The town of Urubamba is the administrative and commercial center of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Framed by immense mountains, snow-capped peaks, rivers, and Andean forests, it is one of the most captivating places in Cusco. In addition to its privileged natural surroundings, it boasts first-class tourist infrastructure, prepared to offer high-quality services and memorable experiences. Discover more of what this incredible paradise has to offer.

• The town of Urubamba
• Where is Urubamba?
• How to get to Urubamba?
• Main attractions
• Tourist services in Urubamba
• Tips for your visit
• Image gallery
• Frequently Asked Questions

View of the town of Urubamba

Tours to Urubamba
Urubamba is not a stop on the classic Sacred Valley tours, although it often serves as a lunch destination due to its top-quality restaurants. It is a way to experience the landscapes and cultural diversity that surround this incredible place. If you want a more immersive experience, the best way is to travel on your own.

The town of Urubamba

• Urubamba, also known as the capital of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, was one of the main agricultural centers during the Inca Empire, in addition to being the gateway to the jungle region, the Antisuyo, the land of the “Chunchos” (savages).
• Across its territory flows the Urubamba River, which was formerly called Willka Mayu (River of the Sun), the most sacred river to the Incas, as it brought prosperity and formed a valley where some of the most important cities and settlements were located (Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Choquequirao).
• Today, it is the main commercial center of the Sacred Valley, still holding agricultural importance, but also as the home of first-class tourist infrastructure.
• Urubamba, a Quechua word, means “field or plain of spiders.” It may refer to the diverse nature surrounding this place and the fauna that inhabits it.
• It is an ideal place to rest during any of your travels through Cusco, and you will find a wide variety of businesses and services, positioning it as one of the most eco-friendly places in the region.

Where is Urubamba?

• The beautiful province of Urubamba is located 60 kilometers northeast of Cusco, with the homonymous river running through it.
• Urubamba is one of the most productive agricultural territories in the country, home to the best white corn in the world. During the rainy season, you can find fruits native to the valley, such as pacay, capulí, peaches, quinces, and delicious strawberries. Most of them come from organic farms.
• This province also houses incredible historical places, such as Chinchero, Machu Picchu, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Huayllabamba, and Yucay.

How to get to Urubamba?

• The best way to get to Urubamba is by taking a collective minibus from Pavitos Street in the city of Cusco.
• The journey takes about one hour and 30 minutes, along a highway with paths surrounded by agricultural fields, forests, mountains, and snow-capped peaks.
• Although Urubamba has few historical attractions, the landscapes along the route, and in the town itself, are some of the best in the Sacred Valley.
• Additionally, the incredible variety of services (hotels, restaurants, and more), the ideal climate, and the proximity to the Ollantaytambo train station to Machu Picchu have led many people to choose Urubamba as their point of arrival for the journey to the wonder of the world.

Main attractions

• The Plaza de Armas

  The Plaza de Armas of Urubamba is the main meeting point in the town. It is framed by huge pisonay trees and a beautiful colonial church with twin towers. It is a very peaceful space, ideal for starting a tour of the town and learning more about its daily culture.

• Santuario del Señor de Torrechayoc

  This is the main temple of Urubamba and the center of one of the most important religious activities in the Sacred Valley. Its architecture combines colonial elements with Andean techniques, reflecting the syncretism typical of the culture of this territory.

• Urubamba Market

  A key space to learn more about the local dynamics. Here, products from the valley are sold, and it is also a more authentic point to experience typical local cuisine. Additionally, you can purchase traditional crafts.

• The Church of Santiago Apóstol

  Located in the Plaza de Armas of Urubamba, the Church of Santiago Apóstol (built between 1649 and 1686) is considered the first church to be built in the Sacred Valley. Its architecture still preserves colonial-era remnants, alongside colonial art pieces and an altar covered in gold leaf and silver plating.

• The House of Martin Pio Concha

  Martin Pio was the last Spanish ruler of Cusco in the 19th century. Today, this place is an exhibition space with colonial structures and a rich historical ambiance, serving as the cultural hub of Urubamba.

• The Town of Yucay

  The town of Yucay is located south of Urubamba. It is a peaceful and pleasant town with one of the best climates in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It also boasts beautiful and lush landscapes. As you walk through it, you can see Inca foundations around, as well as some agricultural terraces. These platforms are located on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the town.

• Outdoor activities

  Urubamba is an ideal place for adventure activities, thanks to its diverse geography. It is very popular to do cycling, rafting, paragliding, zip-lining, hiking, quad biking, and horseback riding. You can also enjoy walking tours to explore more of the biodiversity that Urubamba shelters.

The Church of Santiago Apóstol – Urubamba

Tourist services in Urubamba

Tips for Your Visit

• Urubamba is one of the ideal places to acclimatize during your trip to Cusco, as it is located at 2,871 meters above sea level and has a temperate climate, offering you a much more enjoyable experience.
• For most of the year, Urubamba has one of the best climates in all of Cusco, although there are two climatic seasons that are associated with certain rain probabilities.
• From April to October is the dry season, when the weather is much colder, but rain is scarce. This is ideal for outdoor adventure tours, allowing you to fully enjoy the landscapes.
• The rainy season runs from November to March. During these months, although rain is more frequent, the climate is warmer. It is a time with fewer tourists, which allows for more immersive experiences, but generally with adverse weather conditions.
• Urubamba is the second place with the highest concentration of tourist services in Cusco, so your experience in this area will be completely comfortable and peaceful.
• If you purchased the classic Sacred Valley tour, you will make a brief stop in Urubamba to have lunch, enjoying the classic landscapes of the place from afar. For a fully immersive experience, you should travel on your own.

Image Gallery

Urubamba

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is Urubamba a good place to stay?

  Yes, Urubamba is one of the best places to stay in Cusco. It offers first-class hotel infrastructure, a temperate climate, dreamlike landscapes, and a strategic location to visit various attractions in the area with greater tranquility.

• 2) Is it recommended to acclimatize in Urubamba before high-altitude experiences?

  Definitely. Being at a lower altitude than Cusco, Urubamba allows for better adaptation to the altitude, reducing discomfort and making the first days of travel more bearable.

• 3) How long should I stay in Urubamba?

  We recommend at least one or two nights. This allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings, explore the town at a leisurely pace, and take nearby excursions to experience its natural and scenic diversity.

• 4) Is Urubamba close to Machu Picchu?

  Urubamba is located within the Sacred Valley and relatively close to the Ollantaytambo train station (30 minutes), from where trains to Machu Picchu depart. It is a comfortable base for organizing your visit to the wonder of the world.

• 5) How can I get to Urubamba from Cusco?

  You can travel by collective transport or private service from the city of Cusco. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours and crosses Andean landscapes of great beauty.

• 6) What types of accommodation can I find in Urubamba?

  You will find everything from budget accommodations to eco-lodges and five-star hotels. The offer is wide and adapted to different types of travelers, all accompanied by a surprising natural environment.

• 7) What outdoor activities can I do in Urubamba?

  Thanks to the geography of the Sacred Valley, you can do cycling, hiking, rafting, horseback riding, paragliding, and many more adventure activities.

• 8) Can I visit Urubamba in one day?

  It is possible to do it as part of a Sacred Valley tour, but for a more complete experience, we recommend staying overnight and exploring the area in more detail.

• 9) Is Urubamba an eco-friendly destination?

  Yes, much of its tourism offering prioritizes contact with nature, the responsible use of resources, and experiences related to local communities and traditional agriculture.

• 10) Why choose Urubamba over other towns in the Sacred Valley?

  Because it combines a strategic location, excellent tourist infrastructure, favorable weather, and a privileged natural setting. It is a balanced option between comfort, authenticity, and access to the main attractions of the Sacred Valley.

Advice from people who have been there

Church of Urubamba

By: Karin C

“A lovely colonial church“

“Good location in front of the Plaza de Armas of Urubamba, just a few streets from the road, typical church of the Peruvian highlands with colonial architecture, paintings, and a beautiful wooden altar seemingly covered in silver with figures of the local flora and fauna.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 4, 2026