The Sacred Valley is one of Peru’s most captivating destinations, where dramatic Andean landscapes, ageless traditions, and ancient civilizations come together in a truly unforgettable experience. Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley offers travelers a deeper understanding of Andean culture, breathtaking scenery, and remarkable archaeological treasures. Whether explored independently or as part of a curated Sacred Valley tour, this region reveals why it has remained sacred for centuries.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas was once the agricultural, spiritual, and political heart of the Inca Empire. Fed by the Urubamba River and surrounded by fertile terraces, the Sacred Valley provided ideal conditions for farming, settlement, and ceremonial life. Today, the Sacred Valley continues to enchant visitors with its harmony between nature and history, making it a must-visit destination in Sacred Valley, Peru.
The Sacred Valley, Cusco lies northeast of the city of Cusco, following the course of the Urubamba River. Traveling from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, visitors descend into a lush Andean corridor dotted with villages, ruins, and markets. Its strategic location made the Sacred Valley a vital connector between Cusco and Machu Picchu during the rise of the Inca empire.
The Sacred Valley’s elevation ranges between 2,050 and 2,950 meters above sea level, making it lower than Cusco and more comfortable for acclimatization. The Sacred Valley’s altitude contributes to its mild climate, with warm days and cool nights, ranging on average from 5°C (41°F) to 20°C (68°F). Thanks to the Sacred Valley’s altitude, travelers often experience fewer altitude-related effects than in Cusco.
The least rainy months run from May to August, which is when visiting is recommended.
Maras Saltpans:
Moray Terraces
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Ollantaytambo Fortress, located at 2,743 meters, is a massive Inca complex remembered for the Inca’s victory over Spanish conquistadors. It served as a temple and possibly a royal retreat. The site’s construction, using stones transported from a quarry 6 km away, showcases Inca engineering. It offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
Pisac Ruins
The Pisac Ruins, located above Pisac town, offer stunning views of the Sacred Valley. Built in the 1400s, likely under King Pachacuti, the site served defensive purposes. It features Inca terraces, stone buildings, and a marketplace where indigenous women sell traditional souvenirs. The ruins are accessible by a two-hour hike or taxi.
Pisac Market
Pisac Market, located in the Main Square, is a popular destination in the Cusco region, bringing together indigenous Quechua communities. It offers handmade crafts, jewelry, ponchos, ceramics, alpaca products, and more, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Sundays, the main market features a diverse range of goods, including fruits, vegetables, clothing, and natural dyes.
Chinchero Town
Chinchero Town, known as the “rainbow town,” is located at 3,780 meters above sea level in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. It offers stunning views, historic sites like the Tupac Yupanqui Palace ruins and Chinchero Church, and opportunities to explore local textile traditions and indigenous artwork. This destination blends culture, history, and natural beauty.
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.
For the Incas, the Sacred Valley was more than fertile land—it was sacred ground tied to astronomy, agriculture, and religion. The Sacred Valley of the Incas played a central role in sustaining the empire, supplying food to Cusco and being home to multiple royal estates. Spanish colonization reshaped the Sacred Valley, yet much of its ancient identity remains intact.
The pre-Columbian history of the Sacred Valley is deeply embedded in its landscape, revealed through the numerous Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites scattered throughout the region. Long before it became a central stronghold of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley was home to advanced civilizations that shaped its agricultural and cultural foundations. Between 1000 and 1400 AD, the valley was gradually incorporated into the expanding Inca Empire, eventually becoming one of its most important regions.
The earliest known inhabitants of the Sacred Valley were the Wari culture, who occupied the area from approximately 500 to 1100 AD. Their presence influenced settlement patterns and infrastructure that later civilizations would build upon. By 1400 AD, the Inca had fully taken control of the Sacred Valley, transforming it into a vital agricultural, administrative, and ceremonial center. This era came to an abrupt end with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
In 1537, Inca Emperor Manco Inca Yupanqui led a successful resistance against Spanish forces commanded by Hernando Pizarro during the Battle of Ollantaytambo, one of the most significant Indigenous victories of the conquest period. Despite this triumph, Spanish pressure intensified, and Manco Inca eventually withdrew from the region. The final Inca settlement in the Sacred Valley fell in 1572.
After Spanish colonization, new towns were established, yet the Sacred Valley remained primarily agricultural and largely inhabited by Indigenous communities, whose ancestral traditions and connection to the land continue to define the region today
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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