Destination Facts

• Official Name: Valle Sagrado de los Incas (Sacred Valley of the Incas)
• Type of Destination: Region
• Brief Description: A lush, historically rich valley in the Andes, revered by the Inca Empire for its fertile lands and spiritual significance.
• Location: Southern Peru, within the Cusco Region, stretching along the Urubamba River between Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
• Significance/Known For: A key agricultural and ceremonial center of the Inca Empire, now a UNESCO-associated cultural landscape with well-preserved ruins and traditional villages.
• Size/Area: Approximately 100 kilometers in length.
• Main Attractions/Key Features:
  • Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological sites
  • Traditional Andean markets (e.g., Pisac Market)
  • Maras Salt Mines and Moray agricultural terraces
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (May to September) for clear skies and mild temperatures.
• Entrance Fee/Ticket Info: Yes, required for major archaeological sites (often included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket).
• Website: www.cuscoperu.com (regional tourism portal)

Essentials

• Top Attractions: Chinchero, Urubamba, Choquequirao, Calca, Q’ampa Abra Pass
• Best Months to Visit: April, December, February, January, March, May, November, October

Tours and Day Trips

Popular Tours & Day Trips from the Sacred Valley

1. Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour

No visit to the Sacred Valley is complete without a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of Inca civilization. This full-day excursion typically begins with a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo or Cusco, winding through lush mountains before arriving at Aguas Calientes. A short bus ride then ascends to the citadel, where travelers explore its terraces, temples, and panoramic vistas. Ideal for history enthusiasts and photographers, the tour often includes a guided walk through the ruins, revealing insights into Inca engineering and spirituality.

2. Maras and Moray Half-Day Tour

A journey to the Maras salt mines and the circular terraces of Moray offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of pre-Columbian agriculture. The salt ponds, still harvested by local families, create a striking mosaic against the Andean landscape. Nearby, Moray’s concentric terraces served as an ancient agricultural laboratory, testing crops at varying altitudes. This half-day tour is perfect for those intrigued by cultural heritage and sustainable practices, with gentle walks suitable for most travelers.

3. Pisac Market and Ruins Exploration

The vibrant Pisac Market is a feast for the senses, where artisans sell handwoven textiles, pottery, and fresh produce. After browsing the stalls, visitors can ascend to the Pisac ruins, a lesser-known but equally impressive Inca site perched above the valley. The ruins feature intricate stonework, ceremonial baths, and sweeping views of the terraced hillsides. This combination of culture and history makes it a favorite for families and solo travelers alike, typically spanning a half-day.

4. Chinchero Weaving Workshop

For a deeper connection to Andean traditions, the village of Chinchero offers immersive weaving workshops led by local artisans. Visitors learn about natural dye techniques, the symbolism of patterns, and even try their hand at the loom. The experience often includes a visit to the colonial church and Inca ruins nearby. This intimate, hands-on tour appeals to culturally curious travelers and supports community-led tourism initiatives.

5. Sacred Valley Adventure: Zip-lining and Rafting

Thrill-seekers can balance the valley’s historical richness with adrenaline-fueled activities. Near Cusco, the Sacred Valley’s rugged terrain provides opportunities for zip-lining over gorges or white-water rafting on the Urubamba River. These half- or full-day excursions cater to active travelers, blending breathtaking landscapes with heart-pounding adventure. Operators prioritize safety while ensuring an unforgettable immersion in the valley’s natural beauty.

When to visit

Best Time to Visit Sacred Valley

Seasonal Breakdown

The Sacred Valley, nestled in the Cusco Region of Peru, experiences distinct dry and wet seasons, influenced by its high-altitude Andean climate. The timing of your visit will shape your experience, from weather conditions to cultural events.

Dry Season (May–October)

This period is characterized by clear skies, mild daytime temperatures (15–20°C / 59–68°F), and chilly nights (often dropping to 0–5°C / 32–41°F). Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.

• Pros: Optimal for trekking (including the Inca Trail), visiting archaeological sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and photography with unobstructed mountain views.
• Cons: Peak tourist season (especially June–August) means higher prices and crowded attractions. Advance bookings are essential.
• Events: The Inti Raymi festival (June 24) in nearby Cusco celebrates the Inca Sun God with vibrant processions and reenactments.

Wet Season (November–April)

Warmer days (18–22°C / 64–72°F) contrast with frequent afternoon showers and lush, green landscapes. Nights remain cool but less frigid than in the dry season.

• Pros: Fewer tourists, lower accommodation rates, and the valley’s flora in full bloom. Ideal for leisurely cultural visits and avoiding trekking crowds.
• Cons: Rain can disrupt hiking plans, and some trails (e.g., Inca Trail) close for maintenance in February.
• Events: Semana Santa (Holy Week, March/April) features solemn processions in Cusco and nearby towns.

Shoulder Seasons (April–May, October–November)

These transitional months offer a balance: April–May sees fading rains and emerging sunshine, while October–November brings quieter trails before the holiday rush.

• Pros: Mild weather, moderate crowds, and lower prices. Ideal for travelers seeking a compromise between activity access and tranquility.
• Cons: Unpredictable weather—pack for both sun and rain.

Overall Recommendation

The dry season (May–October) is best for trekking and clear skies, though June–August demands early planning. For solitude and value, consider the shoulder months of April–May or October–November. The wet season appeals to those prioritizing cultural immersion over hiking, with February being the quietest (but wettest) month.

Considerations

Peak season (June–August) coincides with international holidays, inflating prices and crowding sites like Machu Picchu. Off-peak travel offers better deals but requires flexibility. Note that altitude (2,700–3,800m / 8,900–12,500ft) affects comfort year-round—acclimatize gradually.

What to pack

What to Pack for Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley, nestled in the Andean highlands of Peru, demands thoughtful preparation. Its high-altitude terrain, fluctuating temperatures, and cultural richness call for a blend of practicality and respect for local customs.

For the Climate & Altitude

• Layered Clothing: Mornings and evenings are chilly, while midday sun is intense. Pack lightweight but warm layers—merino wool or fleece—for adaptability.
• Sun Protection: The high-altitude sun is unforgiving. A wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are indispensable.
• Rain Shell or Poncho: Sudden showers are common, especially in the wet season (November–March). A compact, waterproof layer is ideal.

For Exploration & Terrain

• Sturdy Walking Shoes: Cobblestone paths, uneven trails, and Inca ruins demand supportive footwear with good traction.
• Daypack with Hydration: A small backpack for excursions, fitted with a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder—altitude can dehydrate quickly.
• Altitude Medication: Soroche (altitude sickness) is common. Carry coca leaves or acetazolamide, and consult a doctor before travel.

For Cultural Sensitivity

• Modest Attire: Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting churches or local communities. A lightweight scarf doubles as a shawl or sun shield.
• Small Bills in Soles: Many rural markets and artisans prefer cash. Avoid large denominations for smoother transactions.

Culture

The Living Legacy of the Inca

The Sacred Valley, or Valle Sagrado in Spanish, is a cultural tapestry woven with the threads of Inca heritage and contemporary Quechua traditions. Unlike the bustling streets of Cusco, the valley retains a quieter, more agrarian rhythm, where ancient terraces still cultivate maize and potatoes as they did centuries ago. The valley’s villages—Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero—are living museums, where Inca stonework forms the foundations of colonial churches and modern homes. Here, the past is not preserved behind glass but integrated into daily life.

Quechua: The Language of the Land

While Spanish is widely spoken, the melodic cadence of Quechua dominates rural conversations, particularly among elders. In markets like Pisac, vendors might greet you with "Allillanchu" (Hello, how are you?), a linguistic nod to the valley’s indigenous roots. Place names—Urubamba, Maras, Moray—are derived from Quechua, each syllable echoing the landscape’s sacred geography.

Textiles as Storytelling

The Sacred Valley is a cradle of Andean weaving, where techniques passed down through generations remain unbroken. In villages like Chinchero, women spin wool from local alpacas and dye it with natural pigments—cochineal for red, quinoa leaves for green. Each pattern encodes ancestral symbols: zigzags for the Andes, diamonds for the four cardinal directions. Visitors can witness this artistry at cooperative workshops, where weavers explain the pallay (design) as if reading a woven manuscript.

Where to Experience Textile Traditions

• Awanakancha: A living museum near Pisac showcasing camelid wool and traditional dyeing.
• Chinchero’s Sunday Market: A quieter alternative to Pisac, with demonstrations by master weavers.

Festivals: Earth and Sky in Celebration

The valley’s festivals blend Catholic and Inca cosmovision. Inti Raymi (June) is celebrated with particular reverence in Ollantaytambo, where processions ascend to the temple fortress. More intimate is Señor de Choquekillka (May/June) in Urubamba, featuring masked dancers and chicha (fermented corn beer) shared freely. Even the harvest of maíz morado (purple corn) in April becomes a communal event, marked by songs in Quechua.

Cuisine: From Terraces to Table

The valley’s cuisine is a testament to its microclimates. Pachamanca—meat and tubers cooked in an earthen oven—is a ritual dish reserved for festivals. In Maras, salt from the ancient salineras seasons roasted guinea pig (cuy), while Urubamba’s lower altitude yields giant white corn (choclo) served with queso fresco. A lesser-known delight is tarwi, a protein-rich lupin bean stewed with herbs.

Dining with Respect

• Before meals, a small offering (like a sip of chicha) may be poured to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
• In rural homes, it’s polite to accept second helpings—a sign of hospitality.

Sacred Geography

The valley’s very topography is cultural. The circular terraces of Moray are believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory, while the salt pans of Maras have been tended by the same families since pre-Columbian times. Even the Urubamba River is revered as the earthly counterpart of the Milky Way (Mayu). Visitors often sense this sacredness—best honored by walking softly and asking permission before photographing rituals.

History

History of the Sacred Valley

Nestled in the Andean highlands of southern Peru, the Sacred Valley—known as Valle Sagrado in Spanish and Willka Qhichwa in Quechua—has long been a cradle of civilization. This fertile region, carved by the Urubamba River, was the agricultural and spiritual heartland of the Inca Empire. Its temperate climate and fertile soils made it ideal for cultivating maize, quinoa, and other staples, while its strategic location between Cusco and Machu Picchu solidified its importance. Before the Incas, the valley was inhabited by pre-Inca cultures such as the Killke, whose legacy is etched into the terraces and ruins scattered across the landscape. The Spanish conquest in the 16th century brought dramatic changes, yet the valley retained its cultural significance, blending indigenous traditions with colonial influences.

Key Historical Dates

• 1000–1400 CE: The Killke culture thrives in the region, constructing early settlements and agricultural terraces that would later be expanded by the Incas.
• 15th century: The Inca Empire transforms the Sacred Valley into a vital administrative and religious center, building iconic sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
• 1536–1537: The valley becomes a battleground during the Inca resistance against Spanish conquistadors, notably at the fortress of Ollantaytambo.
• 1572: The Spanish establish colonial towns and churches, repurposing Inca structures and integrating Catholic traditions into the valley’s spiritual landscape.
• 20th century–present: The Sacred Valley emerges as a cultural and touristic hub, preserving its ancient heritage while adapting to modern influences.