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The Sacred Valley was an important location for the Inca Empire as it had fertile soil, many strategic points for defense, and rich flora and fauna. It’s no wonder that the Sacred Valley has also become a popular tourist destination where visitors can interact with indigenous communities and investigate the phenomena of the Inca Empire while experiencing the beauty of the southern Peruvian Andes.
The Sacred Valley lies between Cusco and Machu Picchu in the southern region of the Peruvian Valley. It was originally formed by the Urubamba River, which created a valley with fertile soil perfect for agriculture. The towns are predominately indigenous communities scattered between the mountain peaks and pre-Columbian ruins.
The easiest way to get to the Sacred Valley is to travel to Cusco first and then take a bus or car to the desired destination. Flying into Cusco from Lima takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The Sacred Valley has an average elevation of approximately 2,800 m (9186 ft) above sea level. The climate varies between the towns and cities, but most range from 5°C (41°F) to 20°C (68°F) throughout the year. However, the temperature can drop as low as 1°C (34°F) in some months.
The least rainy months run from May to August, which is when visiting is recommended.
The Maras Saltpans in a canyon near Maras feature a unique pattern of salt pools. These pools, believed to be built by the Incas in the 1400s, have been passed down through generations. Water rich in salt is channeled into the pools, allowed to evaporate, and then the salt is harvested. This process continues without industrialization, preserving the site’s natural beauty and authenticity. The Peruvian pink salt is manually collected and transported to the market, keeping the tradition alive for over 1,000 years.
The Moray Terraces, located about 50 kilometers northwest of Cusco, are impressive circular amphitheater-like ruins built by the Incas at an elevation of 3,500 meters. They feature deep depressions irrigated for farming, demonstrating Inca engineering excellence. The purpose of these depressions remains a mystery, but they served as microclimates with temperature differences of up to 5°C. Various soil samples from different regions were used to support crop growth, suggesting the Incas’ advanced agricultural techniques in creating these terraces.
Ollantaytambo Fortress is a massive Inca ruin complex situated on a steep hill at an altitude of 2,743 meters above sea level, located to the north of Ollantaytambo. Notably, it’s remembered for the Inca’s victory over Spanish conquistadors in a significant battle, leveraging the steep terracing and flooding the plains to repel the Spanish forces. This fortress served as an Inca temple for worship and ceremonies, possibly a royal retreat. The stones used in its construction were transported from a quarry 6 kilometers away, highlighting the Inca’s impressive engineering skills. The site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, encompassing the Patacancha and Urubamba rivers.
The Pisac Ruins, perched on a mountain above Pisac town, is a well-preserved Inca archaeological site offering stunning vistas of the Sacred Valley. Positioned strategically to overlook the Urubamba River and provide access to the Amazon rainforest, it likely served a defensive purpose. Built during the 1400s, possibly under the rule of King Pachacuti, the site is accessible via a two-hour hike from Pisac or by taxi. The ruins feature iconic Inca terraces for crop cultivation, stone buildings, possibly used as dwellings, temples, or lookouts, and a marketplace where indigenous women in traditional attire sell souvenirs like blankets, handbags, jewelry, and hats.
Pisac Market, located in the Main Square of Pisac, is renowned in the Cusco region for bringing together indigenous Quechua communities to sell their goods and produce. The market offers a wide array of products, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Handmade crafts, jewelry, ponchos, hats, ceramics, alpaca products, and more are available at the handicraft market, which operates daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, a bustling main market takes place every Sunday, where vendors in traditional attire offer a diverse range of goods, from fruits and vegetables to clothing and natural dyes for textiles.
Chinchero Town, known as the “rainbow town,” nestled in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, offers a captivating experience. At 3,780 meters above sea level, it boasts stunning views of snow-capped mountains and picturesque lakes. The town, home to 12 indigenous communities governed by the Inca Ayllu system, features historic sites like the Tupac Yupanqui Palace ruins and Chinchero Church, blending Inca and colonial influences. Visitors can explore local textile traditions, participate in weaving workshops, and admire original indigenous artworks. This unique destination showcases culture, history, and natural beauty in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Among the towering snow-capped mountains and grassy hills are around 200 Inca structures, such as dwellings, temples, terraces, and baths. So, no matter what village or town visitors are in, there is always something to see and learn about the great Inca Empire, along with the stunning landscapes of the valley.
One such hidden gem is the “birthplace of the rainbow”, the Catarata Poc Poc (Poc Poc Waterfall), which is located just north of Chinchero. This is a 30-meter (98 ft) waterfall which the Inca deemed the birthplace of the rainbow. Although the hourlong hike is a little difficult, the view is well worth it.
The Arin Falls are often referred to as the Mermaid Falls. They are located just over 5 km (3 mi) from the town of Calca in the heart of the Sacred Valley, and can be seen from the main road; however, it takes about 30 minutes to walk there. The waters splash over a wide section of the cliffs and are accompanied by lush flora.
The story goes that an aclla (woman who served the Inca) by the name of Kantu had a forbidden love with a man from the town. They met in secret until they decided to run away together. They were last seen at the foot of Apu Pitusiray, which is where the Mermaid Falls later sprung from as they flung themselves from the cliff. The bright red flowers found around the waterfall are called Kantu.
The pre-Columbian history of the Scared Valley is told by the Inca and pre-Inca ruins scattered throughout the area. It slowly became more and more incorporated into the Inca Empire from 1000 to 1400 AD.
However, the first known occupants were the Wari culture who occupied the area from approximately 500 to 1100 AD. The Inca completely took over the region in 1400 AD but were run out when the Spanish conquistadors arrived.
In 1537, the Inca Emperor, Manco Inca Yupanqui, fought and won the Battle of Ollantaytambo against the Spanish army led by Hernando Pizarro. However, Manco later fled from the area and the Spanish eventually conquered it. The last Inca settlement in the Sacred Valley fell in 1572.
After the Spanish colonists arrived and took over the towns, it remained an agricultural area mostly inhabited by indigenous communities.
The Sacred Valley in Peru is a hub for hiking, offering three main trails: Lares Trek, Salkantay Trek, and the renowned Inca Trail, each offering stunning landscapes and Inca ruins. The valley also boasts the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, promoting wildlife conservation. Extreme sports enthusiasts can explore whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, paragliding, and ziplining in Action Valley. Skylodge Adventure Suites offers unique cliff-side capsules. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, Andean spas, and artisanal breweries. Trying cuy (guinea pig), a 5,000-year-old delicacy, is a must.
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