Health and altitude

Sacred Valley altitude: how high it is and how to handle altitude sickness

Updated October 2026 · 4-min read · By the Enjoy Peru Holidays team

Short answerMost of the valley is lower than Cusco (3,350 m): Urubamba is at 2,871 m and Ollantaytambo at 2,790 m. The highest point of the tour is Chinchero, at 3,762 m, on both routes; the Traditional visits it at the end of the day and + Maras & Moray first thing.

The altitude of each stop compared with Cusco

Almost the whole valley floor sits below Cusco. Only the plateau of Chinchero, Maras and Moray is higher.

Cusco3,350 myour starting point
Chinchero3,762 m+412 m above Cusco
Moray3,500 m+150 m above Cusco
Maras Salt Mines3,385 m+35 m above Cusco
Pisac, archaeological site3,300 m50 m below Cusco
Pisac, town2,972 m378 m bajo Cusco
Urubamba2,871 m479 m bajo Cusco
Ollantaytambo2,790 m560 m below Cusco

The bars start at 2,600 m so the differences are easier to see.

First day in Cusco?The Traditional leaves at 07:20 and saves Chinchero, the highest point, for last.

See Traditional · US$30

How the altitude changes through the day

Traditional Sacred Valley

It drops into the valley first and climbs to Chinchero late in the afternoon.

Time	Stop	Altitude
09:30	Pisac archaeological site	3,300 m
12:00	Buffet lunch in Urubamba	2,871 m
14:15	Ollantaytambo	2,790 m
16:45	Chinchero	3,762 m

Sacred Valley + Maras & Moray

It starts on the high plateau and then descends into the valley.

Time	Stop	Altitude
07:40	Chinchero	3,762 m
09:30	Maras Salt Mines	3,385 m
10:30	Moray	3,500 m
12:00	Buffet lunch in Urubamba	2,871 m
14:15	Ollantaytambo	2,790 m
16:50	Pisac	3,300 m

What altitude sickness is

“Soroche” is the Andean name for altitude sickness: headache, tiredness, shortness of breath or nausea on reaching high places. Since much of the day is spent below Cusco’s altitude, many travelers do the valley in their first days in the city. Even so, it’s wise to take it easy, drink water and listen to your body.

If you feel unwell during the tour

Tell your guide right away.
Rest and drink water.
The vehicle carries a first-aid kit.
If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before traveling.

This guide is for information only and does not replace a doctor’s advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sacred Valley higher or lower than Cusco?

The valley floor is lower: Urubamba at 2,871 m and Ollantaytambo at 2,790 m, against 3,350 m in Cusco. Chinchero, Moray and Maras, on the plateau, are higher.

What’s the highest point of the tour?

Chinchero, at 3,762 m, on both routes. On the Traditional it comes at the end of the day; on + Maras & Moray, first thing.

Can I do the tour on my first day in Cusco?

Many travelers do, because much of the route is below Cusco. Take it easy, stay hydrated and listen to your body.

Which version suits older travelers?

Usually the Traditional: it leaves at 07:20, has an easier pace and saves Chinchero for late afternoon.

What should I do if I feel dizzy on the tour?

Tell your guide, rest and drink water; there’s a first-aid kit on board. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before traveling.

Still deciding between the versions?Schedules, stops and price for all four side by side, plus a three-question quiz.

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