Sacred Valley
★ 4.8🇵🇪 CuscoSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season May to September, the dry season, with clear skies and good roads
Historic siteArchaeological siteTerraces
The heartland of the Inca empire, with terraces, salt pans and a hilltop fortress along the Urubamba valley.
Overview
Between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley follows the Urubamba river at about 2,800 metres. It holds the market at Pisac, the vast Inca terraces and Temple of the Sun at Ollantaytambo, the colonial church built on Inca walls at Chinchero, and the salt pans at Maras with the circular terraces of Moray. Most visits take one or two days, and trains to Machu Picchu can be joined along the way.
History
The agricultural and religious core of the Inca empire from the 15th century, Ollantaytambo was a royal estate of Pachacuti and one of the last strongholds against the Spanish.
Highlights
- •The Inca terraces and fortress at Ollantaytambo
- •Pisac market and ruins
- •The salt pans at Maras
- •The circular terraces of Moray
Practical tips
- •Altitude is noticeable — take the first day slowly
- •Haggling over alpaca textiles is normal; check the quality
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- Sites charge separately; a tourist ticket is about PEN 130
- Opening hours
- Sites roughly 7:00-17:00
- Local food
- Cuy, quinoa soup, arepas
- Getting around
- About an hour by car or tour from Cusco to Pisac.
- Visa
- A visa is required; holders of a valid US, Schengen or UK visa may enter Peru visa-free.
Traveller reviews
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