Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco at 7:00 AM. This is the perfect opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude while visiting some of the most iconic and spectacular sites in the Sacred Valley.
Our first stop will be Awanacancha, a unique Alpaca farm, where you can observe South American camels such as Alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos. You’ll also have the chance to see local artisans demonstrating traditional weaving techniques, providing fascinating insights into the textiles worn by the Incas. This stop offers a perfect opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs at more affordable prices than those found in Cusco’s city stores.
Next, we’ll continue to the Pisac Inca site, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. During your guided tour, you’ll explore Pisac’s vast terraces, which were once used by the Incas to cultivate crops like potatoes, quinoa, and other vital grains. You’ll also visit its ceremonial areas, where the Incas held important religious rituals to honor their gods. This site is a perfect spot for taking stunning photographs and learning about Inca agricultural innovation.
Afterward, we’ll visit the Moray Inca site, famous for its circular terraces. These terraces served as an advanced agricultural laboratory, where the Incas experimented with adapting crops to different altitudes. This fascinating site is essential for understanding the sophisticated agricultural practices of the Inca civilization, particularly their expertise in cultivating potatoes.
Our next stop will be the Salt Mines of Maras, also known as Salineras de Maras. These ancient salt pans have been in use for centuries, where salt is still harvested using traditional methods. You’ll witness how locals continue to produce salt in the same way the Incas did and learn about the cultural and economic significance of salt in ancient times.
After this, you’ll have free time for lunch (not included, but your guide will suggest great local dining options). Then, we’ll visit the Ollantaytambo Inca site, a stunning fortress town and one of the best-preserved Inca settlements. This historic site is a precursor to Machu Picchu and offers incredible views, impressive stone structures, and insight into Inca military strategy and daily life. During the guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the key areas of Ollantaytambo, including its terraces, ceremonial platforms, and defensive walls.
At the end of your Sacred Valley tour, we’ll return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. If you’re planning to take the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu the following day, we recommend staying overnight in Ollantaytambo to avoid the early 4:00 AM pick-up from Cusco. With an overnight stay, you can enjoy a more relaxed 6:00 AM departure the next morning.
Book your Sacred Valley tour today with Qoricancha Expeditions and discover the heart of the Inca Empire with the best day tour in Cusco. Explore the Sacred Valley like never before with our tailored Sacred Valley tour packages.
