The 4-day Sacred Valley Explorer tour is the most complete sightseeing package to explore Cusco 🏔️. You will visit Chinchero, the Maras salt pans, Moray agricultural laboratory, the Southern Valley (Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas), Pisac and Ollantaytambo fortresses, and enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu 🏛️.
This complete 4-day excursion allows you to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. From the circular terraces of Moray and the ancient salt pans of Maras to the pre-Inca ruins of the Southern Valley and the imposing fortresses of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The itinerary combines comfortable tourist transport, specialized local guides, train tickets, and one night of lodging in Aguas Calientes, ensuring an early and optimal entry to the citadel of Machu Picchu for a memorable experience.
| Aspect | Sacred Valley Explorer (4D/3N) | Sacred Valley & MP (2D/1N) | Classic Sacred Valley (1D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Duration | 4 days / 3 nights (2 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Aguas Calientes) | 2 days / 1 night (1 night in Aguas Calientes) | 1 day (No overnight – Full Day Tour) |
| Places Visited | Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Southern Valley (Tipon, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas), Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu | Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu | Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras Salt Mines, and Moray |
| Machu Picchu | Included (Guided tour of the citadel and bus/train tickets) | Included (Guided tour of the citadel and bus/train tickets) | Not Included (Does not travel to Aguas Calientes) |
| Effort Level | Easy to Moderate (Cultural excursions with short walks) | Easy to Moderate (Train & bus travel with walking in Machu Picchu) | Moderate (Concentrated one-day itinerary) |
🥾 Distance: Short exploration walks (approx. 2 km / 1.2 miles)
⏱️ Estimated time: 8 hours (departure 7:30 a.m.)
⛰️ Max Altitude: 3,762 m / 12,342 ft (Chinchero)
🍽️ Meals included: Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 7:30 a.m. Our first stop will be the traditional town of Chinchero, famous for its colonial church and textile workshops, where we will learn about ancient natural wool-dyeing techniques. Next, we will head to the enigmatic agricultural laboratory of Moray with its circular terraces. Afterwards, we will visit the ancient salt mines of Maras, where salt water evaporates in thousands of artisanal pans. We will return to Cusco in the afternoon.
🥾 Distance: Short exploration walks (approx. 2 km / 1.2 miles)
⏱️ Estimated time: 6 hours (departure 8:30 a.m.)
⛰️ Max Altitude: 3,560 m / 11,680 ft (Tipon)
🍽️ Meals included: Optional local lunch in Saylla
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:30 a.m. We will visit the Archaeological Park of Tipon, a masterpiece of Inca hydraulic engineering where water still flows through ceremonial channels and stone aqueducts. Next, we explore the ruins of Pikillacta, the only pre-Inca Wari city in the Cusco region. Finally, we visit the Capilla of Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” due to its rich colonial murals and gold leaf decorations. We return to Cusco in the afternoon.
🥾 Distance: Short walks at the archaeological sites
⏱️ Estimated time: Full Day (departure 7:30 a.m.)
⛰️ Max Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft (Pisac)
🏨 Accommodation: Selected hostel in Aguas Calientes (included)
Our day starts at 7:30 a.m. with a transfer to the picturesque town of Pisac. We will hike through its impressive archaeological site, featuring giant agricultural terraces and cliffside Inca tombs. After exploring, we will descend to Urubamba for a buffet lunch and then head to the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo to walk through its historic streets and stone temples. In the evening, we board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, checking into the hostel upon arrival.
🥾 Activity: 2-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu citadel
⏱️ Estimated time: Full Day (schedule according to entrance ticket)
⛰️ Max Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,970 ft (Machu Picchu)
🚆 Return: Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo + transfer to Cusco
Early in the morning, we take the 30-minute shuttle bus to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. We will enter with our bilingual guide for a 2-hour tour of the temples, plazas, and agricultural sectors. After enjoying the unique energy and history, you will head down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional). In the afternoon, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will wait to transfer you back to Cusco.
Below are the details of services included and not included in the 4-day Sacred Valley Explorer:
Cusco
To coordinate
