Things to Do in the Sacred Valley of Cusco: the Complete Day-by-Day Guide
Things to Do in the Sacred Valley of Cusco: the Complete Day-by-Day Guide
For many travelers, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the best part of a Cusco trip — even above Machu Picchu. It sits lower than the city (2,800 vs 3,400 m), which makes it ideal for acclimatizing in your first days, and it concentrates Andean markets, Inca fortresses, impossible terraces and living villages. This guide covers what to see and how to organize it.
What is the Sacred Valley?
It is the valley of the Urubamba (Vilcanota) river, north of Cusco, stretching roughly from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. The Incas held it sacred for its fertility and its alignment with the stars; today it preserves some of the empire's best-kept archaeological sites. See our Sacred Valley tours.
The Sacred Valley's must-sees
Pisac — market and ruins
Famous for its artisan market (textiles, silver, ceramics) and the archaeological park above town: fan-shaped farming terraces and the largest known Inca cemetery. Sundays and Thursdays are the big market days.
Ollantaytambo — the living fortress
The best example of Inca urban planning still inhabited: original 15th-century streets, water channels and houses. The fortress above town features monumental terraces and the Temple of the Sun with six-meter blocks. It is also the main train station for Machu Picchu, so many travelers sleep here.
Chinchero — the valley's balcony
A village at 3,760 m with a colonial church on Inca foundations, terraces and the best traditional weaving workshops (watch natural dyeing with cochineal and plants). A high point with spectacular views.
Maras — the salt mines
Over 3,000 salt ponds terraced down the hillside, worked since pre-Inca times and still harvested by local families. One of Peru's most photographed postcards.
Moray — the Inca farming laboratory
Concentric circular terraces that worked as a crop laboratory: each level has a distinct microclimate, with up to 15 °C difference between the top ring and the bottom. Farming science ahead of its time.
Recommended itineraries
In 1 day (classic Sacred Valley)
Departure 8 am, return 7 pm: Pisac (market + ruins) → buffet lunch in Urubamba → Ollantaytambo. The most popular tour, covering the essentials.
In 1 day (Maras–Moray route)
For repeat visitors or landscape lovers: Chinchero → Maras (salt mines) → Moray, sometimes called the "VIP Sacred Valley." See our VIP Sacred Valley tour.
In 2 days (the ideal way)
Day 1: Pisac and Ollantaytambo, sleep in Ollantaytambo. Day 2: Maras, Moray and Chinchero on the way back to Cusco — or catch the Machu Picchu train from Ollantaytambo. The perfect combination to acclimatize without rushing.
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
Most valley sites (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray) are not paid individually: you need the Tourist Ticket. Options:
- Full ticket (S/130, ~US$35): 16 sites, valid 10 days. Worth it if you will do the city tour + Sacred Valley.
- Partial Circuit III (S/70): Sacred Valley only (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray), valid 2 days.
Maras (salt mines) is paid separately (~S/10) because it is community-run, not state-run. Full details in our Tourist Ticket guide.
Best season to visit
The valley is pleasant nearly year-round. The dry season (May–September) brings clear skies ideal for photos; the rainy season (October–April) paints it a spectacular deep green, with rain usually in the afternoons. Details in the Cusco weather month-by-month guide.
Where to stay
- Ollantaytambo: the most practical base if Machu Picchu is next (train at hand, lower sleeping altitude).
- Urubamba: the valley's center, with the widest hotel range at every level.
- Pisac: a bohemian vibe, ideal for staying near the market.
Final tip
Do the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu and the high-altitude treks: it acclimatizes you gradually and gives you the Inca context before reaching the citadel. Slot it in with our 7-day Cusco itinerary.
Ready to explore it? See our Sacred Valley tours or browse all tours. Questions? Write to hola@danfertourscusco.com.
Our Sacred Valley VIP tour
Our Sacred Valley VIP covers Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo in a single day, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, for US$32 per person. It includes hotel pickup, transport, a professional guide and a buffet lunch. The Tourist Ticket and the Maras Salt Mines entrance are paid separately.
It's the route we recommend most because it combines the valley's four sides: weaving in Chinchero, farming in Moray, salt in Maras and Inca architecture in Ollantaytambo. It also ends in Ollantaytambo, where the train to Machu Picchu departs, so you can go straight on to Aguas Calientes with our Machu Picchu 2D/1N.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I need for the Sacred Valley?
One full day is enough for the essentials. With two days you can do both routes (Pisac–Ollantaytambo and Chinchero–Maras–Moray) without rushing.
Is it better to visit the Sacred Valley before or after Machu Picchu?
Before. It's lower than Cusco, helps you acclimatize and gives you context on Inca history before reaching the citadel.
Do I need the Tourist Ticket?
Yes, for Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray. The Maras Salt Mines are paid separately.
Can I go straight from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu?
Yes. The train to Aguas Calientes leaves from Ollantaytambo, so you can end the tour there and continue by train the same day.
