Sacred Valley, Pisac & Ollantaytambo: Full-Day Tour with Buffet Lunch

Summary

From Cusco to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, taste and tradition meet in the Sacred Valley

You’ll start your journey in Cusco with an early pickup before heading into the heart of the Sacred Valley—exploring Pisac Market’s colors and flavors, feeling ancient stones beneath your feet at Moray and Ollantaytambo, tasting local salt at Maras pools, and sharing laughter over a buffet lunch of Peruvian classics. Expect moments that stick with you long after you’re back in your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I almost missed the pickup because I was fussing over my shoes. Turns out you don’t need fancy hiking boots for this Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco, just something comfortable enough for wandering uneven stones and market stalls. Our guide, Javier, greeted us with that calm energy only Peruvians seem to have at 7am (I was barely awake), and off we went. The drive out of Cusco is all winding roads and sleepy villages; I caught whiffs of eucalyptus and wood smoke as we climbed higher, windows cracked just enough for the cold air to sting my nose.

Pisac Market was already humming when we arrived. Women in bright skirts haggled over potatoes bigger than my fist, and someone handed me a wedge of fresh cheese — salty, crumbly, nothing like what I’m used to at home. Javier pointed out a woman weaving belts by hand; he said her family’s been doing it for generations. My Spanish is shaky but she smiled anyway when I tried to ask about the colors (I think I got “sunset” wrong). After that came Moray’s terraces — those perfect green circles dug into the earth. It’s strange how quiet it gets there; even with other groups around, you mostly hear wind brushing through grass.

Maras salt pools were next — honestly, they look like some alien landscape from above. The sun bounced off all those white squares until my eyes watered. We tasted a pinch of pinkish salt right from the edge (Javier swears it’s better than anything you’ll find in a store), then headed down for lunch. The buffet was wild: thirty dishes lined up in steaming trays — ají de gallina, quinoa soup, roasted corn that pops between your teeth. I probably ate too much but who’s counting when everything tastes new?

Ollantaytambo felt different — older somehow, heavier with history. Walking those stone streets with Javier telling stories about Inca warriors and Spanish invaders made me realize how little I knew before coming here. By the time we reached Pisac again for sunset light on stone walls, my legs were tired but my head was buzzing with all these new images and sounds. Funny how a day can feel so full you lose track of time completely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Sacred Valley and key sites

• Transfer from Cusco hotel early morning
• Visit Pisac archaeological center
• Explore Moray agricultural terraces
• See Maras salt pools
• Enjoy buffet lunch with Peruvian dishes
• Tour Ollantaytambo Inca fortress
• Return to Cusco city center

Top questions

What places are included on this Sacred Valley day trip?

The tour visits Pisac Market, Moray Agricultural Terraces, Maras Salt Pools, Ollantaytambo fortress area, and several key sites throughout the Sacred Valley.

Is hotel pickup included in this Sacred Valley tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Cusco is included between 6:30 am and 6:55 am.

How much are entrance tickets during the tour?

The Sacred Valley ticket costs 70 soles and Maras Salt Pools ticket is 10 soles; both are purchased on site during the tour.

What kind of food is served at lunch?

A buffet lunch is provided featuring more than 30 typical Peruvian dishes such as ají de gallina and quinoa soup.

How long does this day trip last?

The tour starts early morning with pickup around 6:30 am and returns to Cusco near 7:30 pm.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking on uneven surfaces at archaeological sites.

Who leads the group during the excursion?

A professional local guide accompanies you throughout the day providing insights into each location's history and culture.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, round-trip transportation across the Sacred Valley’s highlights like Pisac Market and Moray terraces, entry fees paid onsite as needed, guidance from a knowledgeable local guide throughout each stop—and a generous buffet lunch featuring over thirty traditional Peruvian dishes before returning close to Cusco’s main square in the evening.