Overview

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as Urubamba Valley, is a must-see destination for any traveler to Cusco and indeed Peru. Nestled between the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and the world-renowned archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu.

Surrounded by the gentle presence of the Andes mountains at backdrops, the Sacred Valley is a mix of rugged mountains, fertile farmland, and a home to Peru’s most awe-inspiring archeological sites and picturesque villages that have been inhabited for centuries.

The most popular part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas lies between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, stretching over 100 kilometers (63 miles) from east to west—this part of the Sacred Valley draws many visitors, a section where the Inca ruins of Pisac, the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, the circular terraces of Moray, the ancient salt pans, known as the Maras Salt Mines, Chinchero, local farms, non-tourist markets, and other Incan ruins are located.

There’s a lot of history, culture, and natural beauty to be discovered there that ought to rank on the record’s prime for any world traveler. If you are planning your trip on visiting Peru and are fascinated by the Incas’ history, without a doubt, you must add Sacred Valley top of your to-do list in Cusco, either on the way or the way back from Machu Picchu.

A trip to the sacred valley is an enriching experience. It lets you explore important remnants of the Inca civilization.

• Classic Sacred Valley Tour – 1D
• Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo Tour – 1D
• Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour

The Sacred Valley is also a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, Kayak white waters on the Urubamba River or ride a horse or ATV through undulating hills and farmland, or zip-lining, the valley’s diverse landscapes offer plenty of adventure. Independent travelers can also opt to set out on foot to some of the more secluded Inca ruins. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is also a photographer’s paradise, panoramic viewpoints abound particularly on the route from Cusco to Urubamba via the town of Chinchero.

There are the area’s various other breathtaking Inca ruins that might be internationally renowned in their own right where they not overshadowed by the tourism juggernaut of Machu Picchu.

Following an adventure-packed day, rest and enjoy night skies lit by a million stars. The Urubamba River cuts through the valley and snow-capped mountains soar on all sides. Enjoy the gardens of a cozy boutique hotel or the luxurious spa of a 5-star property. No matter where you stay, the clean, crisp air and breathtaking scenery will soothe you into a blissful calm.

Where is the Sacred Valley in Peru

The Sacred Valley, or the Urubamba Valley, is in the Andes of Peru. At 15 km northeast of the Inca capital of Cusco and near the ancient city of Machu Picchu. It is in the present-day Peruvian region of Cusco.

Geography (Location)

The Sacred Valley lies between Cusco and Machu Picchu in the southern region of the Peruvian Andes. The valley was formed over thousands of years, as a result of erosion from the Urubamba River (also known as the Vilcanota River).

The valley sits into the tawny foothills of the formidable mountains of the Urubamba range, following the winding path of the Urubamba River, at a lower altitude than Cusco—ranging from about 2,800 to 3,000 meters (9,200 to 9,800 feet)—which makes it a great place to acclimate before heading to higher elevations.

Due to its lower elevation, the valley experiences a warmer climate than Cusco. In fact, temperatures rarely drop to or below freezing. This, paired with the area’s fertile soil, makes it the perfect location for agriculture. It was historically, and still continues to be, the region’s center for maize production.

The Urubamba, or Vilcanota River

The Sacred Valley extends throughout the Vilcanota-Urubamba river which is an important element to the ecosystem of the region.

Therefore, it is important to mention the Urubamba river which in its journey, connects two of the most sacred mountains, Ausangate mountain and Salkantay Peak. It is precisely on the edge of the Salkantay where the Incas built the ceremonial citadel of Machu Picchu.

The river running through it was once considered sacred by the Incas, believed to mirror the Milky Way in the night sky. Today, it’s the lifeline of the valley, supporting agriculture and the communities that call this region home. The Sacred Valley is a collection of archaeological sites, market towns, and quiet countryside that offers a glimpse into the past and present of Andean culture.

Why Was the Valley So Important for the Incas?

Since a long time ago, the Sacred Valley has been a privileged region, or lands of awesome fertility. Where each product grown shows astonishing quality and generosity. Not in vain, the Incas called their lands “Sacred” because they believed that these were blessed by the same gods.

The Urubamba, or Vilcanota River, crosses around 60 miles from southeast to northwest. Along its course, its waters bathe fertile riverbanks that produce healthy and generous grains of white corn, potatoes, kiwicha, quinoa, beans, and barley due to its favorable conditions.

Also, the Sacred valley was a corridor to the cloudy jungle where also the habitants used to farm coca leaves. Actually, this is still one of the most productive activities in Machu Picchu surroundings.

Fertile lands, a perfect template climate around the year, and beautiful landscapes guarded by imposed Andes mountains on each side made the Incas build there their most important neighborhoods, cities, and palaces. All of them aligned with celestial events that were deeply meaningful to the Inca civilization.

Some of the ruins in the Sacred Valley, portray the skills of the Incas to combine the forms of the natural landscape with the ceremonial architecture made of stone. Thus, there’s a lot of history, culture, and natural beauty to be discovered in the fantastic Sacred Valley.
Also, the Valley is important because, during Inca and pre-Inca period, most of the sites in the area served for ritual ceremonies due to the proximity and sight of the surrounded peaks.