Tour Sacred Valley Cusco: An Honest Traveler’s Review

Thinking about checking out the Sacred Valley when you’re in Cusco? So, that’s a very good call. It’s, like, one of those must-see spots in Peru. A lot of people just zoom through it on their way to Machu Picchu, yet you could actually spend a whole bunch of days there and not get bored. I am saying this after having been there, and having spent plenty of time checking a lot of the tourist destinations out. This is my thoughts on what’s good, what to watch out for, and how to make the most of your visit.

What’s the Sacred Valley Anyway?

Okay, so the Sacred Valley, too, it’s almost called the Urubamba Valley. What it actually is, is this stretch of land between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Very important historically, as it was super significant to the Incas. Why? Because it’s lower in altitude than Cusco, which means it’s warmer, which is that it is awesome for farming. Plus, that is that the Urubamba River runs right through it, so, that provides water and fertile soil.

Basically, it became this, like, breadbasket for the Inca civilization and a strategic area too, because it had natural defenses. You see, like, amazing Inca sites dotted around this region like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, very good destinations to visit! So that is basically why you should add it on to your trip plan.

Picking the Right Tour: Is it Worth it?

Okay, so should you actually do a tour or just go on your own? That is kind of the million-dollar question, yeah? It is, like, totally possible to visit the Sacred Valley solo, but whether it’s that wise, you know, kind of depends on a couple things. Such as: How much time you’ve got, what your budget’s looking like, and what kind of traveler you are. So, let me give you the lowdown on both:

Touring with a Guide: The Upsides

Less Hassle: That is, no stress about transportation. It means you don’t have to figure out bus schedules, haggle with taxi drivers, so you just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Insights: The tour guides actually are very knowledgeable, you know? They usually have a solid grasp on the history and culture of the region. Having one of those around helps you to better realize what’s, really special.
Hitting the Highlights: Tours normally take you to all the hotspots – Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo ruins and whatnot – maximizing your time.

Touring with a Guide: The Downsides

Time Constraints: That’s a big one. You stick to a rigid schedule, you see. And you may find yourself spending too much time somewhere you don’t actually enjoy that much while, conversely, having your time limited in, like, a place that, you know, kind of tickles your fancy.
Pricey: Organized tours are definitely going to be pricier than winging it on your own.
Tourist Traps: I was kind of disappointed that sometimes, they take you to these touristy spots, like shops and restaurants that aren’t necessarily that great, you know? Because they’re kinda working together to get cash out of tourists!

Going Solo: The Upsides

Freedom: Basically, this is it, right? Complete freedom. You go where you like, you spend as long as you want there, which really changes things a lot!
Budget-Friendly: Local buses and “colectivos” (shared vans) are, actually, really cheap, so your money goes way further.
Authenticity: Chance encounters, finding local eateries, a much more authentic experience, I think.

Going Solo: The Downsides

Time-Consuming: You spend time working things out – bus schedules, routes, etc. Plus you may well get lost now and again, it’s true!
Less Insight: Unless you’re, like, a history buff and read up before you go, you may miss out on some key historical tidbits.
Safety: Traveling by yourself requires you keep your wits about you even more than, probably, you usually would. Particularly, like, at night.

Must-See Spots in the Sacred Valley (and Tips to Get the Most Out of Them)

Okay, so, if you’re, actually, heading to the Sacred Valley, these are places you gotta make sure to hit. Also, a few insider tips from me to you!

Pisac: Markets and Ruins

Pisac, that is, actually, like, two awesome spots in one. Firstly, there’s the market, which it’s just, really, a riot of colors and sounds. You see, so, many textiles, souvenirs, jewelry…you, pretty, much name it. Yet, so you know, haggle. You see, it’s that’s just expected. Also, I think it’s worth taking a walk up to the ruins on the hilltop, because the view from there? Spectacular!

Then you see Pisac. Very high, actually the elevation changes the view!

Tip: Head to the market, so it’s, really, early in the morning before the tour buses descend. For the ruins? A bit, kind of, steep a walk, so wear decent shoes, it’s almost required.

Ollantaytambo: Inca Fortress

Ollantaytambo. It’s like, this impressive Inca site that shows you how amazingly advanced they were. These gigantic terraces rising up the hillside. Honestly, so makes you wonder how they even constructed those things!

Tip: It’s a good place to start before you visit Machu Picchu, because Ollantaytambo, seemingly, has a train station for you. That said, buy tickets for the train ahead of time! They will sell out, alright!

Chinchero: Weaving and History

Chinchero’s often gets overlooked but it’s such, truly, a charming spot. Really lovely church, interesting Inca ruins, which really gives some insights to that. Yet, too it’s almost the traditional weaving demonstrations, yeah, they’re a bit touristy, right, though still a really neat experience. Women there demonstrate, basically, the entire process, right from spinning the wool to dyeing it and making complex patterns. Honestly, this is quite neat to see!

Tip: You can, typically, find some, truly, authentic textiles at much better prices in Chinchero than Cusco.

Moray: Inca Agricultural Experiment

Moray’s unlike any place I’d, in fact, seen. These colossal circular terraces. Really kind of an out-of-this-world site. The Incas used them to test different growing conditions. Each terrace’s, like, a slightly different microclimate.

Tip: Don’t miss the salt mines nearby (Salineras de Maras) . Salt mines are great, the look good on the photos!

Altitude Sickness: Be Prepared!

Alright, so let’s get something straight. Cusco and the Sacred Valley are, truly, both high up, altitude-wise, in fact. That’s high up. So you could very easily get altitude sickness, which is no fun, I’ll tell you. Trust me. What feels good, yet also what is very unpleasant actually?

Tips for avoiding altitude sickness:

Acclimatize: Spend, in fact, a couple days in Cusco first before hiking around the Sacred Valley. Makes it way easier!
Drink Coca Tea: So many locals swear by it and it seems to help a bit too, maybe. Anyway, you see the coca leaves everywhere and if, in fact, it gets me somewhere it works, alright?
Stay Hydrated: Seems easy to forget to drink, honestly! Take your bottle, keep refilling it!
Eat Light Meals: Honestly, skip the, pretty, big heavy meals when you, truly, first arrive, eat something you are very acquainted with!

Food in the Sacred Valley: More Than Just Potatoes!

Speaking of meals, don’t you dare just exist on French fries, alright. You are visiting Peru! The Sacred Valley actually provides an awesome opportunity to sample some, truly, traditional Peruvian food.

A couple of things to try:

Cuy (Guinea Pig): Hear me out. Yeah, you might see those animals as cute pet animals where you live. Here that happens less. However, so that’s, like, a delicacy! I think it really tastes a bit like duck, in fact. When roasted, yet can be a bit chewy!
Trucha (Trout): It seems, freshly caught from the Urubamba River, you know, super-fresh and really tasty if that happens! Usually grilled, generally served with rice and potatoes. Of course.
Chicha: Don’t run off! I did not want to talk about wines. Actually, Chicha (not chicha morada, which it is another beverage!) is like a fermented corn drink. Can be very mild, very alcoholic, very nasty or actually really good. Just pay a small fortune in the tasting and pick that good kind!

Souvenir Shopping: What to Buy (and Where!)

You’re gonna wanna bring something home, right? The Sacred Valley actually has a bunch of neat options.

Textiles: So many scarves, sweaters, blankets made from alpaca wool or similar things. They’re seemingly soft and really warm and snuggly and, like, are not what people actually think are good quality textiles when it turns out that they’re totally fake and bad! You often see real Alpaca garments labelled as “baby alpaca”. Just be a discerning buyer! I guess you may just think a piece of clothing is gorgeous and buy anyway? In fact it turns out it’s really just acrylic but hey you didn’t know or did you? In other words, yeah.
Ceramics: Pottery’s a bit of art! Get yours! I got a bunch, so just think before heading!
Jewelry: I’d often stay very, very careful about this sort of stuff. It doesn’t hurt anyone but yeah don’t go home and start whining if your, like, sterling silverware necklace which actually features some crazy cool “gems” looks nothing like one once you’re home. This happens pretty often. It also does in India.

Is the Sacred Valley Worth It? A Very Emphatic YES!

So to round it up, I think I need to share how I have viewed this adventure. The Sacred Valley is, you know, amazing. Is, kind of, like, just beyond worth it! It’s got gorgeous scenery, awesome culture, cool history all mixed in to a singular site! It is a grand opportunity to sort of understand the depth of Peru before getting into more mundane tasks! Basically I consider the valley that one chance to take one big breath and also stretch one’s mind out prior to dealing with stuff in real life again. It, you know, sort of grounds people I feel like. If you’re heading to Cusco, just make the effort to spend some days in this stunning valley. Honestly? I don’t think you’re gonna be sorry that you did, basically.

Here are my highlights!

Rich Inca history that very few have.
Breath taking sites you cannot miss.
Once in a lifetime photographs you can capture for memories.