Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley (El Valle Sagrado), also called Urubamba Valley, is one of Peru`s top destinations. Its primary attractions need be seen on at least a 2-day trip to enjoy the brilliance and refinement of the Inca civilization. The valley is situated north of Cusco and is about 2000 feet lower in altitude, so many visitors plan to tour it first while getting adapted to the altitude. The fertile valley once inhabited by the Incas is today home to several typical Andean villages, where you can see locals going about everyday life.

If you are there on a market day, the valley towns are also great places to shop for bright local weaving and other handcrafts. If you don't have time for a more thorough tour, be sure to see its major highlights, the ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo. From Cusco, it is less than an hour by taxi to Pisac or 90 minutes to Urubamba. Other tourist attracts include Huchuy Cusco ruins, Moray agriculture terraces, Maras salt mines, Chinchero, Urubamba and Puka Pukara. You will need a boleto turistico (tourist pass) to enter most of the Inca sites in the Sacred Valley.