All the highlights of the Sacred Valley – ruins, scenery, charming Inca villages, and more – plus a few local secrets. The best way to get to and from Machu Picchu if you have limited time.
Pisac's fortress protects the eastern end of the Sacred Valley
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We arrived home just a couple of hours ago and I wanted to make sure that I reach out to you and let you know about our wonderful experience. We gave a rave review on Trip Advisor, but I wanted to make sure I wrote you personally to let you know that we really thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Luis was brilliant! He was so kind and funny and helped us understand so much more than we ever knew. He was charismatic and sociable with us, really the perfect tour guide! Ronald was a great driver as well. I mean, we rode a lot around Peru as passengers and Ronald was by far the best. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that Luis is the best, Roni is awesome and the tour was absolutely amazing. We had THE BEST TIME, and thank you very much!!!
– Carey W.
The trip in detail
The sunny floodplain between Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the valley of the Urubamba River is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop here is Pisac, a tiny, cobbled Inca village which is home to the largest handicraft market in the region and a huge Inca fortress. We’ll explore both, then set off through the Sacred Valley. We’ll need frequent photo stops as we pass still-working Inca terracing, irrigation canals, fertile farmland and awesome mountain vistas. Our destination for the night is Ollantaytambo, perhaps the most charming and perfectly preserved of all Inca towns, a maze of cobbled alleyways and sun-drenched plazas presided over by a spectacular, llama-shaped ruin.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included
Accommodation: Cosy, family-run hotel in Ollantaytambo
Today starts with Chinchero, a quiet little town best known for its outdoor weaving studios, terraced Inca ruin, and intricately-frescoed colonial church. Next is Moray – three massive Inca amphitheatres of incredible engineering precision and stern, magnificent beauty. Then an easy stroll (or ride in the vehicle if you prefer) through rolling farmland and views of the high Andes brings us to Salineras – a surreal and beautiful patchwork of pools and paths that still produces salt using Inca technology.
Later we’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night.
If you prefer, you can spend today and the next two days hiking the Inca Trail instead - add US$250.
Meals: All meals included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
A spectacular stone city surrounded by incredibly steep, incredibly green mountains, Machu Picchu needs no introduction and is deservedly one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
We’ll be up at sunrise so there’s time for your guide to show you around Machu Picchu’s main citadel, as well as our favourite hidden nooks and crannies, before the crowds arrive. There’s plenty more time for your own exploration of the massive, still-mysterious site, before we catch the train back to Cusco.
All accommodation (based on twin-share. Single supplement available for US$80)
All activities specified in itinerary
Dedicated Aspiring Adventures guide
All transport
Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Cusco
Entrance to all attractions specified
Extra permit to climb Huayna Picchu at Machu Picchu (if available at time of booking)
Meals as specified (two breakfasts, three lunches, two dinners)
Drinking water with included meals
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Tip for your guide(s) and driver
Luis, Aspiring Adventures Peru guide, says
The Sacred Valley is very compact and it’s possible to see all the sights, plus Machu Picchu, in three days. I can’t think of a better way to squeeze in as much of Cusco as possible if you don’t have much time.
