Sacred Valley of the Incas

All briefings are done at our office at 5:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can’t pass through.

They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.

You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

Xtreme Tourbulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.

Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.

Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.

Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whose it is.

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is $20 USD per person per trek.

For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.

Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.

Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.

No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

More Information About the Weather

When traveling to Cusco, altitude sickness (soroche) is a factor to consider due to the region's high elevation. Since the air contains less oxygen, your body needs time to acclimatize. To ensure a pleasant experience, we recommend spending two days resting in the city before embarking on any tour, whether it involves sightseeing or hiking. Stay hydrated, drink the traditional coca infusion, and move at a leisurely pace; our expert guides will accompany and assist you at every stage of the journey.

The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any inclement weather will stop air traffic.

Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas full-day tour is an unforgettable journey through Peru's most historic and breathtaking valley, located just 15 kilometers from Cusco. This comprehensive day excursion takes you into the heart of the ancient Inca civilization, visiting spectacular archaeological sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, while immersing you in the vibrant local culture.

You will explore traditional markets, witness skilled artisans at work, and discover why the Incas considered this fertile valley sacred to their empire.

Your Sacred Valley adventure typically includes three major archaeological sites: Pisac, with its impressive terraced ruins and bustling traditional market; Ollantaytambo, home to the best-preserved Inca town and fortress; and Chinchero, known for its colonial church built on Inca foundations and traditional textile demonstrations.

Each site offers a unique insight into Inca architecture, agricultural techniques, and daily life, all while providing stunning views of the Urubamba River valley.

The full Sacred Valley tour usually lasts between 10 and 12 hours, starting with hotel pickup in Cusco around 7:30 AM and returning between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. This full-day experience includes transportation between sites, guided tours at each archaeological location, time for exploring markets, lunch, and photo stops at scenic viewpoints.

The duration allows you to fully appreciate each location without rushing and includes time for cultural interactions with local communities.

The ideal months for your trip to the Sacred Valley are from April to October, during Peru's dry season, when you will enjoy clearer skies and pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration. From May to September, weather conditions are most predictable with minimal rainfall.

However, the Sacred Valley is beautiful year-round, and even the rainy season (November to March) offers lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, though you should be prepared for occasional afternoon showers.

Dress in comfortable layers suitable for changing mountain weather, including a warm jacket for the morning, lightweight clothing for the midday sun, and a rain jacket just in case. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes with good grip, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes. Don't forget to bring cash for market purchases, optional activities, and tips for your guide and driver.

Yes, the Sacred Valley full-day tour is designed for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. While each archaeological site involves moderate walking, the terrain is generally accessible thanks to well-maintained trails. The tour includes regular rest stops and opportunities to explore at your own pace. Most sites feature easily accessible viewpoints as well as more challenging areas for those seeking extra adventure.

The Pisac market is one of Peru's most authentic and colorful traditional markets, where local artisans sell handwoven textiles, intricate jewelry, ceramics, and unique souvenirs. You can witness centuries-old trading traditions as Indigenous families from surrounding villages gather to sell their goods. The market is liveliest on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, but smaller daily markets also operate, offering great opportunities to buy authentic Peruvian crafts directly from their creators.

The Sacred Valley rests at a comfortable altitude of 2,800 meters (9,200 feet), significantly lower than Cusco's 3,400 meters (11,200 feet). In fact, most visitors feel much better in the Sacred Valley due to the lower elevation and warmer climate. However, if you are sensitive to altitude, take it easy during your first few days in Peru, stay hydrated, and consider drinking coca tea, which locals have used for centuries to combat high altitude effects.

Most Sacred Valley tours include a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes at a restaurant overlooking the beautiful Urubamba Valley. Typically, you can enjoy choices such as quinoa soup, grilled trout, roasted chicken, fresh vegetables, and local specialties prepared with ingredients grown in the fertile valley.

Vegetarian options are readily available, and the dining experience provides a perfect opportunity to rest while taking in spectacular mountain views.

Many tour operators offer customized Sacred Valley experiences, allowing you to focus on specific interests such as archaeology, textiles, photography, or cultural immersion. You can often add activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, or visits with local families for authentic cultural exchanges. Some tours also include stops at the Maras salt mines or the Moray agricultural terraces, depending on your preferences and available time.

Comfortable, modern vehicles with experienced drivers handle all transportation, including pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Cusco. The scenic drive through the Andes offers spectacular mountain views and photo opportunities at various viewpoints. Professional drivers are familiar with mountain road conditions and safety protocols, ensuring a smooth journey between the valley's archaeological sites and cultural attractions.

Shopping at Sacred Valley markets is an adventure, offering the chance to purchase authentic Peruvian textiles, alpaca wool products, handmade jewelry, and unique keepsakes. Bargaining is customary and part of the cultural experience, so feel free to negotiate prices respectfully. Always carry small denomination bills in Peruvian soles, as vendors may not have change for large bills, and remember that supporting local artisans helps preserve traditional craftsmanship.

Yes, most Sacred Valley sites require an admission fee, which may be included in your tour price or purchased separately depending on the operator. The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) covers multiple sites and is usually the most economical option for travelers planning to explore several locations. Your tour guide will inform you about current rates and assist you in purchasing tickets efficiently at each site.

Ollantaytambo is known as the "Living Inca Town" because it is the only place where descendants of the Incas still reside in original Inca homes. The massive fortress showcases incredible Inca engineering skills, featuring massive stone blocks transported from quarries across the valley. The town also serves as the main train station to Machu Picchu, making it a key travel hub and a perfect example of continuous habitation since Inca times.

Absolutely! Many travelers choose to stay overnight in the Sacred Valley to explore additional sites, enjoy peaceful evenings, or use it as a base for visiting Machu Picchu. Extended stays allow you to visit the Maras salt mines, the Moray circular terraces, or participate in community-based tourism programs. Some visitors also prefer the lower altitude and warmer weather of the valley compared to Cusco.

Your journey through the Sacred Valley includes authentic cultural encounters, such as witnessing traditional textile demonstrations in Chinchero, where skilled weavers showcase ancestral techniques passed down through generations. You will visit local markets where Indigenous families sell their produce and crafts, observe daily life in traditional Andean communities, and learn about sacred Inca beliefs linked to agricultural cycles and the valley's spiritual significance.

The Sacred Valley tour is excellent preparation for visiting Machu Picchu, as it provides historical context regarding the Inca civilization and architectural techniques seen throughout the citadel. Many travelers combine their Sacred Valley day tour with multi-day Machu Picchu packages, using Ollantaytambo as their train departure point. The lower elevation of the valley also aids in acclimatization before visiting higher-altitude locations.

The Sacred Valley offers endless photography opportunities, from dramatic mountain landscapes and ancient stone terraces to vibrant markets and traditional cultural activities. The golden late-afternoon light across the valley slopes creates a magical setting for landscape shots, while lively markets yield authentic portraits of locals in traditional attire. Your guide can suggest the best viewpoints and optimal times for capturing stunning images.

The Sacred Valley is generally accessible year-round with minimal restrictions, though some site areas may be restricted during maintenance or archaeological work. Photography is permitted in most areas, but flash photography may be limited in specific spots. Respect local customs when photographing people, especially in markets, and always ask permission before taking close-up portraits.

The Sacred Valley full-day tour offers the perfect combination of dramatic natural beauty, fascinating archaeological sites, and authentic cultural experiences, all in a single day. You will gain a deep understanding of the Inca civilization while supporting local communities through market visits and cultural exchanges.

This tour provides excellent value by combining multiple major highlights with comfortable transport and expert guides, making it an essential Peruvian experience that perfectly complements any visit to Machu Picchu.