Travel Guide
About the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, or Urubamba Valley, is a stretch of land between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, just outside Cusco. It’s famous for its fertile soil, mild climate, and stunning landscapes. The Incas used this area for agriculture, building terraces and irrigation systems that are still in use today. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains like Veronica (5,682 meters / 18,641 feet) and Sahuasiray (5,530 meters / 18,143 feet), making it a picture-perfect destination.
The Vilcanota River (later called the Urubamba River) runs through the valley, and its waters were considered sacred by the Incas. The valley is also home to Quechua communities that maintain ancient traditions, from farming techniques to textile weaving.
Places You’ll Visit
Chinchero
At 3,772 meters (12,375 feet), Chinchero is one of the highest points in the Sacred Valley. It’s known for its Inca ruins, colonial church, and vibrant textile market. The church, built on Inca foundations, features beautiful frescoes and artwork from the Cusco School.
Moray
This unique site, at 3,500 meters (11,483 feet), features circular terraces that the Incas used to experiment with crops. It’s like an ancient greenhouse, showcasing their advanced agricultural knowledge.
Maras Salt Mines
Located at 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), these salt pools have been in use since Inca times. The contrast between the white salt and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.
Urubamba
Known as the “corn capital,” Urubamba sits at 2,871 meters (9,419 feet). It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy local produce like peaches, quince, and capulí berries.
Ollantaytambo
At 2,792 meters (9,160 feet), this fortress and town are among the best-preserved Inca sites. Its terraces, temples, and cobblestone streets offer a glimpse into Inca life.
Pisac
Pisac, at 2,972 meters (9,751 feet), is famous for its terraces and artisan market. The archaeological site offers stunning views of the valley and a chance to see Inca engineering up close.
This tour is a must-do if you’re in Cusco. It’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty—all in one unforgettable day.
ABOUT THE SACRED VALLEY
So the Sacred Valley (or Urubamba Valley) is this place near Cusco, between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The dirt here is GREAT for growing things, and the weather’s just… nice. The Incas used it for farming—they built those flat steps on the hills (terraces!) and water stuff that’s STILL used today! The mountains around here? SO BIG, like Veronica and Sahuasiray—over 18,000 feet tall! There’s a river too (starts as Vilcanota, turns into Urubamba). The Incas thought it was holy. And there’s villages where people still do things the old way—farming, making clothes, all that.
PLACES YOU’LL GO
- CHINCHERO: Super high up—12,375 feet! You’ll see Inca ruins, an old church (built on Inca rocks!), and a market with colorful stuff. The church has paintings inside. Old ones.
- MORAY: Circle-shaped terraces here. Incas used them to test plants, like a farm lab. It’s 11,483 feet up. Looks weird but COOL.
- MARAS SALT MINES: Salt pools EVERYWHERE. They’ve been getting salt here since like… forever. The white salt against the mountains? WILD.
- URUBAMBA: They grow TONS OF CORN here (it’s lower—9,419 feet). Also peaches and berries. Good place to eat and hang out.
- OLLANTAYTAMBO: Big stone fortress and streets that look like the Incas just left. Walk around and feel like you’re back then!
- PISAC: Famous for terraces and a market with crafts. The views? UNREAL. See how the Incas built things.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
If you’re in Cusco, DO THIS TOUR. It’s got ruins, cool villages, and the mountains are SO NICE. Learn about the Incas, eat good food, see salt pools—all in one day. Easy.
