Sacred Valley Full Day Tour: Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero Itinerary (2026)
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the stretch of the Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu — a string of Inca ruins, living Andean towns, colorful markets, and terraced mountainsides. A full-day tour is the most efficient way to see the highlights, and it doubles as ideal acclimatization since most of the valley sits lower than Cusco.
Here’s exactly what a Sacred Valley full-day tour covers, the realistic timeline, what it costs, and how to get the most from a packed day.
Quick Overview
- Duration: Full day, roughly 7:00 AM to 6:30–7:00 PM
- Classic stops: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero (plus lunch in Urubamba)
- Common alternative: Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras salt mines, then Ollantaytambo
- Bonus: Lower elevation than Cusco — great for acclimatizing early in your trip
- Ticket needed: the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for the archaeological sites
The Classic Full-Day Itinerary
Most full-day tours follow a version of this route. Times are approximate and depend on group pace and traffic.
| Time | Stop | What you’ll see |
|---|---|---|
| ~7:00 AM | Hotel pickup in Cusco | Depart for the valley |
| ~8:30 AM | Chinchero | Andean weaving demonstration, colonial church on Inca foundations, terraces |
| ~10:30 AM | Pisac | Hilltop Inca ruins, ceremonial terraces, valley views, artisan market |
| ~1:00 PM | Urubamba | Buffet lunch in the heart of the valley |
| ~3:00 PM | Ollantaytambo | Massive terraces, Temple of the Sun, the living Inca town |
| ~6:30–7:00 PM | Return to Cusco | Drop-off near the Plaza |
At each site you’ll usually have 45 minutes to an hour for the guided visit, photos, and a little free time.
What You’ll See at Each Stop
Chinchero
A traditional weaving village where you’ll watch the full wool process — washing, dyeing with natural pigments, and spinning — alongside Inca terraces and a striking colonial church built on Inca foundations. It’s the cultural heart of the day.
Pisac
Famous for two things: its extensive hilltop Inca ruins with ceremonial terraces and panoramic valley views, and its lively artisan market in the town below. The ruins served agricultural, religious, and strategic roles for the Inca.
Ollantaytambo
The showstopper. Often called the “Living Inca City,” it’s the only Inca town still inhabited on its original street grid. The site climbs 17 massive terraces to the Temple of the Sun, built from enormous pink granite blocks hauled across the valley. It’s also the gateway station for trains to Machu Picchu.
The Maras–Moray Variation
Many operators run an alternative full-day route swapping in Moray (the Inca’s circular agricultural terraces, thought to be an experimental crop laboratory) and the Maras salt mines (thousands of dazzling white salt pools cascading down a hillside). If these appeal to you more than Pisac, ask for the Maras-Moray version when booking.
What It Costs & Tickets You’ll Need
The main thing to know: archaeological sites require the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), which bundles entry to several valley sites. You can buy it in Cusco or at the first site you visit (often Chinchero).
A guided full-day tour typically includes transport, a guide, and hotel pickup; the tourist ticket and lunch may or may not be included, so confirm. The Maras salt mines have a separate small entrance fee not covered by the standard tourist ticket.
Why the Sacred Valley Is Perfect for Acclimatizing
Here’s an underrated reason to do this tour early: most of the valley sits at 2,800–3,000 m — several hundred meters lower than Cusco (3,400 m). Spending a day here soon after you arrive is gentler on your body than jumping straight to high-altitude hikes, and it eases you into the region before tackling something like Rainbow Mountain vs Red Valley or Humantay Lake.
It also pairs naturally with Machu Picchu: many travelers do the Sacred Valley, overnight in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes, then visit the citadel. See our Machu Picchu Full Day guide for how to combine them.
Tips for a Great Sacred Valley Day
- Start early. The classic route is full; an on-time pickup means more time at each site and fewer crowds at Pisac.
- Carry small soles. For the tourist ticket (if not included), market purchases, tips, and restrooms.
- Bring your passport or ID. Sometimes checked at sites.
- Dress in layers. Mornings are cool, midday is warm, and the sun is strong at altitude.
- Pace yourself at the ruins. There’s lots of climbing at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- Decide your route first. Classic (Pisac + Ollantaytambo + Chinchero) vs. Maras-Moray — they’re different days.
How to Book
At Viajes Peru Tour we run full-day Sacred Valley tours from Cusco with hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and a comfortable pace. Tell us whether you want the classic Pisac–Ollantaytambo–Chinchero route or the Maras-Moray version, and we’ll sort the tickets and lunch so you just enjoy the day.
Check Sacred Valley full-day tour availability →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Sacred Valley full-day tour include? The classic route covers Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero with a lunch stop in Urubamba, plus transport, a guide, and hotel pickup. A common alternative swaps in Moray and the Maras salt mines. Confirm whether lunch and the tourist ticket are included.
How long is the Sacred Valley tour? A full day — typically about 7:00 AM to 6:30–7:00 PM, depending on traffic, group pace, and your exact route.
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket? Yes, for the archaeological sites. The Boleto Turístico bundles entry to several valley sites and can be bought in Cusco or at the first stop. The Maras salt mines charge a separate small fee.
Pisac and Ollantaytambo, or Maras and Moray — which is better? Pisac and Ollantaytambo are the classic Inca ruins and markets. Moray and Maras offer the circular terraces and the photogenic salt pools. Most travelers pick one route per day; choose based on whether you prefer ruins or landscapes.
Is the Sacred Valley good for acclimatizing? Yes. Much of the valley sits lower than Cusco (around 2,800–3,000 m), so a day here early in your trip is a gentle way to adjust before high-altitude hikes.
Can I combine the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu? Absolutely. Many itineraries do the Sacred Valley, overnight in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes, then visit Machu Picchu the next day — an efficient and popular combination.
