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Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco | Best Ollantaytambo Tours
Explore the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo on the way to Cusco on a private tour with an English speaking guide
Full Day
Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco | Best Ollantaytambo Tours
Explore the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo on the way to Cusco on a private tour with an English speaking guideFull Day
Trip Length
Full Day
Likely to Sell Out
from
$ 60.00 USD p/p
Introduction
Our Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo typically includes visits to several ancient Inca sites such as Pisac, Moray, Chinchero, the Salt Mines of Maras and Ollantaytambo. This tour is perfect if you are staying in the Sacred Valley and want to make the most of your stay.
Trip Important Data
Altitude
12,139 feet.
Physical Level
1/5
Duration
Full Day
Seasson
All year round
Accomodation
None
Trip Style
Cultural
Overview
Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco – Overview
Enjoy the incomparable beauty of the Sacred Valley on an unforgettable journey that begins in Ollantaytambo and culminates in the enchanting city of Cusco. This exceptional tour through the heart of the Peruvian Andes offers a stunning immersion deep into Peru’s rich cultural and natural heritage, making it a must-do for travelers looking for a truly memorable experience.
Beginning in Ollantaytambo town, a living Inca town, steeped in history. During the tour you will visit ancient ruins, cultivated terraces and bustling markets. The spectacular scenery of the Sacred Valley, including the Sacred Urubamba River, provides a perfect backdrop for photographers.
Start your Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo, a charming ancient town located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, this town serves as the perfect starting point for your expedition. As you wander through its amazing landscapes, you’ll feel the echoes of ancient civilizations and marvel at the meticulously preserved Inca ruins that surround the area.
While delving into the Sacred Valley, you’ll have also the chance to engage with the local Andean communities and witness their vibrant traditions. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of their way of life, their connection to the land, and their enduring cultural heritage, all this and more on a full day tour of the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo.
The Sacred Valley has become a crucial point between Cusco and Machu Picchu, sites such as Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras Salt Mines, Moray and Pisac ruins are places you cannot miss during your tour.
Our Ollantaytambo day trip comes with stop-offs at scenic spot en route to witness the Andean Mountain’s beauty and visit amazing Inca sites.
This 1 day tour from Ollantaytambo must be booked even 1 day before the activity, if you booked it long before and your plans changed you can cancel it for free.
Places you will visit:
Set up your itinerary with the places you wish to visit. Each tour allows you to add up to 3 places at most according to the route we take.
- Ollantaytambo ruins
- Maras salt mines
- Moray Inca site
- Chinchero ruins
- Pisac market
- Pisac ancient ruins
Additional activities:
- The alpaca farm
- The chicha tasting
- The alpaca textile demonstration
These are extra activities offered for free to all tours. If you wish to skip any of these to spend more time at the archaeological sites just let us know when booking the tour.
Tour details:
Tour Type: Our Sacred Valley tour, which runs from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, is available in both private and group tour, as long as there are already participants for the desired travel date. If there are no other participants for that date, the tour will be offered exclusively as a private service.
Departures: Our tour leaves every day from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. The tour typically starts at 8 am although you can start in the afternoon if you wish.
Pick up Location: The Sacred Valley tour includes a convenient hotel pick-up service from your hotel in either Ollantaytambo or Urubamba.
Drop-Off location: Our tour concludes in Cusco, however if you prefer to be dropped off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo or at the Ollantaytambo train station, just let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your request.
Need to book in Advance: No really. We accept last minute reservations.
Group Size: We have designed the tour to be an intimate experience, with maximum group size limited to 6 participants. However, in the event that there are no participants for a selected tour date, we will automatically offer the tour as a private service to make sure that you can still enjoy this unique experience.
Physical Grading: ★☆☆☆☆ Our tour has an easy physical rating, it is important to note that some activities may involve walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and moderate physical exeertion.
Why you’ll love this tour
- We have very flexible crafted itineraries starting from Ollantaytambo ending in Cusco, exploring the places you want to see.
- We avoid the crowds, our tours from Ollantaytambo start at 8am and we start in the opposite direction so that we will find the places just for us before the group tours.
- Our tours from Ollantaytambo are offered in private services, this way we offer you a more personalized and tailor-made tour.
Highlight:
- Dive into the rich history of the Andes, with visits to amazing archaeological sites.
- Enjoy the bustling local markets, where you can buy authentic Peruvian traditional handicrafts.
- We offer you the convenience of hotel pick-up service in Ollantaytambo and Urubamba.
Itinerary
Option #01 Ollantaytambo - Maras Salt Ponds - Moray ruins - Chinchero Alpaca Farm
Immerse yourself in the highlights of the Sacred Valley with this unforgettable itinerary starting from Ollantaytambo. Explore the fascinating Maras Salt Flats, discover the ancient ruins of Moray, and visit the Chinchero Alpaca farm. Embark on a journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Ollantaytambo:
Begin your excursion in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Explore the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, an architectural marvel that showcases the strategic ingenuity of the Inca civilization. As you climb the steep stone terraces, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Maras Salt Ponds:
Next, venture to the captivating Salt Ponds in Maras town, a surreal landscape that has been harvested since pre-Inca times. Marvel at the intricate network of terraced salt pans, glistening in the sunlight. Learn about the traditional methods used by local families to extract salt from the underground springs and immerse yourself in the rich history of this unique place.
Chicha Tasting
Chicha is a traditional Inca beverage made from fermented corn. This drink dates back to pre-Inca civilizations, it has a long history in South America and remains an essential part of Peruvian cultures. Chicha tasting is part of our Ollantaytambo tours, we believe this is an excellent way to introduce tourists to the local culture and provide them with a unique and authentic experience. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to witness the meticulous process of making Chicha, step by step, and indulgee in two different presentations.
Moray Ruins:
Continue your adventure with a visit to the intriguing Moray ruins also in Maras town. This ancient archaeological site is known for its circular terraces, which are believed to have served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. Experience the wonder of this engineering marvel and imagine the innovative farming techniques that were developed here centuries ago.
Chinchero Alpaca Farm:
Conclude your journey with a visit to the charming Chinchero Alpaca Farm, where you’ll have the chance to interact with these gentle animals and learn about the traditional Andean textile industry. Witness the intricate process of transforming alpaca wool into beautiful textiles, and even try your hand at weaving under the guidance of skilled women artisans. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and patterns that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Places you’ll visit
- Ollantaytambo ruins
- Maras Salt Mines
- Moray ruins
- Chicha tasting
- Chinchero alpaca farm
Note: The Chinchero alpaca farm is only offered for those being dropped off in Cusco.
Option #02 Maras Salt Mines - Moray ruins - Chinchero ruins - Chinhcero Alpaca farm
This tour is perfect for those who have already visited Ollantaytambo. Our tour from Ollantaytambo starts at 8am from your hotel. We will drive you to the town of Maras (The houses in Maras town are decorated with flowered balconies and colonial doorways. The views are surrounded by a wonderful landscape of hills, colored in yellow and green and high, snow-capped peaks).
From the town of Maras we will be headed for the Salt Mines. Then we will be driving through a dirt road until we reach the archaeological site of Moray.
Finally we will visit the Quechua village of Chinchero. Here we will visit a local family where we will be given a demonstration of textiles. Then we will visit the alpaca and llama farm.
After our visit to the local family we will explore the ruins of Chinchero. Our tour ends in Cusco at approximately 2 o’clock (without lunch). For this tour it is highly recommended to have lunch at the end of the tour on your own.
Places you will visit on this tour
- Maras Salt Mines
- Moray ruins
- Chicha tasting
- Chinchero ruins
- Chinhcero alpaca farm
Note: This tour is perfect for those who will be dropped off in Cusco at the end of the tour.
Option #03 Ollantaytambo - Maras Salt Mines - Pisac
Our tour starts from your hotel in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. It is advisable to start at 8am to beat the crowds and have the sites to ourselves. Our first stop is Ollantaytambo ruins. We will visit this amazing Inca site for about 1 hour. Then we will drive to the Salineras de Maras or Maras Salt Mines.
After enjoying this place we will travel for about 2 hours to the ruins of Pisac. The ruins of Pisac are one of the most intact ancient sites in Peru and a perfect example of ingenious Inca architecture. The ruins were built on top of a mountain overlooking the small town of Pisac.
Then we will visit the alpaca farm and take you back to your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Places you will visit on this tour
- Ollantaytambo ruins
- Chicha tasting
- Maras Salt Mines
- Pisac ruins
- Pisac market
- Alpaca farm
Note:
This tour is a full day tour. The duration of the tour is from 8am to 5pm.
Lunch can be added to the tour or if you wish you can pick up something on the way or bring your own food.
The cost of the tour varies if you wish to be taken back to Ollantaytambo at the end of the tour.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR GROUP TOURS
If you decide to participate in a group tour, it is important to know that these tours are limited to a maximum of 15 participants. As these are shared experiences with other people, it is not possible to customize or modify the itinerary. Please note that pick-up times may vary and that the logistics are managed entirely by a third party company.
Inclusions
Our tours to the Sacred Valley usually include private transportation and English speaking guide, however if you wish to add any extra service to your tour you can do it up to 1 day before the tour. Or let us know when booking the tour.
Included
- English speaking guide
- Private transportation
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- 1 bottle of water ( per person)
- Taxes
No Included
- Tourist ticket (70 Peruvian soles)
- Ticket to the Salt Mines (10 Peruvian soles)
- Lunch (optional)
- Gratuities
What To Bring
We want you to take everything you need with you on your tour of the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo, so here is a list of everything you should bring on your excursion. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Jacket or coat
- T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Camera
Travel Guide
During our Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo you will visit the following places, learn a little about each place and find out what makes them so special on your tour.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a small Inka town near Cusco which forms part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The attraction of the town is that it is full of Inca ruins and artwork dating back to pre Inca times.
The ruins of Ollantaytambo are one of the last vestiges of the Inca empire.
Ollantaytambo was a stronghold when the spanish arrived, for the leader of the Inca resistance.
This Inca fortress holds a great mystery as to how it was built since such a construction was almost impossible to build on top of a hill. Ollantaytambo was destroyed many times and rebuilt in different periods from pre-Inca cultures to the Inca culture.
This Inca site is undoubtedly worth a visit, add it to your Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Maras Salt Mines
It is believed that the Salt Pans were originally built by the pre-Inca civilization
The Salt Pans of Maras are trategically dug into the mountainside from remote times, thousands of shallow pools filled with salt water coming from a mountain.
To this day, they are still mined by local families of Maras and Pichingoto.
How it works?
The salt is mined through the evaporation as the pan is filled up with salt water. When the water evaporates, local families from Maras and Pichingoto communities carefully scrape the salt crystals from the earthen surfaces.
Moray ruins
See the enigmatic Inca ruins of Moray in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Moray is one of the famous Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley. The site is best known for its three groups of circular terraces descending 490 feet (150 meters) from the highest terrace to the lowest part. Each muyu has 12 levels of terraces with the largest depression having a diameter of about 600-feet.
The ruins of Moray were at one time used as a means of agricultural experimentation.
Chinchero
Chinchero is a picturesque town located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, near Cusco. Situated at an altitude of 3,762 meters (12,340 feet), it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean mountains. The town is renowned for its rich history, Inca ruins, and traditional textiles. Chinchero was once an important Inca settlement and served as a royal estate for Inca rulers. Today, visitors can visit the remains of ancient terraces and stone walls that bear witness to its illustrious past. One of the highlights of Chinchero is its traditional textile industry, where skilled weavers create intricate and colorful textiles using age-old techniques. The town is also home to a colonial-era Catholic Church, the Church of Our Lady of Montserrat, which showcases a blend of Inca and Spanish architectural styles. Chinchero offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the Andean region.
Pisac
Pisac is a captivating town nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of Peru, approximately 33 kilometers northeast of Cusco. It is renowned for its archaeological site, and traditional market. The Pisac ruins, perched on a mountainside, feature impressive Inca terraces, intricate stone architecture, and ceremonial platforms. Exploring the site offers panoramic views of the valley below. The town itself is famous for its bustling market, where locals sell colorful textiles, handicrafts, and fresh produce. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, browse the stalls, and discover unique treasures. The surrounding landscapes of Pisac are equally breathtaking, with majestic mountains, verdant valleys. Whether it’s the archaeological wonders, the bustling market, or the natural beauty, Pisac offers a truly enchanting experience for visitors exploring the Sacred Valley.
Prices in Group Service |
|
| $ 60.00 | Contact us |
The small group tour price applies as long as there is a group and your tour date coincides with or is subject to the group tour date.
Prices in Private Service |
||
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 | $170.00 | Contact us |
| 2 | $79.00 | Contact us |
| 3 | $69.00 | Contact us |
| 4 | $60.00 | Contact us |
| 5 | $50.00 | Contact us |
Our prices for the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
This tour for being a tour not as common as most is only operated in private service, exclusive tour offered at a cheap price unlike the rest of tour operators for the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are five frequently asked questions from our clients and their corresponding answers about the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo:
What is the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo?
The Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo is a captivating excursion that takes you through the picturesque landscapes and historical sites of the Sacred Valley in Peru. Starting from the charming town of Ollantaytambo, the tour offers significant Inca ruins, such as Pisac and Moray, as well as natural wonders like the Maras Salt Ponds. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Andean landscapes.
How long does the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo typically last?
The duration of the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo can vary depending on the specific itinerary and the places you want to visit. The tour lasts a full day, typically ranging from 7 to 9 hours. This allows ample time to explore the major highlights of the Sacred Valley, including the ruins, markets, the alpaca farm and other attractions.
What are the must-visit attractions during the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo?
The Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco encompasses several must-visit attractions. These include:
Pisac Ruins: Explore the impressive archaeological site of Pisac, known for its terraces, temples, and breathtaking views of the valley.
Maras Salt Ponds: Witness the unique salt harvesting process at the Maras Salt Ponds, a mesmerizing network of terraced salt pans that have been in use since ancient times.
Moray Ruins: Discover the enigmatic Moray ruins, famous for their circular agricultural terraces that were likely used for experimental farming by the Incas.
Ollantaytambo Fortress: Visit the towering fortress of Ollantaytambo, an Inca stronghold with remarkable stone structures and commanding views of the surrounding valley.
Chinchero Village: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chinchero, known for its traditional textiles, colonial church, and archaeological site.
How can I book the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo?
To book our tour of the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo, you can contact us by email or through WhatsApp.
Is the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, the Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo can be enjoyed by individuals of various ages and fitness levels. While there are certain sites that involve climbing stairs or walking on uneven terrain, such as the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is recommended to inform us about any specific mobility concerns or requirements in advance, so we can make appropriate arrangements. Overall, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that can be enjoyed by families, solo travelers, and groups alike.
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Katie L
2023-10-19
Best Peru Tour Company
Cannot say enough great things about Tour My Peru Company. Juan Carlos is fantastic, super knowledgable, tells the best stories - both historical, and mythical (or are they!?) I have toured with them a couple of times now and they never disappoint. They are able to personalize to exactly what you're looking for, offer a more "local" experience and visit the off the beaten trail places as well as deliver an amazing trip to Machu Picchu!
Iatziri V
2023-10-17
Excelente trato y explicaciones
Excelente tour, el trato muy amable y servicial, nos sentimos cuidadas en todo momento, lo recomiendo bastante ! Quedamos encantadas mis amigas y yo
greenious
2023-10-16
Carlitos is a great guide
I did the 4-day Inca Trail with my then fiancee and friends with Carlitos as our guide. He is very knowledgable with the history of the trail and gave us technical tips on how to hike better as well. Would recommend Carlitos as your guide!
EK616
2023-10-15
Sacred Valley Tour
My friends and I took the Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo and had a great time! The pacing was perfect. Half of us had altitude sickness and the other half did not but all of us were able to enjoy our day. The tour guide was knowledgeable and very attentive. I highly recommend the tour!