Best stops in the Sacred Valley
Pisac
Huge agricultural terraces and Inca temples high above the town. The town market is busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Ollantaytambo
A living Inca town with original streets and water channels, below a massive fortress with giant stone blocks. It’s also the main train station for Machu Picchu.
Moray
Circular terraces sunk into the ground, thought to have been an Inca agricultural experiment.
Maras salt pans (Salineras)
Thousands of small salt pools cascading down a hillside, worked by local families since before the Incas. Buy pink salt at the stalls.
Chinchero
A highland village with Inca walls, a colonial church and traditional weaving demonstrations.
Tour, taxi or colectivo?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Group tour | Cheap, guide included, easy | Rushed, shopping stops |
| Private driver | Flexible, choose your stops | More expensive (split with friends) |
| Colectivo (shared van) | Very cheap, local experience | Slow, you navigate yourself |
Tickets
Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray and Chinchero are included in the Cusco boleto turístico (the full ticket costs roughly US$35–45 and is valid for 10 days). The Maras salt pans charge a separate small fee in cash. Tour prices usually don’t include entrance tickets, so check before booking.
Suggested routes
- Classic day tour: Pisac → lunch in Urubamba → Ollantaytambo → Chinchero → back to Cusco.
- Moray and Maras half day: often combined with a quad-bike or e-bike tour.
- Before Machu Picchu: Cusco → Chinchero → Moray → Maras → overnight in Ollantaytambo → morning train.
Tips
- The valley is lower than Cusco (about 2,800 m), so it’s a great first stop for acclimatising. See Cusco altitude sickness.
- Bring soles in cash for entrance fees, toilets and markets.
- Stay overnight to see Ollantaytambo after the tour buses leave. See where to stay in Cusco.
More Cusco guides
- Cusco travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Cusco
- Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary
- Where to stay in Cusco
- Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Cusco altitude sickness
FAQ: Sacred Valley tour
Is the Sacred Valley worth visiting?
Yes. The ruins, terraces and mountain scenery are among the best in Peru, and it’s a natural stop on the way to Machu Picchu.
How long do you need in the Sacred Valley?
One full day for the highlights; two days to explore at a relaxed pace.
Can I visit the Sacred Valley without a tour?
Yes, by colectivo or with a private driver. It’s easy to combine with a night in Ollantaytambo.
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