I visited the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru and returned with all the essential information you should know before embarking on your journey!
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated in Peru, is a highly popular tourist destination. It features stunning landscapes along the route connecting Cusco to the revered Machu Picchu mountain. Found in the Urubamba province, this valley follows the path of the Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota), leading visitors to various charming villages and notable historical sites.
The area is famous for its significant Inca influence and the enduring cultural traditions that remain present today in customs, attire, artistry, religious practices, architectural styles, and even in the Quechua language still spoken in certain remote villages. Understanding this heritage is a valuable opportunity that is well worth exploring.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Sacred Valley, make sure to read this entire content to learn everything you need for planning a must-see itinerary.
This post contains the following information:
- Activities to enjoy in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Text: Accommodation options in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Article: Dining Options in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- When is the best time to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- “Number of days recommended for your visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.”
- How to reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Transportation in the Sacred Valley of the Incas refers to the various means of getting around the region.
- Explore additional advice regarding the Inca’s Sacred Valley.
- Commonly Asked Questions
Activities to experience in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
During my journey, I discovered numerous activities in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, spanning from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Therefore, I can confidently affirm that you will encounter many carefully maintained historical sites, stunning Andean mountain vistas, and a plethora of distinctive experiences.
The Capital City has a lot to offer in the Plaza de Armas area and its vicinity, including notable landmarks like the Church of the Society of Jesus, the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art, and the Temple of the Sun. Additionally, there are impressive archaeological sites like Saqsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Q’enqo, and Puka Pukara.
Text: When it comes to historical sites, make sure to visit Písaq, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Each of these towns boasts its own ancient ruins with urban, agricultural, and religious areas. Besides exploring the local history, the Sacred Valley is also ideal for purchasing handcrafted items and high-quality goods at markets and fairs.
Other activities available include extreme sports like white water rafting on the Urubamba River, bungee jumping in Poroy, and zip lining and rock climbing on the cliffs of the Sacred Valley!
Explore a comprehensive list of activities to experience in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
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- Archaeological Site and Písac Market – A place of historical ruins and vibrant market activity.
- The Umasbamba community in Chinchero.
- Text: Salt ponds of Maras
- Moray Archaeological Site
- Archaeological Site of Ollantaytambo
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- Tour of Piuray Lake
- Traveling alongside the Urubamba River.
- Four-wheel drive in the Sacred Valley refers to using a vehicle with four-wheel drive capabilities in the Sacred Valley region.
- Exploring the Sacred Valley on a bicycle tour.
- Paragliding Experience in the Sacred Valley
- Yucay’s Museum of Living Culture
- Machu Picchu is a famous Incan archaeological site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
- Tour of the Humantay Lagoon
- Surprising
- Urco Tour – Tour de Urco
- Museum Inkariy located in Calca
- Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas through a chocolate tour.
- Exclusive guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas focusing on handicrafts.
- Preparation of Pachamanca followed by a sampling of flavors
Text: Accommodation options in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
If you’re unsure about your accommodation choice in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it’s important to note that the primary options for lodging are Urubamba, Pisaq, and Ollantaytambo. These three towns offer a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to high-end hotels, due to their well-established infrastructure.
Furthermore, you have the option to select accommodations in Cusco, which offer daily tour services to various attractions and landmarks. Remember to also reserve a hotel in Machu Picchu to enhance your travel experience. 😉
Below are the primary lodging recommendations in the historic valley.
Accommodations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
During my visit to the Sacred Valley, I lodged at Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrada Hotel & Villas in Urubamba. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable accommodations with a range of activities suitable for both children and adults. If you’re interested in exploring other lodging options, feel free to refer to our list of suggestions.
- Hotel Agustos Urubamba in Urubamba is available for booking daily starting at $77, with a rating of 9.0.
- Ollantaytambo in Del Pilar hotel is available daily starting from US$ 117, with a rating of 9.3.
- Life Hotel Valle Sagrado in Urubamba is available for daily stays starting at $84, with a rating of 8.6.
- Pisonay Hotel in Pisaq offers rooms starting at $45 per day and has a rating of 8.3.
- Earth Alive Sacred Valley Hotel in Urubamba offers accommodations starting at $75 per day, receiving a high rating of 9.3.
Discover additional lodging options in the Sacred Valley of the Incas to guarantee an ideal accommodation experience.
Accommodations available in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
For those seeking more affordable lodging in the area, it’s beneficial to be aware of these budget-friendly hostels in the Sacred Valley. While the primary options are in Pisac, you can also discover accommodations in Ollantaytambo. Simply check them out!
- Wolf Totem Steam Punk Guesthouse in Pisac is available for daily stays starting at $22, with a rating of 8.7.
- The Parche Rutero Hostel in Pisac offers accommodation starting at $21 per day, with a rating of 8.4.
- Intihuatana Hostel in Pisac offers accommodation starting at $10 per day and has received a rating of 8.2.
- Hostal Raymi in Ollantaytambo is available for booking every day starting from $13, with a rating of 8.0.
View all available hostels in the Sacred Valley.
Where to dine in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
One of the top dining spots in the Sacred Valley is located in Urubamba, where you can find numerous restaurants. It is a popular stop for lunch and dinner on most Cusco tours.
Some great options include El Huacatay and Tunupa restaurants, known for their diverse menu offerings and exceptional cuisine. El Huerto restaurant, located at Belmond Hotel Rio Sacred, is perfect for a cozy and romantic dinner for two, boasting an intimate ambiance and top-notch service.
If you seek a unique dining experience with a stunning view of the Andean mountains, Iskay restaurant in Maras is the ideal option. Alternatively, those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising quality can consider dining at El Albergue restaurant in Ollantaytambo.
Discover a brief overview of the top dining establishments in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- “Tunupa Restaurant located in Urubamba”
- Iskay restaurant located in Maras.
- The restaurant named El Huerto in Urubamba.
- Restaurant Inkafé located in Yucay
- The restaurant called El Huacatay located in Urubamba.
- “Restaurant El Albergue located in Ollantaytambo”
Best time to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The ideal period to explore the Sacred Valley is during the dry season from April to October, which is considered peak season. The weather is generally clear with abundant sunshine during the day and cooler nights, making it convenient for visitors to explore attractions without needing an umbrella or extra layers in their backpack.
I, however, traveled in December, which falls during the rainy season of the low season from November to March. Despite experiencing light and occasional rain showers during my walks, I didn’t encounter any significant issues and was still able to enjoy my trip.
How long should I spend in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
Paraphrased text: Spending three to five days in the Sacred Valley is recommended in order to fully experience and enjoy all the attractions and sights at a leisurely pace.
How to reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas
It is over 100 km from the entire Sacred Valley, spanning from Cusco to Machu Picchu. To reach this area, one must either fly to the international airport Alejandro Silva Astete in Cusco or take a sleeper bus from Lima to the Inca capital.
You can find comprehensive information on how to reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas by air, land, or road.
Via aircraft
Anyone purchasing a ticket to Peru is aware that the flight will arrive in Lima before proceeding to Cusco. The airlines operating this route from Brazil include Latam, Delta, Sky Airline, Qatar Airways, Aeromexico, and Swiss. The connecting flights to Cusco are offered by Latam, Star Perú, Sky Airline, and Jet Smart.
One helpful suggestion is to review the prices available on the Promo Go platform to make sure you don’t miss out on great deals. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that travel delays may occur on the cusquenha track in the Andean mountains due to bad weather, as the clouds often obscure the path.
Text: Traveling by bus
Another option is to select the dorm buses that travel from Lima to Cusco, which have daily departures managed by Peru Hop, Cruz Del Sur, and the Palomino Group.
Upon arriving in Cusco, travelers have the option to take a bus to the cities and towns of the Sacred Valley. Buses depart every half hour to destinations like Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba. Alternatively, they can opt to book a tour bus through an agency, a popular choice among travelers for the added benefits such as professional guides.
Traveling by automobile
It is not recommended to rent a car in Cusco or the surrounding area due to narrow streets, difficult roads, and heavy traffic. Instead, it is suggested to use a transportation app like Uber, which operates well in the city, or opt for hiring a taxi.
Furthermore, you can explore the van region using either public or private transportation, readily available in downtown Cusco or online through Civitatis platform.
Paraphrased: Traveling from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The journey from Cusco to the Sacred Valley can be completed either by bus or by transfer. The route begins in Písac, continues through Urubamba, and ends in Ollantaytambo, the final city in the valley accessible by car or bus. From Ollantaytambo, the only way to reach Machu Picchu is by train or hiking trails.
It is important to note that there are additional cities along the route that can be visited based on your tour or travel schedule.
Transport in the Sacred Valley of the Incas refers to the means of getting around in the region.
The primary mode of transportation in the Sacred Valley is typically vans and shared cars that can be rented through tourism agencies, online, or via recommendations from hotels. Alternatively, it is also feasible to travel between cities by bus, although this option is slower and less comfortable.
Ultimately, travelers also have the choice to journey by train from Cusco to Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. PeruRail and Inca Rail collaborate to ensure this mode of transportation is both safe and comfortable.
View additional advice regarding the Inca’s Sacred Valley.
The tips continue! Below, we provide a list of detailed posts to assist you in organizing your trip.
- Bring him to Peru.
- Activities to engage in while in Peru
- Sure! Can you please provide the text you would like me to paraphrase?
- Accommodations in Cusco
- Accommodation options in Cusco
- Activities to engage in while in Cusco
- Text: Sightseeing excursions in Cusco
- New Year’s Eve celebration in Cusco
- Where to dine in Cusco
- How to reach Machu Picchu
- Inca Rail – a train service in Peru.
- PeruRail text
- Machu Picchu is a renowned archaeological site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
- Accommodation options in Machu Picchu
- Honeymoon at Machu Picchu
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Commonly Asked Questions
What are the top attractions to see in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
Some of the most notable attractions in the Sacred Valley include the Archaeological Site and Písac Market, the Salinas de Maras, the Archaeological Site of Moray, the Archaeological Site of Ollantaytambo, and, naturally, Machu Picchu.
What are the primary excursions available in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
Some of the primary tours in the Sacred Valley include the Piuray Lake excursion, quad bike tour, Paragliding adventure, cycling tour, visit to the Humantay Lagoon, and the Choquequirao trail hike.
Which are the top accommodations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The top hotels in the Sacred Valley include Casa Andina Premium Valle Sacred Hotel & Villas, Life Hotel Valle Sacred, Pisonay Hotel, and Tierra Viva Valle Sacred Hotel. For additional travel choices, visit Booking. with.
When is the ideal time to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The optimal time to explore the Sacred Valley is in the dry season, which spans from April to October.
Can you tell me the location of the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an area in the Urubamba province of Cusco, Peru, which includes various towns situated along the Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota) leading to Machu Picchu.
How can one navigate the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The most efficient way to travel within the Sacred Valley is to either book a transfer from Cusco for each journey or opt to rent a car.
