A full-day loop from Cusco through the Sacred Valley—visit Chincheros, Moray’s concentric terraces, the Maras salt pans, lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo’s fortress and Pisac ruins. High-altitude history and striking Andean engineering in one long, photo-ready day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Cusco before sunrise, windows fogging as the bus climbs out of the city and into the broad incision of the Urubamba River valley. High terraces and sun-bleached stone appear, and the air thins—this is a landscape that made agriculture itself into architecture.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
13 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking ability for short uphill sections and many stairs; able to spend a long day on your feet at altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Sacred Valley was the agricultural backbone of the Inca Empire; terraces, storage sites and ceremonial platforms here supported Cusco’s population and imperial provisioning.
Conservation
Tourism concentrates on fragile terraces and salt pans—stick to marked paths, avoid touching archaeological surfaces, and buy local textiles to support community economies.
Reserve your spot on the From Cusco: Sacred Valley with Lunch today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimate first
Spend at least one night in Cusco before the tour to reduce altitude symptoms; move slowly and avoid alcohol the night before.
Cash & tickets
Carry 70 soles for the regional tourist ticket and small bills for entrance fees, snacks, or souvenirs like salt and textiles.
Footwear for stone steps
Wear sturdy, closed shoes with good tread—sites have uneven stone steps and dusty trails.
Sun protection
High-altitude UV is intense: hat, sunglasses and SPF are necessary even on cool mornings.
Layered clothing
Mornings are cold and midday can be warm—layers allow quick adjustment to sun and wind.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction and ankle support on uneven Inca steps and rocky trails.
Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
Protects against strong UV at 2,800–3,500 m elevation, especially during midday stops.
summer
Small cash & photocopies of documents
Needed for entrance fees (some paid on-site), market purchases and unexpected services.