SACRED VALLEY TOUR

Full Day

The SACRED VALLEY TOUR explores the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, which was of great significance in Inca Culture.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas has a milder climate and lower elevation than Cusco and visits a succession of picturesque villages, agricultural terraces, and archaeological sites. This region is exceptionally beautiful so be ready with your camera. This tour is the classic/traditional Sacred Valley tour where you will see the main sites (Pisac, Urubamba, Chincheros, Ollantaytambo) in one very full day. In addition to the sites we visit on this tour there are other sites of interest in the Sacred Valley that can be visited separately (Maras, Moray & Salineras, Tipon, Pikillacta, & Andahuaylillas). We recommend an overnight in the Sacred Valley in order to truly appreciate and soak up the relaxed atmosphere here. This tour can also be added on to the Machu Picchu Train tour or any Trek for the complete Cusco experience!

Minimum passengers necessary for tour departure: 2 people (small group, 1 person or private/custom treks possible with extra fee). Maximum trekkers per group: 10 people (special, private party groups can exceed maximum).

The Nitty Gritty Tour Details

Highlights

Incredible scenery, Inca ruins, Pisac, Urubamba, Chincheros, Ollantaytambo

Location/Terrain

Gentle trails/roads, dirt paths, grassy fields, ruin sites, a few short climbs

Acclimatization

A great way to acclimatize to Cusco’s altitude in prep for a trek

Duration

Full day tour

Distance

30-40 minutes gentle walking at each site

Altitude

2800m/9,186ft to 3780m/12,402ft

Adventure Rating

★★☆☆☆
easy, gentle walk, stone steps

Solitude Rating

★★☆☆☆
Touristy, but a must not miss tour!

When to Go

Year round

Departures

Daily departures with 2 or more people

Prices USD

6-10 guests: 100, 3-5 guests: 110, 2 guests: 125 (per person)

Customizable

Yes! Private, custom, add-ons all available. Can add this on to any trek or tour

Itinerary for Sacred Valley Tour

You will be collected from your hotel in Cusco at 8:30am and driven via private transport to 4 local communities in the Sacred Valley. From Cusco it is just over one hour to our first stop, the local community called Pisac. In Pisac you will be guided through the ruins above the town and have a chance to explore the incredible Pisac Market (biggest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays). After Pisac you will be driven for one more hour to Urubamba where you will have time for lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. Following lunch we depart again for 25 minutes to Ollantaytambo to explore the ruins there. We drive for another hour and twenty minutes to reach Chincheros where we will see the local colonial church and a little market. After we are finished exploring we return to Cusco via our private transport (one hour). You will be returned to your Cusco hotel at approximately 6:00pm.

  • Meeting point: your hotel in Cusco
  • Tour departure: approximately 8:30am
  • Tour finish time: approximately 6:00pm
  • Daily departures with 2+ people
  • Prices in USD:
    • 100/person for 6-10 guests
    • 110/person for 3-5 guests
    • 125/person for 2 guests
    • solo guest, custom tours, large private group tours welcome! prices upon request

Itinerary for Tour when combined with Machu Picchu Train tour

You will be collected from your hotel in Cusco at 8:00am and driven via private transport to 3 local communities in the Sacred Valley. From Cusco it is just over one hour to our first stop, the local community called Pisac. In Pisac you will be guided through the ruins above the town and have a chance to explore the incredible Pisac Market (biggest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays). After Pisac you will be driven for one more hour to Urubamba where you will have time for lunch in a restaurant of your choosing. After lunch we depart again for 25 minutes to Ollantaytambo to explore the ruins here. After the tour you will be taken to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will take the train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Once in Aguas Calientes you will be taken to a hotel for your overnight stay. Please see the Machu Picchu Train Tour listed under “Tours” for the remainder of the tour description in Machu Picchu. This combined tour does not visit Chinchero due to timing and location of the community.

 

  • Meeting point: your hotel in Cusco
  • Tour departure: 8:00am
  • Tour finish time: 2:00pm then on to Aguas Calientes for the Machu Picchu portion of the tour
  • Daily departures with 2+ people
  • Price: please see the Machu Picchu Train Tour for prices

Included in Full Day Sacred Valley Tour

  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
  • Private Transport to Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and back to Cusco
  • 
Professional English-speaking guide

 who will provide the guided tour
  • 1 Day Tourist Ticket for sites included in this tour
  • Bottle of water and snacks

Included in Sacred Valley Tour when combined with Machu Picchu Train Tour

  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
  • Private Transport to Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and on to Aguas Calientes as part of the train tour
  • 
Professional English-speaking guide

 who will provide the guided tour
  • 1 Day Tourist Ticket for sites included in this tour
  • Bottle of water and snacks
  • See Machu Picchu Train Tour for full inclusion details

Dietary needs: Can cater to any dietary need, just let us know! 

Customizations: are very welcome! Just contact us! 

 

  • Items of a personal nature and souvenirs
  • Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
  • Tip for your guide(s) are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your tour
  • Lunch in Urubamba (we find that people prefer to choose their own restaurant as there are many choices and people have different preferences)
  • Pick up/drop off from non-Cusco central based hotels (incurs an extra fee)

The Cusco City tourist ticket included on this tour is for 1 DAY and includes the sites seen on this tour only. If you plan to stay in Cusco for several days and/or plan to do several tours you can upgrade to the 10 day tourist ticket when you book your tour.

The 10 day tourist ticket includes the following sites:

  • Sacsayhuaman
  • Q’enko
  • Puca Pucara
  • Tambomachay
  • Pisac Ruins
  • Ollantaytambo Ruins
  • Chinchero
  • Tipon
  • Pikillacta
  • Moray
  • Cusco Center of Native Art (Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo)
  • Inca Pachacuteq Monument/Museum (Monumento Pachacuteq)
  • Qoricancha Museum (Museo de Sitio de Qoricancha)
  • Contemporary art museum (Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo)
  • Popular Art Museum (Museo de Arte Popular)
  • Regional History Museum (Museo Historico Regional)

Note that this ticket does not include:

  • Qoricancha aka the Santo Domingo Complex (10 soles entry fee)
  • Main Cathedral (25 soles entry fee)
  • Maras (10 soles entry fee)
  • Andahuaylillas (10 soles entry fee)
  • Salineras aka Salt Mines (10 soles entry fee)
    • Entry fees are subject to change

Typically people visit these sites in specific groupings, for example:

What To Bring

  • Daypack
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Face coverings/masks (for COVID19 pandemic regulations)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Camera
  • ISIC card if you are a student
  • Rain gear and warm jacket in the event of inclement weather
  • Good shoes for walking over pavement and dirt paths
  • Money for souvenirs, tipping, extra snacks (Note: foreign money must be in perfect condition with no rips, tears, or marks, as no one in Peru will accept less than pristine bills)
  • COVID19 negative test result (currently within 72 hours of departure) and eventually will likely need a COVID19 vaccination card

Cusco often experiences all seasons in one day so it is a good idea to take a warm hat and gloves as well as a sun hat when you leave in the morning in order to be prepared for all weather.  

DIETARY NEEDS

Yes, we do cater to any dietary restriction. We have had many people join our trips who are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and have various other intolerances and/or allergies. Just inform us well in advance of your specific needs!

WHEN TO GO & DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY

Year-round, though the best weather is usually seen between March/April to November (or dry season). This tour is rated as easy to moderate as it involves gentle walking at each site. This is a great acclimatizing day tour as it is gentle walking at a lower altitude than Cusco. Please note if the weather is very poor the trail could be dangerous and we may have to cancel the trip and may be able to substitute another day hike or day tour instead, depending on the circumstances.

PRICES

Prices in USD:

  • 100/person for 6-10 guests
  • 110/person for 3-5 guests
  • 125/person for 2 guests
  • solo guest, custom tours, large private group tours welcome! prices upon request
WHAT TO CARRY - DAYPACK

On the tour you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, hand sanitizer, face mask, cold weather clothing and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season – May to October) and anything you will need during the tour. A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “what to bring” tab above. Yes we do offer luggage storage and most hotels/hostels in Cusco also offer this service.

COVID 19 PRACTICES

We take your health and that of our staff very seriously. We adhere to the recommended rules as outlined by the Peruvian Government, including border closures, trail closures, face-covering orders, quarantine orders, negative COVID19 test results, and the eventual need for proof of COVID19 vaccination. We have instituted a number of increased hygiene precautions for food preparation and treks/tours outlined below. Face coverings will be worn at all times by the guide/staff and are required of guests in towns and ruin sites and anywhere else it is mandated per Peruvian rules. Social distancing will be observed to the best of our ability, especially along the trail if you wish to remove face coverings while hiking. Increased hand hygiene will be practiced and temperatures checked daily. Anyone exhibiting COVID19 symptoms will need to self-quarantine.

Machu Picchu has been declared a Safe Travels destination. In line with the good news that Peru is opening to a wider range of international visitors, we have updated our safety protocols to help keep you safe while you are travelling with us. 

Trips will take place in small groups (8 people per group, including guide), and according to the instructions we receive from the Ministry of Tourism. All of our transport will continue to be private services. 

Our guides, drivers, and representatives:

  • Will wear masks and use antibacterial gel at all times
  • Will be monitored continuously with temperature and symptom checks. If anyone has symptoms, they will be obliged to rest and recover, and substituted with other staff members

We will ensure social distancing by:

  • Keeping 1-meter distance between passengers when boarding vehicles.
  • Restricting physical contact between our staff and customers. 

To add to your packing list:

  • Cloth or medical face masks
  • Face shields
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
  • Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces
  • Digital thermometer

We recommend the following steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

  • Always maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others
  • Avoid crowds
  • Wear a face mask and a face shield
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Do not travel if you are feeling sick
  • Disinfect your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds
  • If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry

With our updated protocol, we hope to offer you a safe stay without compromising on our excellent service. We will continue adapting our standards according to the recommendations of health experts.

The Inca Trail 2D is open again as of Nov 2020 with a capacity of 150 people per day (down from 500).

We do not have confirmation as yet for the Classic Inca Trail 4D but we will keep you posted.  There are vulnerable communities along this trail and they are being closely monitored by the Peruvian Government.

The minister has informed that only 675 people will be allowed inside Machu Picchu per day, which is 30% of its capacity pre-pandemic.

Visitors will enter in groups of 8, with a tour guide, and will need to maintain a distance of 1.5-2 meters apart. Visitors will only be permitted entry when accompanied by a professional guide and have their tickets booked through a registered travel agent, such as Killa Expeditions. 

All of the above information is subject to change. Right now Peru has opened its borders to most countries but we recommend checking specifics for your country as these are updated regularly. 

Wishing you happy and safe travels!

Blog Post: https://killaexpeditions.com/covid-19-travel-safety-protocols-with-killa-expeditions/ 

PAYMENT & PASSPORT INFO

Deposit: The entire day hike cost will be charged to your card when you book the trip. 50% of this is non-refundable.

Payment of Balance: The balance of the tour is due 60 days prior to departure and will be auto-debited via the booking software system on that date. If you wish to pay early, or use a different card to the one you have on file, you may do so by clicking on the reservation number in your confirmation email and entering the pin that was provided to you in the original confirmation email. If you wish to make other arrangements (e.g. pay cash in Cusco), please contact us. Please note if you book your trip within 60 days of departure, the balance of the trek will be auto-debited the next day. If you do not wish this to happen please contact us.

Passport: For this trek we do NOT need a photo of your passport bio page. However, as this involves international travel, please note that each traveler is responsible for knowing the re-entry rules for their country of residence/citizenship. Some countries require 6 months of passport validity beyond the final date of travel. Please ensure that your passport is up to date and meets your country and residency requirements.

Visa’s: Most countries are allowed to obtain a visa upon entry at immigration. Very few countries require a visa to be granted in advance. Please note that each traveler is responsible for finding out and obtaining a visa prior to entry if required. Please also note that tourist visas are for 90 days or less (typically) and you must show proof of return travel.

BOOKING TERMS/CANCELLATION

Please review our booking terms carefully.

  • The minimum number of trekkers required for departure is 6 for the price quoted online. If the minimum is not met within 2 weeks of departure, Killa Expeditions reserves the right to offer the 1-2 paid trekkers the option of 1) paying the difference to take a private trek, 2) transferring their payment to another trek with more trekkers booked, or 3) cancel the trek and provide a full refund. Please contact us with questions.
  • At the time of booking the entire day hike cost is charged. This is required to secure your spot on the tour and 50% is non-refundable. The balance of the trip (if any) is due within 60 days of departure 
  • Cancellations: Initial deposit is non-refundable. You may cancel your booking by notifying Killa Expeditions or Agent used and the applicable cancellation fees shall be determined based on when the request is received by Killa Expeditions or Agent. (a) Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of the first Product to depart in relevant booking: 60% of the Product total shall be refunded to you (Inca Trail excepted where 25% of the Inca Trail product total shall be refunded to you). (b) Cancellation received 59-30 days before departure of first Product to depart in relevant booking: an amount equal to 25% of the total Product shall be refunded to you. (Inca Trail excepted where no refund is payable). (c) Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first Product to depart in relevant booking: no refund shall be payable to you.
  • Travel Medical Insurance: is required to depart on any trek (including emergency evacuation coverage and high altitude hiking). We also suggest travel interruption insurance in the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Killa Expeditions is not responsible for losses incurred due to any travel interruption (ex: weather/natural phenomena, missed/delayed/canceled flight, acts of war/terrorism, pandemics/epidemics, strikes, etc.), passport, visa, family emergency, or illness/medical issues.
  • Please be advised that due to COVID19 pandemic and any subsequent variants – there may be border closures, quarantine measures, changes in entry requirements, etc. We will do our best to change your trek to a different date if issues arise that are outside of our control on our end. Please note you may also be required to show proof of a negative COVID19 test within 72 hours of departure and potentially a vaccination card once vaccines are widely available. As these terms change we will alert travelers to the new regulations.
  • For Full Terms and Conditions please see the policy linked at the bottom of our website in the footer. It is also available to read during the checkout process. https://killaexpeditions.com/terms-conditions-peru/
DONATING/VOLUNTEERING

Helping Local Children or Andean People (Optional) Along certain treks we may encounter some local children and Andean people.  If you wish to lend a helping hand you may bring some clothes, toys, books and school equipment (used or new), toiletries and other essentials, and new/sealed medication for a variety of ailments.  You will be rewarded with their gratitude and beautiful smiles. Please do not give candy or sweets as they do not have access to dental/medical care and tooth decay can lead to serious illness.

For those who wish to help but take a trek that does not pass local people or villages you can leave your donated items with a Killa Expeditions representative and we will distribute them to one of the local communities that we support.  You can also set up a day to visit a local community to donate your items personally! There are a variety of other ways in which to lend a helping hand to local communities (charity events, building schools, and much more). We support several local communities so if interested please get in touch!

WHY CHOOSE KILLA EXPEDITIONS?

ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY  Our mission is to provide exceptional treks, tours, and adventure trips with a strong commitment to environmentally responsible, sustainable, ethical, and socially conscious travel. During our trips, we make every effort to minimize negative impacts and maximize the benefits to the local people and natural environments we visit. We pay fair, livable wages, ensuring we hire and maintain the absolute best guides and support staff. We are committed to international sustainable tourism guidelines and have developed ongoing community projects and charity events supporting 4+ local Andean communities.

EXCELLENCE We pride ourselves on providing 5 star service before, during, and after your trip. Killa Expeditions is dedicated to excellent customer service and adventure experiences. We have been awarded the 2017, 2018 & 2019 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence!

QUALITY When trekking through rugged mountain terrain, at high altitudes, with unpredictable weather, it is essential to have the best equipment available. We provide Mountain Hardwear 4 season tents (3 season for Inca Trail due to warmer weather), extra thick mattress pads, dry bags for your overnight gear, and more, to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.

NO HIDDEN COSTS Our treks and tours are truly 5 star and all inclusive. We do not charge extra to “upgrade” as we offer the best option included in the price already. There are no hidden meal costs, we are transparent about all inclusions, and best of all no booking fees!

SMALL GROUPS Our groups average about 8 guests per departure, and are typically a mix of solo travellers, friends travelling together, and couples, all of varying ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Come prepared to make lots of new best friends. If you book a custom/private large group we provide 1 guide per 8 travelers, ensuring a small group feel and specialized attention.

GOURMET Only the best, quality ingredients are selected from local farmers. Our chefs prepare a specially designed menu to maximize energy and facilitate acclimatization.  And the dishes, a mix of traditional Peruvian cuisine and contemporary cuisines, are delicious too! And yes, we cater to any dietary need.

PERSONALIZED We can customize any trek or tour to suit your travel, fitness, budget, and time preferences. Got a corporate or work shindig, charity group, or other major event you’d like to book a trek or tour for? Get in touch, we can arrange everything for you!

LEAVE NO TRACE Our trips leave behind nothing but smiles and footprints, as it should be.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE We love our planet, which is why we reduce, reuse and recycle. Our gear is reusable (no paper or plastic plates/cups/utensils), we buy local goods that do not come in paper/plastic wrapping, and we recycle everything we can. This is not the norm in Peru but we hope to help it become the norm one day soon!

PASSIONATE All of our employees are passionate about what they do. Who wouldn’t be with majestic mountains and never-ending vistas as your office! We are proud to offer our guides and staff the highest wages.

WE GIVE BACK We buy locally produced food, hire native tour guides, and book locally owned hotels and restaurants whenever possible. We hold numerous charity events throughout the year in various traditional Andean communities. Events often involve distributing food, drinks, daily essentials (such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and more), toys for the children, shoes and clothes donated by many of our wonderful guests, and we are currently raising funds to finish building a school in the Willoc Community.  Ask us about how you can help!

For further information about us please see the following links:

Equipment: learn about why we provide the best! https://www.killaexpeditions.com/our-equipment/

Our Team: meet some of our amazing guides! https://www.killaexpeditions.com/our-team/

Reviews – find us on Trip Advisor! Killa Expeditions Trip Advisor Page (Awarded 2017, 2018 & 2019 Certificate of Excellence)

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Don’t want to book online? Have a private group or want to build your own adventure? We can help you book over the phone. Give us a call at +1 (619) 736-TREK or drop us a line with your number and we will call you back!

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