Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
Experience the Best of Cusco: Super Sacred Valley Day Tour
Embark on the ultimate Sacred Valley tour from Cusco, a comprehensive "VIP" journey that combines the most iconic Inca archaeological sites into a single, unforgettable day. This full-day excursion takes you deep into the heart of the Andes, where you will explore the majestic ruins of Pisac, the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, and the ancient Maras Salt Mines.
Winding along the scenic Urubamba River (also known as the Vilcanota), you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes and a temperate climate that makes this valley the perfect place for altitude acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu. Whether you are marveling at advanced Incan engineering or browsing vibrant local handicraft markets, this novel itinerary offers a deep dive into the spiritual, political, and agricultural heart of the Inca Empire.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up
Collection from your hotel in the morning (we might also agree to meet in a specific location by the Main Square)
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 15 people)
Bus
Round Way Bus from Cusco to the Sacred Valley
Meals
Breakfast and Lunch
What’s not included
Entrance Tickets
You can purchase it on the first archeoligical site.
Water
Please make sure to bring water
$50
Itinerary
Super Sacred Valley Tour: Full Itinerary
Experience the most comprehensive tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This "Super" itinerary combines the traditional Pisac and Ollantaytambo circuit with the fascinating salt mines of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray.
07:00 AM | Hotel Pick-up
Your professional guide will meet you at your hotel lobby in Cusco to begin our journey into the heart of the Andes.
07:45 AM | Chinchero: The Rainbow Village
Our first stop is the picturesque town of Chinchero (3,762m). Known for its vibrant textiles and high-altitude beauty, we will visit the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat, built in 1607 atop the ancient palace of Inca Tupac Yupanqui. Explore the massive Inca terraces and witness a traditional weaving demonstration where local artisans use natural dyes.
09:30 AM | Moray: The Inca Agricultural Laboratory
Next, we head to the mysterious circular terraces of Moray. This site consists of several enormous depressions in the earth, which the Incas used as a sophisticated agricultural experimentation center. Each level has a different micro-climate, allowing the Incas to adapt crops from the jungle and coast to the Andean climate.
10:45 AM | Maras: The Pre-Inca Salt Mines (Salineras)
We descend toward the town of Maras to visit the world-famous Salineras. Here, you will see over 3,000 small salt evaporation ponds that have been harvested since pre-Inca times. The salt water feeds from a natural underground spring, creating a stunning white landscape that is a photographer’s dream.
12:30 PM | Urubamba: Buffet Lunch
We travel to the heart of the valley, Urubamba, to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. You will have the opportunity to sample authentic Peruvian cuisine, featuring fresh ingredients grown in the valley, including the famous giant corn of the Sacred Valley.
02:00 PM | Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca Town
After lunch, we explore the Ollantaytambo Fortress. This massive archaeological site served as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. Marvel at the Temple of the Sun, built with giant blocks of finely carved stone. Today, Ollantaytambo is known as the "Last Living Inca Town" because its residents still live in original Inca houses.
04:00 PM | Pisac: Archaeological Site & Artisan Market
Our final stop is Pisac. We will visit the hilltop Inca ruins, which served as a royal hacienda for the Inca Pachacutec. The site features impressive cemeteries, residential sectors, and sophisticated aqueducts. Afterward, we descend to the Pisac Artisan Market, the best place in the region to shop for authentic souvenirs, silver jewelry, and high-quality textiles.
06:30 PM | Return to Cusco
We will arrive back in Cusco and drop you off at your hotel or near the Plaza de Armas.
⚠️ Important Note for Machu Picchu Travelers
If you are traveling to Machu Picchu tonight, you must depart the tour after the visit to Ollantaytambo (around 3:30 PM). Your guide will show you the way to the Ollantaytambo Train Station, which is just a 10-minute walk from the ruins. From there, you can take your train to Aguas Calientes. Please note: If you choose this option, you will miss the final stop in Pisac.
Why Book This Tour?
Maximum Efficiency: Visit 5 major sites (Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac) in a single day.
Cultural Immersion: Learn about ancient Incan engineering, agriculture, and spiritual beliefs.
Altitude Friendly: Spending the day in the Sacred Valley (approx. 2,800m) is the best way to acclimatize your body for the trek to Machu Picchu.
Expert Insight: Our professional bilingual guides bring the history of the "Pachamama" (Mother Earth) to life.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
