The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most beautiful
and historically rich valleys in South America. Stretching
between Cusco and Machu Picchu along the Urubamba River,
this stunning valley was the agricultural and spiritual
heartland of the Inca Empire. This complete guide covers
everything you need to know to visit the Sacred Valley in 2026.
🏛️ ABOUT THE SACRED VALLEY
The Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado de los Incas) runs along
the Urubamba River between Cusco (3,400m) and Machu Picchu
(2,430m) in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
The Incas chose this valley for its fertile land, mild
climate and spiritual significance. Today it contains
some of the most impressive archaeological sites in Peru
including Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
At 2,800 meters above sea level the Sacred Valley is
lower and warmer than Cusco — making it perfect for
acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu.
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
📍 MAIN SITES IN THE SACRED VALLEY
1️⃣ Pisac Ruins & Market
Pisac is one of the most impressive Inca sites in the
Sacred Valley with spectacular terraced ruins overlooking
the valley below.
The Pisac archaeological site includes:
✔ Massive Inca agricultural terraces
✔ Temple of the Sun
✔ Inca cemetery — largest in Peru
✔ Panoramic Sacred Valley views
The Pisac artisan market is one of the best in Peru:
✔ Traditional textiles and weaving
✔ Ceramic and pottery
✔ Jewelry and silver
✔ Andean musical instruments
Market days: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
2️⃣ Ollantaytambo Fortress
Ollantaytambo is the best preserved Inca town in Peru
and one of the most impressive archaeological sites
in South America.
Highlights:
✔ Massive Inca temple complex
✔ Original Inca town still inhabited
✔ Temple of the Sun — incredible stonework
✔ Panoramic views of the Sacred Valley
✔ Last Inca fortress to resist Spanish conquest
Ollantaytambo is also the main train station for
trains to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
3️⃣ Chinchero
Traditional Andean village famous for its colorful
textile market and traditional weaving demonstrations.
Highlights:
✔ Traditional weaving demonstrations by local women
✔ Colonial church built on Inca foundations
✔ Spectacular panoramic Andean views
✔ Authentic local market on Sundays
4️⃣ Moray & Maras Salt Mines
Moray is a mysterious Inca agricultural laboratory
with circular terraces used to experiment with crops.
Maras salt mines have over 3,000 salt pools carved
into the hillside — still harvested by local families.
👉 See our Maras & Moray Tour
5️⃣ Urubamba Town
The main town in the Sacred Valley with great
restaurants, hotels and local markets.
Great base for exploring the Sacred Valley.
📅 HOW TO VISIT THE SACRED VALLEY
Option 1 — Day Tour from Cusco (recommended)
✔ Most convenient way to visit
✔ Professional guide included
✔ All transport organized
✔ Entrance tickets included
👉 See our Sacred Valley Tour
Option 2 — Self guided
✔ Rent a car or take local buses
✔ More flexible but complicated
✔ No guide included
Option 3 — Stay overnight
✔ Stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo
✔ More time to explore at leisure
✔ Great for photographers
🌤️ BEST TIME TO VISIT
Dry Season May to October — BEST
✔ Clear blue skies every day
✔ Perfect for photography
✔ Warm days cool nights
Wet Season November to April
✔ Greener landscapes
✔ Fewer tourists
✔ Some afternoon rain
🚌 HOW TO GET TO THE SACRED VALLEY
From Cusco by Tour — easiest option
✔ Private transport organized by TripCusco
✔ Approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco
From Cusco by Bus
✔ Local buses from Puputi terminal in Cusco
✔ Approximately 1.5-2 hours to Pisac
✔ Budget option but complicated
💡 SACRED VALLEY TRAVEL TIPS
✔ Wear comfortable walking shoes
✔ Bring sunscreen SPF50+ — strong Andean sun
✔ Bring warm layers for evening
✔ Carry cash for markets and souvenirs
✔ Combine with Machu Picchu for best experience
✔ Great acclimatization before Machu Picchu
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY
Luxury
✔ Explora Valle Sagrado
✔ Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
✔ Sol y Luna Lodge
Mid Range
✔ Casa Andina Sacred Valley
✔ Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel
Budget
✔ Various hostels in Ollantaytambo
✔ Guesthouses in Urubamba
🍽️ WHERE TO EAT IN THE SACRED VALLEY
✔ El Huacatay — best restaurant in Urubamba
✔ Tres Keros — great valley views
✔ Local market food in Pisac and Chinchero
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How far is the Sacred Valley from Cusco?
The Sacred Valley starts approximately 30km from Cusco.
Pisac is about 1.5 hours and Ollantaytambo about 2 hours.
Is the Sacred Valley worth visiting?
Absolutely — the Sacred Valley is one of the most
beautiful and historically important areas in Peru.
A must-see for any visitor to Cusco.
Can I combine Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu?
Yes — many travelers do Sacred Valley one day then
take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
the next day.
How long do I need in the Sacred Valley?
A full day tour covers the main highlights.
For a more leisurely experience stay 2-3 days.
What altitude is the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley sits at around 2,800 meters above
sea level — lower and warmer than Cusco at 3,400m.
Is the Sacred Valley good for acclimatization?
Yes — the lower altitude makes it perfect for
acclimatizing before visiting higher altitude sites.
🎒 BOOK YOUR SACRED VALLEY TOUR WITH TRIPCUSCO
TripCusco is your local expert agency in Cusco since 2018.
Daily departures available.
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com