When it comes to Cusco, there are so many things to do and experience that we’d wish we could add a few more days to our itinerary to explore even more. The Sacred Valley of the Incas, for example, is one of the most sought after destinations within the region and comprises several archeological sites and activities that you should know about.
Undoubtedly, the so-called Urubamba Valley is everyone’s favorite attraction in Cusco (besides Machu Picchu of course) not only because of its historical monuments but the extensive cultural expression, where Andean mysticism and ancient traditions are still deeply rooted in its people.
Likewise, the natural setting here is as magical as you can imagine and changes from town to town, another reason to not overlook this outstanding region in the Andes. Likewise, it is the perfect getaway destination from Cusco, especially for those who wish to unwind their soul to the rhythm of the rumbling Urubamba river and the everlasting energy of these ancient lands.
There’s so much to know in the Sacred Valley that we’d love to show you everything about it. That’s why we have come up with this section so you can choose what’s best for you and start planning that totally-deserved vacation trip you’ve been waiting for!
1. Chinchero
It is considered one of the most picturesque towns of the Sacred Valley thanks to its cultural expression and mestizo architecture. Chinchero is located about 30 kilometers away from the Imperial City of Cusco and sits at an altitude of 3,754 meters above sea level.
Although the town may not be the main attraction here, its history and cultural expression definitely is since it comprises an archeological complex known as the royal precinct of the most important inca ruler Tupac Yupanqui. Likewise, most of its inhabitants are Quechua speakers and have maintained their ancestral culture alive. Here are two of the main attractions of Chinchero:
- Chinchero Archeological Site
This Inca site was the designated residence of Tupac Yupanqui. Here he ordered the construction of beautiful palaces though it was later incinerated by Manco Inca to help people escape during colonization to the hidden lands of the jungle.
Nowadays, only a few parts of its structure have remained, being the most preserved construction, the one used as the foundation of a Church that dates back to the XVI century. - Local Craft Market
Chinchero is recognized for its top-quality textiles and its cultural expression. The local craft market is situated next to the Archeological Site of Chinchero. Here you’ll find remarkable textiles, souvenirs and alpaca clothing.
2. Pisac
If you’re looking for the perfect place to get to know the Cusqueñan cultural expression, this could be the perfect place to do so! Pisac is located at an hour drive from Cusco and comprises an elevation of 2,972 m.a.s.l. Here you’ll be able to know the outstanding textile work of the region as well as the knitting and coloring processes.
Likewise, Pisac also has one of the most impressive archeological sites of the valley, located in a privileged location that grants sweeping views of the valley and the mountainous landscape around it. Here are the main sights:
- Pisac Archeological Site
The ancient structure served as a control and religious center during the Inca era. However, the real purpose is still unknown, according to some historians it was a royal hacienda of the Inca Pachacutec with administrative, ceremonial, and agricultural areas, but this remains uncertain.
The Archeological Site of Pisac is located at 3,300 meters above sea level, offering incredible views of its surroundings and the Sacred Valley. To visit this Inca site, you’ll have to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which we include in all our travel packages.
- Local Market
If visiting this beautiful town, make sure to pass by the local craft market, where you’ll find a great variety of textiles, alpaca clothing, and souvenirs. The Pisac Market is located in the town’s main square and only opens on Sundays.
- Awana Kancha Museum
If you love alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas as much as we do, then this is the place for you! The Awanacancha Museum has an exhibition of Peruvian textiles and research about the cultural impact of these traditions across the Cusqueñan lands.
It also is an animal shelter, where they house several camelids in a safe environment, looking to promote the preservation of the authentic fauna of the Peruvian highlands.
3. Ollantaytambo
If you’re taking the Sacred Valley Tour circuit, then this will be the last town to visit. Ollantaytambo is a small village frozen in time with a distinctive Inca-Colonial urban setting surrounded by towering mountains and an impressive ceremonial fortress that you definitely should visit!
Ollantaytambo is also the starting point for many travelers that visit Machu Picchu since it also has one of the three train stations of the region. The Inca Trail also begins from a town located 30-40 minutes away from here, which makes it the perfect location to stay before starting this trek. These are the main attractions in town:
- Archeological Site of Ollantaytambo
It is located in the heart of the town, it served as a ceremonial fortress with terraces for agricultural exploitation and experiments, as it was in Moray. The archeological site is recognized as the only place that defeated the Spanish army during colonization.
To visit the Ollantaytambo ruins you must have the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which is usually included in most tours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. - Pinkuylluna Warehouses
These impressive Inca ruins are located just in front of the Ollantaytambo Archeological Site. It was a storehouse, ideally engineered for the preservation of grains produced in the surrounding terraces. Due to the high elevation of this place, the Incas realized that the cold breeze and low temperatures would conserve the food and protect it from attacks.
It takes about 30 minutes to reach this archeological site from the town of Ollantaytambo. It is a free attraction, though it is worth mentioning that the trek can be quite difficult since it is very steep.
4. Moray Archeological Site
The agricultural terraces of Moray are widely known as an Inca agricultural laboratory since each terrace offers different microclimates allowing them to experiment with different crops and plant species.
However, this is just a theory since the site was already abandoned when the Spaniards arrived to Peruvian lands, which means that there are no records that can help us decipher what their real purpose was.
The renowned anthropologist John Earls believed that Moray was used as an experimental farm over 500 years ago since it comprises a complex irrigation system and also noticed a significant temperature difference that ranged in 12°C from top to bottom.
Likewise, there are other hypotheses that claim that the archeological site could have been a ceremonial center though it is very unlikely due to its location since it is quite far from the Imperial City of Cusco.
Some other theories say that it could have been an extraterrestrial spacecraft landing site, and as wild as it might seem, it has been also said about the Nazca Lines before. But, we’ll leave it up to you, visit it and make sure to capture every detail of this archaeological complex.
5. Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Salt Mines have been there long before the Incas conquered the Cusqueñan lands. It is believed that they were built by the Huari culture, which developed between 500 and 1100 A.D. and impressively have been worked on ever since.
However, it is uncertain to know if that theory is accurate though one thing is sure and it’s that they have been improved over time, to the point that now it grew to have over 3,000 salt mines. Thereby, it has been a tradition passed by generations until the current date.
Each salt pond has an area of approximately 5 m2 and can produce up to 200 kg of salt per month. The salt mines are produced by local families only and each of them own up to five wells.
The salt of Maras has many benefits thanks to its mineral-rich composition. It has been used for treating skin conditions and swelling, besides being the perfect seasoning for people that suffer from hypertension.
If you wish to visit this attraction, remember that you can do so by taking a tour to Maras and Moray. Either you take a regular excursion or an ATV quad bike activity, you’ll have an exceptional experience!
As you can see, the Sacred Valley of the Incas holds many adventures that you should add to your itinerary. There are so many day trips from Cusco for you to choose from, make sure to know everything about them while you’re here!
Also, if you’re planning a trip to Peru, we have the perfect options for you. Check our travel packages and start planning the trip of your dreams!