FAQs for the Sacred Valley Tour

Please take a moment to read through this guide as it covers everything you need to know about our services and what to expect on your tour.

What entrance tickets do I need for the Extended Sacred Valley Tour?

You need two separate physical tickets for this itinerary, which you buy with cash (Peruvian Soles) on the day of the tour

• Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket): A Partial Ticket costs PEN 70 Soles (~$20 USD) and covers Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo for 2 consecutive days. Alternatively, a General Ticket costs PEN 130 Soles (~$36 USD) and covers 14 total sites across Cusco and the valley for 10 days.
• Local village families operate Maras, which requires a separate entry ticket costing PEN 10 Soles (~$3 USD).

Can I end this tour in Ollantaytambo instead of returning to Cusco?

Yes! Many travelers use this tour as a convenient transfer to catch an evening train to Machu Picchu. We will store your luggage safely in our vehicle during the day and drop you off directly at the Ollantaytambo train station or your local hotel at approximately 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM.

How physical or difficult is this tour?

We rate this tour easy to moderate. (or simply: This tour has an easy to moderate difficulty level.) Most of the travel occurs in our comfortable vehicle, but visiting the archaeological sites involves walking over uneven stone pathways and climbing ancient stairs (particularly at Pisac and the Ollantaytambo fortress).

What happens in case of rain or bad weather?

Excursions run as scheduled rain or shine. During the rainy season (December to April), morning conditions are often dry with passing afternoon showers. We recommend carrying a waterproof rain jacket or poncho in your daypack.

How does the hotel pickup and Cusco arrival transfer work?

We include hotel pickup directly from your accommodation lobby in Cusco between 6:45 AM and 7:00 AM on the morning of your tour. For travelers arriving in Cusco prior to the tour, we also offer a complimentary airport pickup transfer to your hotel (please share your complete flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival).

Is an in-person briefing required before the Sacred Valley tour?

No. Because this is a 1-day excursion without strict government permits, you do not need an office briefing the night before.

• Digital Briefing (Day Before): We send your exact pickup window (6:45 AM – 7:00 AM), driver details, and ticket instructions via WhatsApp or email the afternoon before your trip.
• On-Site Orientation: Your guide provides full route details and safety guidelines in the vehicle as you set out toward the Sacred Valley.

Can I store my extra luggage at your office during the tour?

Yes! You can store your main luggage free of charge in our secure Cusco office or directly at your Cusco hotel while you are on the tour. If you are ending the tour in Ollantaytambo, you are welcome to bring your luggage with you inside our private van.

How do I book the Extended Sacred Valley Tour?

Booking requires two simple steps through our website:

• Step 1: Complete the online reservation form by clicking the BOOK NOW button. We require your full legal name (matching your passport exactly), gender, passport number, date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY), and nationality for every traveler.
• Step 2: Pay a deposit of $20 USD per person to confirm your booking so we can reserve your private van space and guide.

How and when do I pay my remaining tour balance?

You can pay remaining balances in cash (US Dollars or Peruvian Soles) to your guide or at our Cusco office to avoid card processing fees. Multiple ATMs are available near the main plaza in Cusco. Alternatively, online payments via VISA or PayPal incur a 5.5% processing fee. Please send PayPal payments directly to appletravelperu@gmail.com.

Can I change my departure date after booking?

We can usually accommodate date changes for Sacred Valley day tours without penalty if you request them at least 48 hours prior to departure. Requests made within 24 hours of departure depend on vehicle availability and may incur administrative rebooking fees.

Do I need to bring my original physical passport on the tour?

Yes, absolutely. You must bring your original physical passport on the tour. Ticket collectors at Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo verify physical passports when issuing and checking your Boleto Turístico entry permits.

• If you renew your passport before the trip: Send us copies of both your old and new passports prior to departure so we can update your file for a $25 USD fee.
• Fee-free alternative: Carry both your old and new physical passports with you on the tour to present at site checkpoints.
• Note: Local regulations strictly prohibit joining the tour without a matching, valid original passport.

How should I prepare for altitude sickness in Cusco and the Sacred Valley?

The Sacred Valley sits at lower elevations (2,792 m – 2,970 m / 9,160 ft – 9,744 ft) than Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft), making this tour a great way to acclimatize. We still recommend resting upon initial arrival in Cusco, drinking plenty of water or coca tea, and avoiding heavy meals during your first 24 hours.

What happens if I experience severe altitude sickness or medical issues on the trail?

Safety comes first on all excursions. Our professional guides hold certifications in high-altitude first aid:

• Emergency Equipment: Guides carry pulse oximeters, complete first aid kits, and portable emergency oxygen tanks on board our vehicles to monitor blood oxygen levels and provide immediate relief.
• Safety Protocols: If severe dizziness or exhaustion occurs at the ruins, your guide will assist you in resting, administer oxygen, or guide you safely back to the vehicle.

Is tipping expected for guides and drivers?

Overall, tipping is voluntary but greatly appreciated by our local guides, drivers, and support staff. Indeed, if you enjoy your experience, tipping directly supports our local team members and their families.