Your VIP adventure begins bright and early at 6:30 AM, as we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (3,350 meters / 10,990 feet). With a cup of coffee in hand, we set off to explore the Sacred Valley in style, visiting its most iconic sites and enjoying exclusive experiences along the way.
First Stop: Chinchero
Our first destination is the charming village of Chinchero, located at 3,762 meters (12,342 feet). Known for its cool climate and rich traditions, Chinchero is the perfect place to start your day. We’ll visit a local textile workshop, where skilled artisans demonstrate the ancient techniques of dyeing wool using natural materials like crushed bugs, plants, and minerals. You’ll even get a chance to try your hand at spinning yarn—spoiler alert: it’s harder than it looks!
Next: Moray
From Chinchero, we head to the fascinating archaeological site of Moray, situated at the same elevation. Here, you’ll find the iconic circular terraces that the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory. Each level of the terraces has a different microclimate, allowing the Incas to experiment with growing crops at various temperatures. It’s a testament to their ingenuity and understanding of nature.
Then: Maras Salt Mines
Our journey continues to the Maras Salt Mines, also at 3,762 meters (12,342 feet). This surreal landscape features over 3,000 shimmering salt pools carved into the mountainside. Fed by salty underground springs, these pools have been used for salt harvesting since Inca times. You’ll have the chance to walk among the pools, take stunning photos, and even purchase some locally harvested salt as a unique souvenir.
Lunch in Urubamba
By midday, we descend to the town of Urubamba, located at 2,780 meters (9,120 feet). Here, you’ll enjoy a luxurious buffet lunch at a top-notch restaurant. The menu features a variety of local dishes, including soups, grilled trout, lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), and desserts like quinoa pudding. Don’t forget to try chicha morada, a refreshing purple corn drink that’s a Peruvian favorite.
Afternoon: Ollantaytambo Fortress
At 2:00 PM, we arrive in Ollantaytambo, situated at 2,790 meters (9,153 feet). This historic town is home to one of the most impressive Inca fortresses in the region. You’ll climb the steep terraces, marvel at the massive stone walls, and explore the Temple of the Sun, where the precision of the stonework will leave you in awe. The Princess Baths, with their still-functioning water channels, add a touch of mystery to this ancient site.
Final Stop: Pisac Ruins and Market
Our last stop is the town of Pisac, located at 3,300 meters (10,826 feet). Here, you’ll hike up to the Pisac ruins, where ancient terraces, temples, and ceremonial sites offer breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. After exploring the ruins, we’ll visit Pisac’s vibrant market, where you can shop for handmade crafts, alpaca sweaters, silver jewelry, and colorful paintings. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or gift.
Return to Cusco
By 6:30–7:00 PM, we’ll arrive back in Cusco, dropping you off at Plaza de San Francisco. After a day filled with history, culture, and stunning landscapes, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
This VIP tour is more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s an immersive experience that combines the best of the Sacred Valley’s history, culture, and natural beauty with luxurious touches and exclusive insights. It’s a day fit for royalty, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
