Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo: Day Tour with Pisac Market & Lunch

Summary

Pisac ruins market colors riverside lunch and Inca stories

You’ll feel ancient history under your feet at Pisac’s terraces, wander through lively colors and voices at Pisac Market, eat riverside Peruvian food you might not forget soon, and climb Ollantaytambo’s legendary stones—all with local guidance and easy hotel pickup from Cusco.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought the Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco would just be a box to tick before Machu Picchu. But the first thing that hit me—besides the thin air at Pisac—was how quiet it got when our guide, Maribel, asked us to pause on the terraces. You could hear the wind moving through dry grass and smell eucalyptus somewhere down the slope. She told us about Inca rituals right there, and I tried to imagine them standing where we stood. It’s higher than it looks in photos; my legs were wobbling a bit but nobody seemed to mind.

After that we wandered into Pisac Market. I’m not really a shopper, but something about the way people called out “amigo!” or how bright the woven blankets looked in that dusty light made me linger. I got a little lost in the maze of stalls—one woman laughed as I tried to pronounce “choclo” (giant corn) and handed me a piece anyway. The market smells like grilled corn and soapstone; it’s busy but somehow relaxed too. We had enough time to poke around without feeling rushed, which was good because I can never decide on souvenirs.

Lunch by the Urubamba River was more than just a break—it felt like we’d landed somewhere else entirely. The buffet had everything from trout ceviche to lomo saltado (I probably ate too much). The river noise is constant but calming, almost like white noise behind everyone’s chatter. By Ollantaytambo, late afternoon light was sliding over those massive stones and Maribel pointed out where Inca warriors once held off the Spanish. My shoes filled with dust on those steep steps—I still think about that view back down into town, roofs stacked like red playing cards.

You can stay in Ollantaytambo for the train to Machu Picchu or head back with the group to Cusco; some folks split off there. Either way, by evening my head was full of stories and my hands smelled faintly of roasted corn. Not sure what I expected from this Sacred Valley tour but it left me quieter than usual on the ride home…in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo

• Visit Pisac Archeological Site
• Shop at Pisac Artisan Market
• Enjoy buffet lunch by Urubamba River
• Explore Ollantaytambo town and ruins
• Option to take train to Aguas Calientes or return to Cusco

Top questions

How long is the Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco?

The tour lasts about 10-12 hours including travel time between sites.

Is lunch included on this Sacred Valley tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch at Tunupa Restaurant by the Urubamba River is included.

Can I stay in Ollantaytambo after the tour?

Yes, you can choose optional drop-off at Ollantaytambo train station if continuing to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, roundtrip transportation is included from most hotels in Cusco.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks Spanish, English or Portuguese (not all languages simultaneously).

Is this Sacred Valley tour suitable for children?

Children under 5 are free if they don’t occupy a seat; specialized infant seats are available.

Which sites are visited on this Sacred Valley day trip?

Pisac Archeological Site, Pisac Artisan Market, Urubamba for lunch, and Ollantaytambo town & ruins.

What time does the tour return to Cusco?

The group returns around 19:00h if heading back from Ollantaytambo.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at most Cusco hotels, guidance in Spanish, English or Portuguese throughout all sites visited, entry to Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo archeological site, time at Pisac Artisan Market for browsing or shopping, plus a buffet lunch beside the Urubamba River before returning in the evening—or optional drop-off at Ollantaytambo train station if you’re continuing toward Machu Picchu.