Sacred Valley Day Tour: Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo Ruins

Summary

Full-Day Sacred Valley Experience with Local Lunch

You’ll wander ancient Inca sites, haggle at Pisac’s lively market, taste real Andean food, and get stories from guides who know every corner of the Sacred Valley. This tour packs history, scenery, and local life into one unforgettable day.

What’s the experience like?

Chilly morning air hit my face as we wound out of Cusco, the van windows fogging up from our excited breaths. Our first stop was a lookout over the Sacred Valley—honestly, I didn’t expect the view to be so wide. You could see patchwork fields and the Urubamba River curling far below. Our guide, Maribel, pointed out tiny villages tucked into the hillsides. She told us how these valleys have fed families for centuries thanks to the rich soil and gentle climate.

Pisac was next. The market was already buzzing when we arrived—women in bright skirts setting up their stalls, the smell of fresh bread mixing with incense smoke. I wandered between tables stacked with woven alpaca scarves and silver jewelry. Tried bargaining for a small ceramic bowl (didn’t do great, but it was fun). Maribel explained how each pattern on the textiles tells a story about the maker’s village.

Afterward, we climbed up to Pisac’s ruins. The stone terraces seemed to cling to the mountain itself. Not gonna lie—the steps are steep, but you can take your time. The wind up there carries this faint scent of eucalyptus from nearby groves. Then it was off to Ollantaytambo, where massive stones fit together so tightly you can’t slip a coin between them. Our guide showed us where Inca engineers carved water channels that still run today.

Lunch came just in time—I was starving by then. We stopped at a family-run spot in Urubamba; they served quinoa soup and roasted chicken with local potatoes (the purple ones are my favorite). Before heading back, we popped into an alpaca textile shop—softest sweaters I’ve ever touched—and watched a woman spin yarn by hand while her radio played quietly in Quechua.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sacred Valley Highlights

• Viewpoint to Sacred Valley
• Visit Pisaq archaeological center and market
• Tour Ollantaytambo ruins and town
• Explore alpaca textile stores
• Lunch break

Top questions

How much walking is involved on this Sacred Valley tour?

You’ll do some walking at both Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins—there are stairs and uneven paths, but you can go at your own pace. Most folks find it manageable if you’re moderately fit.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

Yes! Lunch is included at a local restaurant—usually Andean dishes like quinoa soup or roasted chicken with native potatoes. Vegetarian options are available too.

Can I buy souvenirs at Pisac Market?

Definitely—you’ll have free time to browse handmade textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and more from local vendors at Pisac Market.

Are guides certified or local experts?

Your guide is a licensed professional who knows the area well—they share stories about history and daily life in the valley.

What’s included

This tour covers transport by private vehicle, all guiding services from a knowledgeable local expert, entrance fees to archaeological sites, plus lunch at a traditional Andean restaurant.