Taray viewpoint: the first view of the valley, at 8:20 am and already below Cusco
The Taray viewpoint is a 15-minute roadside stop at 2,972 m, looking out over the Urubamba river, the fields on the valley floor and the Pisac terraces opposite. Only the Classic makes it, at 8:20 am, as its first stop: 40 minutes after leaving Cusco you are already 378 meters lower. There is no entrance fee and no checkpoint. The Express does not come this way because it enters the valley from the other end, from Chinchero.
It is visited tomorrow if you book today before 8 pm, Cusco time. Classic only, at 8:20 am.—Is there space tomorrow?
Book for tomorrow: Express US$32 · Classic US$30 · is there space? · how to book
Which departure visits it, and when
| Departure | Time and duration | Entrance |
|---|---|---|
| Classic · retorno a Cusco | 8:20 am · 15 min | No entrance fee |
| Classic · final en Ollantaytambo | 8:20 am · 15 min | No entrance fee |
| Express (both versions) | Not visited | — |
What you will see
The whole valley at a glanceThe Urubamba river below, the chequerboard fields and the road dropping to Pisac; it is the photo that explains what the Sacred Valley is before you go into it.
The Pisac terracesOpposite, on the far mountain, the bands of terraces you will visit an hour later.
Craft stallsA few local sellers with textiles and souvenirs; small soles notes if you want to buy.
Why this stop exists
The Classic enters the valley from the east and drops from Cusco (3,350 m) to Pisac town (2,972 m) in 40 minutes; the viewpoint is where the road first looks out over the valley. It is for stretching your legs, taking the first photo and, above all, for anyone who landed in Cusco yesterday to feel that the day will be spent lower down. The Express does not pass because it climbs to the Chinchero plateau and enters the valley at Urubamba, to the west.
Tips for the stop
- It is 15 minutes: step off the bus with your camera ready.
- At 8:20 am the sun is low and facing you towards Pisac; the photos come out better looking down the valley.
- There are no toilets at the viewpoint; the next ones are at the Pisac site.
Bookings for tomorrow: non-refundable; you can move the date if there is space, and we reschedule or refund if we cancel because of the weather.