→ Sacred Valley of the Incas Day Tour from Cuscoin a full-day

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in just one day. Travel through the inter-Andean valley of the Urubamba River, considered sacred by the Incas. Discover its most iconic archaeological sites, colorful traditional markets, impressive agricultural terraces, and savor delicious local dishes in one of the most fertile valleys in Peru.

A perfect one-day cultural adventure for travelers seeking to connect with the heart of the Inca Empire.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Full Day

Pisac Archaeological Park & Traditional Market

In the morning, between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco aboard our comfortable tourist transport. We'll begin our journey to the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic Andean landscapes that will accompany us throughout the day.

Our first stop will be at the extraordinary Pisac Archaeological Park, strategically located atop a mountain overlooking the Vilcanota River. This fascinating site consists of various clusters of Inca ruins showcasing their impressive agricultural terraces built along the mountain slopes, aqueducts, ceremonial gateways, water channels, ancient cemeteries, and more. You’ll witness the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

After exploring the ruins, we'll head down to the charming town of Pisac, home to a vibrant traditional market. This colorful market, which has preserved its ancestral essence, offers a variety of authentic Andean crafts such as handwoven textiles, decorative ceramics, silver jewelry, musical instruments, and organic products. You’ll have free time to walk around, interact with local artisans, and purchase unique souvenirs.

Buffet Lunch in Urubamba

We’ll then travel along the Vilcanota River to Urubamba, known as the "Pearl of the Valley." Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring both traditional Andean and international cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. This relaxing moment will give you the chance to recharge while taking in the peaceful valley scenery.

Ollantaytambo Fortress

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the impressive Fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important and best-preserved archaeological complexes in Peru. Built as a fortified city, it includes a ceremonial temple, extensive agricultural terraces, and a well-organized urban area. We'll explore the “Araqama Ayllu,” used for religious purposes and home to the Temple of the Sun, and the “Qosqo Ayllu,” a residential area with original Inca streets and functional water canals. Walking through the still-inhabited Inca town offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Inca life.

Chinchero: Textiles & Archaeology

On the way back to Cusco, we’ll make a final stop at the traditional town of Chinchero, set on a high plateau with spectacular views of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Here, we’ll visit local women’s weaving associations, where you’ll see the entire traditional textile process—from washing and spinning the wool to natural dyeing and weaving. This unique experience highlights the living heritage of pre-Columbian techniques still practiced today.

Next, we'll explore the Chinchero Archaeological Complex, home to the remains of the royal estate of Tupac Inca Yupanqui. The site beautifully blends Inca and colonial architecture, with its remarkable agricultural terraces and a colonial church built atop Inca foundations, adorned with murals from the early colonial period. This final visit offers a meaningful reflection on the cultural evolution of the Sacred Valley region.

At the end of the tour, we will return to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 PM.

Meals: Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
Difficulty: Easy
Availability: Daily (Monday to Sunday)
Start Time: 7:30 / 8:00 AM
Duration: Approx. 11 hours (Full Day)

What Our Travelers Say

Adrian L

July 25, 2025

Experiencia maravillosa recorriendo el camino Inka de 2 días.

Hicimos el camino Inka de 2 días. Nuestro guía fue Eduardo y anduvimos muy contentos. Tuvimos un día maravilloso. El día anterior hicimos un briefing en nuestro hotel donde nos explicó todos los detalles importantes. El día del inicio quedamos en el km104 del tren y ahí empezamos la ruta. Fueron espectaculares todos los paisajes que vimos, las informaciones de Eduardo y todas las otras conversaciones que tuvimos con el. Es un guía muy tranquilo y con muy buena actitud.

Roberto P

July 24, 2025

A trilha foi um desafio para o corpo e para o espírito. Valeu a pena em todos os sentidos. Gratidão a todos o grupo!

Foi uma das experiências mais belas de minha vida. Paisagem majestosa, história fascinante e um guia (Percy) extraordinário.

Horacio V

July 24, 2025

Isabel - fue mi guía personal.. y déjame contarte que fue unas de las mejores experiencias de mi vida!!! Estuve con dios en cada momento de este viaje y siento que dios me conectó con ella. Increíble guía llena de amor, compassion y cariño. (Estuve un poco enfermo) y ella me recomendó exactamente lo que necesitaba. Lo máximo!! Súper agradecido, porque no solamente fue un guía sino una gran amiga. Un servició 10/10 rating. Porque Isabel lo hizo mágico. Es más que un guía es un ángel de compañía. Gracias Dios, gracias Perú, gracias Machu Picchu, y gracias Isabel por los lindos recuerdos! Hasta pronto… amén.

Quenia S

July 23, 2025

Incrível! Experiência única mediada por nosso guia Percy e equipe!

Fazer o Caminho dos Incas estava a muito tempo nos planos da nossa família. Tivemos a grande sorte de ter uma experiência única com o nosso guia Percy! O Caminho é exigente, mas Percy consegue unir tudo que importa: atenção aos detalhes, talento, generosidade e carisma. Tudo que se pode esperar de um guia…ele ultrapassa e muito! Só agradecer por todo cuidado e atenção! Foi uma escolha certeira fazer a viagem com a Inka Trail! Além disso, a equipe que acompanha é muito simpática e solícita e a comida do chef Richard foi sempre surpreendente.