Gentle Walks | 1 Day | Private Van | No Overnight | Cusco Favorite
Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba to Cusco
Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba to Cusco
Discover the Inca heartland in one day, starting where most tours end.
Tucked between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley runs warmer, greener, and deeper in living culture than the city. Think Andes peaks, ancient fortresses, and villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo where Quechua traditions never stopped.
This private tour is built for travelers who base in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba after Machu Picchu, or who simply want to explore the more of the valley. Skip the 3-hour round trip from Cusco. Start in the valley, see everything, and finish in Cusco by dinner.
Trip Details
- Tour Type: Private, only you and your party
- Activities: Archaeology, Cultural Immersion, Inca Sites, Walking Tours, Andean Villages, Markets
- Pick Up: 7:30am from any hotel in Ollantaytambo | 7:00am from any hotel in Urubamba
- Drop Off: Hotel in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or Cusco Airport ∼6:00pm
- Group Size: 100% private, you set the pace
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, gentle walks with stone steps. Suitable for all ages. Altitude acclimatization recommended but not mandatory. Max altitude 3,500m at Moray
- Customizable: Yes. Add on Chinchero, combine with Machu Picchu trains, or extend to a 2-day valley experience
Why Start in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba?
- It saves time. You wake up in the valley and start exploring immediately.
- Better for acclimatization. Sleep lower at 2,792m in Ollantaytambo vs 3,400m in Cusco.
- Perfect post Machu Picchu. We pick you up next morning and show you the rest of the valley.
Highlights for the Sacred Valley Tour
- Ollantaytambo Fortress
Start at the most intact Inca town in Peru. Climb the Sun Temple terraces, see the ceremonial fountains, and the massive pink granite blocks left mid-transport when the Spanish arrived. Your guide explains how Manco Inca used this site to defeat Pizarro’s army. One hour guided. - Moray Agricultural Lab
Drive 1 hour to the famous circular terraces. The Incas built this natural amphitheater to create 20+ microclimates, testing 250 crop varieties from jungle to coast. Each level drops temperature by 1°C. This is how they fed an empire. - Maras Salt Mines
10 minutes from Moray, over 3,000 salt ponds spill down the mountainside. Fed by a salty spring used since pre-Inca times, local families still harvest pink Maras salt by hand. Walk the edge, meet the miners, buy salt direct. Entry 20 soles. - Urubamba Lunch Stop
Descend to the valley floor for lunch at a local restaurant. Not included, budget 50-70 soles for the buffet. Excellent vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with Andean ingredients. - Pisac Ruins + Market
Drive 1 hour along the Urubamba River to Pisac. Perched high above the valley, this huge complex has agricultural terraces, water channels, temples, and South America’s largest Inca cemetery with 2,000+ tombs carved into the cliff. If it’s a market day, we stop in Pisac town after. - Scenic Valley Drive
Between sites you pass Mirador of Taray viewpoint, snow-capped Veronica and Chicon peaks, and traditional villages. Your guide points out Inca terracing still farmed today.
Our Approach
Built for the Valley
Save hours driving Cusco → valley → Cusco. You wake up in the Sacred Valley and start exploring immediately. We pick you up in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, hit Ollantaytambo fortress before the buses arrive, and use the whole day for sites, not transit. You see Pisac, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo with zero backtracking.
We designed this for travelers post-Machu Picchu or pre-train. It’s the full valley in one day without the 5am Cusco pick-up or the late-night return. You get culture all day, and you’re back in Cusco for dinner, or we drop you at the airport.
Private Means Personal
You get your own licensed guide and private van. No waiting for strangers, no fixed scripts, no rushed photo stops. Want 20 extra minutes at Pisac’s terraces? Want to skip the market for more time in Ollantaytambo? You decide the pace.
Our guides are from Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, not Cusco city. They grew up in these villages, know the farmers at Maras, and explain the Inca sites as living history — not textbook facts. You get real context at every stop, plus time for questions.
At A Glance
- How the Day Flows
No fixed timetable. Typical pacing: Ollantaytambo 1hr, drive 1hr to Moray, Moray + Maras 1.5hr, lunch 1hr in Urubamba, drive 1hr to Pisac, Pisac 1.5hr, drive 1hr to Cusco. We adjust for crowds, weather, and your energy. - What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes with grip. Layers for 8°C morning to 22°C afternoon. Sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+. Small daypack for water, snacks, soles for entrances. No special gear needed. - Not Big on Walking?
We tailor the route. Pisac has a parking lot halfway up, you skip 200 steps. Ollantaytambo’s main terraces are optional. Tell your guide and we adapt on the spot. Same price, no penalty. - Can We Add Stops?
Chinchero weaving co-op, animal sanctuary, ceramic workshop, or coffee break. Private tour means we add 30-60 min stops if you want. Just ask at booking or that morning.
The only Sacred Valley tour that starts in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and hits all four major sites with a private guide, ending in Cusco the same day.
- Duration: 1 day, 7:30am to 6:00pm.
- Distance: ∼120kmtotal by private van, no rushed
- Surface: Paved highways + stone paths at sites.
- Max altitude: 3,500m at Moray, most of the day at 2,800-3,000m.
- Walking: Easy to moderate, stone steps at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, ∼3km
- Transport: Private van with driver, hotel pick-up in Ollantaytambo/Urubamba, drop-off in Cusco or airport.
- Start and end: Your hotel lobby in the valley, finish at your Cusco hotel or flight.
- Best for: Post-Machu Picchu travelers, pre-train visitors, families, photographers, anyone who hates 5am wake-ups.
- Minimum age: None. Strollers/carriers work for Pisac parking lot + Ollantaytambo town.
- Fitness level: Easy, you sit in the van between sites.
Transport and Guide
- Your Private Van
Modern H1 or Sprinter, cleaned daily, with seatbelts, charging ports, and space for bags. Professional valley-based driver who knows every back road. Support van follows same route on public tours, on this private tour, it’s just you.
What We Provide
- Licensed English-speaking guide from the Sacred Valley, all day.
- Pick-up from any hotel/Airbnb in Ollantaytambo at 7:30am or Urubamba at 7:00am.
- Drop-off at any Cusco hotel, Airbnb, or Cusco Airport ∼6:00pm.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen in vehicle.
- Orange Nation office support 24/7.
From
$89
/per person
Trip Details
Overview
Day 1: Ollantaytambo → Ollantaytambo Ruins → Moray → Maras Salt Mines → Urubamba → Pisac → Cusco
7:30am hotel pick-up in Ollantaytambo, 7:00am in Urubamba. Start immediately at the Ollantaytambo archaeological site before the tour buses arrive from Cusco. Your private guide walks you through the Sun Temple, royal baths, water fountains, and massive terraces while explaining how Manco Inca used this fortress to defeat the Spanish. One hour on site.
Drive 1 hour across the Maras plateau to Moray for a guided tour of the circular agricultural terraces. The Incas used this natural amphitheater to create 20+ microclimates, testing crops from coast, jungle, and highlands. Walk down into the center and feel the temperature drop 15°C from top to bottom.
10 minutes to the Maras Salt Mines. Over 3,000 bright white salt ponds cascade down the mountainside, fed by a salty spring used since pre-Inca times. Local families still harvest pink Maras salt by hand. Walk the viewpoints, meet miners, and buy salt direct. Entry 20 soles cash.
Descend to Urubamba on the valley floor for lunch at a local restaurant. Not included, budget 50-70 soles for buffet with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. One hour break.
After lunch, drive 1 hour along the Urubamba River through Calca and Lamay to Pisac. Stop at Mirador of Taray for the classic Sacred Valley panorama. At Pisac, explore the huge archaeological complex high above town, agricultural terraces, water channels, Intihuatana sun dial, temples, and South America’s largest Inca cemetery with 2,000+ tombs carved into the cliff. 1.5 hours guided.
Return to Cusco via the Sacsayhuaman road with views over the city. Drop-off at your Cusco hotel, Airbnb, or airport around 6:00pm.
∼120 km by private van / 3,500 m max at Moray / Easy to moderate walking, stone steps at sites / Start in the valley, finish in Cusco ∼6:00pm
Sacred Valley Tour Comparison
All three options visit the main Sacred Valley sites. Choose based on where you start and how you want to travel.
Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo to Cusco – Best for Valley-Based Travelers
- Duration: 1 full day, 7:30am to 6:00pm.
- Activity: Private guided tours at Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, and Pisac.
- Transport: Private van all day, no large groups, no backtracking to Cusco.
- Sites: Ollantaytambo fortress, Moray terraces, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba lunch, Pisac ruins + viewpoint.
- Best for: Post-Machu Picchu travelers, pre-train visitors, families, anyone based in Ollantaytambo/Urubamba who hates 5am Cusco pick-ups.
- Physical demand: Easy to moderate, optional steps at ruins.
- Price: From $95 USD per person.
Classic Sacred Valley from Cusco – Traditional Full Circuit
- Duration: 1 day, 8:00am to 6:30pm.
- Activity: Van transport with guided walking tours, group service.
- Transport: Shared or private van Cusco → Pisac → Urubamba → Ollantaytambo → Chinchero → Cusco.
- Sites: Pisac market and ruins, Urubamba lunch, Ollantaytambo, often Chinchero textiles.
- Best for: First day in Cusco, travelers who prefer to start/end in the city, budget groups.
- Physical demand: Easy, 3+ hours total driving.
- Price: From $85 USD per person.
Sacred Valley + ATV Tour – Culture + Adventure
- Duration: 1 full day, 7:30am to 6:30pm.
- Activity: Guided tours at Pisac, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo + 2 hours driving your own ATV.
- Transport: Private van all day with ATV section between Maras and Moray.
- Sites: Taray viewpoint, Pisac ruins, camelid farm, Maras Salt Mines, Moray, Ollantaytambo.
- Best for: First-time visitors who want culture and adrenaline, families with teens, travelers finishing in Ollantaytambo for Machu Picchu.
- Physical demand: Easy, no ATV experience needed.
- Price: From $150 USD per person.
Full Itinerary
Included
- Private Transport
Pick-up 7:30am in Ollantaytambo or 7:00am in Urubamba, private van all day, drop-off in Cusco ∼6:00pm or Cusco Airport at no extra cost. - Expert Guide
Licensed English-speaking guide from the Sacred Valley for Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, and Pisac. Local to Urubamba/Ollantaytambo, not Cusco city. - All Ground Logistics
Professional driver, fuel, parking fees, and hotel-to-hotel service. Van waits for you at each site. - Support and Safety
First-aid kit and emergency oxygen in vehicle. 24/7 Orange Nation office support during your tour. - Taxes
All Peruvian taxes included in the price. - Flexibility
100% private tou, you set the pace, adjust timing, and add stops like Chinchero or a market visit.
Not Included
- Entrance Fees
Boleto Turistico 70 soles (1-day partial) or 130 soles (10-day general). Covers Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Maras Salt Mines 20 soles separate. Cash in soles only, buy at first site. - Meals
Lunch in Urubamba not included. Budget 50-70 soles for local buffet with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. - Hotel Before/After Tour
Accommodation in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or Cusco not included. We pick up and drop off at any hotel or Airbnb. - Travel Insurance
Personal travel insurance not included. Recommended for all travelers. - Gratuities
Tips optional. $10-15 USD per person suggested for guide + driver if you’re happy. - Personal Expenses
Water, snacks, souvenirs, sunscreen, and any extra purchases not included.
Pricing
Private departures operate daily year-round from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba.
2 people | $89 USD per person
This price combines private hotel pick-up in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, full-day private transport through the Sacred Valley, and a licensed English-speaking guide at Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, and Pisac. By starting in the valley you skip the 3-hour round trip from Cusco, see all four major sites with no rush, and finish in Cusco by 6:00pm with the option to go straight to the airport.
This tour operates daily March through January, and February subject to weather. We recommend dry season May to September for clear mountain views and easy walking.
Solo travelers | If you are traveling alone, contact us for a private price of $159 USD or to join a confirmed date with others at $89 USD per person.
Included in the Price
- All Transport: Hotel pick-up in Ollantaytambo at 7:30am or Urubamba at 7:00am, private van all day to Moray, Maras, Urubamba, Pisac, and drop-off in Cusco or Cusco Airport.
- Professional Guide: Licensed English-speaking guide from the Sacred Valley for the full day at all four sites.
- Scenic Stops: Mirador of Taray viewpoint and drive through Andean villages along the Urubamba River.
- Support: First-aid kit, emergency oxygen in vehicle, 24/7 Orange Nation office support.
- Taxes: All applicable Peruvian taxes included.
Not Included in the Price
- Entrance fees paid in cash on the day: Boleto Turistico 70 soles for one day or 130 soles for ten days covering Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Maras Salt Mines 20 soles separate.
- Meals: Lunch in Urubamba not included, budget 50-70 soles for buffet.
- Hotel: Accommodation before/after tour not included.
- Travel insurance and gratuities.
Packing List for Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
This tour starts at 7:30am in Ollantaytambo at 2,792m or 7:00am in Urubamba at 2,870m and reaches 3,500m at Moray. Mornings are 8 to 12°C with strong sun, afternoons in Urubamba and Pisac reach 20 to 24°C. You’ll walk stone steps at Ollantaytambo and Pisac, ∼3km total on uneven ground. Bring a small 15 to 20L daypack only. Your main luggage stays at your hotel or in our van.
Essentials, Carry in Your Daypack
Documents
- Original passport, required for Boleto Turistico and hotel check-in.
- Cash in Peruvian soles, 200 to 250 soles for entrances, lunch, Maras entry, and tips. ATMs limited. No cards accepted at sites.
Water
- Reusable bottle, 1L minimum. Refill in Urubamba. No disposable plastic bottles.
Clothing
- 1 t-shirt, synthetic or merino for layering.
- 1 long sleeve shirt for sun protection at Moray and Pisac.
- 1 fleece or light down jacket for 7:30am start.
- 1 pair comfortable pants or leggings. Dresses/skirts okay but you’ll climb stone steps.
- Sun hat or cap for midday at Maras and Pisac.
Rain Protection
- Light waterproof jacket with hood, November to March. Quick showers common year round.
Sun Protection
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm. Altitude sun is intense even when cool.
Footwear
- Closed shoes with good grip. Trainers, hiking shoes, or sturdy sandals with heel straps. Stone steps at Ollantaytambo and Pisac get slippery.
Extras
- Small daypack, 15-20L.
- Camera or phone + portable charger.
- Snacks, lunch is ∼1pm and not included.
- Personal medications.
- 1-2 soles coins for public bathrooms at sites.
What NOT to Bring
- Large backpacks over 20L or suitcases. No storage at ruins.
- High heels, flip flops, or smooth-soled shoes. Stone steps are uneven.
- Drones, prohibited at Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, and Pisac.
- Valuables or expensive jewelry. Leave at hotel safe.
- Disposable plastic water bottles. Refill stations limited.
Top 10 FAQs for the Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Why start in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba instead of Cusco?
You save 3+ hours of driving. Most tours leave Cusco at 5am, spend 1.5 hours getting to the valley, then 1.5 hours back. You wake up in the valley and start at Ollantaytambo before the buses arrive. Perfect if you’re coming off Machu Picchu or want to sleep lower at 2,792m instead of 3,400m in Cusco.
- Is this a group tour or private?
100% private. Only you and your party in the van with a dedicated guide and driver. No waiting for other travelers, no fixed scripts. You set the pace and can adjust stops. Price is per person and goes down with more people in your group.
- How much walking is there? Is it difficult?
Easy to moderate. You’ll walk stone steps at Ollantaytambo and Pisac, ∼3km total over the day. Both sites have parking lots halfway up if you want to skip 200 steps. Moray and Maras are short flat walks from the van. No trekking required. Suitable for kids and seniors who are mobile.
- Will altitude be a problem?
This tour is actually easier on altitude than starting from Cusco. You sleep in Ollantaytambo at 2,792m or Urubamba at 2,870m, then go up to 3,500m at Moray for 45 minutes before descending. Most people feel fine. We carry emergency oxygen and take it slow. Drink water, skip alcohol the night before.
- What is not included? Do I need cash?
Yes, bring Peruvian soles in cash. Entrance fees are not included: Boleto Turistico is 70 soles for the 1-day partial or 130 soles for 10-day general, covering Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Maras Salt Mines is 20 soles separate. No cards accepted at sites. Lunch in Urubamba is also not included, budget 50-70 soles for buffet.
- Can we finish at the airport or in Ollantaytambo instead of Cusco?
Absolutely. Tell your guide in the morning. We drop you at Cusco Airport, your Cusco hotel, or back in Ollantaytambo/Urubamba around 6:00pm at no extra cost. Great if you have an evening flight or want to stay another night in the valley.
- Is lunch included and what are the options?
Lunch is not included so you can choose. We stop in Urubamba at a local restaurant with a big buffet: quinoa soups, fresh trout, lomo saltado, salad bar, and desserts. Excellent vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. About 50-70 soles per person. If you prefer a quick set menu or your own snacks, just tell your guide.
- What should I wear and bring?
Closed shoes with grip, trainers or hiking shoes. Stone steps get slippery. Layers for 8°C morning to 24°C afternoon: t-shirt, long sleeve, fleece. Sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+. Small daypack with 1L water, snacks, passport for the Boleto, and cash. Rain jacket Nov-Mar. No special gear needed.
- Can we customize the tour or add stops?
Yes, that’s the point of private. Want 30 extra minutes at Pisac? Want to skip the town market? Add Chinchero weaving co-op, animal sanctuary, or coffee stop? Tell us at booking or that morning. We adjust timing as long as we finish by 6pm. You can also extend to 2 days.
- Why choose this over the regular Sacred Valley tour from Cusco?
Time and comfort. You avoid the 5am Cusco pick-up and 2 hours of backtracking. You get Ollantaytambo empty before 9am, then hit Moray and Maras while Cusco buses are still driving out. You see all four main sites without feeling rushed, and you’re back in Cusco for dinner. If you’re already in the valley after Machu Picchu, this is the only tour that makes sense.
