

Yes. You must bring your original passport, and it must match the passport used during booking. Your document will be checked when boarding the train and at Machu Picchu.


Can I Book with an Expired Passport?

Yes. If you are renewing your passport:

  • Send us a copy of your old passport or a government-issued ID

  • Once you receive the new passport, email us the updated copy immediately so we can update your ticket


Can I Stay in the Sacred Valley Instead of Cusco?

Yes. You may stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
Pickup will be approximately 1.5 hours later, allowing you to sleep longer.


Is There a Student or Child Discount?

According to Peruvian regulations:

  • Students aged 11–17: USD 20 discount

  • Children aged 2–11: USD 30 discount

All discounts require:

  • Passport copy

  • Valid student ID (if applicable)
    📧 Send documents to your booking email.


Is This Tour Safe for Children?

Yes. This is an easy and family-friendly tour with safe access and facilities. Children are welcome and eligible for discounts.


How Far in Advance Should I Book?

  • High season (May–August): 2 months in advance

  • April, September, November, December: 1 month

  • January & February: As little as 2 days

⚠️ Holidays (July 28, Holy Week, Christmas, New Year) sell out fast.


Can You Pick Me Up from an Airbnb?

Yes. Just provide the exact address—no extra cost.


Can I Do This Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes. Solo travelers can book private service for an additional USD 60.


Can I Join a Group If I’m Traveling Alone?

Yes, subject to availability. Please email us first so we can confirm an existing group.


Do You Offer Private Tours?

Yes. Private service is available and priced according to group size. Contact us for a personalized quote.


I’m Over 70—Can I Do This Tour?

Yes. Many travelers aged 70–75 have completed this tour successfully.
If you prefer a relaxed pace, we recommend private service.


What About My Luggage?

We recommend small backpacks only. Large luggage is not allowed on trains.

Options:

  • Store luggage at your hotel

  • Leave it with our driver or at our storage free of charge


Which Places Will I Visit?

  • Aguas Calientes town & main square

  • Machu Picchu

  • Local markets in Aguas Calientes


How Long Does the Tour Last?

Approximately 12 hours.


Can I Fly on the Same Day?

Not recommended. Train delays are common and could cause you to miss your flight.


What Will I See Inside Machu Picchu?

Highlights include:

  • The Guardhouse (classic photo viewpoint)

  • Temple of the Sun

  • Inca House

  • The Sacred Sundial

  • Temple of the Condor

  • Water Mirrors


Is Altitude Sickness a Problem?

No. Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude than Cusco. If you feel fine in Cusco, you should be fine here.


Do I Need to Be Physically Fit?

No. This is an easy sightseeing tour with walking only inside the citadel.

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