Top Sacred Valley Tours: Discovering Inca History & Culture

Planning a trip to Peru and the Sacred Valley is definitely on your radar, right? This fertile valley, near Cusco, is basically packed with incredible Inca sites, colorful markets, and those just stunning landscapes. Trying to pick the right tour, though, it’s almost too much, that’s for certain! Don’t you think? We’ve scoped out some really top tour choices to help you get going, highlighting what makes them totally worth checking out.

1. Full-Day Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco: Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero

If you are trying to get a pretty well-rounded taste of the Sacred Valley in just one day, then this particular full-day tour really stands out, you know? Starting and ending in Cusco makes it super practical. You get to visit some top spots, too. Let’s have a look at it!

What’s Included:

First, there is Pisac. It’s probably famed for its market – get ready to bargain for textiles and handcrafted stuff. Afterward, there’s a trip up to the Pisac ruins, high above, with impressive terraces and temples, alright? Ollantaytambo, once that area, it was an important Inca settlement with gigantic stones. Finally, there is Chinchero. Often it has less tourists and, if I remember correctly, the area offers beautiful views, Inca walls, and a local weaving demonstration. Anyway it’s got that all!

Why this tour? You know what, that tour really gets it done because it balances the highlights and still is rather manageable for folks with a tighter schedule. It really can get rather tough when you rush yourself! Having transportation sorted is also super useful, especially when you are figuring out those winding mountain roads!

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2. Moray, Maras & Salt Mines Tour from Cusco

Looking for some seriously unusual spots? I see that is exactly what that tour does, that’s right. Instead of the usual Inca trails, it is basically directed towards the spots with amazing views. What do I mean? Moray and Maras basically make your jaw drop.

What’s Included:

There are circular terraces in Moray. They were, it seems, used as an agricultural lab back in the day. Then there are the Maras Salt Mines with those thousands of salt pans, used since Inca times. Many of them remain, wouldn’t you agree? Oftentimes there are stops at local weaving places, that kind of provide a look into traditional crafts.

Why this tour? So, this tour’s amazing for someone after the unusual stuff – and photos that no one will really believe! In a way, Moray and Maras offer like, completely different scenery from the typical ruins. It can also often be a slightly shorter day. Usually this helps with acclimatization to the altitude around Cusco.

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3. ATV Quad Bike Tour to Moray and Maras

Alright, for the real adventure-seekers – this is pretty great! It’s not just seeing Moray and Maras; you get there by tearing up the dirt roads, I see that that appeals to the adrenaline junky in all of us. Very exhilarating stuff.

What’s Included:

So, there is a guided ATV experience out to Moray and Maras. Instruction and equipment are typically supplied. Often this includes those views, as always.

Why this tour? A quad bike tour it is, I reckon, really cranks things up, okay? Imagine speeding between those sights with that valley breeze. Safety is, certainly, often prioritized. It could be that it is quite exciting for people, that’s what I believe.

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Read our full review: ATV Quad Bike Tour to Moray and Maras Full Review and Details

4. Sacred Valley Horseback Riding Tour

So, you feel like a slow adventure? Maybe a bit…rustic, you know? Taking it at walking pace has some advantages that others often do not! That, or something rather close.

What’s Included:

Horseback riding tours. Usually those tours, well, they often meander across that valley. Guides, naturally, will lead the way. If you didn’t guess: amazing views from the saddle.

Why this tour? It’s pretty fantastic for folks wanting like, a calmer vibe – just a totally different angle of viewing it. Many horseback tours wander back roads. These are very close to remote villages that other tourists never get a glimpse of, which are something.

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Read our full review: Sacred Valley Horseback Riding Tour Full Review and Details

5. Sacred Valley Private Tour

Okay, so, if being flexible and calling the shots is your jam, here’s where things become interesting. Going with a private tour allows folks to just totally mold everything. No need to wait around! How about we jump into it?

What’s Included:

A vehicle for you and your gang. How great is that, actually? Customizable routes and a schedule set totally by you. If I’m correct, your private guide will explain what’s what.

Why this tour? If you want to deeply explore everything the way you see it, private tours work best. Do you want to sleep in? You may sleep in. How about an extra hour at this location or site? That too! Want to get lunch at the cool-looking cafe over there? Now’s your chance. If there’s some spots especially capturing your imagination – you got them. It may be costly but worth the cash for select groups.

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Read our full review: Sacred Valley Private Tour Full Review and Details