The Sacred Valley Peru: 33 Incredible Things to Do + Family Guide (2025)

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Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Ariana Svenson

With towering mountains around, lush gardens, and quaint villages, there are a lot of reasons to spend a few days in the Sacred Valley Peru.

Not only is the Sacred Valley in Peru full of amazing places to visit, but it’s also the perfect place to acclimatize to the altitude. At around 2,900 metres (9 514 ft) in Pisac, 2,792 metres (9,160 ft) in Urubamba, and a similar elevation in Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley lies at a much lower elevation than Cusco, one of the highest large cities on earth.

Because of this lower altitude, you’ll enjoy warmer days, gentler climbs, and a far easier adjustment for kids (and adults) just arriving from sea level. Spending a few days here before visiting Cusco or Machu Picchu is one of the best travel decisions you can make (more tips to come!)

We believe the area merits at least a couple of days. In fact, while you might be traveling to Peru to see Machu Picchu, the archaeological sites in the valley are stunning and free from the hype and expectation surrounding them. You will be truly wowed.

The Sacred Valley is the starting point for most journeys to Machu Picchu. The train runs from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Or, you can hike the world-famous Inca Trail from Km 82, located deep in the valley. The Sacred Valley is also the best place to see llamas near Cusco in their natural environment. So, if you are keen on camelids, read on!

We strongly encourage you to get off the tourist route! That’s why we have tried to offer some slightly “off the beaten track” suggestions.

This article is aimed at people with younger children, based on my personal experiences. However, as they get older and become more adventurous travelers, you can have even more unique experiences. We’ve also covered the top things to do in the Sacred Valley for teens, and all recommendations in this article can be enjoyed whether you’re travelling to Peru solo, as a couple, or with friends.

Here’s everything you need to know!

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we would earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More info in my disclaimer.

What is The Sacred Valley of the Incas?

The Sacred Valley is a place where the descendants of the Incas live lives that have remained largely unchanged since the time of their ancestors. Here, you can simply feel the importance of the benevolence of Mother Earth. 

Mainly reliant on agriculture, those living in Peru’s Sacred Valley, and along the “main road to Machu Picchu”, may have cashed in on the tourist dollar. However, the remainder of Sacred Valley residents live simple lives in tune with the seasons.  

Some describe this fertile valley as the heartland of the Inca Empire. It also has the towering presence of the mountains, some truly impressive Incan fortresses, and villages that still practice age-old practices. During the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley became a major hub for agriculture, spirituality, and administration.

The Sacred Valley is also the food bowl of the Cusco region, with many areas still using the agricultural terraces that were farmed in the time of the Incas. Corn,  potatoes, and much more grow in abundance in the Sacred Valley.  (Coca and cacao do not grow in the Sacred Valley – they are found down in the high jungle, around Quillabamba). 

You’ll find some incredible archaeological sites here, where you can see the remarkable construction techniques of the Inca civilisation.

Where is The Sacred Valley?

Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is a truly special place. It’s formed by the Urubamba River, which then flows into the Vilcanota River, which in turn rushes around Machu Picchu and continues further towards the Amazon. This area was very sacred to the Incas, as the sacred Urubamba river represented a reflection of the cosmic Milky Way in their mythology.

Zoom out on the map below to see the exact location in Peru:

How to Get to the Sacred Valley + Timings

The Sacred Valley of the Incas sits about 60 km northwest of Cusco, and getting there is part of the adventure. There are a number of ways you can visit Peru’s Sacred Valley! Most people arrive by road from Cusco.

If you are flying from Lima or Arequipa, both places with lower altitudes, then you should travel directly to the Sacred Valley of Peru for acclimatization purposes. If you fly into Cusco and want to travel directly to the Sacred Valley, take the Pisaq route, which doesn’t take you to a much higher altitude.  Often, the fastest and most direct route is to go via Chinchero, a whopping 3,762 m /12342 feet. 

I recommend spending a minimum of 3 days exploring the Urubamba Valley floor before heading onward to Machu Picchu, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

More information about altitude for kids here.

The simplest way to travel is by private transfer or a Cusco to Sacred Valley tour. You can be met at the airport and driven straight to Pisac, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Drive times range from about 45 minutes to Pisac to roughly two hours to Ollantaytambo. If you’re travelling with kids or luggage, a private car makes life much easier.

If you’re on a budget, you can take a colectivo, a shared minibus that leaves regularly from Cusco’s Puputi or Pavitos streets. They’re quick and inexpensive. Another option is the scenic train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, which winds through the Urubamba Valley. It only departs once a day and tickets sell out in advance. 

How to Explore The Sacred Valley

Those short of time tend to join one of the whistle-stop Sacred Valley tours that visit all the best places in the valley in one day. That’s right, the markets at Corao, Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress, and onto Chinchero by the end of the day. This is a cost-effective way to see the valley, but much time is spent getting on and off the bus, and you don’t get to experience what makes this area so unique.  Most of the day tours don’t visit the Salt Mines of Maras.

There is also ample and frequent public transportation that connects all the towns in the Sacred Valley via the main road. If you want to visit the Ollantaytambo Ruins (which are right in town), it works well. However, if you wanted to visit the Pisac ruins, you would have to hike.

A private tour with a professional local guide is an excellent way to learn more about the Sacred Valley – and a great option if you are travelling with kids. Yes, a private car and guide will come with extra cost, but it also enables you to stop when you want to and delve more deeply into this very special area.

Villages of the Sacred Valley

There are 6 main villages scattered through the Sacred Valley of Peru, and a plethora of other little communities and hamlets.

The main villages include:

• Pisac
• Ollantaytambo
• Urubamba
• Chinchero
• Calca

Smaller villages include 

• Yanahuara
• Lamay
• Huaran 

For considerations about WHERE to stay in the Sacred Valley, check out our blog post Where To Stay In The Sacred Valley With Kids.  This covers the pros and cons of each of the Sacred Valley villages. 

We think that Ollantaytambo with kids is a very rewarding experience. This is our favourite village when travelling with children.

The Best Things to Do in the Sacred Valley, Peru with Kids (and Without)

Whether you’re here for a few days or just passing through on the way to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is packed with things to see and do for all ages.

These suggestions are based on children under 13, as that is our first-hand experience. Ariana (author of this article) is also the co-founder of the travel agency Apus Peru in Cusco.

Short on time to visit the Sacred Valley? This one day tour will show you the BEST of the Sacred Valley! More info here.

Experience the Markets Held in the Main Plaza of Each Town

Visiting a market while in the Sacred Valley is an incredible experience. There are plenty of choices. Plan to visit at least one Sunday market while in the area. Weekends are busier in Machu Picchu, with more locals visiting, so you might want to plan to avoid being there on a Sunday.

Here are our favourites:

Pisac and Chinchero Markets

Pisac is one of the most famous markets is held on a Tuesday or a Sunday.  Though nowadays it is now a mostly tourist-oriented affair. The centre of the town of Pisac has several restaurants and hotels, but you still get the feeling of stepping back in time.  There are lots of things to buy that will make great memories of your trip to Peru.

TIP: Should you want to quietly worship at the back of the ancient, dark church, you can participate in Pisaq’s Sunday mass, which is given in Quechua.

The Chinchero Market is another famous market held each Sunday. The local portion of both Pisaq and Chinchero markets is now seriously reduced to the corners of the whole area, where mostly bemused locals bear the brunt of photo-snapping tourists.

Tip: You can get the same things in Cusco at half the price!.

Urubamba or Calca Markets

If you are more interested in a traditional market experience to see the produce and people, you could ask to stop at the Urubamba markets or even the small town of Calca. 

Ollantaytambo Market

The Ollantaytambo market is one of the BEST things to do in Ollantaytambo. It’s located just off the main square (Plaza de Armas) and is very popular with tourists.  You will need to ask to find out what days are considered “market days,” which are the days when people come in from the local communities to sell their wares.

Fun Fact –  What is the right name for Pisac town?  You will see Pisac (the Spanish spelling) and Pisaq (the Quechua spelling).  As Quechua and Spanish seem to be used interchangeably in this part of the world, both spellings are understood!

Explore Archaeological Sites in the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of Peru is famous for its local markets and its archaeological sites. They are definitely great places to delve into Inca culture.  The impressive ruins at both Pisaq and Ollantaytambo are stunning and worth a visit for the adults. 

For the kids,  some creativity and ingenuity will be required, as they are definitely not places for hide and go seek or chasey. A good guide will be worth his weight in gold if he can bring the sites alive. Obviously, the older the kids are, the more engaging it will be for them as they learn about the importance of each site.

Pisac Ruins & Temple of the Sun

One of our favorite ruins is the Temple of the Sun at Pisac.  In fact, with spectacular drop-offs and panoramic views across the whole valley, the Pisaq ruins are one of our favorite spots to get off the beaten track. You just head away from the tour bus area, and you can step back in time. 

You can really marvel at this important site that is believed to have been a secluded royal retreat (much like Machu Picchu).

Ollantaytambo Fortress

The ancient Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Rising above the village, its ancient stairways and huge terraces offer an insight into Inca engineering from long ago. The fortress was once a ceremonial centre and an Inca stronghold. This was one of the few places where the Incas successfully held off the Spanish conquistadors.

Climbing the fortress is a bit of a workout, but the views over the valley and the town below are worth every step. Make sure you look out for the giant carved face of the Inca god Viracocha etched into the mountainside opposite the ruins.

After your visit, make sure you take time to explore Ollantaytambo, where you can explore the cobblestone lanes and stop for a well-earned bite to eat in the main square.

Chinchero Ruins

Located between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, the Chinchero Ruins are absolutely worth a stop. With incredible views across the Andes, this peaceful site has a long history. You’ll find ancient stone terraces and walls built by the Incas, with a colonial church built on the foundations.

Museo Inkariy (Urubamba)

If you visit one museum while in the Cusco region, we’ve heard reports that the Museo Inkariy is kid-friendly. Having some context prior to a visit to Machu Picchu would be extremely useful!  

For more information on Museo Inkariv, click here.

Learn About Agriculture and the Incan Way of Life

While obviously many things have changed, if you venture a little off the main highway through the Sacred Valley, it is like you have stepped back in time. The agricultural practices in this area have not changed that much since Incan times. If you allow a little time to explore the local culture, then these visits could well be a highlight of your trip to South America.

There are a number of places that give you and your littles insight into the way of life of the Sacred Valley, Peru. Visit some typical Andean villages or even talk to local farmers.

Huilloc Community

For a guided visit, this Tour by Apus Peru will take you to the community of Huilloc, where you will visit a Quechua family and experience a bit of life in the rural Andes, located just 40 minutes from Ollantaytambo. More info here.

Chichubamba Community

On the outskirts of Urubamba, the Chichubamba Community has organized a unique community tourism project where locals have been trained to do short tourist demonstrations about their enterprises. These include raising guinea pigs for eating, bees, ceramics, and cut flowers.

During this hands-on tour, you can learn even more about the Incan traditions that shape life today. You’ll enjoy hands-on ceramics and chocolate-making workshops, and making or preparing chicha (a traditional fermented corn drink). You’ll be welcomed into locals’ homes and have a genuine and unforgettable experience, and even a homemade lunch at the Chichubamba Agritourism project. Discover more about this 1 day tour here.

Amaru Community

A well-organized indigenous community that runs Tierra de los Yachaqs. Depending on the season, you can ‘yapuy’ (turn the earth) or plant crops. Most importantly, you get an insight into a traditional way of life, experience beautiful landscapes, and meet a farmer.

Horse Riding Ranches

Stay at one of the horse riding ranches (see names below) for a romantic and a bit glamorous experience.  More reminiscent of the conquering Spanish than the local indigenous. However, it would still be fun and agricultural-related!

Home Stays

If you’re looking for a high-altitude, eye-opening, and sometimes challenging experience, homestays are a fledgling industry for a number of different indigenous communities.  Conditions tend to be rustic, and you should be a resilient traveling family. 

Learn about Peruvian weaving at Chinchero

Synonymous with a trip to Peru are the colorful textiles of the Cusco region. It is no wonder that a visit to this area can be filled with creative possibilities.

For the more crafty youngster, consider organizing a weaving class; you might start a lifelong passion.  Founded by Nilda Callanaupa, who brought the Peruvian textile tradition to the world’s spotlight, these classes are based in Chinchero.

There are many Awana Wasi (weaving houses) where demonstrations are held on how the weavings are made.  And, more interesting to kids, how native plants and the bug cochineal make some extremely vivid colors of natural dyes! Even small kids can wonder at this interactive demonstration!

This Inca Traditions tour is highly recommended. After being collected from your hotel, you’ll spend the day exploring centuries-old Inca traditions. You’ll also hike through the countryside and visit a little-touristed Incan site in Ollantaytambo along the way. You’ll visit Rumira Sondormayo, where you’ll see a weaving demonstration and even get a chance to buy the weavings!

Ceramics

Visit world-famous Seminario Ceramics. If pre-organized, you can make your own pot and then pick it up later.

One of the most famous Peruvian ceramic artists is Pablo Seminario, and you can participate in a ceramics workshop by working with a local tour operator. I am not sure if you can do it directly.

Another place to see beautiful high-end glazed ceramics is at the Tater Vera Ceramics studio in Cusco.  They have also opened a new store in Urubamba. Famous for the use of the glazed ceramic technique, Tater Vera is famous for his Cusco bulls and hen series, through to pieces including urns and complete nativity scenes.

Learn to Kayak or Go Paddle Boarding

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities on high mountain lakes. How cool would it be to say that you learned to kayak or SUP (older kids) on a high mountain lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains? 

We were blessed to take our 5-year-old and her 70-year-old grandmother kayaking on the stunning Lake Huaypo. This was a fun excursion for a couple of hours, followed by a delicious lunch in a hearty outdoor setting. With glass-like waters and lots of sunshine, this was a wonderful place to learn to kayak. 

We recommend Amazonas Explorer, a high-quality outfitter who have raised their children in Peru and are very aware of children’s needs.

Enjoy Lunch at a Quinta

Quintas are typical Peruvian restaurants, set among lush gardens, and are the places where local families go for a long lunch and a celebration. The local delicacy, roasted guinea pig, is always on the menu – will you dare?

With gardens (and sometimes play equipment) for kids, a Quinta is a great place for play. While throwing gold coins at a frog in a local game known as ‘sapo’ is a win for everyone.  If you are up for it, ask your guide to stop at a Chicheria where you can sample the local fermented corn brew!

For more info about food in Peru, make sure you read our guides to the top places to eat in Peru with kids and these amazing Peru food facts for kids.

Meet the Local Alpacas and Llamas

As expected, alpacas and llamas are found throughout Peru. Your kids are likely to get pretty excited when they get to see one. To give them the best opportunity, these are some suggestions:

Awanacancha

For us, this is a must-stop place. Also, a souvenir shop and a small museum. You can stop and feed a big herd of alpacas and llamas kept here. About 45 minutes from Cusco en route to Pisac.

Alpacas at some hotels

Many hotels have Alpacas kept for the tourists’ enjoyment. 

• We’ve personally enjoyed them at the Aranwa Sacred Valley, outside of Lamay.  Check here for more information and current rates. 
• Also, the Pakaritampu Hotel in Ollantaytambo had a resident llama when we were last there.  Check here for more information and current rates.

Trek with a Llama – The Llama Pack Project

I’ll go out on a limb and say that if you get to trek with a llama in Peru, it might be one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you don’t forget for a long time.  Kids, especially, will get a huge thrill out of trekking with llamas in Peru!  Taking a trek with The Llama Pack Project allows you to do this while also supporting an Eco-friendly enterprise.

For more information on llamas and alpacas, we have several posts to read:

Fun Llama Facts for Kids and Inquisitive Adults
Alpaca Vs Llama – What’s The Difference Between A Llama And An Alpaca
Fun Facts About Alpacas for Kids and Curious Adults

Activities for Older Kids/Tweens/Teens in the Sacred Valley, Peru

Sacred Valley, Peru, is full of adventure, culture, and hands-on fun that goes far beyond just sightseeing. From horse riding experiences to mountain biking and zip-lining, there are plenty of incredible activities to enjoy!

Take a Cooking Class

A cooking class in the Sacred Valley of Peru is an absolute must. Some cooking classes include a trip to a local market, followed by a return to the kitchen to prepare some incredible local dishes. You can also learn about cooking traditions such as Pachamanca, where meat and vegetables are marinated in herbs and cooked underground on hot stones. It’s part meal, part ceremony, and all flavour.

Weaving collective Awamaki organises cooking classes in Ollantaytambo with local women, while in Urubamba you can join Diego at the Pakakuna restaurant for his take on local flavours.  

Go Horse Riding in the Sacred Valley

With a couple horse lovers on our hands, our itineraries are being strongly factored to include horseback riding. My daughter is absolutely determined that our next trip to Peru will spend a week in the mountains with Kyd and the crew from Frontierlab.

Below, these stables all feature the stunning Peruvian Paso Horse. This horse is not only very ‘pretty’ but has a unique, inborn, and four-beat lateral gait. The Peruvian Paso horse is described as the smoothest riding horse in the world.

• Cusco for You offers a hacienda plus a short 2-hour horse ride in their area.  We’ve always had rave reviews for their trip to Pinchingo or one of the nearby Incan Ruins.
• Hacienda Del Chalan also gets good reviews for its short 2-hour rides in the surrounding area.  This might be a good place to start for beginners.

If you are a horse lover or have intermediate riding skills, then Perol Chico’s multi-day rides might be something you can aspire to!

Try Rafting on the Urubamba River

The Urubamba River offers some gentle rafting for people wanting to raft for the first time. What could be better than floating along with stunning mountain views all around you?

Of course, the weather can mean that river conditions change at any time.  We respect the folks at Amazonas Explorer and wouldn’t do this activity with anything but the best operators.

Shop around to be sure you are confident with your operator’s safety record.

Downhill Mountain Bike Riding

Anything is possible in the Andes, and downhill mountain biking is no exception. From relatively easy/safe downhill in the Sacred Valley area, to challenging single-track hair-raising descents, there is something for everyone. 

Don’t under-estimate the terrain, and be sure your kids have sufficient riding ability for the activity you are looking into! Check here for more information.

Sacred Valley ATV Tour

A Sacred Valley ATV tour is a fun and adventurous way to explore the countryside. You’ll ride your own quad bike through open fields and mountain trails, taking in views of the valley, and learn about local life along the way.

Most tours start near Maras or Cruzpata and visit the circular Moray terraces and the Maras Salt Mines. The routes are easy to follow, and companies provide helmets, training, and support vehicles.

Prefer not to drive? You can also join a guided buggy tour and enjoy the ride together.

Maras Adventure and ATV Cusco sell half-day and full-day tours, often with hotel pick-up from Cusco or Urubamba.

Do a Zip Line at the Via Ferrata

We’ve stopped on the road and watched these guys do their thing on the zip lines.  You would have to be an adrenaline junkie, and your kids would need to have no fear. 

This is no ordinary zip line, zipping through the lush jungle canopy. This is out there, zipping along a sheer rock face!  The zip line and Via Ferrata are operated by Nature Vive, which states that the minimum age for Via Ferrata is 9 years old and for the zip line is 6 years old. I can’t imagine our 6-year-old doing it, but every kid is different.

We are reluctant to recommend something we haven’t experienced first-hand, but we do realize that this would appeal to adrenaline junkie families.  So, watch the videos and conduct your research.  And, if you are going to do it, why not sleep up on a cliff face on the seriously fascinating Skylodge adventure suites? 

Check here for more information and current rates.

You can also check out these private zip line tours below:

Hiking in the Sacred Valley, Peru

With fresh air, stunning scenery, the opportunity to see day-to-day life in the Sacred Valley, and even the odd ruin or two. For us, doing a short hike is a MUST! If you plan to attempt one of the multi-day treks, practicing hiking at altitude is also highly recommended.

Important Note:  We have NOT done any of these hikes with kids, but planned to do them during 2020 with a 10-year-old and a 7-year-old who had had quite a bit of hiking experience.  All these treks should be done with a guide unless you are experienced outdoors, speak some Spanish, and don’t mind getting lost/having adventures.

Here are our top recommendations:

Maras to Moray to Salineras to see the Maras salt mines

For little legs, we would ask our driver to drop us at the top of the Salineras path, just out of Maras. Straight downhill, passing mule trains loaded with salt and then arriving at the photographer’s dream – Salineras salt pans. This is a winner for kids.

Hiking:  Moray – Maras 2 hours, Maras – Salineras 2 hours. Have a car meet you at Salineras (also known as Salineras de Maras).

For a guided experience with no hike, this Maras Moray Inca Ruins Tour includes visits to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray Inca Ruins. Along the way, you’ll see mountains surrounding the Sacred Valley of Cusco and unch together in the traditional community of Misminay. A trip like this is also a great way to acclimatise for a longer trek. View more details here.

Downhill from Pumamarca to Ollantaytambo

Getting a car up to the little-known ruins of Pumamarca, then heading downhill through the terraces. Allow 2-3 hours to walk back down.

Walk from Chinchero to Urquillos (or Huayllabamba)

Another trek that is all downhill, but longer than the other two. Ruins and great scenery along the way. Allow 4 hours and make sure a car is meeting you at the end.  For an excellent, detailed description, this is an excellent Guide to the Chinchero to Urquillos hike.

Hike to Huchuy Qosqo

If you think you might like to tackle a short hike in the Andes with kids, then Huchuy Qosqo might be a good place to start. This is considered one of the easiest hikes in the Cusco region and takes you from the mountains above Cusco down to the Sacred Valley. (Note – no hike in the Andes is “easy”!  however, this is easier than others)

If a guided hike would work best for you, this 2 day Huchuy Qosqo trek from Tambomachay finishes in the valley. All the routes and logistics will be sorted for you. This is great if you want to hike while in Cusco but don’t have much time. You’ll discover Tambomachay (one of the 4 ruins surrounding Cusco) and end at Lamay before returning by car to Cusco. More info here.

Note – While this is considered easy, I’ve been told it is very hard for many novices.  You should really consider if this is right for you. Read Should I Take My Children Trekking In Peru?

What is the Best Time to Visit the Sacred Valley? + weather

The dry season in Peru runs from April through August.  It is also high season when people flock to the Andes for trekking and outdoor activities. The Sacred Valley itself is quite brown and dry, though, as there is no rain.

For me, the rainy season brings beautiful green colors to the mountains and is my favorite time of year.  Once the rain starts, the mountain people become very busy turning the earth ‘yapuy’ (in Quechua) using ancient tools, or if they have oxen, will plough with them. The dust decreases, and everything comes alive.  If you don’t mind the showers, then this is generally a quieter time of year.  You might even find that you have some of the ancient ruins to yourself.

Sacred Valley Itinerary Ideas with Kids

To minimize travel, create a plan for the activities you want to do and where you want to stay. You can even check out our recommended 2 Week Peru Itinerary post.

If you’re planning an independent trip without a tour, make sure you read all our Sacred Valley and itinerary guides:

Getting Started – How to Plan a Peru family holiday (UK/AUS) / Planning a Peru family vacation (US)

• Visiting Peru with kids
• The best Sacred Valley Hotels and areas to stay
• Acclimating to altitude with kids (and without)

Check out our guide on the best South America travel tips!

Extend Your Trip – Explore Cusco

The UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Cusco is a must-visit. After a visit of 1-2 days at Machu Picchu, we would return to the City of Cusco.  You should now be well acclimatized to, and therefore not likely to suffer from altitude sickness.

I’m now close to achieving my quarter century (25 years!) anniversary of arriving in Cusco, so it goes without saying that I’ve spent a lot of time in this high altitude city, living amongst its people and visiting its sights.  With my company, Apus Peru, celebrating 20 years in 2025, I have also helped literally thousands of people get the best out of this city.  

My oldest daughter was born in Cusco, and I’ve experienced Cusco with children of all ages and stages!  (I only have to experience the young adult period… !)

Make sure you read our guide to the top things to do in Cusco with kids so you can plan a fantastic itinerary. For guided experiences, make sure you explore these Cusco tours.

The Boleto Turistico?

The Boleto Turistico or Cusco Tourist Ticket gives you access to many of the most popular attractions in Cusco, including archaeological sites and museums – including those in the Sacred Valley (but not Machu Picchu).

The Boleto Turistico costs S/.130 for adults (approx. $US39) and S/.70 (Approx $US21) for children aged between 10-17 and students.  Children under 9 are admitted free of charge and do not require a ticket. The complete tourist ticket is valid for 10 days.  So, before you buy it, work out how you might explore the Sacred Valley Inca ruins first and then later on, the Cusco city center.

If you decide that you want to just get a Part Boleto Turistico, the “Boleto Parcia” is 70 soles for adults.  There is no discount for students.

The Boleto Parcial is only good for 2 consecutive days from the date of purchase.  You have to choose one of the following circuits:

• Circuit 1: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay
• Circuito 2: Museo de Sitio Qorikancha, Museo Histórico Regional, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Monumento a Pachacuteq, Pikillaqta,and Tipon
• Circuito 3: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray.

Peru Sacred Valley Map

The Verdict – Things to do in the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of Peru is definitely worth visiting for a unique experience of traditional Peruvian life, as the descendants of the Incas still farm the fertile land today. This long valley runs from Pisac through to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important Inca Fortresses.

Whether you take a whistle-stop day tour or stay for longer, we suggest that you learn more from a guided tour with a local guide who can explain the most important features of Peru’s Sacred Valley. 

Hiking in the Sacred Valley, Peru, is also a great way to explore off the beaten path, understand the unique dynamics of the valley, and get your lungs working before taking on one of the bigger hikes, such as the famous Inca Trail.  We hope you have discovered some exciting things to do with the kids in this comprehensive exploration of this beautiful place!

Additionally, most tourists visiting the Sacred Valley do so in addition to touring Machu Picchu.  If that is you, our  Best Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu with Kids is a great resource. Also, our Fun Facts about Peru is a must-read.

To start planning your trip, make sure you read this guide to How to plan a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco.

Ready to plan the trip of a lifetime? Apus Peru can help you plan the perfect trip. Get in touch today.

Sacred Valley FAQs

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