For a long time, the Sacred Valley has been one of the most preferred destinations for adventure tourists. The Sacred Valley of the Incas was the center of Tahuantinsuyo, the most important recognized empire in the western hemisphere, spanning from Colombia and Ecuador, through Peru and Bolivia, to the northern part of Argentina and Chile. Its capital is Cusco, referred to as the “navel of the world.”
If you plan to travel to Peru and are fascinated by the history and culture of the city of the Incas, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is your most important destination during your trip.
All the information a traveler needs to know before visiting the Sacred Valley
With a size of 60 miles from east to west, the Sacred Valley covers many of the most impressive landscapes in all of Peru. There is much history, culture, and natural beauty to discover here, making it one of the top places any traveler in the world should visit. Here we show you everything you need to know.
With abundant and overflowing historical heritage and natural wonders, the Sacred Valley of Peru is the most beautiful and unforgettable experience you can visit. In this article, we will show you all the information a traveler needs to know before visiting the Sacred Valley.
Overnight Misminay Community with Machu Picchu 2 Days
Location of the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco is located 15 km northeast of the city of Cusco, and you can reach it by a paved road. You can plan a car trip to one of the closest towns, which will only take 40 minutes. You can head to the other towns in the Valley by local transportation. The Sacred Valley was not only built for its agricultural value but also to mirror the stars. This highlights the importance of the sky to the Incas and the religious significance of cosmology.
A bit of History of the Sacred Valley
In the 15th century, two of the Incas, Pachacútec Yupanqui and Tupac Yupanqui, built a beautiful empire in South America. This empire had incredible dimensions from central Chile to southern Colombia. It occupied much of Peru, most of Ecuador, and parts of Argentina and Bolivia.
After the conquest by the Spaniards, the fertile lands of the Sacred Valley of the Incas were divided. The main temples built by the Incas were destroyed, and Christian church buildings were constructed in their place. Due to this invasion, many of the sites built by the Incas are now in poor condition, both because of the weather and the damage caused by the Spanish. Despite this, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a vacation destination visited by travelers from all over the world. The locals keep many ancestral traditions, even from Inca times.
Cusco was the center of everything. Cusco was part of the Sacred Valley and possessed a rare amount of monetary and agricultural wealth. It remained protected through Inca fortresses.
Most important tourist sites to visit in the Sacred Valley
Pisac
The town of Pisac is mainly known as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and is located 33 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Pisac is a small but beautiful town at the top, where you will find a diverse set of Inca ruins. The Spanish conqueror, Viceroy Toledo, founded this beautiful town in the Sacred Valley.
The Inca site of Pisac is world-famous for the traditional market, “Mercado Andino,” where all kinds of handicrafts are sold by the local Andean people using the most rustic, handmade techniques. In this market, you can buy handcrafted jewelry, textiles, glass, and other unique items. Pisac also has the Archaeological Park; you can visit it and see it full of history in the bricks. Additionally, you can explore a military fortress and observatories. It also has the “largest Inca cemetery” in South America, so it’s best to save some time and pay your respects.
Ollantaytambo
The living Inca town of Ollantaytambo is one of the best places to visit in the Sacred Valley and is located 97 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco. In this place, you can find the most original and best-preserved Inca and pre-Inca ruins in all of Peru.
This town is also known as the “Living Inca City.” It was a city where life went on traditionally, where many temples, walls, and urban and agricultural sectors from Inca times can be found. You can reach this town in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car.
The Inca site of Moray
This beautiful town, “Moray” in the Sacred Valley, is 74 km from the city of Cusco and plays a central role in Inca agricultural production. It was one of the main agricultural research centers during the Inca Empire. The most surprising feature of Moray is that its terraces are built in concentric circles below ground level.
In Inca times, this Inca site was used for experimentation and the planting of crops from various places. The different climates and altitudinal ranges of the soil in a temperature variation of approximately 20°C (from top to bottom) were built to take advantage of its potential to plant coastal and jungle products in colder climates at higher altitudes.
Salineras de Maras
To get to the Salineras de Maras, you only need to walk towards the canyon from Maras or from the road that connects the town of Urubamba with Ollantaytambo. From the Salineras de Maras, you will take a hike into the Valley. If you have trouble finding the Salineras de Maras, you can ask a local to find the right path.
The Salineras de Maras are ponds through which saltwater flows and leaves salt crystals to be collected by the local people. An important fact is that you can find the much sought-after “Pink Salt” here.
Chinchero
In the Sacred Valley, you can also visit the Inca town of Chinchero, located 28 kilometers from Cusco. In this Inca town, the local people extract, clean, and dye alpaca wool and weave very traditional handmade items. This town is at the highest altitude, 3,772 meters above sea level (12,375 feet). It also has a handicraft market where you can still barter.
Chinchero has a wonderful 17th-century colonial church with paintings from the “Cuzco School.”
It’s recommended to visit early in the day to have time to see both (the textile production and the archaeological site). Super Sacred Valley Tour 1 Day
Adventure Sports in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located near Cusco, Peru, is an ideal destination for adventure sports lovers, offering a wide variety of activities for those seeking adrenaline and contact with nature. Below is more information about some of the main activities you can do in this spectacular region:
The Famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trekking paths in the world, offering a unique experience while walking along the ancient paths built by the Incas. The journey includes impressive mountain landscapes, jungle, and the opportunity to reach the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. The treks can last from 2 to 4 days, depending on the route you choose, and are an excellent option for those who enjoy challenging hikes filled with history.
Rock Climbing in Urubamba
Urubamba is known as a paradise for climbers. The rock formations in this region offer routes of varying difficulty levels, making it enjoyable for both beginners and experts. Moreover, the views from the heights are spectacular, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful Andean landscape while testing your skill and physical endurance.
Rafting on the Vilcanota River
The Vilcanota River (also known as the Urubamba River) is perfect for rafting enthusiasts. Depending on the season and the section of the river you choose, you’ll find rapids of different difficulty levels, from gentle ones for beginners to more challenging ones for the experienced. Navigating this river surrounded by mountains and ancient ruins provides an exciting and unique experience in touch with nature.
Cycling
Cycling is another popular activity in the Sacred Valley, whether on downhill routes from the mountains or on quieter roads passing through picturesque villages and fields. The routes vary in difficulty, allowing cyclists of all levels to enjoy the sport while exploring the natural and cultural beauty of the valley.
Mountain biking is a must during your visit, offering a truly unforgettable experience in this region of Peru. You can choose to start from Qenqo, Pucapucara, or Tambomachay and ride along beautiful trails and dirt roads with unforgettable views accompanying you along the way.
Zipline in Maras
For those seeking thrills, the zipline in the Maras area is an unforgettable experience. Flying at high speed over the landscape of the Sacred Valley, with views of mountains and agricultural terraces, is an exciting way to enjoy the surroundings. This adventure sport is ideal for those who want to combine adrenaline with the beauty of the landscape.
In summary, the Sacred Valley offers a wide range of adventure sports that combine physical challenges with the opportunity to connect with the rich history and nature of the region. No matter which sport you choose, each activity will allow you to enjoy a unique and exciting environment.
Sacred Valley Tour for Seniors?
The traditional Sacred Valley tour is often the one most preferred by passengers due to the duration of the tour.
Travelers often prefer to take a little more time at the archaeological sites, visit them calmly, and return to Cusco a bit earlier.
With circuits that go by bus and make stops at the main archaeological sites, this tour is ideal for seniors because there isn’t much walking required, but you can still enjoy the living culture of the archaeological sites.
If you are going to tour the impressive Sacred Valley of the Incas, it’s recommended to always carry a rain poncho in case of rain. Taking amazing photographs in these beautiful places should be a goal for your next visit to Cusco.
Altitude and Summary of the Most Visited Sites in the Sacred Valley
Pisac – 2,980 meters (9,777 feet) above sea level
- Average temperature: 12°C to 20°C (53°F to 68°F)
Climate: Temperate during the day and cold at night. In the rainy season (November to March), humidity can be high.
Humidity: Around 60% to 80% during the rainy season. - Calca – 2,929 meters (9,609 feet) above sea level
Average temperature: 12°C to 18°C (53°F to 64°F)
Climate: Temperate during the day, cool at night. Rain is frequent from November to March.
Humidity: Fluctuates between 60% and 80% during the wet season. - Urubamba – 2,870 meters (9,416 feet) above sea level
Average temperature: 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
Climate: Mild and temperate most of the year, with moderate rain in the wet season.
Humidity: 50% to 70%, higher during the rainy season. - Ollantaytambo – 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level
Average temperature: 12°C to 21°C (53°F to 70°F)
Climate: Temperate during the day and cold at night. Rain is more frequent between November and March.
Humidity: During the rainy season, it can reach up to 80%.
Additional Notes
For all the reasons mentioned above, the Sacred Valley is a must-visit destination during your trip to Peru. Discover these ancient towns, beautiful cities filled with culture and tradition. The Sacred Valley of Peru will enchant you from the moment you set foot here. We suggest taking a look at this Sacred Valley Tour to make the most of your time there.
The Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley
- Hacienda Casa Andina:
Located in the town of Yanahuara, the hotel is in a good location to enjoy a peaceful rest before or after the long trip to Machu Picchu. - Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado:
Located in the town of Yanahuara, it offers good prices and a good location. Perfect for staying before heading to the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu. - San Agustin Recoleta:
Located in the province of Urubamba, the hotel is a monastery built in the 17th century. - Sonesta Posada del Inca:
Located in the town of Yucay, just 20 minutes from Urubamba, another 18th-century monastery. - Hotel De Pilar:
Located in the district of Chilca, 30 minutes from the Ollantaytambo district. This is a perfect hotel if you start the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu the next day.
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