Spend a full day tracing Inca ingenuity across the Sacred Valley — from Chinchero’s weaving houses to Moray’s agricultural circles and the salt pans of Maras. This small-group tour offers close-up history, sweeping Andean views, and the option to end at Ollantaytambo train station.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn in the Andes arrives cold and sharp: the van slips out of Cusco as a low sun cuts across terraced slopes and thin mountain air that seems to push back at first breath. By midmorning you stand at a family-run weaving house in Chinchero where alpacas and guinea pigs patrol the courtyard, threads of indigo and cochineal clicking under a practiced hand. The day moves like a measured Inca calendar — experiments in agriculture at Moray, geometric pools of salt at Maras daring your camera, and the stone streets of Ollantaytambo that once barred invaders.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking ability; must handle several short climbs and uneven ground at high altitude
Wildlife
History
Moray’s concentric terraces served as an Inca agricultural laboratory for crop adaptation; Ollantaytambo functioned as a strategic fortress and administrative center during Inca times.
Conservation
The terraces, salt pans and textile traditions are fragile — stick to marked paths, avoid touching archaeological masonry, and support local families by buying authentic textiles sustainably.
Reserve your spot on the The best tour to the Sacred Valley: 1 day of history and Inca landscapes today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimate before the tour
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco to reduce altitude sickness; take it slow on the first day and hydrate before departure.
Bring sun protection
High-altitude sun is strong—use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Sturdy shoes for cobbles
Expect uneven stone streets and short dirt trails at terrace sites—supportive shoes with grip help prevent slips.
Carry small local currency
Bring soles for small purchases at markets and for restroom fees in remote stops.
Supportive walking shoes
Grip and ankle support for cobbled streets and short dirt trails.
Layered clothing and wind shell
Mornings and afternoons vary—layers regulate temperature and a windproof shell blocks cold Andean gusts.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Hydration is critical at altitude; a 1–1.5 L bottle keeps you topped up between stops.
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
High-altitude UV is intense year-round—protect skin and eyes during open-terrace visits.