Full Day Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero

Includes

1. Transport.
2. Professional Guide.
3. Lunch Buffet.
4. Sacred Valley entrances.

Excludes

1. Breakfast.
2. Dinner.
3. General Tourist Ticket (must be purchased separately)
4. Others not mentioned.

This Full Day Tour of the Sacred Valley begins with pickup from Cusco hotels at approximately 07:00 AM and follows a classic cultural route through some of the valley’s most representative sites. The experience is designed to combine archaeological interpretation, local markets, Andean scenery and living textile traditions in a single day.

The confirmed itinerary includes a morning visit to Pisac market and ruins around 09:00 AM, followed by a buffet lunch in Urubamba at approximately 01:00 PM. In the afternoon, the tour continues to the Ollantaytambo fortress around 03:00 PM and then to Chinchero and its textile center around 05:00 PM, before returning to Cusco at approximately 07:00 PM.

Before joining this Sacred Valley Tour, review the practical details that will help you enjoy the day with fewer surprises. The route is low difficulty, but it still takes place in the Andes, includes several stops, and requires being ready for a full day away from Cusco.

Acclimatization and altitude:

1. Spend at least some time in Cusco before the tour if your schedule allows, especially if you are arriving from sea level or have not traveled at altitude before.
2. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy alcohol the night before, as altitude can make fatigue, headaches or dehydration feel stronger during a full-day excursion.
3. The Sacred Valley includes different elevations throughout the route, so pace yourself when walking through archaeological areas and follow your guide’s instructions.

Fitness level and difficulty:

1. This is listed as a low-difficulty cultural tour, suitable for travelers who can walk short to moderate distances at a relaxed sightseeing pace.
2. Expect uneven stone paths, steps and open archaeological areas, especially at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
3. If you have knee, hip, respiratory or heart concerns, check with your doctor before traveling and let the tour team know about any relevant limitations.

Documents and permits:

1. Carry your passport or a valid ID, as it may be useful for verification, purchases or entrance-related procedures.
2. The General Tourist Ticket is not included and must be purchased separately, according to the tour conditions.
3. Keep your booking confirmation accessible on your phone or printed, especially for pickup coordination from your Cusco hotel.

What is included and not included:

1. The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, buffet lunch and Sacred Valley entrances as listed by the operator.
2. Breakfast and dinner are not included, so plan to eat before pickup and bring snacks if you usually need food between meals.
3. Items not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not covered; bring extra cash for personal expenses, drinks, tips or optional purchases.

Meals and dietary restrictions:

1. A buffet lunch in Urubamba is included, which is convenient for a full-day route with several stops.
2. If you follow a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other special diet, notify the operator in advance so they can advise what may be possible.
3. Bring a personal snack if you have strict dietary needs, medical food requirements or prefer not to rely only on the buffet selection.

Weather and season:

1. Andean weather can change during the day, with sun, wind or rain possible depending on the season.
2. Use sun protection even when the day feels cool, because UV exposure can be strong at altitude.
3. Bring a light rain layer during the rainy season and a warm layer for the early morning return or late afternoon in Chinchero.

Pack light but smart for this full-day cultural route through the Sacred Valley. You will be moving between markets, archaeological sites, lunch in Urubamba and highland areas, so comfort, sun protection and easy access to essentials matter more than heavy luggage.

Documents and money:

1. Passport or valid ID: carry a physical document or official identification for general travel verification and any entrance-related checks.
2. Booking confirmation: keep it saved offline on your phone or printed for pickup coordination.
3. Cash in Peruvian soles: useful for the General Tourist Ticket, personal purchases, drinks, snacks, tips or artisan market items.
4. Small bills and coins: helpful in markets and for quick local purchases where card payments may not be practical.

Clothing and footwear:

1. Comfortable walking shoes: choose shoes with good grip for stone steps, uneven paths and archaeological areas.
2. Layered clothing: wear a breathable base layer plus a light jacket or fleece for morning and late-afternoon temperature changes.
3. Sun hat or cap: recommended for exposed areas such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
4. Light rain jacket or poncho: especially useful if traveling during months with higher chance of rain.

Trekking and day-tour gear:

1. Small daypack: enough for water, layers, documents, camera and personal items without carrying bulky luggage.
2. Reusable water bottle: helps you stay hydrated throughout the route.
3. Sunglasses: useful for bright Andean light and open viewpoints.
4. Optional walking poles: helpful only if you normally use them for stability on steps or uneven terrain.

Health and hygiene:

1. Sunscreen: apply it before departure and reapply during the day, even if it is cloudy.
2. Personal medication: bring anything you need regularly, plus basic items for headaches, motion sensitivity or stomach discomfort if appropriate for you.
3. Hand sanitizer and tissues: practical for stops, markets and public restrooms.
4. Lip balm with sun protection: helpful in dry, high-altitude conditions.

Electronics and useful extras:

1. Phone with charged battery: useful for photos, confirmations and communication.
2. Portable power bank: recommended if you use your phone for photos and navigation throughout the day.
3. Camera or extra memory space: the route includes landscapes, ruins, markets and textiles with many photo opportunities.
4. Offline access to key information: save pickup details, emergency contact numbers and your booking confirmation before departure.

Personal comfort and purchases:

1. Light snacks: useful between breakfast, lunch and the return to Cusco.
2. Reusable shopping bag: practical if you plan to buy textiles or crafts in Pisac or Chinchero.
3. Notebook or notes app: useful if you enjoy recording historical details shared by the guide.
4. A respectful attitude for local communities: ask before taking close-up photos of people or textile demonstrations.

What places are visited on this Sacred Valley Tour?

The tour visits Pisac market and ruins, Urubamba for buffet lunch, the Ollantaytambo fortress, and Chinchero with its textile center. It follows a full-day route from Cusco and returns to the city in the evening.

What time does the tour start and finish?

Pickup from Cusco hotels is scheduled for approximately 07:00 AM. The return to Cusco is planned around 07:00 PM, depending on normal route timing and daily conditions.

Is this tour difficult?

No, the tour is classified as low difficulty. However, visitors should be comfortable walking through archaeological areas with steps, stone paths and some uneven surfaces.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, the tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba. Breakfast and dinner are not included, so it is recommended to eat before the early pickup and bring a small snack if needed.

Is the General Tourist Ticket included?

No. The General Tourist Ticket must be purchased separately, according to the tour conditions. The tour also lists Sacred Valley entrances among its inclusions, so travelers should review the final booking details and carry cash for any required ticket purchase.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Cusco?

Yes, the confirmed itinerary begins with pickup from Cusco hotels at approximately 07:00 AM. Make sure your hotel information is correctly provided when booking so the pickup can be coordinated properly.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?

Yes, the itinerary includes time at Pisac market and a visit to a textile center in Chinchero, both suitable for seeing and purchasing local crafts. Bring Peruvian soles in small denominations if you plan to shop.

Is this tour suitable for travelers arriving in Cusco the day before?

Many travelers do day tours shortly after arriving, but the route takes place at Andean altitude. If you are sensitive to altitude, it is better to rest, hydrate and avoid overexertion before joining the tour.

What is not included in the Full Day Tour to the Sacred Valley?

Breakfast, dinner, the General Tourist Ticket and anything not specifically mentioned are not included. Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, tips or artisan purchases should be paid separately.