the sacred valley of the incas
CuscoA Landscape That Moves You
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, just a short drive from Cusco, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba welcomes you with wide skies, crisp air, and landscapes that seem to slow time down. The drive itself feels like an introduction—fields full of wildflowers, earth-toned mountains glowing under the changing light, and small farms tucked into the hillsides.
This valley was once the agricultural heart of the Inca Empire, a place shaped by nature, astronomy, and deep cultural knowledge. And even though centuries have passed, those foundations are still present—in the canals that irrigate fields, in the terraced hillsides still in use, and in the communities that continue to live according to rhythms that go far beyond the modern clock.
Many people pass through the Sacred Valley on their way to Machu Picchu. Spending time here, though, reveals a region full of stories, beauty, and connection. It’s a destination that deserves its own time and attention.
Getting Started
If you’re landing in Cusco, heading directly to the Sacred Valley is often a smart move. With lower elevation than the city, it's a gentler place to begin your acclimatization. You can reach the valley through either Pisac or Chinchero—two routes that offer their own charm and impressive views.
Most travelers stay between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, where accommodation options range from quiet family-run lodges to luxurious boutique hotels. Urubamba is centrally located and easy for day trips, while Ollantaytambo gives you the unique experience of sleeping in a still-inhabited Inca town, complete with stone alleys and water channels that have been flowing for centuries.
Daily Life in the Valley
The three key towns—Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo—anchor the valley experience. Pisac is famous for its mountaintop ruins and artisan market, Urubamba is a hub of gastronomy and comfort, and Ollantaytambo is a place where ancient stone streets and waterways remain fully alive.
But the valley isn’t just about landmarks. It’s about people. In communities like Socma, Huilloc, Lamay, and Camicancha, local families open their doors to visitors through cultural hikes, weaving workshops, and shared meals. These experiences offer a real connection to Andean life and contribute to long-term community sustainability.
At Awanacancha, just before Pisac, you can meet artisans from across the valley and learn about traditional weaving techniques—while also getting up close to the four native camelids: alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos. From there, it’s easy to continue to Pisac Ruins and Market, one of the most rewarding full-day cultural experiences for those short on time.
Archaeology, Food Systems, and Cultural Legacy
The Sacred Valley is filled with archaeological sites that help you imagine what life looked like here hundreds of years ago—except much of it still exists.
- Pisac’s mountaintop citadel is surrounded by massive terraces and offers panoramic views.
- Moray, with its perfectly engineered circular depressions, may have been an agricultural lab before such a thing had a name.
- Maras holds thousands of salt ponds, fed by a single underground spring and tended by families generation after generation.
- Ollantaytambo combines a military stronghold with urban planning and farming infrastructure—most of it still intact.
- Chinchero is home to a vibrant weaving community and a colonial church built on Inca foundations.
You can explore many of these in a single day through itineraries like the Chinchero, Moray, Maras & Ollantaytambo experience, which weaves together the valley’s agricultural, spiritual, and architectural legacy.
The Valley, Your Way
The Sacred Valley is a paradise for soft adventure. You can explore it actively without ever leaving the cultural thread behind.
- Take a bike ride from Urubamba to Ollantaytambo, pedaling past the salt mines of Maras and traditional communities like Pachar, with an optional stop at a local brewery.
- Ride from Piuray to Umasbamba, combining views, community visits, and light adventure.
- Or start just above Cusco and enjoy a ride to Piuray Lake, finishing with a picnic and optional kayaking or paddleboarding.
If you prefer walking, the Sacred Valley Llama Hike offers a short but meaningful trek in the Urubamba range, hosted by a llama breeders’ cooperative. It’s not just about the animals—you’ll learn about Andean ecology, enjoy a traditional “huatia” picnic, and support high-altitude conservation efforts.
Nature lovers will also appreciate birdwatching in Urubamba, where you can spot up to 20 species of hummingbirds and over 50 bird species, all in a sanctuary created by local families to protect biodiversity and promote ecotourism.
Rest, Eat, and Repeat
Plan on spending at least three to four days in the valley. You’ll have time to see the highlights without rushing, and to enjoy those unexpected moments that often become your favorite part of the trip.
For food lovers, the valley is full of surprises. El Huacatay in Urubamba blends tradition with innovation. Chuncho, in Ollantaytambo, showcases ancestral recipes. And for a high-end experience with a research backbone, MIL near Moray takes you into the heart of Andean ecosystems through fine dining.
With Explorandes, every journey is shaped by genuine local insight and years of experience. Their guides know the terrain, but also the people, the stories, and the quiet places that make a trip feel personal and memorable.
