Cusco Sacred Valley Tour: Review & Recommendations
So, you’re thinking about checking out the Sacred Valley near Cusco? That’s almost certainly an awesome idea if you’re looking to soak up some Inca history and culture without killing your legs with a crazy long hike, too it’s worth checking out. I took the Cusco Full Day Sacred Valley History Tour, and I wanted to give you my lowdown, like the things I saw, the feels I had, and a couple of suggestions, you know, if you go.
Why the Sacred Valley is, Like, Totally Worth It
The Sacred Valley, often referred to as the Urubamba Valley, that’s really more than a spot on the map; actually it’s more of a vibe, you know? The Incas really considered this valley something special, partly due to its fertile lands and, of course, the Urubamba River that keeps everything lush, anyway it’s something you have to appreciate. You’re probably wondering what makes this place, just a bit, historically cool, so let me just tell you: this valley was chock full of important agricultural spots, settlements, and temples. Just picture the Incas kicking it here way back when!
Going to the Sacred Valley is a gentler option than tackling Machu Picchu right away. Very true, you’re still getting that Inca hit, but at a more relaxed pace, a little bit more slow paced if you will. Plus, and this is quite a thing, you get to see a bunch of different spots in one day, so really you get more bang for your buck. We’re talking about ancient ruins, pretty villages, and some local markets where you can get some handmade gifts, that’s the deal, too it’s a win-win situation if that sounds like your cup of tea.
What You’ll See on the Tour: The Highlight Reel
The Cusco Full Day Sacred Valley History Tour usually packs in a bunch of cool sites, as a matter of fact. I began in Pisac, which is more or less famous for its market and the mind-blowing Inca ruins perched up on a hill, which is really a spectacle. We walked through the market first, filled, still, with locals slinging everything from textiles to trinkets, almost your classic market setup. It was slightly tempting to blow my entire travel budget there and then, very. very tempted. But the real gem was, in my humble opinion, climbing up to the Pisac ruins.
Seriously, those terraces snaking around the mountainside? Almost like out of a movie, honestly just jaw-dropping. Our guide explained, in a helpful manner, how the Incas used them for farming. Like, really smart stuff, anyway it felt good to appreciate their accomplishments. The views from the top were something else; a long way away I could see the whole valley spread out below me, basically like a patchwork quilt. Next up was Urubamba, but only for lunch – though, in truth, the lunch spot itself was actually rather tasty, and gave a good break. Apparently it was a buffet-style setup, with a bit of everything to sample, like a proper taste of Peruvian food.
After replenishing my energy, then, next we made our way to Ollantaytambo. That’s actually another set of seriously impressive Inca ruins, by the way these ones are quite different because Ollantaytambo was a strategic military, religious and agricultural center, pretty cool, arguably. I could almost picture Inca warriors standing guard on the steep terraces as I listened to our guide tell stories about battles and royal life, though I definitely didn’t picture it that realistically. The size of the stones they used to build this place, that’s the part I focused on! To think they moved those huge blocks of rock without modern machinery is kinda hard to believe, seriously.
A Deeper Look at the Sacred Valley Experience
One spot the tour included which caught me by surprise a bit was Chinchero. Now, this is rather a little village known for its traditional textile making and Inca remains, virtually. Here, we got to see a demonstration of how the locals clean, spin, and dye wool using methods that have been passed down for generations. That was really great! And I definitely bought a scarf (or two), more or less I felt obligated, you know?
Chinchero also features the remains of what was probably an Inca palace and, of course, a great colonial church built on top of Inca foundations, seemingly it’s your classic blend of cultures which make Peru so unique. It just shows, usually, how the past and present are intertwined, something I feel you have to witness. As we headed back to Cusco in the late afternoon, still, I found myself reflecting on all the sights I had taken in.
My Personal Tour Guide Confessions
Our tour guide had, just a little, made a splash, if I can say so myself. It’s not an exaggeration to say that they knew, obviously, everything about Inca history and culture, in other words they breathed it. They gave such descriptions of life back in the day that honestly, sometimes I really did feel like I had traveled back in time, like your actual Marty McFly. I would highly recommend that you try and find a guide that speaks your language, actually you won’t regret it if you do.
Having a local guide is the way to go, too. Because, clearly, they can offer an amount of detail and personal anecdotes that you just won’t find in a guidebook, too they often point out things you’d easily miss. You’re also, definitely, helping to support the local economy, very worthy too. Plus, they’re, undoubtedly, invaluable for things like telling you how long you should take in higher altitudes.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Sacred Valley Tour
Alright, listen up, since I learned some tricks to share: first, you should definitely, actually, acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco before doing the tour. The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, really just a bit lower, which I’ll admit makes it a decent first stop. Spending a day or two in Cusco beforehand will, naturally, help your body adjust, alright allowing you to really enjoy the tour instead of huffing and puffing up the ruins. It’s more or less always wise to consult your physician before traveling to high altitude, just to be safe.
Layers, always with the layers; the mornings can be, arguably, brisk, the afternoons get rather warm, especially when the sun beats down. A hat, sunglasses, and sunblock are, naturally, a must, too it’s a painful experience otherwise, probably. Second suggestion, then, comfortable shoes, really just super-important. You will be walking, or rather, ambling about all day, potentially even climbing stairs and uneven ground. You don’t need, really, your expensive boots, yet something sturdy and reliable will do.
Just a note: Bring, of course, some local currency for souvenirs, you know, or snacks and to give to the local artisans; while a few of the bigger vendors take cards, many smaller ones do not. That, as a matter of fact, is another must. Do haggle politely at the markets. A bit of back-and-forth is expected, and frankly it is a part of the fun, alright don’t lowball anyone. It’s more about getting a fair price for both you and the vendor. You can also, potentially, bring snacks and water.
Is This Tour Good for You?
The Cusco Full Day Sacred Valley History Tour that is a fairly safe bet if you are relatively short on time but still want to check out a taste of Inca history and culture. Maybe you are a family with slightly bigger kids, by the way this trip is totally reasonable for you. Or, say, you are not trying to throw down for a multi-day trek; very sensible! Then actually I’d totally say it’s something you should consider doing.
The day goes rather quickly and the convenience of not trying to rent a car or finding your way around by bus it more than makes up for it; there really are people that will figure that that is not their thing, after all! Then if that really sounds like you you might really want to book this.
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
The big question: Was the Cusco Full Day Sacred Valley History Tour worthwhile? Actually I’d really have to say yes. You could just picture, that way, me, there I was staring down on some really awesome, breathtaking scenery with what almost felt like a fuller mind of history.
Was this going to solve any personal crisis I was undergoing at the time? Definitely no. But just getting to see what it felt like to get a tiny, very glimpse into the vast, quite culture from some far off people I felt as though I had experienced something that was much much larger than myself. If nothing else it, very, did help me with having an even greater appreciation for a slice of what our Earth truly holds.
- Sacred Valley is full of Inca history.
- A great introduction to Peruvian Culture
- Prepare for diverse climate conditions.