Private Sacred Valley Classic Tour: Inca Ruins, Markets & Andean Culture
Explore Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero at Your Own Rhythm with a Dedicated Expert Guide.
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: ~9 Hours (Full Day).
- Start Time: Flexible (Suggested 07:30 AM).
- Strategic Focus: History, Local Culture, Photography & Nature.
- Key Note: The essential Sacred Valley experience, done without the rush of big buses.
- Difficulty Level: Easy (Walks on defined paths and terraces).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Highlights: Pisac Ruins & Market, Ollantaytambo Fortress, Chinchero Weavers.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
The Heart of the Inca Empire, Unveiled
Escape the crowded tourist circuit and discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas as it was meant to be seen: in peace and privacy. This Classic Private Sacred Valley Tour is curated for travelers who want to go beyond the surface, offering a deep dive into the history, engineering, and living traditions of the Andes.
Your day begins with a private pickup from your Cusco hotel, whisking you away to the fertile valley that once fed an empire. Unlike rigid group tours, our private service gives you the autonomy to linger longer at the breathtaking terraces of Pisac, hunt for the perfect souvenir in the artisanal market, or explore the massive stone ramps of Ollantaytambo at your own pace.
We blend historical immersion with modern comfort. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, surrounded by mountains, and finish your day connecting with local weavers in Chinchero. With a dedicated driver and expert "Storyteller" guide, you’ll experience the Sacred Valley not just as a sightseeing stop, but as a living cultural landscape.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
A Day of Discovery in the Sacred Valley
07:30 AM: Scenic Departure from Cusco
Your private guide and driver pick you up from your hotel. We leave the city behind and head towards the Sacred Valley, stopping first at the Taray Viewpoint. Here, you'll get your first panoramic look at the Urubamba River winding through the green valley floor—a perfect photo opportunity without the crowds.
Morning: The Terraces of Pisac
We ascend to the Pisac Archaeological Site, famous for its massive agricultural terraces that carve the mountainside. Your guide will explain the Inca mastery of farming and hydraulics. Afterward, we can make a flexible stop at the famous Pisac Artisan Market in the town below, where you can browse for silver, textiles, and ceramics.
Mid-Day: Gastronomy in Urubamba
We stop in the town of Urubamba for a relaxing break. A delicious buffet lunch is included at a top local restaurant, featuring a variety of Andean and international dishes using fresh, local ingredients. (Upgrade to à la carte available).
Afternoon: The Living Fortress of Ollantaytambo
Explore Ollantaytambo, a massive fortress that was the site of a major Inca victory against the Spanish. It is also a "living Inca city," where residents still live in original stone enclosures. We’ll walk the narrow cobblestone streets and climb the terraces to the Temple of the Sun, discussing the site's military and religious significance.
Late Afternoon: The Weavers of Chinchero
On our way back to Cusco, we stop at Chinchero, a town renowned for its traditional weavers. Visit a local textile center to see how alpaca and sheep wool is dyed using natural plants and woven into intricate patterns, keeping ancient techniques alive. We’ll also visit the colonial church built atop Inca foundations.
18:00 PM: Return to Cusco
Relax in your private vehicle as we drive you back to Cusco, dropping you off directly at your hotel door after a full day of exploration.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Service: Exclusive vehicle and driver for your group.
- Door-to-Door Transport: Pickup and drop-off at your Cusco hotel (Historic Center).
- Expert Guide: Professional English/Spanish speaking guide dedicated to you.
- Lunch: Buffet lunch in Urubamba (Upgrade options available).
- Cultural Immersion: Visit to a traditional weaving center in Chinchero.
- Personalized Attention: Flexibility to adjust the pace for photos or shopping.
Not Included
- Entrance Fees: The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) (Partial or Full) is required for Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. We can add this to your booking for convenience.
- Gratuities: Tips for your guide and driver.
- Pickup from outside Cusco: Extra fee applies for hotels in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba/Ollantaytambo) for start/end.
- Extra Meals: Breakfast or dinner not specified.
What to bring
Recommendations
- Acclimatization Strategy: The Sacred Valley is lower in altitude (avg. 2,800m) than Cusco (3,400m). This tour is fantastic for your second day to help your body adjust before heading to Machu Picchu.
- The Tourist Ticket (BTC): You need the Partial Ticket (Circuit III) for this tour, which covers Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero (valid for 2 days). If you are staying longer in Cusco, the Full Ticket (10 days) is a better value.
- Market Tips: The Pisac market is open daily, but Sundays are the liveliest. Since you are on a private tour, you can decide how much time to spend shopping vs. exploring ruins.
- Sun Protection: The valley sun is strong. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, even if it feels cool.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Can this tour end in Ollantaytambo instead of Cusco?
A: Yes! This is a very popular option ("Connect & Go"). Many travelers take this tour and then stay in Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Machu Picchu later that evening or the next morning. Just let us know, and we will adjust the drop-off.
Q: Is there a lot of walking involved?
A: The tour is rated "Easy," but Pisac and Ollantaytambo do have stairs and terraces. However, since it is a private tour, we can go at your pace. If you prefer not to climb to the very top, there are plenty of lower viewpoints and flatter areas to explore with your guide.
Q: What is the difference between the buffet and the upgrade lunch?
A: The standard buffet offers excellent local food. The upgrade usually involves a finer dining experience at a premium hacienda or restaurant like Tunupa or Sonesta, with a wider variety of gourmet options.
Q: Is this tour suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely. The Sacred Valley has more open space and lower altitude than Cusco, making it great for children. The stop at the alpaca weaving center in Chinchero is usually a hit with kids!
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Private Sacred Valley Classic Tour: Inca Ruins, Markets & Andean Culture



























