We were a group of four traveling from Cusco to Aguas Calientes via the Sacred Valley Tour. We found Exclusive Inka Tour on a blog (back from Pre-COVID times - we honestly did not know what to expect). We are so glad we did as this was the highlight of our entire trip to Peru, mostly thanks to our incredible tour guide, Oscar.
Day 1: The Sacred Valley
Oscar guided us through the Sacred Valley, making stops at Pisac, Moray, the salt mines of Maras, and Ollantaytambo. It is a full day of driving and stopping at these sites but worth every minute. Each site was more breathtaking than the last, and Oscar’s deep knowledge and insights into the Inca history added an immense value to this extraordinary day. The sites alone are incredible, but this tour is unique in that we learned the history of the Sacred Valley/Inca times but we also discussed Peru today and Oscar shared with us his experiences growing up and giving us a glimpse into what it's like being a local. We were expecting to have a buffet or cheap lunch but Exclusive Inka Tour's never fails. Between the four iconic stops above, Oscar introduced us to local gems, such as Chicheria Yola and an authentic empanada stand. We loved every part of this day. After this day, I would say visiting Maras, Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley is close to or just as important as visiting Machu Pichu.
Day 2: A Birthday to Remember
The second tour day we booked was for my birthday, and Oscar made it an unforgettable celebration. We didn't have anything planned in advance and we asked Oscar if we could book with him or if he could provide us recommendations. We started the day feeding llamas, I was even able to bottle feed a two month old baby Llama named Maya! For lunch, we had a three course meal that was delicious and beautifully prepared. And, after, the staff offered to allow us to paint in front of the Andes mountains until our reservation was over. We had another local tasting that blew our minds and it was all thanks to this tour company's relationships within the community. Oscar went above and beyond to ensure that every moment was special, and by the end of our tour, our group felt like we had gained a new friend.
Oscar’s dedication to his work and his passion for sharing the beauty and culture of Peru were evident in every aspect of the tour. Everything went smoothly, and he struck the perfect balance between professionalism and fun. If you’re planning a trip to the Sacred Valley, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Oscar. It will be the highlight of your journey.
Highly recommend!