Cusco Sacred Valley VIP Tour: Honest Review & Tips
Alright, planning a trip to Peru, specifically, the Cusco area, is something a bunch of folks do, and figuring out what tours are actually worthwhile can be, very well, overwhelming, right? A Sacred Valley tour is pretty much a must-do to acclimatize to the altitude and soak up some Incan history prior to heading off to Machu Picchu. Of the many available choices, the ‘Cusco Sacred Valley VIP Tour with Buffet Lunch’ sounds, perhaps, attractive, but does it actually live up to the name? I looked into what to expect, what stands out, and whether or not that “VIP” tag is actually earned.
What Makes it ‘VIP’? Peeking at the Tour Features
What makes a tour “VIP,” you ask? More or less, it comes down to what you get above and beyond what the standard tours tend to offer. In the case of this Sacred Valley excursion, a handful of things stick out. First off, smaller group sizes tend to be a feature. Rather than being packed into a big bus with what feels like half of the tourists that visit Peru that day, VIP tours typically limit the number of participants. Arguably, that equals a more intimate and engaging experience, along with more chances to, say, ask questions and actually get to know your guide, basically. This also can lead to getting more individualized attention.
Another selling point often revolves around transportation. So, instead of some rattling minibus, the “VIP” experience, like, should involve newer, comfier vehicles, seemingly. Think air conditioning, better suspension for those bumpy Andean roads, and even things, that, like, charging ports for your phone, so you aren’t desperately trying to conserve battery all day, actually. Then there’s the buffet lunch. A standard tour will usually take you to, I don’t know, some very basic restaurant, a “VIP” tour promises an elevated dining experience with a larger selection of local cuisine, too it’s almost.
Ultimately, this type of experience is, more or less, often geared towards folks who value convenience and comfort, and it looks to give you a slightly easier, more rewarding day in the Sacred Valley, I think.
Hitting the Highlights: Stops Along the Way
Most Sacred Valley tours, VIP or otherwise, cover a fairly standard loop of incredible sites, and the “Cusco Sacred Valley VIP Tour” typically visits the following spots, apparently. First, Pisac is very frequently on the list, and this town has a vibrant market as well as incredible Inca ruins that cling to the hillside overlooking everything, that, like, you really have to see to believe. The market, which is bustling with vendors selling handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs, is a place where you may wish to test out your bartering skills. Seemingly, the ruins require a bit of an uphill walk, but they offer incredible views of the valley and amazing examples of Incan stonework.
Next, Ollantaytambo, that is often a key stop. That fortress and town were very important during Incan times, and the site remains incredibly well-preserved. That has massive terraces, complex stonework, and some religious spots, clearly. Beyond the ruins, the town itself has charming streets and water channels dating back centuries, alright? A bit further along you often see Chinchero. This spot combines Incan ruins with a Spanish colonial church and also, most of the time, provides weaving demonstrations, and stuff. Arguably, the views up there are just outstanding.
Something else the VIP tour usually provides is an opportunity to check out places, such as, maybe, a ceramics demonstration or, seemingly, a lesser-known ruin, which might just offer a little break from those busier key spots, is that right?
Lunchtime: The Buffet Experience
Let’s be frank; lunch can make or break a tour experience, more or less. On many standard Sacred Valley tours, you’re whisked off to, maybe, a restaurant geared for big tourist groups, with rather bland, mass-produced food, still. However, the “VIP” tour, just a little, tries to give you something different, basically.
Typically, the buffet is hosted at a restaurant with a far nicer atmosphere, that is something that might affect your experience, as well as an ample array of choices for different palates. You’re likely to find classic Peruvian dishes, very frequently, prepared with quality ingredients. I mean, think quinoa salads, causa rellena (mashed potato dish), maybe some lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), and probably, definitely, some vegetarian options too it’s almost. Also, hopefully, there will be tasty desserts and things.
What helps make it ‘VIP’ is attention to detail in presentation, quality of service, and, most of the time, a more peaceful setting, basically. The meal becomes more of an event than just a stop to refuel, alright?
Is the VIP Upgrade Really Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Okay, so, that’s the rundown on what these tours offer, yet should you pony up the extra cash? It, pretty much, depends on your priorities, but it is worth analysing. On the pro side, convenience really plays a large role, I guess. They take care of practically every logistical issue. That’s going to reduce any possible worry or stress on your end.
Comfort tends to be really great. These things may affect your travel plans. Comfortable transports, small groups, seemingly, an above-average dining experience, all mean a possibly easier, more pleasurable day, that. If your time is very limited and want to see as much as you possibly can without running yourself ragged, such can actually really pay off. Now, for the cons: cost, arguably, is the very obvious one. “VIP” versions do come at a larger expense. In the event that you’re a very budget conscious traveller, that extra money can be useful somewhere else, it seems.
Secondly, there’s an argument to be created for independent travel. Hiring a driver and touring yourself can, perhaps, mean going at a speed that is just your speed, choosing off-the-beaten-path sites, or spending extra time some place you find that is particularly special to you. So, you won’t have quite that much liberty on just about any tour.
To figure out if the VIP tour is appropriate, ask you whether or not the extra money is worth convenience, comfort, and maybe, somewhat, exclusivity. In the event you value those features, very frequently it may well be an outstanding pick, but seemingly if you’re more versatile, the regular tours (or possibly solo exploration) is perfectly acceptable.
Real Talk: Tips and Tricks for your Sacred Valley Tour
If a VIP tour makes sense for you or you are thinking of a basic tour there are still a handful of ways that you make your journey smoother, naturally. One: Altitude, that is still nothing to be taken lightly, really. Spend a handful of days in Cusco just to adapt before even taking off in to a tour like this one, more or less, you can actually thank me later. Number Two: Pack layers, okay? The Sacred Valley climate could be, say, interesting, that. The mornings are crisp, midday it warms, and that’s going to get cool very fast as soon as the sun has gone away. With layering you will actually manage that crazy temperature swing to be as comfortable as you are able.
Number Three: sunscreen is necessary and don’t skip it either. In any respect, that sun at elevation will scorch you before you can say: “Where’s the Aloe Vera?”, you will discover, I guess. Number Four: stay hydrated. So, always bring a refillable water bottle. That’s environmentally responsible, not to mention it keeps you well. Plenty of guides supply water for you; therefore, in any event this allows simple accessibility at whatever moment that you need it, literally. Number Five: Comfortable walking shoes, clearly you are going to thank me on that also as you navigate just about any terraced ruins.
Number six: keep local money available if perhaps you are hoping to shop during one of the marketplace visits. Not all vendors accept charge cards, too it’s almost; however, you frequently find that they’re ready to knock the cost off in case you are offering money rather than charge, in other words. Finally, make sure your camera and/or phone has loads of room, also make sure it really is completely billed. No-one would like running from space just before a particularly stunning panorama appears.
Bottom Line: Your Call for an Incredible Experience
At the end of the day, a “Cusco Sacred Valley VIP Tour with Buffet Lunch” gives you a more seamless, comfortable, and, well, possibly delicious strategy for experiencing a stunning and truly historically considerable area. If a smooth, well-organized experience is a must, then this might actually merit the additional expense, you know. But regardless of whether you go “VIP” or elect another choice, get prepared to get astounded by the beauty plus ancient magic that, yet, is to be had within the Sacred Valley. Don’t pass up that awesome experience, really!