Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco
$35 Full Day
Overview
The return from Machu Picchu is often treated as the end of the experience. It involves a train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a direct transfer to Cusco.
That’s the usual plan. It also means the Sacred Valley of the Incas is mostly passed along the way.
This Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco works a bit differently. Instead of treating that stretch as a transfer, the day is used to visit key areas of the valley on the way back, without turning it into a long or rushed schedule.
We will meet you near the Ollantaytambo train station once you arrive from Aguas Calientes and continue from there. The route opens up again fairly quickly, and the pace becomes more relaxed compared to the earlier part of the trip.
Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo
From here, there are two ways to approach the day. One follows the Maras, Moray, and Chinchero side — generally quieter, with more focus on landscape and traditional settings. The other goes toward Pisac, combining large Inca ruins with time in a well-known local market.
The setup stays consistent either way: organized timing, comfortable transport, and a tour guide who explains the sites clearly, without overloading the experience.
The sites themselves are significant, but they tend to make more sense with context — whether in Moray’s circular agricultural terraces or along the slopes of the ruins of Pisac.
There is also space in the day to slow down when needed. A stop in Urubamba for lunch, time between visits, and a pace that doesn’t feel forced — something most travelers appreciate after an early Machu Picchu start.
By the time you return to Cusco, the day feels complete. Not just a way back, but a continuation that allows you to properly explore the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo, rather than simply passing through it.
For travelers considering different Sacred Valley tours from Ollantaytambo, this is a practical and well-balanced option — structured, reliable, and easy to follow.
Tour Highlights
- ✓ Pickup aligned with your arrival from Machu Picchu
- ✓ Choice of route without changing the overall flow of the day
- ✓ Private transport (no large buses)
- ✓ Clear guidance at each site, without unnecessary information
- ✓ A schedule that remains realistic from start to finish
What to Expect
Not all Sacred Valley routes from Ollantaytambo are planned with the return from Machu Picchu in mind.
Timing matters more than most people expect. After an early start and a long day, the last thing you want is a rushed schedule or unnecessary detours. This route is set up to move at a steady pace, with stops that fit naturally into the journey back to Cusco.
Another difference is flexibility. You’re not locked into a single route you can choose between the Maras–Moray–Chinchero side or the Pisac route, depending on what interests you more. Most tours don’t offer that without turning the day into something overly structured.
The group size and transport also make a difference. Traveling in a private or small group keeps things more controlled, especially when moving between sites.
And finally, there’s the overall coordination. Pickups are timed around your arrival in Ollantaytambo, transitions are handled without confusion, and the day runs as expected which is often what matters most.
Tour Itinerary
1
General Itineray
Opt. 1 Maras, Moray & Chinchero Route
Late morning start
After your return from Machu Picchu, we will meet you near the Ollantaytambo train station or your hotel. There’s no rush to start too early — the idea is to keep the pace manageable after the morning.
From there, the route moves away from the busier valley floor and begins to climb slightly toward Moray. The change in scenery is noticeable almost immediately.
Moray is the first stop. The circular agricultural terraces are easy to recognize, but they tend to raise more questions than answers until they’re explained properly.
Around midday
From Moray, it’s a short drive to the Maras salt mines. This part feels different — less about ruins, more about how the area is still used today. The salt pools are active, and that’s what makes the visit interesting.
Somewhere along this stretch, we stop in Urubamba for lunch. It’s not rushed — just a break in the middle of the day before continuing.
Afternoon
The final stop is Chinchero. It’s quieter compared to other parts of the valley, with a mix of traditional life and historical remains. From here, the drive to Cusco is direct.
Arrival is usually mid to late afternoon, depending on traffic.
Or the Pisac Route
Late morning / early departure
We meet you in Ollantaytambo after your train arrival and start the drive toward Pisac. This route stays closer to the valley floor, following the river for much of the way.
The first main visit is the ruins of Pisac. The site is spread across the mountainside, and it takes a bit of time to walk through it properly. The terraces, the layout, and the views over the valley all stand out more once you’re on foot.
Midday
After the ruins, we head down into Pisac town. This is where the pace changes. The local market is active, sometimes crowded, and very different from the quieter sites earlier in the day.
Lunch is usually arranged after this, somewhere along the route toward Cusco.
Later in the day
The drive back to Cusco is straightforward. By this point, most travelers prefer to just relax and take in the last part of the valley before arriving.
Drop-off is at your hotel in Cusco in the afternoon.
✓
Inclusions
- ✓ Pickup in Ollantaytambo (Hotel or Train Station)
- ✓ Professional English-speaking tour guide
- ✓ Private transportation
- ✓ Lunch in the Sacred Valley
- ✓ Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
- ✓ Maras Salt Mines entrance
X
Not Included
- X Drinks during lunch
- X Personal expenses
- X Entrance tickets to the sacred valley
Departure Information
Available: Daily departures
Start Time: Based on your arrival at Ollantaytambo, no later than 11am.
Pickup: Your arrival at Ollantaytambo, no later than 11am.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the pickup work after Machu Picchu?
Pickup for this Sacred Valley tour from Ollantaytambo takes place near the Ollantaytambo train station after your arrival from Aguas Calientes. The exact meeting point is shared in advance for a smooth connection.
What time does this full-day trip start?
Can I choose between the two Sacred Valley to Cusco routes?
Is this a private tour or group service?
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Is lunch included?
What should I bring for the tour?
Is this tour physically demanding?
What time will we arrive in Cusco?
Can I bring luggage with me?
What happens if my train is delayed?
Can I be dropped off somewhere else?
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