Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike 1 Day (Pacchanta)
Experience an unforgettable journey through one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Peruvian Andes with the Ausangate...
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The Sacred Valley Cusco Peru Tour lets us explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the valley of the Incas.We will travel through towns and fertile valleys while learning about Inca culture. This full-day tour combines cultural experiences, scenic views, and hands-on exploration. Each stop will offer new insights and memorable views.
We will start at the Maras salt mines, an ancient complex still operated by local families. We will walk along the salt ponds and observe traditional harvesting methods. The surrounding mountains provide scenic backdrops for photography. Our guide will share the historical and cultural significance of this site.
Next, we will visit the Moray agricultural terraces, a unique Inca experimental farm. The circular terraces demonstrate advanced farming techniques developed by the Incas. We will observe the engineering, layout, and variety of crops cultivated in this ancient laboratory. The site offers opportunities to understand Inca agricultural innovation.
Later, we will explore Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town, where history and daily life coexist. We will walk the cobblestone streets, visit archaeological ruins, and admire terraces overlooking the town. The valley views and Inca constructions provide striking perspectives of the region. We may also enjoy lunch with views of the surrounding Andean scenery.
The Sacred Valley Tour provides a full cultural and natural experience in one of Peru’s most iconic regions. We will discover history, innovation, and landscapes in a single day. This tour will leave a lasting impression of the ingenuity and beauty of the valley of the Incas.
Chinchero: Meet local weavers, learn how natural dyes color each garment, and purchase authentic hand-woven textiles directly from them. Moray: Discover the circular terraces where the Incas experimented with crops at varying temperatures and altitudes. Maras Salt Mines: View thousands of salt pools carved into the mountainside, still worked by local families using traditional methods. Ollantaytambo: Explore one of the few still-inhabited Inca towns and climb the impressive stone terraces of its fortress. Living Andean culture: Experience firsthand the traditions, craftsmanship, and daily lives of the communities keeping the Inca legacy alive. Spectacular landscapes: Enjoy snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and the Urubamba River along the route. Expert local guides: Learn the history and background of each location. Comfortable pace: Its lower altitude compared to Cusco makes it ideal for acclimatizing before embarking on greater adventures, such as a visit to Machu Picchu.
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We will start the Sacred Valley Tour early in the morning with hotel pickup in Cusco at 7:00 A.M. We will travel south through the Urubamba River valley. The roads wind past mountains, rivers, and small villages, offering scenic views. Our guide will provide information about the historical importance of each site along the route.
Our first stop will be Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town. We will walk the cobblestone streets and visit terraces and fortresses built in the 15th century. The location provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba Valley. Our guide will share details about Inca architecture, history, and traditions still observed today.
Next, we will continue to Moray, known for its circular agricultural terraces. We will explore the terraces and discuss the Inca farming techniques. The site shows how the Incas experimented with crops at different altitudes. We will walk around the terraces and enjoy views of the valley and mountains.
After Moray, we will visit the Maras salt mines, a centuries-old series of salt ponds still managed by local families. We will walk among the ponds and observe traditional harvesting methods. The geometric patterns of the salt ponds and surrounding valley provide excellent photo opportunities. Our guide will explain the cultural and economic significance of the salt industry.
Finally, we will enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Sacred Valley. After lunch, we will return to Cusco around 5:00 P.M., completing a full day of history, culture, and scenic exploration.
Discover what makes this specific itinerary unique, authentic, and perfectly tailored for an unforgettable Andean adventure.
The 1-day Sacred Valley of the Incas tour is one of the most popular excursions for acclimatizing in Cusco. It offers a rich combination of Inca history, Andean culture, and traditional textile heritage, while allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes and communities of the Sacred Valley. Its gradual change in altitude also makes it a great option for travelers preparing for higher-altitude treks and excursions in the Cusco region.
Guiding Cusco is a locally owned tour operator based in Cusco with extensive hiking expertise. We are a 100% local company with no middlemen or outside shareholders.
Our goal is to make your trip unforgettable and leave you eager to embark on the adventure again. We specialize in small-group tours with high-quality, personalized service, so you can travel at your own pace without pressure.
We value our reputation as a responsible and sustainable tour operator. The Guiding Cusco team is like family to us, and we support them with fair wages. We are incredibly proud of our staff and the effort they put in every day to create unforgettable experiences for our clients.
We specialize in personalized service for small groups. Guiding Cusco limits group sizes to a maximum of 10 people (with a minimum of 4), unlike other companies that handle much larger groups.
All our guides are highly qualified professionals, certified by GERCETUR and MINEDU. Each year they renew their training in first aid and foreign languages, so you are in safe, well-informed hands.
Our cooks also receive ongoing training and lead our mountain cooking classes, serving fresh, delicious meals at altitude. We are proud of our entire team, including our logistics staff and muleteers, who work tirelessly through every challenge on the trail. Without them, these adventures would not be possible.
Please review these recommendations to ensure you have the best possible experience on your adventure.
Important Information Before Your 5-Day Machu Picchu Package
Please read these instructions from Guiding Cusco carefully before booking. They will help you prepare for your trip to Sacred Valley
Acclimatization
No extra days in Cusco are needed. Our itinerary is designed to help you adjust gradually: you begin in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), then descend into the Sacred Valley (about 2,800 m) , you're well adapted to the altitude.
Do I need to be careful with what I eat?
Yes, it is highly recommended—and essential—to be careful with your food; above all, maintain good personal hygiene when consuming any food or drink.
Briefing
A member of our team (your guide) will meet you at your hotel to explain the details of your trip: schedules, pickup times, weather conditions, and the size of your group. This meeting is important because it covers the final details before your adventure begins.
How Do I Book My Trip?
To book the Sacred Valley, we need the following details for every traveler, through our booking form:
This information is required to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train seats, so please double-check it.
We also require a deposit of US$ 75 per person to secure your spot. The balance is paid in Cusco, usually 2–3 days before the tour. Payments can be made by interbank transfer, online payment, Openpay, or through our website. (Online payment via We Travel has an 8% additional charge, and card payment via Openpay has a 5% additional charge. Payment in Cusco has no extra fee.)
What to Bring
Pack warm, layered clothing for changeable conditions:
Important: These entrances are not included in the Boleto turistico.
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