Sacred Valley Private Gourmet Picnic at Huaypo Lake

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Physical Easy
Minimal walking
Duration 1 day / Full day
Max Group Private
Altitude 12,467 feet (3,800 msnm)

Experience the Sacred Valley private, away from crowded group circuits, on this exclusive 1 day tour built around a gourmet picnic on the shores of Huaypo Lake. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups who want the highlights of the valley without sharing them with a busload of strangers.

Your private guide and private driver take you through the essential Sacred Valley sites the Moray agricultural terraces and the Maras salt pans before settling into a beautifully arranged lakeside picnic prepared by your own chef. It's a relaxed, unhurried alternative for travelers wondering what to see in the Sacred Valley beyond the standard tourist trail, combining culture, scenery, and fine dining in a single unforgettable day.

Essential information:

  • 100% Private: This is not a shared group tour. The guide, driver, chef, and picnic setup are exclusively for your group.
  • Physical Demand: Easy. Short, gentle walks at each site and around the lake; suitable for almost all fitness levels and ages.
  • Altitude: Huaypo Lake is at approximately 3,800 m (12,467 ft), similar to Cusco. At least one full day of acclimatization in Cusco is recommended before the tour.

ALL - INCLUSIVE NARRATIVE EXPERIENCE

from US$ 350.00
per person based on double occupancy

This is a fully private Sacred Valley experience built around one simple idea: give travelers the freedom to explore at their own pace, with their own guide, driver, and chef. You'll walk among the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, wander the centuries-old salt pans of Maras, and finish the day with a leisurely, beautifully presented lunch beside Huaypo Lake — a spot most itineraries skip entirely. It's an ideal choice for couples, families, or small groups looking for a meaningful, unhurried introduction to the Sacred Valley's landscapes, history, and cuisine.

Highlights

  • Fully private experience — your own guide, driver, and chef for the entire day
  • Visit two of the Sacred Valley's most iconic sites: Moray and the Maras salt mines
  • A quiet, lesser-visited lakeside setting most standard tours skip entirely
  • A gourmet, multi-course picnic prepared and served on-site by a private chef
  • Flexible pacing — linger as long as you like at any stop
  • Stunning, uninterrupted views of the Andes at Huaypo Lake
  • Ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking an intimate, unhurried alternative to group tours

Itinerary

7:30 – 8:00 AM | Pickup in Cusco

Your private driver picks you up from your hotel in a comfortable, exclusive vehicle. From here, the day is entirely yours — no fixed groups, no shared schedules.

9:00 – 10:00 AM | Moray

Arrival at the striking concentric terraces of Moray. Your private guide walks you through the site, sharing insight into its likely use as an Inca agricultural laboratory for testing crops across different microclimates and altitudes. Time to explore freely and take photos.

10:30 – 11:30 AM | Maras Salt Mines

A short drive brings you to the Maras salt pans, where thousands of hand-worked pools cascade down the hillside. Your guide explains the traditional harvesting process, still practiced today much as it was centuries ago. Optional stop to purchase artisanal salt directly from local producers.

12:00 – 1:30 PM | Huaypo Lake — Private Gourmet Picnic

The heart of the day. Arrive at the peaceful shores of Huaypo Lake, where your private chef has already prepared a multi-course gourmet lunch, elegantly set with a table, linens, and drinks. Surrounded by Andean peaks and still water, this stop is designed to be savored without any rush.

1:30 – 2:00 PM | Lakeside Leisure Time

Free time to relax by the water, take a short walk along the shore, or simply enjoy the view before heading back.

2:00 – 3:30 PM | Return to Cusco

Your private driver and guide take you back to your hotel, closing out a full day of culture, scenery, and fine dining — all at your own pace.

Inclusions

What is included?

Inclusions

  • A private, bilingual guide with in-depth knowledge of Sacred Valley history and Andean culture, dedicated to your group for the full day
  • A private driver and vehicle reserved exclusively for you, covering all transportation between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and back
  • Entrance tickets to both Moray and the Maras salt mines
  • A full gourmet picnic at Huaypo Lake, prepared on-site by your private chef, including a selection of drinks
  • Complete picnic setup — table, chairs, linens — arranged and cleared away by our team so you never have to think about logistics
  • A first aid kit and round-the-clock concierge support throughout your day

Not Included

Exclusions

  • The Cusco tourist ticket (Boleto Turístico), only needed if you'd like to extend the day with additional Sacred Valley sites such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo
  • Travel insurance, which we recommend for any tour in the Sacred Valley region
  • Tips for your guide, driver, and chef, which are always appreciated but entirely at your discretion

Packing List

Packing List

  • Your passport or original ID, required for entry to both Moray and the Maras salt mines
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for short walks around each site and along the lakeshore
  • A light jacket or fleece — mornings and evenings in the Sacred Valley can be cool even when the days are warm
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, since much of the day is spent outdoors at altitude
  • A camera, since both the archaeological sites and the lake offer some of the most photogenic moments in the entire valley
  • A small daypack to carry your personal essentials comfortably throughout the day

Pricing

Group Size Price per Person
1 Person $650 USD
2 People $450 USD
3 to 4 People $380 USD
5+ People $350 USD

Note: Ask about the possibility of combining this private tour with additional sites in the Sacred Valley, such as the Pisac market or Ollantaytambo, to create a more extensive full-day itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions