Peru is a country of living history, natural beauty, and vibrant traditions. From the misty heights of Machu Picchu to the colorful markets of the Sacred Valley, it offers a deeply enriching travel experience for adventurers, culture seekers, and food lovers alike. If you’re planning a visit, combining Sacred Valley tours from Cusco with well-designed travel packages to Peru ensures a journey that’s both seamless and unforgettable.
Let’s explore how you can make the most of your Peruvian adventure with highlights, insider tips, and customizable options to suit every travel style.
Why Visit Peru?
Peru is much more than Machu Picchu. While the Inca citadel remains the country’s top attraction, Peru’s appeal stretches far beyond a single destination. It’s a land of contrasts: ancient civilizations and modern cities, desert coasts and Amazon rainforests, snow-capped peaks and highland plains.
Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of the Inca, hiking through dramatic mountain landscapes, tasting world-famous cuisine in Lima, or shopping for handwoven textiles in the Andes, travel packages to Peru offer curated experiences that reveal the country’s full spectrum of wonders.
The Sacred Valley: A Cultural and Historical Treasure
Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most culturally rich and naturally stunning regions in South America. Nestled among the Andes mountains and carved by the Urubamba River, the valley was once a vital part of the Inca Empire and remains dotted with impressive ruins, colonial towns, and thriving indigenous communities.
For those basing their trip in Cusco, Sacred Valley tours from Cusco are a must-do — and often a perfect first excursion before visiting Machu Picchu. The valley’s lower altitude also helps travelers acclimatize to the region before tackling higher-altitude treks.
Highlights of Sacred Valley Tours from Cusco
1. Pisac
The tour usually starts with a stop in Pisac, a town known for its vibrant artisan market and breathtaking Inca ruins perched high on the mountain slopes. You can buy everything from alpaca wool clothing to hand-carved pottery, then hike up to see ancient terraces and ceremonial structures.
2. Ollantaytambo
This charming village is one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning. The fortress ruins above the town feature massive stone terraces and a temple complex that offer insights into Incan military and religious architecture.
3. Chinchero
Often referred to as the birthplace of the rainbow, Chinchero is home to skilled weavers and a beautiful colonial church built on Inca foundations. A visit here offers a look into traditional Andean textile-making and local religious practices.
4. Moray and Maras
Some tours include a detour to Moray, where the Incas built unusual circular terraces used for agricultural experiments, and Maras, famous for its salt mines that are still harvested today using ancient methods.
5. Urubamba
This peaceful town is often a lunch stop during the tour and serves as a great overnight base for those wanting to explore the valley more deeply.
Types of Sacred Valley Tours
- Full-Day Tours from Cusco: These are ideal for travelers with limited time. They cover major highlights in a single day.
- Multi-Day Tours: Spread over 2–3 days, these tours allow for deeper exploration and less rushed experiences.
- Private Tours: Perfect for families or couples wanting a more personalized journey.
- Adventure Add-Ons: Some packages include activities like zip-lining, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
Regardless of which you choose, Sacred Valley tours from Cusco are typically led by knowledgeable local guides who enrich the experience with historical, cultural, and spiritual context.
Travel Packages to Peru: What’s Included?
Whether you’re planning a 1-week trip or a longer exploration, travel packages to Peru can be fully customized to match your interests and budget. Here’s what a comprehensive package might include:
✅ Transportation
- Domestic flights (e.g., Lima to Cusco)
- Train tickets to Machu Picchu (Inca Rail or PeruRail)
- Private or shared ground transport for tours
✅ Accommodation
- Options range from budget hostels to 5-star luxury hotels and eco-lodges
- Homestay experiences in rural communities are also available
✅ Tours and Activities
- Guided tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu
- Excursions to Lake Titicaca, Amazon rainforest, Rainbow Mountain, and more
- Culinary tours, cooking classes, and local market visits
✅ Entrance Fees
- Tickets for Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley ruins, and other major sites
- Optional permits for hikes like Huayna Picchu or the Inca Trail
✅ Meals
- Many packages include daily breakfast and selected lunches/dinners, especially on full-day excursions
✅ Support Services
- Local tour coordinators
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Suggested 10-Day Peru Itinerary with Sacred Valley and Cusco
Here’s how you could structure your trip with Sacred Valley and other highlights:
Day 1 – Arrival in Lima
Day 2 – Fly to Cusco and acclimatize
Day 3 – City tour of Cusco
Day 4 – Full-day Sacred Valley tour (Pisac, Ollantaytambo)
Day 5 – Visit Moray and Maras, overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 6 – Train to Aguas Calientes
Day 7 – Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Day 8 – Return to Cusco
Day 9 – Optional day trip (Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lagoon)
Day 10 – Fly back to Lima and depart
Why Book a Travel Package Instead of Going DIY?
While it’s entirely possible to explore Peru independently, booking a professional travel package to Peru offers several key advantages:
- Convenience: Everything is pre-arranged, saving you hours of research and planning.
- Reliability: Local operators understand logistics, weather patterns, and cultural nuances.
- Value: Packages often include bundled discounts for transport and entrance tickets.
- Expertise: Licensed guides provide historical context and ensure a safe, enriching experience.
Tips for Planning Your Sacred Valley and Peru Trip
- Book in Advance – Machu Picchu tickets and train seats sell out quickly, especially in high season (May–September).
- Acclimate Properly – Spend a day or two in Cusco before doing any serious hiking.
- Pack for All Weather – Conditions in the Andes can shift quickly.
- Support Local – Choose tour companies that prioritize sustainability and employ local guides.
- Travel Insurance – Always a smart idea when traveling in high-altitude regions.
Final Thoughts
Combining Sacred Valley tours from Cusco with thoughtfully curated travel packages to Peru provides a comprehensive and enriching way to explore one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. The Sacred Valley is not only a scenic masterpiece — it’s also a living link to the Inca civilization, Andean traditions, and the beating heart of Peru’s cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Peru has something new to offer with every journey. From world-class archaeological sites to local village encounters, the experiences you’ll gather in the Sacred Valley and beyond will stay with you forever.
