Is the Sacred Valley higher or lower than Cusco?

Mostly lower. Cusco is at 3,350 m, while Urubamba sits at 2,871 m and Ollantaytambo at 2,790 m. The plateau stops are a little higher: Chinchero at 3,762 m, Moray at 3,500 m and Maras at 3,385 m.

What is the highest point of the day tour?

Chinchero, at 3,762 m, on both routes. The lowest is Ollantaytambo, at 2,790 m.

Is the Sacred Valley a good first day after arriving in Cusco?

Many travelers choose it first because much of the day runs below Cusco’s altitude. Even so, take it easy, drink water and listen to your body. This is general information, not medical advice.

When is the highest part of the day?

On Super Sacred Valley, in the morning: Chinchero, Moray and Maras come before lunch. On the Traditional, Chinchero is the last stop of the afternoon.

What if I feel unwell during the tour?

Tell your guide straight away, rest and drink water. There is a first-aid kit on board. If you have a heart or breathing condition, or are pregnant, ask your doctor before travelling.

Sacred Valley Altitude: Every Stop in Metres

Altitude, in short

Most of a Sacred Valley day tour runs lower than Cusco (3,350 m): Urubamba is at 2,871 m and Ollantaytambo at 2,790 m, the lowest point. The plateau stops are higher — Chinchero at 3,762 m is the highest of the day, followed by Moray (3,500 m) and Maras (3,385 m).

That is why many travelers make the valley their first outing from Cusco.

Site	Altitude	Compared with Cusco	On the route
Cusco	3,350 m	—	Start and end
Chinchero	3,762 m	+412 m	Both routes · highest
Moray	3,500 m	+150 m	Super Sacred Valley
Maras salt mines	3,385 m	+35 m	Super Sacred Valley
Pisac (Inca site)	3,250 m	−100 m	Both routes
Pisac (town)	2,972 m	−378 m	Both routes
Urubamba	2,871 m	−479 m	Lunch
Ollantaytambo	2,790 m	−560 m	Both routes · lowest

Site

Altitude

Compared with Cusco

On the route

Cusco

3,350 m

—

Start and end

Chinchero

3,762 m

+412 m

Both routes · highest

Moray

3,500 m

+150 m

Super Sacred Valley

Maras salt mines

3,385 m

+35 m

Super Sacred Valley

Pisac (Inca site)

3,250 m

−100 m

Both routes

Pisac (town)

2,972 m

−378 m

Both routes

Urubamba

2,871 m

−479 m

Lunch

Ollantaytambo

2,790 m

−560 m

Both routes · lowest

What soroche is

In the Andes, altitude sickness is called soroche. It can appear when you reach high places before your body has adjusted, usually as a headache, tiredness, shortness of breath when walking, low appetite or nausea. It is mostly mild and eases with rest.

This is general information and does not replace medical advice.

How to take it easy

Walk slowly on the climbs, especially at Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.

Drink water often through the day.

Keep breakfast and lunch light.

Tell your guide if you feel unwell — there is a first-aid kit on board.

With a heart or breathing condition, or during pregnancy, ask your doctor before travelling.