These three options suit different ways of planning time around Sacred Valley. Two are full-day valley tours with private transport and guide service, while the third is a shorter private Machu Picchu visit for travelers building a larger Cusco-area itinerary.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Sacred Valley. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and Peru tours and experiences.
Sacred Valley tour options at a glance
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Full valley day with lunch | Travelers who want a longer private Sacred Valley day with lunch included and hotel pickup in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. | ★ 5.0/5 | 52 reviews | Approx. 9 hr–10 hr | Private transportation is included. | View on Viator |
 Shorter valley circuit | Travelers who want a shorter Sacred Valley outing focused on the main valley sites without lunch included. | ★ 5.0/5 | 31 reviews | Approx. 7 hr | Private transportation is included. | View on Viator |
 Private Machu Picchu visit | Travelers who want a private guided Machu Picchu experience as part of a broader trip beyond the valley tours. | ★ 5.0/5 | 28 reviews | Approx. 2 hr 30 min | Private guide service is included. | View on Viator |
Sacred Valley tour reviews and key differences
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compared with the shorter valley tour, this adds lunch and a longer private format.
From Urubamba & Ollantaytambo: Sacred Valley Day tour with Lunch
Best for: Travelers who want a longer private Sacred Valley day with lunch included and hotel pickup in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
This full-day private tour is built for travelers who want to see several Sacred Valley sites in one trip and keep the pace flexible. The route includes Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, and Chinchero, with lunch included during the day. Private transportation and an English-speaking local guide are confirmed, and the listing also says you can ask questions and travel at your own pace. Entry tickets and the Maras Salt Mines fee are not included, so plan separately for those costs. Pickup is listed from Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, with return options to those areas or transfer to Cusco.
Private Sacred Valley day with multiple stops
- Private transportation is included.
- Lunch is included.
- Hotel pickup is listed for Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
Compared with the first valley tour, this is more compact and does not include lunch.
Sacred Valley Tour From either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo
Best for: Travelers who want a shorter Sacred Valley outing focused on the main valley sites without lunch included.
This option is a private Sacred Valley tour that keeps the focus on three core stops: Ollantaytambo, the Maras Salt Mines, and Moray. It is the shortest of the two valley tours shown here, which may appeal to travelers who want a compact day without adding lunch to the package. Private transportation and an English-speaking guide are confirmed, while lunch, the Cusco Tourist Ticket, and the Maras Salt Mines entrance ticket are excluded. The itinerary also notes time for photos at Maras and a guided walk at Moray, so it works well for travelers who want a direct route rather than a longer all-day program.
Private Sacred Valley tour with a shorter schedule
- Private transportation is included.
- English-speaking guide service is included.
- Pickup is listed from Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
Compared with the valley tours, this is a much shorter private visit centered on Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots
Best for: Travelers who want a private guided Machu Picchu experience as part of a broader trip beyond the valley tours.
This short private tour is a different kind of day out from the Sacred Valley options above. It focuses on guided time at Machu Picchu with a licensed guide, and the listing says pickup is available from a hotel or train station. The experience is private and tailored to pace and interests, which may suit travelers who want a more personal visit rather than a large group format. The ticket to Machu Picchu is not included, and the itinerary notes also refer to a transfer to the bus station before reaching the site. Because it is a separate destination from the valley tours, it fits best as an add-on or alternate day in a longer Peru trip.
Private guided Machu Picchu experience
- Private guide service is included.
- Pickup from the hotel or train station is listed.
- The visit is designed as a private experience.
Choosing an itinerary style in Sacred Valley
If you want a fuller private day with lunch and more stops, the first valley tour is the broadest match. If you prefer a shorter route, choose the compact valley tour; if your plans also include Machu Picchu, the third option belongs in a separate day plan rather than a Sacred Valley loop.
Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, Chinchero
A broad Sacred Valley loop with lunch and private guide service.
Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray
A streamlined private valley route with guide-led time at each stop.
Machu Picchu private visit
A guided private excursion outside the Sacred Valley tour pattern.
Before you book in Sacred Valley
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Sacred Valley booking checklist
- Check which entrance tickets are excluded before booking, since the two valley tours and the Machu Picchu visit all leave out at least one key admission item.
- Pickup and return details are different across the options, so confirm the listed pickup point and final drop-off area before choosing.
- The product pages describe private or private-style touring, but the exact on-the-day pace should still be confirmed with the operator after booking.
Sacred Valley tour questions answered
Which option is best if I want the most complete Sacred Valley day?
The first valley tour is the most complete of the Sacred Valley options here because it includes lunch and a longer route with several confirmed stops.
Which Sacred Valley tour is shorter?
The second valley tour is the shorter of the two Sacred Valley routes, and it does not include lunch.
Is the Machu Picchu tour the same as a Sacred Valley tour?
No. It is a separate private guided visit at Machu Picchu, so it works better as another day in a longer itinerary rather than as part of a Sacred Valley loop.