Tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas from Cusco

Get picked up from your Cusco hotel lobby at 8am by your drive and guide, a local art historian. In the comfort of a private vehicle, follow the road that winds around the mountains north of Cusco. Stop at the famous Taray lookout point, where you can see the whole Sacred Valley of the Incas stretching out before you.

As you drive along, your guide will give you an insight into the history of the Incas, for whom the Sacred Valley was an important settlement. Here, they sculpted the mountain flanks of the high Andes with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels. Arrive at the Incan ruins of Pisac, which lie atop a hill with stunning views over the valley, and explore the ancient temples, altars, baths, and water fountains. Marvel at the inti watana, a volcanic outcrop carved into a "hitching post for the Sun".

Then hop back into the vehicle for the short drive to Pisac town, where you will visit a bustling traditional market and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious Andean lunch in a local restaurant of your choice (own cost). 

In the afternoon, continue along the Urubamba River to the town of Ollantaytambo, another Inca archaeological site. Stroll around the temples, terraces and storehouses under the watchful gaze of the Inca god Wiracocha, whose image is carved into the mountain Pinkuylluna overlooking Ollantaytambo.

Climb back into the vehicle for the return trip to Cusco, where the tour comes to an end and we drop you off at your hotel. Please note that entrances are not included in the cost of this tour, each person can buy their own tourism ticket for around USD $40.