The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Incas' fertile heartland - a green valley of the Urubamba river dotted with dramatic ruins, terraced fortresses and colourful markets between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, cradling the Urubamba river between Cusco and Machu Picchu, was the fertile heartland of the empire, and remains a landscape of dramatic Inca ruins, terraced hillsides, traditional villages and colourful markets. Lower and warmer than Cusco, it makes an ideal place to acclimatise, with the fortress-temple of Ollantaytambo, the terraces of Pisac and the salt pans of Maras among its highlights.
What you actually see
- Ollantaytambo - the great terraced fortress-temple and living Inca town.
- Pisac - the hilltop ruins and the famous artisan market.
- The Maras salt pans - the thousands of terraced salt pools.
- Moray - the concentric agricultural terraces of the Incas.
When to go
May to September, the dry season, for the best weather; the valley is warmer and lower than Cusco, making it a good place to acclimatise. Market days at Pisac and Chinchero are especially colourful.
Honest expectations
The sites are spread along the valley, so a tour, hired driver or the local colectivo minibuses are needed to link them, and a combined tourist ticket covers most. It is often done as a rushed day tour, but staying overnight lets you acclimatise gently and see the ruins without the crowds. Markets can be touristy.
Nearby
Ollantaytambo is the train gateway to Machu Picchu; Cusco is up the valley.
What to pack for The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
