The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the main tourist destinations in Cusco and a key stop on the route to Machu Picchu. It is characterized by its mild climate, spectacular Andean landscapes, traditional villages, ancient Inca archaeological sites, and a welcoming local population. Thanks to these features, the Sacred Valley has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations to visit in Peru and South America. If you have a few days in Cusco, exploring the Sacred Valley
of the Incas is an essential experience at the foot of the Andes.

• Archaeological site of Pisac
• Pisac market and Andean crafts
• Archaeological fortress of Ollantaytambo
• Inca town of Chinchero
• Maras salt mines
• Circular terraces of Moray
• Frequently asked questions about the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Sacred Valley of the Incas – Cusco

Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
The classic tour of the Sacred Valley allows you to explore the main attractions of this impressive region. The experience also includes full tourist transportation service, a professional guide, lunch in the town of Urubamba, and entrance tickets to the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. The tour lasts a full day and can be booked with just a few days in advance.

Archaeological site of Pisac

• The Inca citadel of Pisac is a must-see during your visit to the Sacred Valley, thanks to its impressive construction and architecture, located on top of a mountain.
• The town of Pisac is located less than an hour from Cusco, while the archaeological site is only 15 minutes from the town center.
• The visit can take more than an hour, allowing you to discover Inca structures and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley. This site also contains the largest known Inca cemetery.
• The name Pisac comes from the Quechua word “Pisaca,” meaning partridge. Some historians suggest that the agricultural terraces on the mountain slopes represent the wings of a partridge.
• Entrance to the Pisac archaeological site is included with the Cusco tourist ticket, which can be purchased at the entrance of the site.

Pisac Archaeological Park

Pisac market and Andean crafts

• Located in the town of Pisac, the Andean artisan market is one of the most popular attractions for visitors traveling through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• The market takes place in the main square of Pisac and is open every day of the week, although Sundays are when it reaches its peak activity and color.
• During Inca times, Pisac was an important agricultural center where crops such as corn, quinoa, potatoes, and kiwicha were cultivated, making the area a strategic point within the empire.
• After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the ancient Inca settlement was destroyed and the current town of Pisac was founded in the valley by Viceroy Toledo around 1570.
• Early historical records show that the main square became an important commercial area, giving rise to the Pisac market as it is known today.
• Among the main products available are handwoven Andean textiles made by local communities, silver jewelry, traditional ceramics, handicrafts, and various souvenirs representing Andean culture.

Pisac Market Weaving Looms

Archaeological fortress of Ollantaytambo

• The town of Ollantaytambo was an ancient administrative center of the Inca Empire, featuring a large fortress built along a mountain overlooking the settlement.
• During the Inca period, the site served as a residence for the nobility, and during the Spanish invasion, it became an important stronghold of resistance.
• The fortress was initially built for religious purposes but was later adapted into a defensive structure to repel invaders.
• Its main attraction is the archaeological complex located on an extensive ceremonial slope with terraces, temples, and Inca constructions of great historical value.
• The complex includes temples, agricultural terraces, storage rooms, and various buildings that demonstrate the site’s importance within the Inca Empire.
• The most notable structure is the Temple of the Sun, made up of six massive monoliths, each weighing more than 50 tons.
• Ollantaytambo is also known as the starting point of the Inca Trail, an ancient path that leads to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo Entrance

The Inca town of Chinchero

• The small rural town of Chinchero is one of the most traditional and authentic destinations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Throughout the town, you can see a great display of Inca architecture, ruins, and carved megalithic stones that reflect its historical importance.
• The Church of Our Lady of Monserrat was built over the former palace of the Inca Túpac Yupanqui, blending Inca and colonial heritage in a single space.
• Next to the church, there is a large open esplanade with Inca remains that help visitors better understand the site’s importance in pre-Hispanic times.
• Chinchero is recognized as the home of Peruvian weaving, with artisan centers that preserve ancestral dyeing and weaving techniques dating back to pre-Inca times.
• In the town, it is also possible to purchase authentic textile products made by local communities, full of tradition and history.

Maras Salt Mines

• The Maras Salt Mines are one of the most impressive natural wonders of the Sacred Valley, located between mountains and, under sunlight, resembling snow-covered fields.
• This is a pre-Hispanic salt extraction center with more than 4,500 ponds arranged in a stepped formation along the mountainside.
• Depending on the time of year, it is possible to observe how water accumulates in the ponds, forming natural mirrors that reflect light and create a unique landscape.
• The visit allows you to closely learn about the traditional process of salt harvesting and maintenance, which has been preserved for centuries.
• It is also possible to purchase the well-known Maras pink salt, traditionally produced by local communities.
• The salt mine landscape, together with the mountainous surroundings, forms one of the most iconic and photographed scenery in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Circular terraces of Moray

• The circular terraces of Moray offer one of the most impressive views of the Sacred Valley, as well as a peaceful place ideal for enjoying a calm moment during the trip.
• This complex is believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory, where the depth, design, and orientation of the terraces allowed the study of the sun’s effects on crops.
• Each terrace presents a different microclimate, which would have allowed the Incas to experiment with various crops and growing conditions.
• Some researchers suggest that the site may have originally functioned as an amphitheater before being adapted for agricultural purposes.
• It is believed that crop adaptation and improvement experiments were conducted in Moray, which could explain Peru’s vast diversity of potatoes, exceeding 2,000 varieties.
• An interesting feature is that the terraces do not flood despite rainfall, suggesting the existence of a sophisticated underground drainage system.

Moray circular terraces

Frequently asked questions

• 1) How can I visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas from Cusco?

  The easiest way to visit the Sacred Valley is through organized tours. The main attractions are Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, and Moray, which can be visited in a single day or over several days at a more relaxed pace.

• 2) How much time do I need to explore the Sacred Valley?

  It is recommended to dedicate at least one full day to see the most important places. However, to enjoy the towns, artisan markets, and landscapes more calmly, staying two or three days in the Sacred Valley is ideal.

• 3) What is the best time to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

  The best season is the dry season, between April and October. During these months, skies are clear and conditions are ideal for visiting archaeological sites and going on hikes.

• 4) Do I need to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

  Yes, many of the main archaeological attractions in the Sacred Valley are included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which is required to visit places such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray.

• 5) Is it recommended to stay overnight in the Sacred Valley?

  Yes, staying in the Sacred Valley is an excellent option for those who want to rest in a quieter environment and at a lower altitude than the city of Cusco.

• 6) What is the climate like in the Sacred Valley?

  The Sacred Valley has a mild climate throughout most of the year, with rains between November and March. Days are usually sunny and pleasant, while nights can be cold, especially between June and August.

• 7) Can I visit the Sacred Valley on my own?

  Yes, it is possible to explore the Sacred Valley independently using public transportation or tourist buses. However, an organized tour makes it easier to access multiple destinations and provides historical information during the journey.

• 8) What activities can I do in the Sacred Valley?

  In addition to visiting archaeological sites, you can explore artisan markets, go on nature hikes, visit cultural centers, and enjoy Andean cuisine.

• 9) Is it difficult to walk in the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley?

  Most routes are accessible, although some sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo include stairways and sloped paths. It is recommended to take breaks and allow enough time for each visit.

• 10) Does the Sacred Valley help with acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu?

  Yes, many people visit the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu because it is at a lower altitude than Cusco, which helps with better acclimatization and makes the trip more comfortable.

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By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 2, 2026