Sacred Valley to Pisac and Ollantaytambo

Exploring the Sacred Valley: A Day of Adventure in Pisac and Ollantaytambo

If you’re in Cusco and have a day to explore, a great option is to visit the Sacred Valley, where you’ll find the ancient ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This 9-hour trip will take you to impressive places full of Inca history and beautiful landscapes. Let me guide you through what you can expect from this journey.

First Stop: Manos de la Comunidad Animal Rescue Center

We started the day early, with our guide picking us up from the hotel between 7:00 and 7:30 am. Our first destination was Manos de la Comunidad, a special place where they take care of animals like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. Here, you can see these animals up close and learn about their importance in Andean culture.

This stop is perfect for animal lovers. It’s also a great way to start the day by learning about life in the Andes.

Taray Viewpoint: Stunning Views of the Valley

After visiting the animals, we continued our journey to the Taray Viewpoint. From here, we could see the entire Sacred Valley from above. The mountains, fields, and the river running through the valley create a breathtaking view. It’s the perfect spot for taking incredible photos.

The Ancient Ruins of Pisac

Next, we arrived at Pisac, an ancient Inca site full of history. We saw terraces where the Incas grew their crops and explored temples and channels that showcase the incredible engineering skills of this civilization. The views from Pisac are stunning, with mountains all around.

Our guide explained how the Incas used the terraces for farming and showed us the temples and altars they used in their ceremonies. It feels like stepping back in time!

The Traditional Market of Pisac

After exploring the ruins, we headed down to the town of Pisac, famous for its traditional market. Here, you can buy souvenirs like colorful textiles, jewelry, and crafts made by locals. The best part was talking to the vendors and learning how they make their products.

If you want to take home a piece of Andean culture, this market is the perfect place to find something special.

Ollantaytambo: Inca Fortress and City

After a delicious lunch in Urubamba, we continued our journey to Ollantaytambo. This place was an Inca city and a fortress built into the mountains. The giant stones they used to build it are impressive, and from the top, you get an incredible view of the valley.

Ollantaytambo was a very important place for the Incas, and here you can also see a rock formation that looks like the face of the Inca god Wiracocha. It’s amazing what the Incas could do with stone!

Lunch in Urubamba: Tasting Andean Flavors

We made a stop in Urubamba for a buffet lunch, where we enjoyed traditional Peruvian dishes. It was a great chance to taste local food and rest before continuing our adventure.

Option to Travel to Machu Picchu

If after visiting Ollantaytambo you want to continue to Machu Picchu, you can catch the train from here. Some travelers choose to stay and continue their journey to the famous Inca city. We returned to Cusco, but this is a great option if you want to make the most of your time.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Tour

• Wear comfortable clothes: There’s a lot of walking, so wear proper shoes and bring a water bottle.
• Best time to visit: Between May and September, the weather is dry, and the views are spectacular.
• Remember sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the altitude can make the sun feel strong.

• 7:00 – 7:30 am: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and departure to the Sacred Valley, passing by Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara.
• Manos de la Comunidad Rescue Center: See alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas at this animal rescue center.
• Taray Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and take amazing photos.
• Pisac Ruins: Explore the archaeological site with its temples, residences, and Incan water channels, learning about Incan agriculture.
• Pisac Market: Visit the traditional market to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
• Lunch in Urubamba: Break for a buffet lunch in Urubamba (optional, not included).
• Ollantaytambo: Visit the Incan fortress and admire the rock formation of the god Wiracocha.
• Return to Cusco or option to take the train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo.

Includes / Does not Include

Includes:

• Hotel pick up and drop off (door to door service).
• Transport.
• English speaking guide.
• 1 Bottle of Water.
• *Optional: Drop off at Ollantaytambo train station (if you have a train ride to Machupicchu).

Does not Include:

• Admission ticket (70 Peruvian sol cash).
• Gratuity (optional).
• Additional expenses.
• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

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