Sacred Valley: Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo Ruins Day Tour

Summary

Explore Pisac market then climb Ollantaytambo’s ancient stones

You’ll wander Pisac’s lively market with its colors and sounds, share a traditional Peruvian lunch with your group, then climb Ollantaytambo’s ancient fortress stones alongside a local guide. Expect laughter, new tastes, and moments that linger long after you’ve left the Sacred Valley behind.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding down the hills outside Cusco when the first patchwork of fields appeared — all those greens and browns stitched together. Our guide, Marisol, had this way of pointing out tiny things I’d never have noticed, like the way the air smelled faintly of eucalyptus as we stepped off the bus in Pisac. The market was already humming — women in bright skirts laughing over piles of corn, a kid chasing a stray dog past stalls stacked with woven blankets. I tried to ask for a price in Spanish and got a smile and a string of Quechua in return. Didn’t expect that, honestly.

If you land here on a Sunday, you hear the mass in Quechua drifting out from the church — it sort of floats above the chatter and flute music. Marisol nudged us closer so we could see the mayors in their hats, holding these shell trumpets (pututos). It’s hard to explain but there’s something grounding about it. We wandered through, picking up little snacks (the cheese bread is still stuck in my memory), then piled back into the van for Ollantaytambo.

The drive along the Sacred Valley is quieter than I thought it would be. You catch glimpses of river light and terraced hillsides between naps or stories from Marisol about Inca barter traditions. Lunch was this buffet thing — not fancy but real: potatoes, quinoa soup, chicken stewed with something I couldn’t pronounce (Marisol tried teaching me; I failed). Then Ollantaytambo rises up out of nowhere — those stones are massive up close. You can run your hand along them and feel how cold they stay even in midday sun.

Climbing up to the Temple of the Sun left me winded (altitude’s no joke), but standing at the top looking down at all those perfect terraces… well, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home making coffee. It’s not just ruins; people live here, kids darting around corners while we listened to Marisol explain how these walls survived centuries. Anyway, by late afternoon we were tired but kind of glowing — maybe from sun or just everything we’d seen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Fortress

• Travel to Pisac town
• Visit Pisac local market
• Attend mass if Sunday
• Enjoy typical Peruvian lunch
• Visit Ollantaytambo Fortress
• Explore Temple of the Sun

Top questions

How long does the Sacred Valley day trip take from Cusco?

This full-day tour typically lasts around 10 hours including travel time from Cusco.

Is hotel pickup included for Pisac & Ollantaytambo tour?

Yes, hotel or lodging pickup and drop-off are included with advance notice.

What is included in lunch on this Sacred Valley tour?

The tour includes a typical Peruvian buffet lunch featuring local dishes.

Are entry tickets to Ollantaytambo ruins included?

Entry tickets are included if you select that option during booking; otherwise they are not.

Can infants join this day trip to Pisac and Ollantaytambo?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is this Sacred Valley tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but involves some walking and stairs at ruins.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel or lodging in Cusco, guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout both Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Fortress visits, admission tickets if selected during booking, plus a hearty buffet lunch before heading back in the evening.