What is the Sacred Valley and why choose the VIP experience?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of Peru’s most iconic routes, a cultural and natural corridor that stretches between traditional towns, agricultural terraces, crystal-clear rivers, and imposing mountains. Located less than an hour from Cusco, this valley was, during the Inca Empire, one of the most important centers due to its agricultural fertility and proximity to the imperial capital. Today, exploring it feels like walking through a living museum where every town, market, and archaeological site preserves the traces of a glorious past. The VIP experience allows visitors to discover it with greater comfort, exclusivity, and top-quality services, designed for those who want to enjoy history and natural beauty without sacrificing comfort.
Where is the Sacred Valley located?
The Sacred Valley lies northeast of Cusco, following the course of the Vilcanota River, which later takes the name Urubamba. The altitude ranges between 2,700 and 3,000 meters above sea level, making it lower than Cusco city and ideal for acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu or taking high-altitude treks. This privileged environment combines agricultural landscapes, colonial towns, textile centers, and archaeological complexes that show how the Incas mastered every corner of their territory.
Advantages of a VIP tour in the Sacred Valley
While a traditional tour usually means large groups and standard tourist transport, a VIP tour guarantees small groups or private services, premium transportation (comfortable vehicles with air conditioning and reclining seats), professional bilingual or trilingual guides with a personalized approach, as well as fast-track entry and advance reservations at the most in-demand attractions. Additionally, you’ll enjoy gourmet lunches at selected restaurants and flexible itineraries tailored to your pace and interests.
Main archaeological sites included in the VIP route
Pisac: famous for its impressive agricultural terraces and traditional artisan market.
Ollantaytambo: an Inca architectural gem with temples, terraces, and cyclopean walls that tell the story of resistance against the conquerors.
Chinchero: known as the “cradle of the rainbow,” combining Inca ruins, colonial temples, and textile workshops.
Urubamba: the valley’s strategic hub, renowned for its gastronomy and farming landscapes.
Some VIP packages also include Maras and Moray: the ancient salt mines that produce pink salt, and the concentric agricultural terraces used by the Incas as an experimental farming center.
Gastronomic experience in the VIP Sacred Valley
One of the most notable differences in a VIP tour is the culinary experience. Instead of basic tourist menus, you’ll enjoy refined dishes that blend Andean cuisine with contemporary techniques. Fresh local ingredients such as giant corn from Urubamba, quinoa, Andean trout, native potatoes, and aromatic herbs are used, all served in pleasant settings overlooking the river or farmlands.
Exclusive transport and services
VIP transport means spacious vehicles, comfortable seats, and air conditioning, ensuring a relaxed journey through winding roads. In private services, visitors decide how much time to spend at each site, stop at scenic viewpoints, and travel at their own pace. Some tours even include bottled water, courtesy snacks, and onboard Wi-Fi.
Expert guides and personalized attention
Unlike standard tours with large groups, a Sacred Valley VIP tour provides professional guides fluent in multiple languages and offering deeper insights into history, Andean worldview, Inca architecture, and cultural heritage. This ensures a richer, more personalized experience.
Flexible itineraries for a tailored journey
VIP service allows travelers to design their itinerary according to their interests—whether spending more time photographing Pisac terraces or exploring Ollantaytambo temples in detail. Optional stops may include ceramic workshops, textile centers, or panoramic viewpoints rarely seen in regular tours.
Best time to visit the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley can be visited year-round, but the best time is the dry season (April to October) when the weather is stable and landscapes are most striking. Rainy season (November to March) offers lush green scenery but can complicate travel due to humidity.
Duration and schedules of a VIP tour
A full Sacred Valley tour lasts 10–12 hours, departing Cusco around 7:00 a.m. and returning in the afternoon. Some packages also offer overnight stays in boutique valley hotels, allowing travelers to enjoy quiet surroundings and visit Machu Picchu the next day from Ollantaytambo.
Costs of a VIP Sacred Valley tour
Prices range between 120 and 250 USD per person, depending on the agency, exclusivity level, and services included. This typically covers premium or private transport, bilingual guide, archaeological site entries, gourmet lunch, and extras. The higher price is reflected in the quality and personalization of the experience.
Additional VIP services
Some packages include welcome kits, bottled water, Andean snacks, professional photography, fast-track access, and even extras such as organic coffee tastings or Andean rituals guided by a local shaman.
Tips to make the most of your VIP tour
Wear comfortable, warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bring cash for crafts. Book in advance, especially in high season, and confirm exactly what your package includes to avoid extra costs.
