Sacred Valley of the Incas

The basics

With its Quechua village festivals and markets, colonial churches, Inca sites, river rafting, horseback riding, and trekking, there are plenty of reasons to head out into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a full-day tour or longer. Day trips from the city of Cusco might involve a guided trek to the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, a tour of the Maras Salt Pools, cycling around the agricultural terraces of Moray, shopping the Pisac Artisan Market, wandering the Ollantaytambo Ruins, or tucking into a traditional Andean lunch.

Some Sacred Valley of the Incas tours combine the top archeological sites with a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, with an overnight stay at Aguas Calientes.

Things to know before you go

• The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see for adventure travelers, history buffs, and first-time visitors.

• A Sacred Valley tour from Cusco can last anywhere from eight to 12 hours. Many include Sacred Valley of the Incas tickets.

• Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

• While lower than Cusco, the Sacred Valley still has a high altitude of 9,514 feet (2,900 meters), so plan accordingly.

How to get there

While Cusco is the nearest major city to the valley, most travelers arrive by air into Lima before transferring to Cusco City. While it’s possible to rent a private car or ride public transportation, the easiest way to explore the Sacred Valley is on a guided tour.

When to get there

The high season in the Sacred Valley of the Incas falls between June and early September. The winter season brings dry weather, ideal for exploring the area’s many outdoor attractions, but larger crowds as well. Holidays aside, the valley is much quieter during the rainy season between November and March.

Shopping in the Sacred Valley

The local towns and markets of the Sacred Valley are perfect for picking up interesting local souvenirs. Look for pottery in the town of Urubamba, peruse the Indian market in Pisac for silver jewelry and alpaca fleece items, or pick up some local salt, pulled directly from the nearby mines, from the shops in Maras.

Ways to explore

While many travelers pass through this Inca Empire hot spot en route to visiting Machu Picchu, the valley has become a South American destination in its own right. And with its Quechua village festivals and markets, colonial churches, Inca sites, river rafting, horseback riding, and trekking, there are plenty of reasons to head out into the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a tour. Some Sacred Valley of the Incas tours combine the top archaeological sites with a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu and an overnight stay at Aguas Calientes.

Accessibility

Due to their ancient nature, many Sacred Valley archaeological sites involve uneven ground, stairs, and steep inclines. Ollantaytambo is one of the most accessible sites.

Age limits

None

What to pack

The dizzying altitude of the Sacred Valley means it’s important to come prepared; the sun feels stronger, and you’ll need plenty of water to combat lower oxygen levels.

What to wear

It often feels much cooler here than at sea level, so you’ll need to wear warm clothes (alpaca wool is ideal) and hiking shoes to tackle the rough terrain.

Not allowed

Selfie sticks, large luggage, pets

Amenities

Hotels, handicraft markets, restaurants, tourist information

Address

While Cusco is the nearest major city to the valley, most travelers fly into Lima before transferring to Cusco. Though it’s possible to rent a car or ride public transportation, the easiest way to explore the Sacred Valley is on a guided tour.

Driving

The closest Sacred Valley spot to Cusco is Pisac, which is 9 miles (15 kilometers) away. From Plaza de Armas, head toward the main exit roads out of the city northeastward. Follow the main road toward Sacred Valley, often signposted with Pisac/Urubamba. As you enter the town area of Pisac, look for the “Plaza de Armas” (the town square) as a landmark.

Public transportation

If you’re on a budget, you can take a colectivo (shared taxi) from Calle Puputi in Cusco; you’ll need to check with the driver, but these vehicles typically head to Pisac and Chinchero.

Best times to visit

Consider staying over in one of the villages of Pisac or Moray for a cultural experience that’ll let you arrive at the ruins early, before the daytime crowds arrive.

Best days to visit

Midweek brings fewer crowds as locals tend to favor the weekend.

Best months to visit

While the November to March rainy season creates the lushest landscapes, the dry season from April through October makes exploring much easier.

Special events

Expect a vibrant atmosphere throughout the Sacred Valley at the end of June when the Inti Raymi festival, which celebrates the Inca sun god, takes place.