Characterized by crumbling Inca ruins, colonial towns, lush foothills, and the jutting, snow-capped peaks of the Andes, Peru’s Sacred Valley is a 60-mile (100-kilometer) stretch between Cusco and Machu Picchu. The area is a mecca for history buffs—the Agricultural Terraces of Moray and Ollantaytambo Ruins grant a glimpse into ancient Inca civilization—and also a playground for travelers with an appetite for adventure. Among the Sacred Valley's many things to do, you can go white-water rafting, rock climbing, or hiking to see the Urubamba River and the Salt Mines of Moray.
Thanks to its whopping 3,400-meter (11,200-foot) elevation, the Sacred Valley enjoys cool temperatures throughout the year, but it can be prone to rain—the wettest months are January and February, while the dry season stretches from April–September. Peak season is June–August, so visiting outside of these months will allow for better accommodation deals and more chances of getting onto limited-number Machu Picchu treks.
The cultural, natural, and historical wonders of the Sacred Valley are dazzling yet dispersed, so the easiest way to explore the area is by hiring a car or opting for a sightseeing tour—staple sights include Pisa, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo. Alternatively, you can take a colectivo (small mini bus) between the aforementioned sights—they’re a cost-effective way to get around, but can be crowded and don’t run according to a set schedule.
The Sacred Valley is famous for its nature and historic sights, but don't miss a chance to dive into its rich, colorful cultural heritage—exploring it will give you deeper insight into Inca traditions. The Andean town of Chichubamba is renowned for ceramics and pottery, and you can take workshops there. Similarly, the Inca community in Parobamba is famous for its age-old weaving techniques, which are recognised by UNESCO as an intangible form of cultural heritage.
Local Currency Peruvian Sol (PEN) | Time Zone PET (UTC -5) | Country Code +51 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 7 | Tours 67 | Reviews 733 |
Yes, the Sacred Valley is definitely worth visiting—it's home to incredible Inca ruins such as the Agricultural Terraces of Moray, Ollantaytambo Ruins, and Salt Mines of Maras. You can also visit Pisac Indian Market, one of the largest indigenous markets in Peru, and go white-water rafting on the Urubamba River.
...MoreThough you can see the Sacred Valley’s highlights in one action-packed day, three days is best. This gives you time to explore Inca sites such as Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo; enjoy the outdoors via mountain biking or white-water rafting; and learn about the Andean weaving tradition in Quechua villages.
...MoreYes, you can see the Sacred Valley’s attractions, scattered throughout the 60-mile (100-kilometer) area, without a tour. You can rent a car (though the mountainous roads are winding), or go by taxi or colectivo, a local public transport option with no set timetable. A tour may simplify your experience, however.
...MoreThe Sacred Valley in Cusco is known as one of the epicenters of Peru’s ancient Inca civilizations. Its rich agricultural lands are home to a wealth of cultural, natural, and historical attractions and serve as the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
...MoreTypical day trips to Peru’s Sacred Valley cover four attractions: Pisac, home to Pisac Indian Market, which sells Incan crafts and clothing; Agricultural Terraces of Moray, backed by the Andes mountains; Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, the former capital of Inca civilisation; and Chinchero, where Peru’s UNESCO-listed weaving tradition lives on.
...MoreThe train ride to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley takes around two hours. Choose from a range of train services depending on your budget—the most popular are the Expedition and Vistadome routes, which offer panoramic views and on-board entertainment. You need to book tickets far in advance.
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