The Sacred Valley of the Incas, a breathtaking region nestled in the Andes, follows the course of the Urubamba River. Located just 15 kilometers north of Cusco, this valley stretches approximately 100 kilometers between two of the most significant Incan sites—Cusco and the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. To the Incas, this valley held profound spiritual significance, as the Urubamba River was believed to mirror the celestial path of the Milky Way, reflecting the cosmos in their mythology.
The Urubamba River begins its journey in the mountains of the Puno region, where it is initially known as the Willkanuta, meaning "House of the Sun" in the native Aymara language. This name was later adapted to the Spanish form, Vilcanota. As the river winds its way northwest, it travels 724 kilometers, eventually becoming known as the Urubamba in the Convención Province. The river is also referred to as Willcamayu, its name in Quechua, the language of the Incas.
The Incas cherished the Sacred Valley not only for its spiritual importance but also for its exceptional geography and climate. The valley's fertile soil made it one of the most productive agricultural regions in the Inca Empire, particularly renowned for producing the finest Peruvian corn. The valley's rich lands and mild weather allowed for a thriving agricultural economy, which supported the Inca civilization.
The Sacred Valley exudes a serene and welcoming atmosphere that invites visitors to explore and linger. Within this picturesque landscape, you can discover a wealth of Incan archaeological sites, including the impressive ruins of Pisaq, the fortress of Ollantaytambo, the terraces of Chinchero, and the mysterious circular terraces of Moray. Nearby, you can also visit the pre-Incan salt mines of Salineras, where salt has been harvested for centuries.
In addition to its archaeological treasures, the Sacred Valley is home to numerous charming colonial villages, many of which have embraced rural and experiential tourism. These villages offer travelers a unique opportunity to engage with local traditions and immerse themselves in the valley's rich cultural heritage.
The Sacred Valley was once a prized possession of the Inca rulers, a place where they could retreat and oversee their empire's agricultural bounty. Today, it remains a living testament to the Inca civilization's ingenuity and reverence for the natural world, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era and a chance to experience the timeless beauty of this sacred landscape.
Located 33 kilometers northwest of Cusco, Pisaq is home to both an ancient Incan citadel and a charming colonial town known for its traditional handicraft market. The original Incan city sits perched on a steep mountain overlooking the current town of Pisaq. This vast citadel spans around 4 kilometers and includes various structures such as a spiritual center featuring the Inti Watana, or Sun Clock, intricately constructed temples showcasing flawless stonework, numerous water channels, ceremonial baths, military areas, and residential quarters. Additionally, the citadel is surrounded by extensive agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside, and the cliffs are dotted with countless Incan tombs.
Known as the unofficial capital of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba is a picturesque city that enjoys the warmest climate in the region. It is a popular stop for visitors, offering a variety of delightful tourist restaurants where guests can enjoy buffet lunches featuring traditional Andean cuisine.
Ollantaytambo is unique in that it remains a living Incan town, continuously inhabited for over 700 years. Its narrow streets, paved with cobblestones, and the original water channels running throughout the town give visitors a glimpse into the past. The main attraction here is the Incan complex that once served as both a temple and a fortress. This site is surrounded by steep terraces that provided defense and agricultural benefits. At the top of the complex is a ceremonial area, which stands as a remarkable example of Incan architectural skill. This area includes three massive stones that fit together with incredible precision. Ollantaytambo was also the site of one of the most significant battles during the Spanish conquest, where the Incan ruler Manco Inca successfully defended against the conquistadors.
Situated just 28 kilometers from Cusco, Chinchero is a small town encircled by the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Soray, and Veronica. The town is home to the ruins of the palace of Tupac Yupanqui, an Incan ruler. The Spanish destroyed the palace in 1607 and built the colonial church "Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat" atop its ruins to assert their dominance. The area is also surrounded by Incan agricultural terraces, which still stand today. Chinchero is renowned for its finely woven textiles, which feature traditional designs unique to the region. These textiles, along with other handmade crafts, can be purchased at the town's daily market.
Located 50 kilometers northwest of Cusco, near the village of Maras, Moray is an extraordinary archaeological site that consists of large circular terraces. The largest depression is about 30 meters deep, and it is believed that these terraces were used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops. This site is considered an Incan agricultural experiment station, and some view it as an early prototype of a greenhouse. Moray is also notable for its sophisticated irrigation system.
The Salineras salt mines, which have been in use since pre-Incan times, are located near the town of Maras. The salt is harvested from a natural underground stream that flows through a complex network of small canals, filling approximately 3,000 terraced pools with mineral-rich water. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind crystallized salt, which is collected by the local community. The sight of the terraced salt pools, viewed from above, is truly breathtaking, offering a unique and stunning perspective on this ancient practice.
Machu Picchu, often hailed as one of the world's greatest marvels, is just one of the many awe-inspiring sites left behind by the Incas. To truly grasp the grandeur of this ancient civilization, it is essential to explore the Sacred Valley, a region brimming with historical and cultural treasures like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray.
While Machu Picchu stands as the crown jewel of the Inca Empire, its secluded location in the mountains means that visitors can only reach it by traversing the Sacred Valley. Skipping this journey would be missing out on half of the story, as the valley itself offers a more comprehensive glimpse into the Incan world.
Here’s how you can plan a trip that combines the splendor of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu to make the most of your visit.
To fully appreciate the wonders of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, you'll need around four days, although a three-day itinerary is also feasible. The key to exploring the Sacred Valley is patience, as the true beauty of the Inca's craftsmanship lies in the intricate details of their structures, which are subtly mirrored in the colonial cities founded by the Spaniards.
Below is a helpful map to assist you in planning your journey through these remarkable destinations.
The Sacred Valley is a hub of diverse experiences, set against a backdrop of breathtaking geography. Visitors can partake in adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting on the Urubamba River, hiking through snowy valleys, or soaring above the landscape on a zipline.
For those with limited time, one-day tours are available that cover the main attractions like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. If you have more time, consider a two-day tour that allows for a deeper exploration of the valley's wonders. Alternatively, you can opt to explore at your own pace, starting with Pisac, then moving on to Urubamba, and finishing in Ollantaytambo.
The entrance to these archaeological sites is covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which costs around 70 soles (approximately $23). You can also purchase a partial ticket if you only wish to visit the Sacred Valley sites. Public and private transportation options are readily available, making it easy to navigate the region.
Numerous trails lead to Machu Picchu, but none compare to the iconic Inca Trail, the most renowned trekking route in the Americas. After arriving in Cusco from Lima, you can embark on a four-day journey through forests, mist-covered mountains, and ancient Incan ruins, all while soaking in stunning vistas.
Here are some of the hiking tours available:
Buses to the Sacred Valley depart from Cusco’s Pavitos or Puputi streets. A bus ride to Pisac takes 45 minutes to an hour, costing around S/ 7 (US $2). From Pisac, you can continue to Urubamba in 30 minutes, or reach Ollantaytambo in an hour, with fares ranging between S/ 5 and S/ 10 (US $2 - $4).
Direct routes from Cusco to Urubamba are also available, taking about an hour and a half and costing S/ 6 (US $2). From Urubamba, you can easily visit nearby villages such as Maras, Moray, and Yucay, before heading on to Ollantaytambo.
Shared taxis, or "collectivos," offer a popular and cost-effective way to reach the Sacred Valley, with prices ranging from S/ 15 to S/ 20 per person (US $5 - $7). Taxis are the fastest option, with fares between S/ 60 and S/ 120 (US $20 - $40), depending on your destination.
Pisac is highly recommended for its preserved traditions, and buses to this charming village depart regularly from Puputi Street in Cusco. The 45-minute journey costs around S/ 7 (US $2). Taxis and shared rides are also available, with varying fares depending on the service.
Ollantaytambo, once a ceremonial center for the Incas, is another must-visit destination. Buses to Ollantaytambo leave every 15 minutes from Pavitos Street in Cusco, with tickets costing around S/ 15 (US $5).
For those heading to Machu Picchu from Cusco, the journey starts early in the morning. Minibuses and vans on Pavitos Street offer transport to Ollantaytambo for around S/ 15 (US $4). From there, a quick moto-taxi ride will take you to the train station, where you can board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
The scenic train ride takes approximately two hours, covering a distance of 30.5 kilometers. Once in Aguas Calientes, buses leave every 30 minutes to transport visitors up the steep mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
The famous Inca Trail begins at Km 82, about 15 kilometers from Ollantaytambo. This four-day, 40-kilometer trek is one of the top hiking trails in the world, offering an unparalleled journey through lush landscapes and ancient ruins.
For those seeking an alternative, the Santa María route offers a budget-friendly, adventure-filled path to Machu Picchu, combining bus rides, hikes, and stunning scenery.
Another notable trek is the Salkantay Trail, a five-day, 70-kilometer journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Salkantay mountains, ultimately leading to Machu Picchu.
We recommend dedicating two days to fully experience Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Start your adventure with a tour of the Sacred Valley, exploring sites like Pisac, Urubamba, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Afterward, catch the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in this charming town.
On the second day, set aside ample time to explore Machu Picchu. A guided tour, lasting around two hours, will introduce you to the site’s main attractions, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Condor, and the Main Square.
Traveling to Machu Picchu by Train
Booking train tickets in advance is crucial. Once in Cusco, make your way to the designated train station (Poroy, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo) at least 30 minutes before departure. The train will take you to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board a bus for the final leg of your journey to Machu Picchu.
There are three stations for trains heading to Machu Picchu, each offering a unique experience. Most travelers depart from Ollantaytambo, though Poroy station is another option outside the rainy season.
Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley (Cusco)
Poroy Station: Roldan Street s/n, Poroy District, Cusco
Urubamba Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Urubamba, Sacred Valley (Cusco)
Machu Picchu offers three circuits for visitors. Circuit 1 is the longest, taking around three hours to complete, while Circuit 2, the most popular, lasts about two and a half hours. Circuit 3, designed for older adults and those with disabilities, is a shorter two-hour route.
To enter Machu Picchu, you must hire a guide, either privately or as part of a group. Shared tours start at 30 soles (about $10) per person, and groups are limited to 16 participants. Guided tours typically last two hours, but you can remain in the site for up to four hours.
The dry season, from April to September, is the best time to visit Machu Picchu. October marks the start of the rainy season, when the site is often shrouded in clouds. For a unique cultural experience, consider timing your visit to coincide with the Inti Raymi Festival on June 24th, and don’t miss the opportunity to hike the nearby Palcoyo Mountain, known for its stunning rainbow-colored landscapes.
Machu PicchuT Travel Agency offers the best itineraries for Peru tours, including popular destinations such as the Inca Trail and the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.
