Sacred Valley of the Incas

About the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru 

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region in Peru that was once the heartland of the Inca Empire. Stretching from the ancient city of Cusco to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, this ancient civilization valued the valley for its agricultural abundance and spiritual significance.

The Sacred Valley was also home to some of the most prominent Inca rulers, including Pachacuti, who is credited with transforming the empire into a dominant force and commissioning iconic sites like Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo.

Later, Manco Inca used the valley as a strategic stronghold during his resistance against Spanish forces in the 16th century. These rulers left behind extraordinary architectural feats—terraces, temples, and ancient ceremonial sites—that still stand as a testament to their ingenuity and vision.

In contrast, the Spanish colonial presence left a different legacy, marked by the construction of haciendas, churches, and new societal structures. This blending of Inca heritage and colonial influence is a unique aspect of the Sacred Valley and adds to its charm.

Today, the valley is a tapestry of small villages and towns, each offering its own unique attractions. From the vibrant artisan markets of Pisac and the well-preserved stonework of Ollantaytambo to the stunning salt pans of Maras and the weaving traditions of Chinchero, these communities provide an immersive experience into Andean culture and history that continues to captivate visitors today.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a living testament to Andean culture, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine, creating a dynamic cultural experience unlike any other.

Altitude of the Sacred Valley of the Incas 

An important aspect to consider when visiting the Sacred Valley is its altitude. Located at elevations ranging from 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) in Pisac to 2,050 meters (6,725 feet) near Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, which sits at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet).

This makes the valley a more comfortable place for travelers to acclimate to the high-altitude environment of the Andes. However, visitors should still take precautions, such as staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activities upon arrival.

In addition to altitude, the climate in the Sacred Valley is temperate with warm days and cooler nights, especially at higher elevations. The dry season runs from May to September, bringing sunny, clear skies ideal for exploring. Conversely, the rainy season from October to April brings afternoon showers and occasionally thunderstorms. Whether during the dry or wet season, the valley's unique climate adds to the richness of the place.

Location of the Sacred Valley Peru

The Sacred Valley is situated in the southeastern region of Peru, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city of Cusco. The valley runs northwest from Cusco and its strategic location made the Sacred Valley a vital hub for trade, agriculture, and spiritual ceremonies during the time of the Incas. Today, its proximity to Machu Picchu makes it a popular route for travelers wanting to discover the ancient citadel.

For those heading to Machu Picchu, the Ollantaytambo train station is a key departure point. From here, visitors can catch a scenic train ride through the picturesque valley, traveling along the Urubamba River. The train journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes station, travelers can then take a short bus ride up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where they can explore the site during scheduled entrance times. The combination of train and bus makes reaching Machu Picchu relatively simple and accessible, with several daily departures to accommodate visitors from all over the world.

Rivers in the Sacred Valley of the Incas 

The Sacred Valley is renowned for its fertile land, thanks to the presence of rivers like the Urubamba River, which winds its way through the landscape.

The Inca people, recognizing the river's significance, developed sophisticated systems of canals to harness the water for irrigation, allowing them to cultivate crops in otherwise challenging areas. These ingenious irrigation systems provided vital water for agriculture that local communities still rely upon today for their crops.

This mighty river meanders gently through much of the valley, but, depending on the time of year, the river transforms in places, with sections giving way to thrilling rapids, especially during the rainy season. Along its course, the Urubamba flows past iconic sites like Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, its changing nature reflecting the dynamic relationship between the land and the people who have depended on it for centuries. 

Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas 

Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley, was the capital of the Inca Empire and remains a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Historically, Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas were inextricably linked not just by proximity but by their shared role in the empire’s grand infrastructure. The valley was a crucial agricultural hub, feeding the capital, while Cusco served as the political, religious, and cultural heart of the empire.

The journey from Cusco to the valley is typically accessed via the Cusco-Pisac Road (Ruta Cusco-Pisac) or the Chinchero-Urubamba Road, and the drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your destination within the valley. Many travelers use Cusco as a base for day trips or multi-day excursions, exploring its many sites and attractions.

Things to do in THE sacred valley of the incas

The Sacred Valley is a hub of activities for adventurers, history buffs, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the top things to do during your visit:

Explore Archaeological Sites in the Sacred Valley Peru

Pisac: Ancient Terraces and Artisan Treasures

Pisac is famed for its spectacular archaeological site and its bustling artisan market, making it a must-visit on any Sacred Valley itinerary. The Pisac ruins, perched high above the modern village, feature sweeping agricultural terraces, ceremonial baths, and temples aligned with astronomical events. In Inca times, these terraces not only maximized farming efficiency but also stabilized the mountainside against erosion.

The Pisac market is equally legendary. Held daily (and especially vibrant on Sundays), it’s a feast for the senses. Stalls brim with handwoven textiles, intricate silver jewelry, pottery, and fresh produce from nearby farms. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth wandering through to watch local life unfold and to photograph the kaleidoscope of colors.

Travel tip: Arrive early to visit the ruins before the midday heat, then descend into town for the market. From Cusco, Pisac is about a 45-minute drive along a scenic route overlooking the valley.

Maras & Moray: Ingenious Agriculture and Timeless Salt Pans

The twin attractions of Maras and Moray reveal two very different yet equally fascinating aspects of Inca ingenuity. Moray’s concentric circular terraces resemble a giant amphitheater carved into the earth. Archaeologists believe this site served as an agricultural laboratory, with each terrace creating a unique microclimate to experiment with crops. Standing at the bottom, you can feel the temperature difference — a testament to the Incas’ scientific approach to farming.

Just a short drive away, the Maras Salt Pans shimmer white against the surrounding hillsides. Fed by a natural saltwater spring, these thousands of shallow pools have been harvested by local families for centuries, producing pinkish salt prized for its flavor and trace minerals. Walking along the narrow paths between pools offers striking photo opportunities.

Travel tip: The salt pans are at their most photogenic in the dry season (May–October) when the pools are full and glistening. Combine Maras and Moray in a half-day tour from Cusco or Urubamba.

Chinchero: Where Textiles Keep History Alive

Often overlooked by travelers in a rush to reach Ollantaytambo, Chinchero is a high-altitude village that rewards those who linger. Known as the “birthplace of the rainbow,” it boasts sweeping views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba range. The Inca archaeological site here features terraces, stone walls, and a colonial-era church built atop an Inca palace — a vivid illustration of Peru’s layered history.

Chinchero is also a hub for traditional weaving. Women in bright skirts and felt hats demonstrate age-old techniques for spinning, dyeing, and weaving alpaca and sheep wool. The natural dyes come from plants, minerals, and even insects like cochineal, which produces a deep crimson.

Travel tip: The Sunday market is less touristy than Pisac’s, offering a glimpse into everyday life. If possible, arrange a weaving demonstration with a local cooperative to support community artisans directly.

Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca Town

Ollantaytambo is both an archaeological marvel and a functioning town, making it one of the Sacred Valley’s most atmospheric destinations. The fortress ruins rise steeply from the valley floor, with massive stone terraces that once defended against Spanish invaders. The Sun Temple, constructed from monolithic stones transported from a quarry across the river, showcases the Incas’ engineering genius.

Beyond the ruins, the town itself preserves its original Inca layout, complete with cobblestone streets and stone water channels still in use today. Ollantaytambo is also the starting point for trains to Machu Picchu, so many travelers spend a night here to enjoy its charm after the day-trippers leave.

Travel tip: For a quieter experience, explore the Pinkuylluna storehouses on the opposite hillside — the short but steep hike rewards you with panoramic views over the town and fortress.

Adventure Activities in the Sacred Valley Peru

Hiking and Trekking: Trails for Every Level

The Sacred Valley is a hiker’s paradise, offering routes that range from gentle walks through farmland to multi-day treks in the high Andes. Popular day hikes include the walk from Urquillos to Huayllabamba, passing terraced fields and small villages, or the trail to the Inca quarry of Cachicata, where massive stones were carved for Ollantaytambo’s fortress.

For more ambitious trekkers, the Lares Trek and Huchuy Qosqo Trek offer stunning scenery and cultural immersion without the crowds of the Inca Trail. Each trek passes remote hamlets where Quechua-speaking families tend flocks of alpacas and llamas.

Travel tip: Even short hikes can reach altitudes above 3,000 meters — spend a couple of days acclimatizing before hitting the trail.

Mountain Biking: Downhill Thrills and Scenic Routes

Mountain biking in the Sacred Valley combines adrenaline with breathtaking scenery. Popular routes include the downhill ride from Chinchero to Urquillos, where you descend through eucalyptus forests and past ancient terraces, and the loop connecting Moray, Maras, and the salt pans.

Many routes are suitable for intermediate riders, though technical downhill options exist for those seeking a challenge. Local operators provide bikes, helmets, and support vehicles.

Travel tip: The dry season offers the best trail conditions, but shoulder seasons (April and November) see fewer crowds.

Rafting: Ride the Urubamba’s Rapids

The Urubamba River winds through the Sacred Valley, offering stretches of whitewater suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The section near Ollantaytambo features Class II–III rapids, perfect for families or first-timers, while more challenging Class III–IV rapids can be found downstream near Cusipata.

Rafting trips often include scenic views of snow-capped peaks, Inca ruins, and riverside farmland. It’s a refreshing way to experience the valley from a new perspective.

Travel tip: The best rafting season is from May to early October, when water levels are stable and the weather is dry.

Nature-Based Activities in the Sacred Valley

Birdwatching at Ensifera Camp

For nature enthusiasts, the Ensifera Camp near Urubamba offers a unique birdwatching experience. Special feeders attract a variety of hummingbirds, including the spectacular Sword-billed Hummingbird — the only bird in the world with a bill longer than its body.

Surrounded by native vegetation, the camp is a tranquil spot to observe and photograph these feathered jewels up close. Knowledgeable guides can help identify species and share insights into Andean birdlife.

Travel tip: Early morning and late afternoon are the most active times for hummingbirds.

Stargazing: The Andean Night Sky

High altitude, minimal light pollution, and clear dry-season skies make the Sacred Valley ideal for stargazing. On a moonless night, the Milky Way stretches brilliantly overhead, and constellations from both hemispheres are visible.

In Inca cosmology, the night sky was deeply connected to agriculture and mythology, with “dark constellations” formed by the shadows of interstellar dust clouds. Guided stargazing tours often combine telescope viewing with cultural storytelling.

Travel tip: Dress warmly — nighttime temperatures can drop sharply, even in the dry season.

Cultural Experiences in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Local Markets: Color, Culture, and Cuisine

Markets in the Sacred Valley are more than shopping destinations; they’re cultural experiences. In addition to Pisac and Chinchero, smaller markets in Urubamba and Ollantaytambo offer fresh produce, street food, and household goods.

Browsing the stalls, you’ll find everything from giant ears of corn to colorful quinoa, and from handmade ceramics to herbal remedies. Sampling local snacks like empanadas fresh from a clay oven is a must.

Travel tip: Bring small change for purchases, and always ask before photographing vendors.

Traditional Cuisine and Cooking Classes

Sacred Valley cuisine reflects both Inca heritage and modern Peruvian creativity. Signature dishes include cuy chactado (crispy guinea pig), trucha a la plancha (grilled trout from highland lakes), and hearty quinoa soups. Street food lovers can try anticuchos (marinated meat skewers) or choclo con queso (corn with fresh cheese).

Cooking classes, often held in rural homes or boutique lodges, give visitors hands-on experience preparing Peruvian staples. You might learn to make ají de gallina, craft perfect papa rellena, or shake up a classic pisco sour.

Travel tip: Classes typically start with a market visit to source fresh ingredients — a great way to deepen your connection to local food culture.

Pablo Seminario Ceramic Workshop

In Urubamba, the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Workshop showcases the artistry of one of Peru’s most renowned ceramicists. Inspired by ancient pre-Columbian designs, Seminario’s work blends traditional motifs with contemporary creativity.

Visitors can tour the workshop, observe the crafting process, and browse the gallery. Pieces range from small souvenirs to large decorative works — each a conversation between past and present.

Travel tip: Allow extra time if you plan to shop; shipping options are available for larger pieces.

Weaving Workshops: Threads of Tradition

Weaving is a living art in the Sacred Valley, and workshops offer an intimate way to connect with this tradition. Hosted by local cooperatives, these sessions guide you through every step, from shearing alpacas to spinning, dyeing, and weaving on a backstrap loom.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the symbolic patterns that tell stories of the Andes, from mountain spirits to agricultural cycles. Many workshops end with the chance to create your own small textile to take home.

Travel tip: Choose workshops that work with certified fair-trade cooperatives to ensure artisans receive fair compensation.

join a sacred valley of the incas tour

From Pisac’s vibrant market to Ollantaytambo’s living history, from the thrill of rafting the Urubamba to the serenity of stargazing under the Andean sky, the Sacred Valley is an endless invitation to explore. Every activity — whether cultural, culinary, or adrenaline-fueled — offers a chance to connect more deeply with the land and its people.

Ready to experience the Sacred Valley with experts who know its every hidden corner? Contact us at Explorandes to start planning your unforgettable journey.