What to bring to the Sacred Valley: soles, water, sunscreen and a warm layer
A day that starts cold at 3,762 m and spends midday in the sun at 2,871 m. Lunch is included; entrance fees are paid in soles. Here's what you need and what you don't.
The list
Twelve things, in three groups
Essential
- ✓Soles in cashFor entrance fees (Boleto Turístico and, on the Super, the Maras Salt Mines), toilets and markets.
- ✓Passport or IDSites may ask for it; required if you continue by train to Machu Picchu.
- ✓Booking receipt on your phoneThe WeTravel email. No need to print it.
- ✓WaterAt least a litre; you can buy more in Chinchero, Urubamba and Pisac.
For sun and cold
- ✓Sunscreen and hatThe high-altitude sun burns even when it's cool.
- ✓SunglassesEssential at the Maras Salt Mines: the salt reflects the light.
- ✓Light warm layerFor 07:40 in Chinchero and the return after 17:00.
- ✓Light clothes underneathIt's warm in Urubamba at midday.
For walking and for the day
- ✓Closed shoes with a good soleStone stairs in Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- ✓Small backpackHands free at the archaeological sites.
- ✓Light snacksUp to 5 and a half hours pass between pickup and the 12:00 lunch.
- ✓Sweets or coca teaThey help many travellers with the altitude; bring your own medication if you use it.
What you don't need
Not needed
- Food for lunch: the buffet is included at 12:00.
- Trekking boots or poles: there are no long walks, only 45-minute to 1-hour visits.
- Heavy coat: a light layer is enough; it's warm in the valley.
- Printed booking: the receipt on your phone is enough.
- Suitcase if you're returning to Cusco: it stays at the hotel.
Depending on the departure
Small differences
Super Sacred Valley (06:20): extra warmth for the start and sunglasses for the salt pans; soles too for the entrance to Maras. What to bring changes with the season: check Sacred Valley weather by month.
Traditional (07:20): the cold comes at the end, in Chinchero at 16:45; keep the layer for the way back.
Ending in Ollantaytambo: take your Machu Picchu luggage with you on the bus and check your train company's luggage rules.
Soles for your route's Boleto Turístico, the Maras Salt Mines entrance if you're on the Super, drinks and shopping at the markets of Chinchero and Pisac. We confirm the current entrance fees on WhatsApp when you book; lunch is already paid for.
Bring your passport or ID: archaeological sites may ask for it along with the Boleto Turístico, and it's required if you continue by train to Machu Picchu.
Both on the same day. At 07:40 in Chinchero (3,762 m) it's cold; at midday in Urubamba (2,871 m) the sun is strong and the temperature rises. Dress in layers and bring a hat and sunscreen.
Trainers or closed shoes with a good sole: Pisac and Ollantaytambo have stone stairs and uneven ground. No trekking boots needed.
If your departure ends in Ollantaytambo and you're taking the train, yes: it travels with you on the bus. If you're returning to Cusco, leave your luggage at the hotel and bring just a small backpack.
Yes, at every site visited and at the restaurant; some charge a coin, so bring small change in soles. Your own toilet paper never hurts.
Food for lunch (it's included), mountain boots, poles or heavy coats. No need to print your booking either: the receipt on your phone is enough.
Bag packed, time confirmed
Book and get the exact pickup time tonight; we provide the lunch.