Besides being the connection bridge between Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley has attractions and places worth seeing. Located north of Cusco, from adventurers, and foodies, to people who prefer the quietness and peace of the stunning landscapes, the Secret Valley offers things for everyone’s tastes.
So, when visiting Peru and Cusco, you cannot miss the sacred Valley, one of the most beautiful gems in South America. In the following guide, let’s see some places you can’t miss when visiting the Sacred Valley.
Let’s start from the beginning, visiting Pisac and its surroundings. The village is famous for its stunning Inca ruins, They sit on a mountain that surrounds the village. The area also has a unique mix of natural features and colonial-Inca architecture, it’s located 40 minutes drive from Cusco.
Pisac is the Valley's spiritual center. The village offers meditation and spiritual programs since it has plant medicine retreats, good cafes, and delicious restaurants, including vegan ones. When you get to Pisac, you’ll feel its bohemian vibe. This is thanks to the mix of people from different countries who live or spend days there.
Things to Do: Just before getting to Pisac, on the left side of the road, there’s a viewpoint you can’t miss. We’re talking about Taray Viewpoint. You’ll have a stunning view of part of the Sacred Valley there. You can ask your driver to stop for a few minutes to take pictures with the best view.
You’ll find the Pisac Artisan Market in the City near the Plaza de Armas. This colorful market is filled with souvenirs at a good price you can take home. On Sundays, people from local communities in the mountains fill the plaza to sell their products, services, and food. This is a good idea if you want to interact with locals and support them.
Pisac's major attraction is its amazing ruins, The Pisac Archaeological site. You normally access this park from behind the Plaza de Armas. However, the main route may be closed due to mudslide damage.
This Archaeological Park is huge and it takes you around half a day to discover it. Upon getting inside, signage and information boards are available for a self-guided tour. The Pisac ruins are organized into four primary sections: P'isaqa, Inti Watana, Qalla Q'asa, and Kinchiraqay.
Honorable Mentions: Taste a bit of the local way of life. Have some lunch at Pisac Market. Enjoy a fresh fruit juice. smell the recently harvested veggies, and hear the sound of traditional music.
When in Pisac, you’ll see the town has cobblestone, narrow, and lovely streets. Wander in these streets, breathe the Sacred Valley's pure air, and interact with local people to feel their kindness and hospitality.
Urubamba is the biggest town in the Sacred Valley, named after the Urubamba River or Vilcanota River. It's almost 40 kilometers from Pisac, about an hour from there. Due to Urubamba's size, you can find here good restaurants serving delicious traditional Peruvian dishes, interesting and colorful markets, and hikes you can do.
Things to Do: La Cerveceria del Valle is located in Urubamba, specifically in Pachar, and serves artisan beer made in the Valley. Explore the region's brewing history. You'll sample a variety of craft brews. They are produced using locally sourced ingredients and traditional ways.
From fresh blond beers to deep black brews, there's something for everyone's taste. Immerse yourself in the Sacred Valley's brewing scene. Enjoy these wonderful cocktails while watching the Andean scenery. It is an amazing experience for beer lovers and culinary adventurers alike.
In case you want to visit the local market, the busiest day is on Wednesday. People in the nearby mountain towns are constantly adorned in their gorgeous and colorful traditional attire. This is a vast and abundant market that is worth exploring.
The valley is surrounded by towering mountains and rich flora. There, you'll find the ideal place to rest in nature. Imagine waking up to birdsong and the calm murmur of the river. You're preparing for outdoor yoga, with light peeping over the mountains.
Each position grows more profound as the surrounding sceneries provide tranquility and fresh air. After the practice, you can relax and meditate. Allow yourself to be taken by the peace and calm of the environment.
Honorable Mentions: The Sacred Valley is full of ancient ruins, and Urubamba is no exception. You can find ancient Inca ruins, such as Saywa or Chupani.
Or you can visit Urubamba Cemetery. It's based on ancient Inca ruins. So, it's a mix of a beautiful cemetery and Inca ruins.
During the colonial period, Manco Inca Yupanqui utilized the ancient settlement as his final Inca retreat. They defeated the Spanish invaders here. Then, they fled into the jungle, where they resisted for a long time. This old settlement is called Ollantaytambo.
The little settlement is now one of the most popular attractions in the Sacred Valley of the Inca. It is seen as the main rail departure point for Machu Picchu. It has a good tourism infrastructure, including a train station.
Things to Do: Ollantaytambo has an Archaeological Park that is among the best-preserved archaeological parks in Peru. If you visit Machu Picchu, you should make a stop in Ollantaytambo and its park.
The fortress was one of the few places where the Incas confronted the Spaniards. If you don't like archeology and history, the remains are worth visiting just for the view of the valley.
Ollantaytambo is a great site for practicing glamping. Glamping is a blend of traditional camping in fancy accommodations with high-end service. That’s where Skylodge Adventure Suites is in the middle of Peru's Andes. There, natural beauty meets human audacity.
This unique location is in Peru's Sacred Valley, it shows how adventure and elegance can coexist. The trip to Skylodge Adventure Suites is a one-of-a-kind experience. where you'll make a steep climb to the see-through capsules hanging on the mountainsides.
Guests go to their lodgings with excitement. They negotiate metal steps and lifelines. Each new step provides more breathtaking views of the valley stretching below.
Honorable Mentions: Ollatnatytambo is a tiny village so you can explore it in a half-day trip. Its main Plaza, cobbled streets, and atmosphere make it a charming village. It's a place to know deeply.
Another way to get to the Sacred Valley is via Chinchero. It is one of the most charming Andean settlements. Chinchero is surrounded by green meadows and snowy peaks.
Things to Do: Located 4,000 meters above sea level, it is known for the vibrant patterns and weaving skills of its people. It is also known for its archaeological park.
This sacred site is said to be where Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the most famous Inca conqueror, lived long ago. The Chinchero remnants are outside the park and include a few terraces and some interesting brickwork.
If you wish to see the Chinchero ruins, it's best to go there early in the morning before the tour buses arrive, which arrive at around 9:00. There is a small educational museum on site. The primary point of attraction is the colonial church perched atop Chinchero's main site.
You may see how the locals are continuing this ancient custom. It dates back thousands of years and happens at the Chinchero Textiles Market. When you visit this market located next to the church, you’ll have time to buy some textiles or handicrafts.
In case you want to see and learn more about the methods used to get the natural colors and the weaving techniques. You may see the traditional Inca knitting and weaving methods, see the workshop, and the textile department, and speak with the ladies in charge of maintaining.
Local Indigenous people gather at the bustling market in Chinchero. The market is nearby and vibrant. These people come to exchange items, especially the woven handicrafts that are the region's specialty.
The last places to include on your travel itinerary to the sacred valley are the Moray Ruins and the Salt mines of Maras.
Things to Do: A guide will take you on an excursion to Maras and Moray in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will experience the history and culture of the old Inca Empire. Discover the amazing circular agricultural terraces at Moray. They were an Inca agricultural laboratory.
In Maras, you will marvel at the ancient salt mines that are still in use today. Explore these unique locations in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Immerse yourself in the rich history of these ancient buildings. Discover cutting-edge farming techniques and the millennium-old practice of salt extraction.
The ideal choice for you is the Sacred Valley Tour that Viagens Machu Picchu offers. From Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and more, our tours are customized, and we adjust to your demands and timetables.
Start planning your next trip with us, we promise to make your dream of visiting Peru a reality and provide you with priceless experiences. We work hard to provide the finest service possible.
