Those who visit Cusco are captivated by its culture, its people, its customs, and its gastronomy. Just walking through the historic center or sitting on a bench in the main square is enough to feel its history. However, a few kilometers away, near the imperial city, the mountains hide another equally fascinating destination: the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most surprising landscapes of the ancient Tahuantinsuyo. Its name is no coincidence: this valley was key for the Incas and its importance remains to this day.
Along the valley, towns like Chinchero, which stands out for its textiles, Pisac for its artisan market, Urubamba for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, and Ollantaytambo for preserving an still inhabited Inca urban layout; there are also Maras and its salt flats, and Moray with its unique circular terraces. In these areas, local communities have developed rural and experiential tourism proposals that offer authentic experiences for the visitor.
In addition to its cultural value, the valley offers green landscapes, a temperate climate, and a variety of natural resources. During the Inca Empire, it was an important agricultural and supply center. Today, it is part of the Urubamba province and continues to attract travelers seeking history, tranquility, and scenic beauty.
Where is the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley is located north of Cusco, surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Urubamba River. Throughout its territory are ancient Andean towns, cultivated fields, and several archaeological sites built during the Inca Empire. It was one of the main agricultural areas of the Tahuantinsuyo and today it is one of the most visited destinations in the region.
Sacred Valley Elevation
The valley extends for about 180 kilometers towards Machu Picchu, with an average altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level. This elevation is lower than that of the city of Cusco, making it an ideal place to acclimatize before continuing to higher areas.
Climate in the Sacred Valley
The climate of the Sacred Valley is warmer and milder than that of Cusco, with sunny days and cool nights. These pleasant conditions led the Incas, and later the Spanish colonizers, to choose the area to build rest centers and rural residences.
Towns of the Sacred Valley
1. Pisac
Located 32 km from Cusco and at 2972 meters above sea level, Pisac is known for its impressive Inca archaeological complex, which includes terraces, citadels, towers, and a large pre-Hispanic cemetery, considered the largest in America. Its finely assembled stone constructions and ancient astronomical observatories stand out.
2. Calca
50 km from Cusco and at 2928 meters above sea level, Calca offers a tranquil environment surrounded by snow-capped mountains like Pitusiray and Sahuasiray. Among its main attractions are the thermal baths of Machacancha (sulfurous waters) and the mineral water springs of Minasmoqo. Very close by is Huchuy Cusco, an Inca archaeological site of historical importance.
3. Yucay
Located 68 km from Cusco and at 2857 meters above sea level, Yucay was chosen by the Inca nobility as a resting place due to its temperate climate and fertile lands. During the Tahuantinsuyo, it was a key agricultural center, with extensive terraces still visible. Among its main remains is the Inca Palace Sayri Túpac, built of stone and adobe, with decorative details on its walls. Today the town has a local museum and comfortable accommodations for visitors.
4. Urubamba
Urubamba is an ancient Inca agricultural center located in a fertile valley, surrounded by a wide landscape with abundant production of fruit trees. It is at the foot of the snow-capped Chicón mountain, which can be accessed for hikes or climbs.
Also known as “The Pearl of Vilcanota” due to the landscapes that surround it, Urubamba is home to communities that still preserve their traditions. In addition, it is an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, or horseback riding.
5. Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo preserves one of the most impressive Inca fortresses in the Sacred Valley. It was a strategic military, religious, and agricultural point, built among mountains, with steep terraces and precisely assembled stone structures.
Notable sectors include the Temple of the Sun, the Incamisana, the Ñustas baths, and the chullpas of Cachiccata. At the top of the complex are six enormous monoliths decorated with figures of Inca iconography, whose assembly still generates debate among archaeologists.
The current town of Ollantaytambo maintains its original Inca layout and many of its houses are built on Inca constructions; moreover, its inhabitants continue to practice traditional customs.
How to get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The most practical way to visit the Sacred Valley is through an organized tour. It’s an efficient option if you have limited time, as it allows you to visit several destinations in a single day without worrying about logistics. Although you can also explore it on your own, doing so usually requires more days, transportation between towns, and more planning. Furthermore, there are sites that can only be visited during limited hours, making it more convenient to go with a guide.
Is it worth visiting the Sacred Valley?
Definitely. The valley is located between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, following the course of the Vilcanota or Wilcamayu River, considered sacred by the Incas. It is easily accessible from Cusco.
One of the greatest contrasts that Cusco offers is in its geography: while the historic center preserves its colonial and Inca architecture, a few kilometers away the mountains hide a fertile valley, full of history, temples, agricultural terraces, and living towns. The Sacred Valley Peru was key to the Inca civilization and its name reflects its importance. Today, it remains a place that impresses with its landscape, mild climate, and tranquility, making it ideal for a 2 day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour, a complete option that includes a visit to the Inca Citadel.
What to do in the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas not only preserves part of the most important legacy of ancient Peru, but has also become an ideal destination for travelers seeking culture, landscapes, and adventure.
Today, it is possible to practice a wide variety of extreme sports and outdoor activities in unique settings. These experiences are available with specialized operators who include everything necessary for a safe day. It is advisable to choose only one activity per day to make the most of it. These are the activities you can do in the Sacred Valley Cusco:
- ATV in Maras and Moray: One of the most popular routes in Cusco is the ATV tour, which allows you to travel rural roads until you reach two of the most beautiful places in the valley: the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. The service includes transportation, a safety briefing, ATVs per person or as a couple, helmet, fuel, and guide. Ideal for a half-day adventure, with panoramic stops along the way.
- Cycling in Abra Malaga: Located at 4200 meters above sea level, the Abra Malaga pass is 43 kilometers from Ollantaytambo. From there, a mountain bike descent begins along scenic routes that go down to the lower parts of the valley. You will cover almost 1000 meters of elevation change, crossing landscapes of puna, jungle eyebrow, and cloud forests. It is a recommended option for cyclists with some experience, but also accessible for beginners with a guide.
- Boat ride on the Vilcanota River: The Vilcanota River, which runs through much of the valley, offers class II to III rapids in the Cusipata area, ideal for both first-time rafters and those with experience. Tours include transportation from Cusco, complete equipment (helmet, vest, wetsuit, paddle), safety guide, rescue kayak, and picnic lunch. This activity can be done all year round, but the best season is between April and October, when the river’s flow is more stable.
- Paragliding in Chinchero: One of the best ways to see the Sacred Valley from another perspective. In the heights of Chinchero, paragliding flights allow you to fly over agricultural fields, mountains, and traditional towns. Take-offs are from the “Sacred Mountain”, with flights lasting 15 to 30 minutes depending on wind conditions. You can reach a height of up to 1000 meters. The service includes transportation, certified equipment, a professional pilot, and insurance. No prior experience is needed, just a desire to fly.
- Sky Bike, Rappel, and Via Ferrata in Cachimayo: Located just 30 minutes from the city of Cusco, the district of Cachimayo offers an adventure circuit that combines three activities in half a day: Sky Bike (pedaling suspended on a cable between mountains), Rappel (vertical descent by rope), and Via Ferrata (assisted climbing on a rock wall with metal anchors). These activities are performed with complete safety equipment, under the supervision of professional instructors. An excellent alternative for those seeking adrenaline near the city without the need for prior experience.
- Ziplining in the Sacred Valley: One of the most accessible and popular activities for all ages. The Sacred Valley zipline has 7 flight lines that cross mountains, canyons, and ravines, with lengths ranging from 150 to 700 meters, totaling a route of 2800 meters. The tour includes harness, helmet, gloves, pulley system, and specialized guide. This experience allows you to appreciate the landscape from the air and is perfect for families, groups, or travelers looking for excitement without complications.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTCL) is the best option for those who want to visit the main archaeological sites and museums in the region. This pass allows entry to 16 attractions distributed in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, and the areas around the city.
It includes entry to:
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This ticket is valid for 10 consecutive days from the date of purchase.
Partial Tourist Tickets
Partial tickets can also be purchased, depending on the zones or circuits of interest. They are ideal if you have little time or plan to visit only a part of the archaeological circuit.
Circuit III – Sacred Valley of the Incas
This ticket allows entry to four of the most visited sites in the valley, and is one of the most requested for the Sacred Valley tour:
- Písac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
The Circuit III partial ticket is valid for 2 days.