Sacred Valley: Full Day Tour with Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero

Summary

Explore weaving villages, Inca ruins and valley markets in one day

You’ll wander ancient Inca streets in Ollantaytambo, meet weavers in Chinchero, taste home-style Peruvian dishes in Urubamba and watch life unfold in Pisac’s colorful market—all with a local guide who brings stories to life. This Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco isn’t just sightseeing; it’s sharing laughter with locals and feeling history under your feet.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t go exactly as planned — I forgot my hat in the hotel lobby and had to dash back just as our driver was pulling up. He just grinned and said “tranquilo,” which felt like a good omen for the Sacred Valley tour. The air outside Cusco was crisp, almost sweet, and by the time we reached the Alpaca Center I could already smell that earthy mix of wool and grass. Our guide, Maribel, introduced us to every llama by name (I only remembered one: Panchita). She showed us how the weavers use cochineal for dye — my hands still had a faint red tinge after I tried spinning some yarn. I definitely wasn’t good at it but they all laughed with me, not at me.

We stopped at Mirador Taray next — honestly, I didn’t expect to be so quiet looking out over the Sacred Valley. The light made everything look kind of gold and green at once. Then Pisac market was a swirl of colors and voices; Maribel helped me bargain for a scarf (I’m sure I overpaid anyway). Walking through the ruins above town, there was this wind that kept tugging at my jacket and carrying bits of Quechua from other guides. It’s strange how you can feel history under your feet there — stones worn smooth in places where people must’ve always walked.

Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style, but it tasted like someone’s grandmother cooked it — potatoes soft enough to mash with your fork, corn that actually tastes sweet. After eating way too much (no regrets), we drove on to Ollantaytambo. The old Inca streets are still lived-in; we peeked into one courtyard where a woman waved us in to see her guinea pigs scurrying under the kitchen table. Ollantaytambo’s terraces are steeper than they look in photos — my legs were jelly halfway up but Maribel just smiled and waited for everyone without rushing us.

Chinchero was our last stop before heading back to Cusco. It started raining lightly while we watched the textile demo; the women barely seemed to notice, their fingers moving fast even as water dotted their skirts. The church bells rang out across the terraces — kind of haunting, actually. On the drive home I kept thinking about that view from Taray and how tired-but-happy everyone felt in the van. It wasn’t perfect or easy all day (my Spanish is still terrible), but I’d do it again just for those small moments.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sacred Valley highlights

• Pick up from hotel at 8:00 a.m.
• Visit Alpaca Center and weaving cooperative
• Enjoy view at Mirador Taray
• Explore Pisac village and artisan market
• Drive to Urubamba for lunch
• Visit Ollantaytambo Inca site and streets
• Tour Chinchero terraces and textile center
• Return to Cusco by 5:00 p.m.

Top questions

What sites are included on this Sacred Valley tour?

The tour visits Pisaq (Pisac), Urubamba for lunch, Ollantaytambo ruins and town, Chinchero village with its textile center and colonial church.

Is lunch included on this Sacred Valley day trip?

Yes, buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba is included.

How long does the full day Sacred Valley tour take?

The tour lasts about 9 hours with pickup around 8:00 am and return to Cusco around 5:00 pm.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup from Cusco is provided at no extra charge.

Are entrance fees covered on this Sacred Valley tour?

All entrance fees are included in the price of the tour.

Is this Sacred Valley tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available—just mention dietary needs when booking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible according to provided information.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Cusco, all entry fees along the route, private group transportation throughout the Sacred Valley, guidance from a native professional guide who shares local stories along each stop—from alpaca farms to Inca ruins—and a buffet lunch featuring regional Peruvian dishes before returning you comfortably back by evening.