Sacred Valley: A one-day tour of Pisac and Ollantaytambo archeological sites

Sacred Valley: A one-day tour of Pisac and Ollantaytambo archeological sites

Full- Day Duration
1 - 12 Pax Group Size
3,400 m s. n. m / 11,100 Ft Max. Altitude
Moderate – Easy Difficulty

Overview

Embark on a journey over the Andes, where you'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes steeped in history. This full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas uniquely blends gastronomy, history, adventure, and local community heritage, promising unforgettable experiences you won't find anywhere else.

Itinerary

Day 01

Full Day

Early in the morning, our highly knowledgeable local expert tour guide, with years of experience and a deep understanding of the region, will be at your hotel to start the adventure. You'll be driven over the Andes, exploring the most amazing landscapes, with the first stop looking out at the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enjoy the history and photos afterward, continue the tour deep into the Valley, approaching Pisac's archeological side to discover the history; continue the experience visiting a colorful market of Pisac; lunch will be served at the most recommended local restaurant on the way, after lunch explore Ollantaytambo the main fortress of the Sacred Valley Living Museum by Unesco since 1983, explore the colorful town and the most incredible archeology monument, late evening back to Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel end of the tour.

What's Included

Included
  • Private transportation
  • Local expert tour guide
  • Lunch
  • First Aid kit
  • Oxygen Balloon
  • Entrance fee to every side
  • 24/7 assistance.
Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks
  • Hotel

Recommendations

You deserve to experience the ancient wonders of Peru without feeling rushed, exhausted, or overwhelmed. By preparing correctly for this high-altitude exploration, you will maximize your comfort, capture the most spectacular photos, and enjoy every single historical site at your own natural pace.

  • Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 24 to 48 hours before your scheduled departure to ensure your body adjusts safely to the 3,400 meters (11,100 feet) elevation.
  • Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes with deep tread to guarantee a safe grip on the steep, ancient stone steps of both archaeological complexes.
  • Dress in strategic layers (a breathable base layer, a warm fleece, and a windproof jacket) to stay comfortable as the Andean temperature shifts rapidly throughout the day.
  • Pack a high-quality rain poncho in your daypack, as mountain weather can change instantly, regardless of the season.
  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the intense UV rays at high elevations.
  • Carry plenty of cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) in small denominations, since the local artisans at the Pisac Market rarely accept credit cards.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated all day, which is the easiest way to prevent altitude-related headaches.
  • Keep a fully charged power bank with you to ensure your camera or phone never runs out of battery during those breathtaking mountain lookouts.
  • Chew local coca leaves or suck on coca candies, which are traditional remedies that naturally help maintain your energy levels during physical movement.

Prepare your camera with extra storage to capture the sweeping agricultural terraces and the massive stone structures of the Ollantaytambo living fortress.

Additional Information

Your physical safety, comfort, and logistical peace of mind are our absolute priorities from the moment we greet you in the morning until we drop you off at night. To ensure a seamless travel experience, please review these operational, medical, and regional guidelines before your adventure begins.

  • Complimentary hotel pick-up is included for all centrally located accommodations in Cusco; please wait in your lobby at the confirmed time to keep our schedule on track.
  • Private transportation is fully equipped with a certified oxygen cylinder and a comprehensive first aid kit to handle any altitude-related needs instantly.
  • Your certified tour guide is a local historical expert who holds a professional degree in tourism and is fully trained in mountain safety protocol.
  • All primary entrance tickets are pre-purchased and covered by your booking fee, allowing you to bypass long queues at the checkpoint gates.
  • Group sizes are strictly limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring you receive personalized attention and an intimate, premium experience.
  • The physical difficulty level is moderate-to-easy, meaning you should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, stone stairs, and gentle dirt slopes.
  • A delicious, high-quality buffet lunch is served at a carefully vetted, hygienic local restaurant in the valley, highlighting fresh regional ingredients.
  • Special dietary requirements (including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and specific food allergies) are accommodated with ease if you notify us at booking.
  • Gratuities for your driver and guide are entirely voluntary and are not included in your tour price, though they are highly appreciated for exceptional service.

Comprehensive personal travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your vacation investment against unexpected flight changes or health events.

Frequently Asked Questions

You do not have to let high-altitude anxiety keep you from exploring these magnificent historic sites. Our vehicles are fully prepared to support you through the valley's maximum altitude of 3,400 meters (11,100 feet). Your tour guide is trained in wilderness first aid and monitors your physical comfort continuously, ensuring a gentle, natural pace that lets your body adjust safely.

  • A certified medical oxygen tank is securely kept inside our private vehicle at all times for immediate, refreshing relief.
  • A fully stocked first aid kit with specific altitude-combating remedies is carried by your guide on every single trail.
  • A flexible, unhurried hiking pace is maintained throughout the day, allowing you to climb the terraces at your own comfort level.
  • Constant hydration breaks are built into the schedule to help your body adapt naturally to the elevation.

You will never have to worry about hidden surcharges, unexpected ticket lines, or last-minute cash demands at the entry gates. Your booking includes every single municipal and historical entrance fee required for the entire itinerary, allowing you to walk right past the ticket booths and focus entirely on the history.

  • Pre-secured tourist tickets (Boleto Turístico) are completely handled by our team before we pick you up.
  • Full entry coverage is provided for the extensive ruins of both the Pisac archaeological complex and Ollantaytambo.
  • Express entry access means you skip the ticket sales queues, saving you valuable time for actual exploration.
  • Zero hidden administrative fees, ensuring the price you pay at booking is 100% final and transparent.

You can easily enjoy this tour if you possess a basic level of physical fitness, as the overall physical demand is rated as moderate-to-easy. While both historical complexes require climbing ancient stone staircases, your guide will tailor the walking speed to match your comfortable flow. You will never be pushed to hike faster than you feel comfortable with.

  • Well-paved, maintained stone pathways make navigating the archaeological complexes straightforward and safe.
  • Strategic rest stops are positioned at the most scenic overlooks, allowing you to catch your breath while taking photos.
  • Customizable route variations are available at both ruins if you prefer to avoid the highest staircases.
  • Sturdy handrails and wide paths are present along the main historic sectors to help you maintain easy balance.

You will enjoy a highly rated culinary experience at a clean, professional restaurant that meets the highest international food safety standards. We select dining venues that use purified water and fresh ingredients, ensuring you eat delicious, safe meals that fuel your day. If you have specific dietary needs, we coordinate directly with the chefs to ensure your safety.

  • A rich regional buffet offers a wide variety of safe hot dishes, salads, local meats, and international options.
  • Complete dietary modifications are readily available for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-allergy diets.
  • Vetted hygiene standards ensure that all vegetables are washed in safe water and all dishes are cooked to perfection.
  • A relaxing, comfortable dining environment provides the perfect mid-day break to sit back and recharge.

You deserve a peaceful, deep connection with these sacred spaces rather than fighting through walls of tourist buses. Our small-group structure—strictly capped at 12 participants—allows us to move dynamically and time our arrivals to bypass the busiest peak hours. This gives you cleaner photos and a quiet, respectful atmosphere to absorb the history.

  • Early-morning hotel departures place us ahead of the massive commercial bus tours leaving Cusco.
  • Smart route planning at Pisac allows us to explore the ruins before the mid-day market crowds arrive.
  • Expertly timed site visits ensure we access the main sectors during their quietest daylight windows.
  • An intimate group size of 1-12 people makes it easy to move quickly and hear your guide without distraction.

You will be accompanied by a passionate, university-educated local guide who holds an official, government-registered tourism license. Our guides do not simply recite dry dates and numbers; they share authentic insights into Andean heritage, engineering, and modern local traditions. They communicate with absolute clarity, ensuring a fun and easy-to-understand learning experience.

  • Officially licensed guides registered with the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (DIRCETUR).
  • Excellent English and Spanish fluency, allowing for effortless conversations and deep questions.
  • In-depth local knowledge regarding the unique agricultural systems, stone masonry, and astronomy of the Incas.

A warm, attentive personality focused on checking in on your physical comfort and pacing throughout the day.

You can rest completely during the drives because your safety on the mountain roads is backed by strict transport regulations. We utilize modern, climate-controlled private vehicles that undergo professional daily maintenance checks and are driven by certified professional drivers. You will travel in clean, spacious comfort with plenty of legroom.

  • Fully insured, modern private vehicles (such as Mercedes-Benz Sprinters or premium sedans) with official tourist licenses.
  • Professional, defensive drivers who specialize exclusively in navigating the high Andean mountain roads safely.
  • Comfortable, private interior seating equipped with reliable seatbelts, active air conditioning, and panoramic windows.
  • Continuous communication systems inside the vehicle to keep us in touch with our base operations 24/7.

You can easily customize your travel plans because we offer complete flexibility for your journey. If you plan to board a train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo or stay in the valley after the tour, you can bring your luggage with you. We will store it safely in our private transport and drop you off directly at your hotel door.

  • Secure luggage storage is provided inside our spacious vehicle throughout the entire day of touring.
  • Hassle-free drop-off at any hotel located in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or anywhere along the valley floor.
  • Seamless connection planning to coordinate your drop-off perfectly with your evening train departure times.
  • No additional drop-off fees, keeping your logistics simple, affordable, and stress-free.

You do not need to worry about wet weather changing your travel experience, as we are fully prepared to adapt the day for rain. The rainy season turns the Andes exceptionally green and beautiful, and we keep you safe and comfortable by adjusting our paths and utilizing covered areas during heavy downpours.

  • Flexible itinerary adjustments allow us to explore indoor craft spaces or local museums during sudden showers.
  • Safety-first trail navigation avoids any slippery pathways, prioritizing secure stone steps and reliable routes.
  • Onboard rain protection gear and large umbrellas are always available inside our private vehicle.
  • Direct vehicle pick-ups at the exit gates minimize the time you spend walking out in the rain.

You will feel incredibly prepared and confident by bringing a few simple personal items to handle the changing mountain microclimates. Staying comfortable in the high-altitude sun and cool mountain breezes is easy when you carry the right gear. We recommend keeping your daypack light so you can climb the ruins effortlessly.

  • Sun protection items including premium SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry during unexpected high-altitude rain showers.
  • A reusable water bottle filled with fresh water to combat high-altitude dehydration.

Small cash denominations (Soles) for purchasing high-quality handwoven textiles directly from the local artisans.