Information
City: Sacred ValleyCountry: Peru
Continent: South America
Sacred Valley, Peru, South America
Overview
Just outside Cusco lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also called the Urubamba Valley, where green terraces spill down toward the winding river.Famed for its sweeping mountain views, ancient ruins, and vibrant traditions, it was the Inca Empire’s vital heart for farming and worship, where terraces once glowed gold in the afternoon sun.Today, it’s a top stop for travelers eager to soak in Peru’s history, breathe the crisp mountain air, and witness traditions still alive in its bustling markets.One.The Sacred Valley winds along the Urubamba River, tucked between towering Andean peaks.Sitting lower than Cusco-about 2,800 to 3,000 meters-it gives travelers a gentler start before tackling higher spots like Machu Picchu.From May to September, the days are bright and crisp while nights turn cool, perfect for long trails and open skies.Come November, rain sweeps in, the fields turn emerald, and the air smells of wet earth.Once, these fertile lands and their strategic setting made the valley a vital heart of the Inca Empire.It fed the empire and held sacred temples where ceremonies echoed through stone courtyards.Many valley sites still show the Incas’ remarkable engineering and deep spiritual traditions.The Pisac Archaeological Site is known for its steep agricultural terraces, ancient ceremonial buildings, and wide-open mountain views, and it’s believed to have served as both a fortress and a sacred center.Just below, the Pisac Market bursts with color-woven textiles, carved gourds, and the scent of fresh herbs-and is best explored on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays.High above the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo’s massive Inca terraces and stone temples climb the mountainside, a fortress that once guarded and hosted sacred ceremonies.In its living town, narrow cobblestone lanes and clear water channels still follow the original Inca plan.In Chinchero, you’ll find sweeping agricultural terraces, the ruins of an Inca palace, and a colonial church painted with vivid murals, plus workshops where master weavers demonstrate centuries-old Andean techniques.Moray’s great circular terraces drop into the earth like a green amphitheater, each level with its own microclimate for testing crops.Nearby, the Maras salt mines shimmer in the sun-thousands of small pools stepped along the hillside, still worked by hand.Urubamba, the valley’s heart, offers mountain views, farm-to-table meals, and comfortable stays.Yucay rests quietly amid fertile fields and ancient terraces, while Lamay’s lush landscapes invite visitors to taste traditional dishes like cuy, crisp from the oven.Huchuy Qosqo, a little-known archaeological gem, sits high above the valley and can be reached by a scenic trek past wind-ruffled grass and stone terraces.You’ll find Inca structures, sweeping mountain views, and trails that connect to legendary routes like the Inca Trail and Lares Trek, as well as shorter hikes to hidden ruins.For thrill-seekers, there’s zip-lining, mountain biking, or even paragliding.Slow down with visits to local communities where you can watch potatoes pulled straight from the earth, learn weaving, or try your hand at traditional cooking.Or simply unwind with a spa day, a yoga retreat, or a night in a luxury eco-lodge.The Sacred Valley’s cuisine shines with fresh, organic flavors-potatoes, quinoa, golden corn, and trout caught from the clear Urubamba River.Try roasted cuy al horno-golden-skinned guinea pig with crisp edges-or trucha frita, fresh trout paired with earthy Andean potatoes; choclo con queso offers sweet, oversized corn kernels alongside soft, tangy cheese.Many upscale spots serve Novo-Andean dishes, weaving old flavors with modern twists.In June, Inti Raymi bursts to life with sun-bright costumes and solemn rituals, while the Sacred Valley’s Carnaval fills the streets with music, color, and the splash of water fights; village fairs bring their own charms and traditions.Visit between May and September for clear skies and easy hikes, but give yourself time to adjust to the altitude.Private tours and taxis make exploring easy, though most travelers catch the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu; the Inca Trail and other treks wind through here, too.Pack layers for shifting mountain weather, plus sunscreen, bug spray, and sturdy shoes.The Sacred Valley is more than a gateway-it’s a place to linger, explore, and help protect, as eco-tourism grows to safeguard its culture and ancient sites.We encourage backing local communities and choosing sustainable practices-like buying vegetables from the farmers’ market instead of a big-box store.In the Sacred Valley, snow-dusted peaks rise above quiet villages, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes meet in one unforgettable place.You might wander through crumbling Inca ruins, trek past jagged peaks dusted with snow, or join in a lively village festival-whatever path you choose, the journey stays with you.
Landmarks in sacred-valley
