Sacred Valley
A short distance from the Inca Empire’s capital Cusco and the world-famous ruins at Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural epicenter of the mighty Inca Empire. Our team of experienced professionals will guide your visit to this lush, fertile, vibrant region and acquaint you with its wondrous selection of archaeological ruins, picturesque towns, cultural traditions, day trips, and natural vistas.
A short distance from the Inca Empire’s capital Cusco and the world-famous ruins at Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural epicenter of the mighty Inca Empire.
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Contact UsRich with incredible archaeological sites and breathtaking scenery, a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must on any trip to Peru.
Surrounded by the magnificent snow-capped summits of the Andes Mountains, the Sacred Valley is a particularly fertile region along the Vilcanota River of vital importance to the Inca Empire at its zenith. Today, its rich history can be experienced in many ways: go on day hikes to dozens of unique and awe-inspiring Inca ruins, spend time in charming small towns with historic colonial architecture and vibrant markets, and get to know traditional artisan crafts and important cultural customs.
Offering a unique blend of cultural, archaeological, agricultural and historical heritage, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is truly a world-class destination. Add to it the absolutely incredible natural scenery ringed by magnificent Andean peaks and it is clear why a visit to the Sacred Valley is an indispensable part of your trip to Peru.
About the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley winds along the Vilcanota River between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The varying elevation is a relatively moderate 9,000 ft (2,790 m) at the valley floor — lower than Cusco and a great area to acclimate and minimize chances of altitude sickness — but climbs to dizzying heights of 16,000 ft (5,000 m) and beyond in the surrounding peaks of the Andes.
Climate & Weather
Temperatures in the Sacred Valley are fairly consistent year-round. The temperate valley floor, which includes towns like Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, averages 70° F (22°C) during the day and 43° F (6° C) overnight. The region’s dry season is from April through October and provides clear, sunny days with cooler nights (sometimes dropping down towards freezing). Rainy season, November to March, experiences daily cloud cover and rainfall, with January and February as the rainiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The busiest tourist season in the Sacred Valley coincides with the dry season, while the rainy season means fewer crowds and beautifully green and colorful surroundings, with the added caveat of inclement weather.
History
Rich and fertile soil found along the Vilcanota (Urubamba) River, fed by plentiful water from mountain springs, have made The Sacred Valley of the Incas important to various local peoples stretching back 1000 years BCE. The Inca gradually took control of the area between 1000 and 1400 CE, when the empire began to expand in earnest and it became the prime location for Incan royal estates and retreats.
During this time, the Sacred Valley became the breadbasket of the Inca Empire, leading to the construction of copious agricultural terraces or andenes. Its lower altitude and warmer weather made it ideal for growing maize, important for the religious significance of the fermented maize drink chicha. The Incas also developed and cultivated many varieties of potato in the Sacred Valley. Numerous other crops, like maize, fruits, and vegetables, helped feed the Inca Empire at its pinnacle.
The Spanish arrived to the region in 1531 and quickly took control of the imperial capital Cusco, but groups of Inca continued to hold out at citadels in the Sacred Valley. In 1537, Manco Inca Yupanqui won the greatest Inca military victory over the Spaniards at the Battle of Ollantaytambo. But by 1572, Spanish control of the Sacred Valley was complete.
Palaces and mansions not taken over directly by Spaniards were destroyed, while other structures such as many terraces fell into disuse and Christian churches became commonplace. Today, tourism to the Sacred Valley continues to grow in popularity while small communities keep local traditions, customs and artisan trades alive.
Things to See & Do
The Sacred Valley offers an endless variety of captivating sights and activities: dozens of short hikes to Incan ruins (perfect for acclimating to longer, more intense hikes) encompassed by unparalleled natural vistas; outdoor adventures sports from mountain biking to whitewater rafting to rock climbing; local traditions including artisanal craft such as weaving, dances, and pachamama rituals; and many more. Here are a few of the select sites of interest:
Pisac
The first town encountered after descending into the Sacred Valley from Cusco is Pisac, known for its markets full of colorful handmade artisan items. The proximate ruins are an extensive complex with massive terraces and many pristine building foundations.
Ollantaytambo
The picturesque town of Ollantaytambo is adjacent to some of the most well-preserved and emblematic ruins outside of Machu Picchu, including the iconic Pinkuylluna granaries; dozens of agricultural terraces climb the mountainside to the main complex, where arresting views await.
Chinchero
The town of Chinchero boasts many agricultural terraces—some still in use today—interspersed with Inca-built stone structures. Traditional weaving practices are carried on by collectives of Quechua women, who offer demonstrations and hand-on workshops.
Maras Salt Mines
In the mountains near the town of Maras, thousands of shallow salt pans coat the hillsides. These square pools, a visual marvel, have been in use for more than 500 years and are operated by local families today, producing pink Peruvian salt.
Moray
Near Maras, a large archaeological site allures with unusual agricultural terraces built in concentric circles. Scientists and archaeologists now believe Moray was a seedling nursery and Incan agriculture laboratory, used to cultivate and test varieties of maize and other crops.
Inti Punku
The Sun Gate is a day trip from Ollantaytambo. The rustic hike to the site includes Inca canals, guidestone and smaller ruins along the way. The beautiful ruins at the summit, where overnight camping is possible, include a guardhouse in astrological alignment and breathtaking views.
Sacred Valley Hotels
The Sacred Valley is a great place to spend a night or two while you’re in Cusco. You can head here directly from the city upon arrival if you’re worried about altitude sickness, or stay here en route to Machu Picchu.
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness
★★★★★
On the grounds of a 17th-century colonial Spanish hacienda along the Vilcanota river lies Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, the Sacred Valley’s premier luxury hotel and spa.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
★★★★☆
Formerly an 18th-century colonial monastery, Hotel Sonesta Yucay is a charming complex appearing entirely like a quaint Andean village against the gorgeous backdrop of the Sacred Valley.
Pakaritampu
★★★☆☆
Pakaritampu, meaning “dawn home” in Quechua, manages to be a short walk from downtown Ollantaytambo and its Inca ruins and yet also set among rugged wilderness and the rising slopes of the Andes.
Sauce Hotel Boutique
★★☆☆☆
This delightful family-run boutique hotel presents a homey, cottage-like atmosphere replete with traditional Andean decor and stunning views of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins.
Those looking to combine adventure with a non-traditional luxury experience can find it in Skylodge Adventures Suites. This one-of-a-kind adventure hotel welcomes guests by way of steep hike and climb up a sheer rock face to cozy glass pods attached to a mountainside, where an amazing night of sleeping under the Milky Way is capped off by ziplining back down.
Sacred Valley Restaurants
The Sacred Valley is a perfect place to try traditional Andean dishes or trendy novoandina cuisine. Located in one of Peru’s major breadbasket regions, much of the food you will taste here is grown by local farmers. Here are a few of our favorite options in the valley:
MIL Centro
Overlooking the Inca ruins at Moray, this award-winning culinary venture from Chef Virgilio Martinez focuses on traditional Andean high-altitude foods.
500 meters from the Moray Archaeological Complex, Maras
Tunupa Valle Sagrado
Enjoy endless traditional Peruvian cuisine at this expansive lunch buffet in Urubamba, compete with alpacas grazing the manicured gardens..
Carretera a Maras, Urubamba
El Huerto Restaurant
Discover a memorable fine dining experience at Hotel Belmond Rio Sagrado’s restaurant with beautiful natural environs and sublime views of the Urubamba River.
Km. 75. 8, Carretera Urubamba-Ollantaytambo Valle Sagrado, Urubamba
Apu Veronica Restaurant
This spot with a view in Ollantaytambo center serves hearty portions of grilled meat, fish, potatoes and vegetables alongside soups and fresh salads.
Calle Ventiderio, Ollantaytambo
Travel Tips
Make sure to follow these important tips on your trip to the Sacred Valley. If you have any questions about planning your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions!
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness
Though the Sacred Valley is a lower altitude than Cusco, it can still be a concern. While most people experience mild symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite that tend to clear up in 24-48 hours, altitude sickness does affect each individual uniquely and acclimation varies. Here are some tips for adapting to the altitude during the first couple days of your trip:
- Eat light meals. The digestive system works slower at higher altitudes.
- Try not to exert yourself too much. Just relax and try to take it easy as much as possible.
- Make sure to stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Take advantage of some of the natural altitude sickness cures available in Peru such as coca or muña tea. Note: avoid drinking coca tea too late in the day, which can cause trouble sleeping.
Take medication if necessary. Acetazolamide and other medication for soroche (the word for altitude sickness) are available over the counter in Peru.
What to Pack
The Cusco region is known for its fluctuating temperatures, strong sunshine and intermittent rainfall. Essential year-round items for your trip to Cusco and the Sacred Valley include:
- Light sweaters or jackets
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots
- Sunglasses and/or protective hat
- Sunblock (SPF 35 or higher recommended)
- Umbrella, raincoat or rain poncho
- Good quality hiking shoes or boots
- Waterproof hiking pants
Plan Ahead
The peak season of June through August requires planning ahead as many destinations sell out or book up weeks or even months in advance. Visitors should consider checking availability for hotels, flights, trains (to and from Machu Picchu and other sites), Inca Trail permits, etc., when planning their trip. Planning ahead for rainy season means confirming that destinations affected by the weather are open for business and potentially accommodating extra time in your itinerary for postponed or rescheduled excursions. Don’t hesitate to contact us for further guidance — we can help with your Peru travel plans!
Related Blogs
Browse some of our most popular blogs about the Sacred Valley:
3 Reasons to Visit Ollantaytambo, A Real Live Inca Village
A lot of tourists do pass through Ollantaytambo briefly; it’s included as a stop on many tours of the Sacred Valley, it’s close to one of the most popular starting points for the famous Inca Trail, and the train to Machu Picchu can also be boarded there. We’d argue that this last living Inca town is a rewarding destination on its own and definitely worth spending a day or two exploring.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek: One of Cusco’s Best Day Trips
The Cusco area has no shortage of wonderful hikes and accessible day trips, but the Huchuy Qosqo trek holds a special place as one of our favorite hikes in all of Peru. The incredible path to Huchuy Qosqo takes you along a well-preserved section of the original Inca road system through extraordinary mountain scenery in the remote Andes, finally arriving at the impressive ruins of an Inca royal palace.
FAQ’s
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the Sacred Valley:
Is it worth visiting the Sacred Valley?
Absolutely! The Sacred Valley offers a wealth of cultural, historical and natural attractions, hikes, adventure sports and more. And it’s right on the way from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
How much time should I spend in the Sacred Valley?
A minimum of one to two days in the Sacred Valley is recommended, though the range of sites and activities and natural beauty may tempt you to stay longer.
Do I need a special tourist ticket to visit the Sacred Valley?
Many of the principal archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley require the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boléto Turístico) to enter. Some smaller sites may have their own small fee while others are free.
How far is the Sacred Valley from Cusco?
Cusco is about 20 miles (34 km, 50 minutes driving) from Pisac, the beginning of the Sacred Valley, and about 37 miles (61 km, 90 minutes) from Ollantaytambo, the end of the valley.
Why Choose Cusco Native?
At Cusco Native, we have over 15 years of experience operating tours in the region, specializing in the Inca Trail and other treks, and we pride ourselves in being the best option for your visit to Cusco and surrounding areas. We offer not only guided tours and excursion packages at affordable rates, but we distinguish ourselves from many other tour companies in Cusco through our focus on environmental and social consciousness and responsibility. We are proud to pay our employees fair, livable wages and to contribute to local Indigenous communities. This makes us not only the most sustainable Cusco tour option, but also the most ethical one.
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