Sacred Valley Peru: The Complete Guide

If you’re looking for an incredible place to explore on your next vacation, look no further than the Sacred Valley of Peru. This area has something for everyone — from stunning scenery and outdoor activities, to fascinating cultural experiences and ancient ruins. In this guide, we will take a closer look at what makes the Sacred Valley so special. We will also provide some insights on how to make the most out of your visit.

What is the Sacred Valley? 

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a stunning region located in Peru. It encompasses several towns and villages, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The valley was an important center for the Inca Empire. This civilization built many structures there, such as terraces for agriculture, and irrigation systems to support their farming activities. The Sacred Valley is also home to Peru’s most iconic archaeological site: Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is perched atop a mountain overlooking the ending side of the valley.

Where to stay in the Sacred Valley? 

Given that it’s so close to Machu Picchu (only 90 minutes away by train), many travelers choose to stay overnight in one of the towns within the valley. There are various accommodation options available. These options range from budget hostels right up to luxury hotels, depending on what you’re looking for. Wherever you decide upon, be sure not to miss out on experiencing some local culture during your time there too.

What to do in the Sacred Valley? 

Today, visitors come from all over the world to explore this beautiful area. From grand ruins to vibrant markets and colorful festivals, there are plenty of things to do in the Sacred Valley. Adventurers can go on hikes through its lush landscape, while history buffs have plenty of ancient sites to explore. Foodies will love sampling local dishes made with fresh ingredients grown right in this fertile land. Visitors can also visit nearby breweries which produce traditional beverages unique to this part of Peru.

What places should you visit in the Sacred Valley?

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is home to some of the best-preserved Inca ruins in South America and offers visitors a unique glimpse into ancient Andean life. The town stands out due to its well-preserved architecture and archaeological sites. Ollantaytambo was once an important religious center for worshiping Inti, the Sun God. It was also used as an administrative hub by the Inca Empire during their reign from 1438–1532 AD.

The most impressive feature of Ollantaytambo are its massive stone terraces carved into the sides of the valley. These terraces were built with precision engineering techniques that allowed them to resist earthquakes and erosion over time. The terraces of Ollantaytambo served multiple purposes including agricultural production, and defense against invaders.

Pisac

Pisac is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about 32 km from Cusco, Peru. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley. The Inca ruins of Pisac are situated on a mountain ridge above the valley.

The archaeological park of Pisac provides spectacular views over terraced hillsides and snow-capped mountains beyond. The site consists of two distinct sections. An agricultural sector, which includes terraces for growing crops, and an urban center. There are also many ancient Inca buildings within these areas including temples, plazas and residential dwellings.

The structures of Pisac were built using traditional Inca stone masonry techniques. These techniques included dry stone walls and mortarless stones arranged in intricate patterns. Visitors to Pisac can explore these ancient ruins while admiring its stunning scenery. They can also take part in various activities such as hiking trails that lead up to higher parts of the complex, or horseback riding through the nearby valleys.

Urubamba

Urubamba is a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, located about 75 kilometers northwest of Cusco. With its beautiful scenery and temperate climate, Urubamba is an ideal place for tourists to explore Peru’s ancient culture. The main plaza in Urubamba features colonial-style buildings, churches and a variety of restaurants serving local dishes.

Final thoughts

The Sacred Valley of Peru is an incredible destination for those looking to explore the country’s stunning landscapes. From its majestic mountains and cascading rivers, to its lush green fields and vibrant villages, this area offers a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to take in some of nature’s beauty, the Sacred Valley has something for everyone. With so much natural beauty on offer, it’s no wonder why this valley is considered one of Peru’s most beautiful places!