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Surrounded by the high Andean Peaks, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is an unmissable place to spend a few days when you visit Cusco. Why I hear you ask? why not miss it all together on the way to Machu Picchu. That would be a shame because the Sacred Valley is one of the prettiest places that you will ever visit. Beautiful landscapes, great climate, interesting ruins and a sense of peace like no other you will find. The valley is regularly hailed as one of the most important historical places of South America, and was extremely important for the Incas. Some of the best hotels in Peru are located in the Sacred Valley. Spectacular mountain views and delicious world class restaurants, so why would you not spend time exploring the Sacred Valley.
The start of the Sacred Valley is around 15 km from Cusco and at a lower altitude, located in the valley of the Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley offers a strategic advantage for acclimatization. This gradual ascent facilitates adaptation to the high altitudes typical of the region. As health-conscious visitors will understand, proper acclimatization lays the groundwork for an enjoyable and safe adventure.
There is no bad time to visit the Sacred Valley. The climate is warmer than Cusco and the altitude is lower making the valley mostly good to visit all year round.
What you will see?
Located around 33 km from Cusco the quaint little village of Pisac is the first stop on your Sacred Valley adventure. The town is famous for the Archeological Park of Pisac, which is full of history and sits atop the town. You can explore a military fortress, observatories, and plenty of other polished stone constructions while you are there. In the town you can visit the Indian market where you will find all your souvenirs. While you visit you can take part in a Quechua (the local Inca language) Mass alongside the indigenous people and mayors of the regions. Pisac is home to a large expat community and you will see their influence when walking around the town.
Calca is a small town located on the main road in the Sacred Valley. The town is known for its peaceful and mountainous surrounding and cold-water springs.
Normally Yucay is not included on tours in the Sacred Valley but it is certainly worth a visit as it is home to the Palace of Inca Manco Sayri Túpac. It was also the Inca center of agricultural production in the Sacred Valley.
High up in the fertile valleys, Urubamba was also used for food production, even today being famous for its fruit. There are many indigenous communities to be found here still, and the town proudly boasts the name “The Pearl of Vilcanota”. This is thanks to the jaw-dropping scenery around the town. The town is also famous for the restaurants and most of the tours lunch in Urubamba.
Considered the best town of the Sacred Valley for Inca ruins. Ollantaytambo holds both the most original, and the best-preserved Inca, and pre-Inca ruins in all Peru. The town has come to be known as “the Living Inca City”. You can also head up the hillside and visit the Inca fortress, it is truly a sight that will take your breath away. From Ollantaytambo you can take the train to Aguas Calientes the town below Machu Picchu.
Located around 40 minutes from Cusco is the village of Chincheros. The town features a Spanish Colonial Church and a small market selling traditional local handicrafts. You will see many local ladies weaving in the main plaza. You can ask for a demonstration for a small donation.
The Sacred Valley is known as the adventure capital of Cusco and the adventure here will not disappoint.
If you are a real adventure lover then you won’t want to miss out on some white water rafting during your trip to the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo is the perfect place for a great experience on the water, and you can even see some Inca ruins from your raft. There are many different places to raft in the Sacred Valley, depends on your experience and the level of adventure you crave.
With unforgettable sights accompanying you the whole way, you can’t miss the mountain biking, it is a truly unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful regions of Peru. You can choose to start from Qenqo, Pucapucara or Tambomachay.
This is one of the most interesting and beautiful destinations to visit during your trip to the Sacred Valley. The Inca ruins of Moray were designed similarly to a dug-out amphitheater but there is no a certain explanation of their creation and use. It is said that the Incas used them as a laboratory to experiment with different combinations of plant species. Also visit the thousands of shallow pools filled with salt water at Maras. The water evaporates and leaves behind crystallized salt. These salt pans have been in operation for more than 500 years. To this day, they are mined by local families for their special, beloved Peruvian pink salt.
Between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, exist a series of professionally operated zip lines that you can visit. You will need to climb a series of steel ladders and cables to reach the summit, you reach the different zip lines ranging from 300 to 1500 ft (100 to 500 m) in length that you ride down. The Via Ferrata requires a lot of physical exertion, so if you want to take part in the activity should be in good physical condition and had time to adjust to the altitude.
Get your adrenaline pumping on a full-day Quadbike or motorcycle tour. While riding off-road in the Sacred Valley, you and your guide will make stops at key landmarks. Make sure you bring a hat and glasses for this tour.
There are a number of ways to get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is an easy drive from Cusco and worth your holiday time.
Option 1. Buy an organized tour, these tours generally visit Pisac town and ruins, Ollantaytambo ruins and town and also have a stop for lunch, mostly in Urubamba. This option picks you up at your hotel in the morning and you travel to the Valley in small bus. You will have a guide for the day to give you the history and purpose of the ruins. Some of these tours include Maras and Moray. Some stay overnight in Ollantaytambo and travel to Aguas Calientes by train and tour Machu Picchu the next day. This will be in group service.
Option 2. You can take a bus to Pisac, from Puputi Street in Cusco, from there see the town and you can take a taxi up to the ruin, ensure you make the driver wait for you and negotiate the price otherwise you have to walk back down to Pisac. The other way to get to the ruins is to walk, there are a lot of stairs and you will need to be fit. From Pisaq you can take a bus to Ollantaytambo, here you can do a tour of the ruins. Later take a bus back to Cusco.
Option 3. You can take a private tour, hire a car and a guide privately, this option is good for those who want to experience the valley in private, you are able to do and see the things you want in the Sacred Valley.
All of these options require the Cusco Visitors Ticket, you can purchase this in Cusco or you can purchase at the entrance of both Pisac or Ollantaytambo ruins.
There is an endless choice of hotels to stay in the Sacred Valley. Depending on your budget you can stay in 5-star luxury hotel or Backpacker hostal accommodation. Here are some recommendations for hotels
For 5 Stars we recommend the Tambo del Inca Sacred Valley, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas it provides you with a gateway to the vast cultural richness of this region. Linger in an elegantly designed hotel room or suite that offers dramatic views of the Andes Mountains and the Vilcanota River from your private balcony.
For 4 Stars we recommend Casa Andina Sacred Valley, the hotel has a cozy environment and is located in the Urubamba Valley. Ideal location the relax and you will be close to main tourists’ attractions. At night enjoy millions of stars that fill the sky.
For 3 Stars we recommend the Sonesta Pasadas del Inca Yucay, it has plazas, cobbled streets, views of Inca platforms. The hotel features a divine chapel for ceremonies or weddings, beautiful garden, restaurants, coffee shop and even an Ice Cream parlor.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located at 2,800 meters above sea level and has one of the best climates in the highland region, which is one of the reasons that plants flourished and allowed agricultural research and experimentation, and the rich and the religious of the Inca empire settled here. During the days, the temperatures range from 19° to 24°C. It is also slightly lower in altitude than Cusco, and so a great place for travelers to acclimatize before taking the Inca Trail.
Spend a perfect few days exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The weather is warm, the views spectacular and the atmosphere is peaceful, you will experience another place quite like it.
