Sacred Valley Tour Full Day

We recommend dressing as follow for the Sacred Valley Full Day Tour

• T-shirt
• A jacket
• Long pants
• Sunglasses
• Small Backpack to carry water, some snacks, camera, etc.

What to bring for the tour

• 1 liters of water (there are options to buy along the way)
• Snacks such as, apple, cereal bar, sweets and chocolates
• Sun cream
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Cash in soles for extras and entrance fee to sacred valley

Where is the Sacred Valley? 

The Sacred Valley is located in the Peruvian Andes, northeast of the city of Cusco. It is a region that stretches roughly between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, following the path of the Vilcanota-Urubamba River.

What is the Sacred Valley? 

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is more than just a geographical location; it’s a historically, culturally, and agriculturally rich region that was the heartland of the Inca Empire. It was treasured by the Incas for its milder climate, fertile land, and strategic location. Today, it is known for its stunning landscapes, spectacular Inca ruins (like Pisac and Ollantaytambo), traditional villages (like Chinchero and Maras), and vibrant markets. It’s a must-visit destination for its history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

How far is the Sacred Valley from Cusco? 

The distance varies depending on which part of the valley you are visiting, as it is a long region.

• To Pisac (the eastern end): About 33 km (20 miles), or a 45-minute to 1-hour drive.

• To Urubamba (the central part): About 60 km (37 miles), or a 1.5-hour drive.

• To Ollantaytambo (the western end): About 70 km (43 miles), or a 2-hour drive.

How high is the Sacred Valley? 

The elevation of the Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, which is a key advantage for acclimatization.

• Cusco: 3,400 meters (11,150 ft)

• Sacred Valley Towns:

  • Pisac: 2,972 meters (9,751 ft)

  • Urubamba: 2,871 meters (9,420 ft)

  • Ollantaytambo: 2,792 meters (9,160 ft)

This lower altitude makes the valley an ideal place to spend your first few days to adjust to the high Andes.

Should you go to the Sacred Valley before or after Machu Picchu?  

It is highly recommended to visit the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu for two key reasons:

1. Acclimatization: Spending 1-2 nights in the lower-altitude Sacred Valley before ascending to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) helps your body adjust gradually, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring you have the energy to fully enjoy the citadel.

2. Logical Itinerary: Most trains to Machu Picchu depart from the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo. It’s the perfect logistical hub, allowing you to explore the valley’s wonders and then take a short, scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes (the town for Machu Picchu) the next day.

Can you visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in one day? 

No, this is logistically impossible and strongly discouraged.

• Time: The Sacred Valley itself requires a full day to properly explore its key sites (Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Pisac). Visiting Machu Picchu is also a full-day commitment involving a train journey and a significant amount of walking.

• Quality: Attempting both in one day would mean a frantic, exhausting rush, spending almost the entire day in transit and seeing nothing properly. You would not do justice to either of these world-class destinations.

• The Right Way: The ideal itinerary is to dedicate one full day to the Sacred Valley, spend the night in the valley or in Aguas Calientes, and then dedicate the next full day to Machu Picchu.