Sacred Valley of the Incas

Starting at 7:30 a.m., we’ll pick you up at your hotel to begin the tour.
Before we leave, be sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast.

If you spent the night in Aguas Calientes, check out and leave your luggage at the hotel front desk, bringing only a small, lightweight backpack for your comfort.

Our first stop will be at the impressive Pisaq Archaeological Complex.

This complex of Inca ruins was an important agricultural, religious, and military center, famous for its extensive agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and the Intihuatana, the sundial used for astronomical observations.

In addition to its historical significance, the site offers spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.

After the visit, we’ll continue on to the small town of Urubamba, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by the landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

After lunch, we’ll continue for about 30 minutes to the small town of Ollantaytambo, a charming Inca town that still retains its narrow streets and stone houses.

There, we’ll visit the imposing Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex, which served as a military fortress, religious center, and agricultural hub. Its massive walls, ceremonial temples, and impressive terraces showcase the grandeur of Inca engineering, while also offering spectacular views of the valley and the Andes Mountains.

For guests continuing on to Aguas Calientes:

After your visit to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, you’ll have two options: head to the train station to wait for your train, or spend a little more time exploring the town or the ruins (be sure to keep your backpack handy).

Ollantaytambo is a charming little town where you can stroll through its cobblestone streets and soak up the Inca atmosphere before your journey.

We only ask that you be at the train station 30 minutes before departure.

The train ride to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 2 hours, passing through breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley until you reach the charming little town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, simply exit the station to meet our representative, who will accompany you to the hotel and provide all the details for the following day: the long-awaited visit to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park.

For guests returning to Cusco:

After visiting the ruins of Ollantaytambo, we’ll continue on a journey of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to Chinchero, an authentic Andean village rich in history, culture, and living traditions.

In Chinchero, we’ll visit its Archaeological Complex, known as the “Land of the Rainbow,” where you’ll find impressive Inca terraces, a ceremonial center, and a colonial church built atop ancient Inca structures, representing the fusion of two cultures.

In addition, Chinchero is famous for its textile traditions, where local families still preserve ancestral techniques for spinning and dyeing alpaca wool.

At the end of the visit, we’ll return to the city of Cusco on a trip lasting approximately 50 minutes. We’ll end the day with unforgettable memories of this experience.

We’ll drop you off at Plaza Regocijo, just a short walk from the charming Plaza de Armas.

WHY VISIT THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS?

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Sacred Valley was the heart of the Inca Empire. Exploring its towns, archaeological sites, and traditions helps you understand the context in which Machu Picchu was built.
By visiting places like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, you gain a more complete picture of the grandeur of Inca civilization.

STUNNING LANDSCAPES
The route is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and agricultural terraces that showcase the ingenuity of the Incas in harmony with nature.
It is a journey that combines archaeology, living culture, and dazzling natural landscapes.

ACCLIMATIZATION TO ALTITUDE
Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 m, while the Sacred Valley averages 2,800 m. Traveling through the valley before reaching Machu Picchu helps the body acclimate gradually, making the trip more comfortable.

ENGAGEMENT WITH LOCAL CULTURE
Traditional markets, artisan communities, and villages that still preserve ancestral customs and crafts allow you to experience living Andean culture up close.

COMPLEMENTING THE MACHU PICCHU EXPERIENCE
Machu Picchu is the highlight, but exploring the Sacred Valley first provides a “common thread” that ties the entire journey together.
Thus, upon arriving at the citadel, the experience is even more profound, as you already have a better understanding of the site’s spiritual, political, and strategic significance.

👉 The Sacred Valley is THE ideal GATEWAY to Machu Picchu!
A place where history, culture, and nature converge, preparing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey’s highlight: the discovery of the Lost City, MACHU PICCHU.