Cusco is not only Machu Picchu or Sacsayhuaman. It is also the immense agricultural territory that enjoyed great importance in the Inca Empire and that today is called the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is made up of several traditional towns surrounded by a spectacular geography, which offers a great variety of adventures and experiences for the tourist. Most visitors know very little about this unique place on their way to the Wonder of the World. But how much time is necessary to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

• The Sacred Valley of the Incas
• 1 day visit to the Sacred Valley
• 2 days visit of the Sacred Valley
• How much time is necessary to visit the Sacred Valley?
• What else to see in the Sacred Valley?
• Recommendations

The beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

This beautiful place, as its name suggests, was a sacred territory for the Incas. It covers a large part of the province of Urubamba, very close to the city of Cusco and on the way to Machu Picchu. It is characterized by its fertile land full of beautiful landscapes and surrounded by rivers, mountains and traditional villages. Today, it offers all kinds of experiences for tourists. The prestigious American newspaper The New York Times considered it among the 52 places to go in 2017.

Among the main towns that comprise it are: Chinchero, Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. All of them were an important agricultural center for the Incas, who established their residence in this territory. Because of this, the visitor can visit archaeological remains such as the Archaeological Park of Pisac, the Archaeological Center of Chinchero, the Fortress of Ollantaytambo, which are similar to Machu Picchu. You can also practice adventure sports such as cycling, canoeing, zipline, rock climbing and many others. How many days are enough to experience the magic of the Sacred Valley?

1 day visit to the Sacred Valley

The tour that the vast majority of tourists make the Sacred Valley is 1 day. It starts very early in the morning with a visit to Pisac. There, the visitor visits the Archaeological Park of Pisac and has the opportunity to shop at the local handicraft market, one of the most traditional of Cusco. Then you arrive at the town of Urubamba where you can enjoy the characteristic gastronomy. There, the so-called largest corn in Peru is produced. Another option is to start the route knowing the agricultural center of Moray and the salt mines of Maras.

The tour continues to Ollantaytambo, where the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park stands, a point of Inca resistance during the Spanish invasion. From this place most of the trains depart to Machu Picchu. However, the visitor returns to visit the traditional village of Chinchero where you can see the textile centers where products are manufactured in natural alpaca. Before arriving in Cusco at night, the tourist visits the Archaeological Park where the Inca Tupac Yupanqui lived.

Archaeological site of Moray in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

2 days visit of the Sacred Valley

There are few tours that cover the Sacred Valley of the Incas in 2 days, so tourists must do it on their own. The starting point is the city of Cusco from where you reach the town of Pisac. With adequate time, the visitor can visit the Handicraft Market and the Archaeological Park in the area. A great alternative is to do this tour by bicycle. The road ends in Urubamba, where there are many hotels where to stay overnight. This city is considered one of the most beautiful in Cusco.

The following day, there are many other options: visit the Archaeological Park in the town of Ollantaytambo, go canoeing on the Vilcanota River or visit the agricultural centers of Moray and the salt mines of Maras. There, tourists can also take an ATV tour through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Most adventure tours are contracted in the city of Cusco. Other adventurous options are ziplining or rock climbing.

How much time is necessary to visit the Sacred Valley?

The Sacred Valley is an obligatory route on the way to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is for this reason that many travelers visit its tourist attractions before or after seeing the Wonder of the World. However, the towns and places of this incredible place require more than 1 or 2 days to get to know it. There are many cases of tourists who stayed to live in Urubamba, Pisac and other towns. There is no necessary time to get to know this magical territory. However, visitors should take their time to experience the magic that the Sacred Valley has to offer.

What else to see in the Sacred Valley?

Chinchero, Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo are the most touristic towns to visit in the Sacred Valley but they are not the only ones. Here are some other options:

• Calca – A little more than 1 hour by road from the city of Cusco is this town. Among its main tourist attractions are its thermo-medicinal baths of Machacancha and Minas Moqo. There is also a museum called Inkariy.
• Huchuy Qosqo – Also called ‘Little Cusco’, is an archaeological site located a few minutes from Calca. It is estimated that the Inca Wiracocha had it built to be his resting place during his old age.
• Huchuy Qosqo – También llamado ‘Pequeño Cusco’, es un sitio arqueológico ubicado a pocos minutos de Calca. Se estima que el Inca Wiracocha lo mandó construir para que fuera su lugar de descanso durante su vejez.

Recommendations

The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers many options. However, it is important to take due precautions in each of the tourist offers. Here are some recommendations during your visit:

• The dry season (March to October) is characterized by sunny days and cold nights. The rainy season (October to March) is characterized by rainfall that can occur at any time. Any time is ideal to visit the Sacred Valley and Cusco.
• The landscape of the Sacred Valley is ideal for meditation. Take the necessary time to disconnect from the routine.
• There are many options for adventure sports: zipline, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, quad biking, etc. Make sure that the contracted tour offers a good quality of service with all the safety measures.
• The Sacred Valley offers many typical dishes of the region and Peru. Don’t be afraid to taste the Chiri Uchu, the Cuy al Horno, the Chancho al Horno, etc. Peruvian gastronomy is considered among the best in the world.
• Many of the villages in the Sacred Valley still keep alive the traditions of the past. Learn more about the living culture of the place. The town of Chinchero is one of the villages that most jealously guards its customs.

Advice from people who have been there

Sacred Valley

By: Raúl G.

“Disconnect from everything and recharge your energy“

“There are many ways to get to and tour this marvel. You can do it the traditional way, you can go by ATV or bike tour. You can also see it from the sky by zipline or paragliding. I personally liked the ATVs. While touring the valley you can connect too much with nature and enjoy an excellent view of the landscape.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 11, 2024