VIP / Extended Sacred Valley
Our Sacred Valley VIP tour is a full day through Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo that brings together traditional weaving, Inca agricultural engineering and spectacular landscapes.
The best of the Sacred Valley in a single day
Summary
The Sacred Valley VIP tour is the most complete way to experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas in one day. It begins in Chinchero, an Andean town famous for its traditional weaving, its colonial church and its Inca ruins.
Then you continue to Moray, the ancient agricultural experimentation center of the Incas, and to the Maras Salt Mines, with thousands of salt pans worked by hand. After a buffet lunch in the valley, you visit the Inca fortress and town of Ollantaytambo.
Therefore, it is an ideal excursion for those who want to make the most of their time in Cusco and see the most representative places of the valley at a comfortable, well-organized pace. If you prefer Pisac and its market, the Classic Sacred Valley is the alternative.
Highlights
Itinerary
06:30 - 07:00
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel in the historic center of Cusco. Then we begin a full day through the Sacred Valley by tourist transportation.
07:30 - 08:45
Chinchero
Traditional weaving, colonial church and Inca ruins.
You visit a weaving center where local artisans demonstrate the traditional process of spinning, natural dyeing and weaving. Then you explore the colonial church and the Inca terraces of Chinchero.
09:15 - 10:15
Moray archaeological complex
Circular terraces for agricultural experimentation.
Later, you discover Moray, a set of concentric circular terraces where the Incas are believed to have experimented with crops in different microclimates. Meanwhile, your guide explains how it worked and why it mattered.
10:30 - 11:30
Maras Salt Mines
Thousands of salt pans on the mountainside.
Then you explore the Maras Salt Mines and learn about the traditional salt harvesting process that local families have kept alive for centuries.
12:30 - 13:30
Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
Andean and international cuisine, including vegetarian options.
You enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant in the Sacred Valley, with Peruvian and international dishes as well as vegetarian options.
14:00 - 15:30
Ollantaytambo
Inca fortress and living town.
You explore the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, with its monumental terraces and Temple of the Sun. Also, you walk through the town, which preserves its Inca layout and water channels.
15:30 - 17:30
Return to Cusco
Return by tourist transportation to Cusco when the tour ends.
Finally, at the end of the visit we head back to Cusco. However, if you are continuing to Machu Picchu, you can stay in Ollantaytambo to take the train from the town’s station.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco
- Tourist transportation throughout the tour
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Partial Tourist Ticket (Chinchero, Moray and Ollantaytambo)
- Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines
- Weaving demonstration in Chinchero
- Buffet lunch
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Breakfast
- Drinks during lunch
- Purchases of handicrafts and local products
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable layered clothing
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water and snacks
Cash for purchases
Passport or identification document
Weather
Chinchero and Moray are located in high, cold areas, while Ollantaytambo has a milder climate. Therefore, dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.
Best season
The tour operates all year. From April to November sunny days and clear views of the snow-capped peaks prevail, while in the rainy season the landscape looks greener.
Recommendations
It is a long day, so we recommend getting a good night’s sleep and having breakfast before pickup. Also, bring cash in soles to buy textiles and local products.
Gallery
FAQ
What is the difference with the Classic Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley VIP tour includes Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo. In contrast, the Classic tour visits Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Both include a buffet lunch.
Can I end the tour in Ollantaytambo?
Yes. If you have a train to Machu Picchu that same day, you can stay in Ollantaytambo at the end of the tour. Therefore, let us know your train schedule when booking.
Does the lunch include options for special diets?
The buffet includes vegetarian options. Also, for other dietary restrictions, let us know in advance so we can coordinate with the restaurant.
Is it a very tiring tour?
The Sacred Valley VIP tour is a long day, but an easy one, because the walks at each site are short and most of the travel is by vehicle.
Do I have to buy something at the weaving center?
No. The demonstration is informative and there is no obligation to buy. However, if you decide to buy textiles, you directly support local artisans.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, with the option to adjust schedules and visiting times.
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