Sacred Valley of the Incas – Pisaq, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero

Morning pickup leads to Sacred Valley views. This 11-hour outing strings together three of the most worthwhile stops near Cusco—Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero—with timed viewpoints and a lunch in between. You’ll also get a real mix of Inca sites plus everyday Andean life, from a craft market to textile traditions high in the Andes.

What I really like is how practical the day feels for a group tour. You get group transport and a guide, so you’re not stuck figuring out the timing on your own, and you’ll have a buffet lunch included in Urubamba to keep you fueled for the second half.

One consideration: entrance fees aren’t handled the same way at each stop, and Pisac specifically uses a tourist ticket you pay in cash (soles). If you dislike managing separate payments mid-day, this tour may feel a bit more hands-on than you want.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Small group size (max 16): Easier movement and less crowding than bigger tours.
• A true “all-day loop”: Pisac ruins and market, then Urubamba lunch, then Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
• Taray viewpoint stop: A dedicated pause for Andean scenery between the main parts of Pisac.
• Cash in hand for Pisac ticket: Plan for the tourist ticket payment in soles.
• Altitude at Chinchero: Finish the day above 3,800 meters, where you’ll want to move slowly.
• Lunch is built in: Buffet lunch included so you can focus on the sites instead of hunting for food.

Starting in Cusco: The Smooth Way to Get Out of Town

This tour starts with pickup from Plaza de Armas between 7:30 and 7:50 in the morning. That early window matters in Cusco, because you’re going to be traveling, and Sacred Valley time is tight once you’re rolling.

You’ll meet at Plaza de Armas (Cusco) and the day ends at Plaza Regocijo. For me, it’s a big value point when a tour doesn’t leave you stranded somewhere inconvenient at the end.

The tour runs about 11 hours, which is long—but it’s also how you can fit three classic stops into one day without booking separate trips. The pace is guided and organized, but you still have walking time inside each place, so wear shoes you can move in.

Pisac Ruins and the Craft Market: What You’ll See and What to Pay

Pisac is the first real wow-moment, with Inca archaeology plus a craft market vibe. You’ll get spectacular views on the way, including a stop at the Taray viewpoint, before you arrive at the site.

Once there, you tour the archaeological area with your guide and then factor in time for the craft market. That market is part of what makes Pisac feel more than just ruins-on-a-map. If you like seeing how people actually work and sell their goods, this stop delivers.

Here’s the part you need to plan for: Pisac entry is through a tourist ticket. The payment is made with cash in soles, and you can buy/pay either before or in the same place as you enter. Bring the right cash ahead of time. Even if you’re comfortable negotiating, having the payment ready keeps the day from turning into an extra hassle.

A small “timing reality” to expect: you start early, then you’ll split your attention between ruins and market. If you’re the type who wants to linger over details, go slower on the viewpoints and give yourself permission to browse the market without rushing the archaeology section.

Between Stops: Urubamba Buffet Lunch (Included)

After Pisac, the tour heads toward Urubamba where the included buffet lunch is served. I like this structure because it solves the hardest part of a long tour: where to eat and whether it’s going to be quick.

A buffet also helps different appetites—some people want something simple, others want a proper sit-down meal before more walking and driving. Either way, this break gives you a mental reset before the day shifts to Ollantaytambo.

You won’t be bouncing around for lunch, which is exactly what you want. It means more time for the Sacred Valley stops and less time watching the clock.

Ollantaytambo: Inca Stones Plus a Picturesque Village Feel

After lunch, you continue to Ollantaytambo, an important Inca archaeological complex and the setting for one of the area’s most picturesque villages. The time on site is about 1.5 hours, which is enough to cover the main features without feeling like you’re stuck all afternoon.

The key practical note: Ollantaytambo admission tickets are not included. That doesn’t mean it’s “not worth it”—it just means you’ll want to budget for entrance fees separately so the day stays smooth.

This stop is a good fit if you like the way Inca engineering blends into everyday life. You’re not only looking at stone; you’re also walking through a place that still feels like a living village.

The group tour format keeps things efficient, but don’t be afraid to pause and look. If you like photography, Ollantaytambo is often the kind of place where you’ll want a few calm minutes to take in angles and textures.

Chinchero at High Altitude: Textiles, Scenery, and a Slower Pace

You finish in Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for textile production and stunning views above 3,800 meters. The altitude is the big deal here. Even if you feel fine at sea level, higher elevations can make you move a little slower, especially after a full day.

The stop runs about 1.5 hours, and Chinchero’s identity as a textile-focused village is what makes it a strong “human” finish to the trip. You’re not leaving the day only with ruins. You’re also taking home a sense of craft traditions that people continue to practice.

Admission for Chinchero is listed as free, which is another nice value detail at the end of the day. That means your last stop is less likely to surprise you with extra spending.

One tip that makes the altitude easier: keep your pace gentle, drink water, and give yourself a little break time just to catch your breath. It’s not about avoiding movement—it’s about moving like you’ve just climbed, because you have.

Price and Value: Is $48 a Good Deal?

At $48 per person, this is priced like a budget-friendly way to cover three major Sacred Valley stops in one day. For me, the value depends on one main thing: entrance fees.

Transport, a guide, and lunch are included. That’s a lot of what normally costs you extra on your own. But since Pisac and Ollantaytambo don’t follow the same “included vs not included” pattern, your final out-of-pocket total may be higher than $48 once you add tickets.

Still, even with entrance costs, a single-day tour can be cheaper and easier than piecing everything together with separate rides and separate tickets—especially if you don’t want to spend time figuring logistics.

If you’re traveling with limited time in Cusco, this is the kind of day that makes sense. It’s also a good fit if you’d rather spend your energy on the sites than planning driving routes and timing.

Group Size, Timing, and How to Make This Day Feel Less Chaotic

The group size is capped at 16 travelers. That matters because it keeps the tour from feeling like a moving crowd at each stop. Smaller groups also tend to make it easier for the guide to manage meeting points.

Your pickup happens between 7:30 and 7:50, and you’ll be moving through the day with defined transitions. That’s helpful, but it also means you’ll want to be ready right when pickup time hits.

Also, note the one “watch-out” that came up in the overall feedback: there has been at least one serious complaint about a pickup not happening as expected. I can’t predict whether your day will be perfect, but I do recommend you treat pickup communication as non-optional. Confirm your pickup details close to departure and stay reachable through the morning so you don’t lose time if anything changes.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great match if you want:

• a one-day Sacred Valley hit without planning transfers between sites
• ruins plus everyday life (market crafts and textiles)
• an included lunch so the day stays manageable

It may feel less ideal if you hate ticket juggling. Pisac has a tourist ticket paid in cash soles, Ollantaytambo admission isn’t included, and you’ll want to make sure you’re ready for those differences.

It’s also best for travelers who can handle a long day. With an 11-hour schedule, you’ll be on the move, and Chinchero’s altitude adds a little extra effort at the end.

Should You Book This Sacred Valley Tour?

I’d book it if you want a structured, cost-effective way to see Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero in one go. The inclusion of transport, a guide, and lunch makes it easier to manage than trying to do all three independently—especially if your Cusco schedule is tight.

I’d also go into it ready for the “ticket reality” of the day: bring cash in soles for the Pisac tourist ticket, and budget for entrance at Ollantaytambo. If you’re altitude-sensitive, pace yourself in Chinchero and don’t treat the final stop like you can sprint through it.

And one practical move before you leave your room: confirm pickup details and stay reachable. The itinerary is simple, and when the logistics line up, this is exactly the kind of day that makes Sacred Valley feel real.

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled between 7:30 and 7:50 in the morning.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Plaza de Armas, Cusco.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Plaza Regocijo, Cusco.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 11 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes group transport, a group guide, and lunch.

Are entrance tickets included?

Entrance tickets are not included in general. Pisac uses a tourist ticket you pay with cash in soles, Ollantaytambo admission is not included, and Chinchero admission is listed as free.

How do I pay for the Pisac tourist ticket?

You pay for the Pisac tourist ticket with cash in soles, either before or at the same place as you enter.

Is there a group limit?

Yes. The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $48.00 per person.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.