When planning a trip to Peru, you will undoubtedly consider your journey from your home to Cusco, then your journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu. After all, that’s why you’re coming to Peru in the first place. Spoiler alert: the area between Cusco and Machu Picchu, known as the Sacred Valley, may absolutely steal your heart forever.
Most travel agencies will offer a one-day Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco, but read on to see why this just might not be enough.
Why it’s more than just a stopover to Machu Picchu
From weaving to agriculture, plant medicine to salt mines, the Sacred Valley is a huge and gorgeous place to explore. A multi-day Sacred Valley tour with a private driver, or an adventure using the local colectivos are both great options to visit this special spot.
The importance of the Sacred Valley in the Inca Empire
Since the time of the Incas, and long before, the rich fertile land of the Sacred Valley has been the agricultural heartland for native crops such as quinoa, potatoes, habas, and so much more. The area between the Inca Capital of Cusco and the Citadel of Machu Picchu was sure to be an important area buzzing with life and culture.
Ancient ceremonies and traditions of the Valley
When you take your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, some of what you learn about the history of each place will be a combination of facts and speculation. The area is full of mystery and mysticism, so you may learn about animal sacrifice, mummies, and other curious things.
However, there are a number of cultural traditions still very alive today that are worth investigating, and a little less weird.
A Pachamanca feast is a traditional meal cooked in an underground oven, featuring local meat, potatoes, and other root vegetables. Make sure to ask for “Ocopa,” or “aji” for a bit of local spice.
There is still a weaving tradition, using local plants to dye the alpaca or sheep wool. There are a few NGOs who organize visits to rural weaving villages, or you can visit the town of Chinceros to see this traditional art for yourself.
Geography and Climate
The Sacred Valley has a couple of routes, so it’s a good idea to study the map and geography a bit as you plan your own Cusco Sacred Valley tour: whether you plan to visit independently or with a guide. Urubamba is a bustling city that is a good hub for visiting the other towns like Pisaq, Chincheros, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
Understanding the climate for optimal visitation
In general, Cusco and the Valley are like eternal autumn but with a hot strong sun. The days can be quite warm when the sun is out, and the nights are brisk. Sun protection and layers are key. Also plan to have bug spray handy for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Key Towns & Settlements
Let’s explore each of the most important places so you can decide if you wish to explore the Sacred Valley on your own or look for a Sacred Valley Peru Tour that will take you to the key spots.
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, but since the Spanish arrived in the 1700’s, the city’s look completely changed. What we do know about the historical capital is that from the air it’s shapes like a Puma, with Sacsayhauman – the most important temple for the Incas – at the head. The city was carefully organized around rivers and hills.
When the Spanish arrived, they essentially dismantled the city and re-built it as a colonial city, with a similar aesthetic as you’d see in Spain and other small cities from this era. Still charming, Cusco has a particular magic that is undoubtedly one of the reasons the Incas chose to make it their capital.
When visiting Cusco, be sure to allow a day or two (at least!) just to explore. The popular spots to visit are: the Plaza de Armas, the San Pedro Market, and San Blas. Each area features cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and a mix of trendy cafes and local haunts.
Be sure to pop into the artisan markets to look for beautiful textiles, plush alpacas, statues, and more. We tend to advise that no single market is the “best,” but that each one will have unique pieces. We also advise not to haggle too much.If you’re really interested in getting a good price, ask around first to find a general price range before starting to haggle. Some sellers will try to upsell an item, meaning haggling is appropriate, but most will sell their goods at a fair price and really need each sol from their sales to provide for their families.
If you have a little extra time, there are some other hidden gems in Cusco to check out. The main “local” square of the city is called Plaza Tupac Amaru. Every Saturday the market is filled with a delightful mix of plants, snacks, and handicrafts. There are some nice cafes and restaurants on one side of the plaza, and the football stadium is just a block away if you wish to catch a game.
On weekends, Cusqueñas like to get out of the bustle of the city and go to a “Quinta” – a restaurant that has some open space, grass, sometimes games for kids, and classic food like chicharron, cuy, trucha and more.
If you don’t have quite enough time to visit a Quinta on the outskirts of the city, there are a couple of food markets you can visit to get to try a few different dishes in one place. “El Patio” is located between San Blas market and Limacpampa square, and is a great place to get some fresh air in the city. The Mercado Santa Teresa is located a couple blocks from the Plaza de Armas just up the road from Plaza Regocijo.
Cusco has something for everyone. We suggest experiencing a mix of landmarks and local spots in order to get the true experience.
Let’s have a look at some of the towns in the actual Sacred Valley and talk about how to get around, and some options for your visit.
The classic day tours from Cusco to Sacred Valley will visit: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chincheros, then back to Cusco. Because the Sacred Valley has 2 roads, this itinerary covers the major archaeological sites along both sides of the valley.
Let’s learn a little more about each of the highlights in the Sacred Valley. We will be happy to give you some tips about making the most of your visit based on your interests, timeline and budget.
Pisaq is often the first stop on a Sacred Valley tour, as it’s less than an hour from Cusco. A little bustling market paired with ruins perched on the side of the mountain make it the perfect gateway to the Valley. While exploring the ruins, you will get to enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, and you’re sure to find a treasure or two in the market. On the main market street, tucked behind the main stalls, you’ll find a huge oven that’s hundreds of years old, making fresh bread and empanadas throughout the day. We hope to give you a sense of if you’ll want to explore on your own, or look for options of private tours: Sacred Valley from Cusco as you plan your trip.
Urubamba is not known for ruins, but is the main city in the Sacred Valley and is the hub of the region. It’s the place where the two roads converge, so it’s an excellent spot to spend the night, and get a sense for the local vibe. The Plaza del Armas and the city center are nice to visit, and there is a lovely market to get fresh produce, flowers, and more.
Ollantaytambo will be your gateway to Machu Picchu. But don’t be fooled, it is a lovely place to visit. The ruins are fascinating, and the stone streets are gorgeous and were built even before the Incas. If you get to the train station early, there is a farm-to-table restaurant and snack bar that’s worth visiting while you wait for your train.
Chinchero is the featured village on the other side of the Sacred Valley. Though there are Inca ruins in Chinchero, the village is famous for it’s culture of weaving, natural dyes, and traditional craftsmanship. You will learn about natural dyes, life with alpacas, and more. These days, you will need to seek out a special Colectivo to visit this town independently, as the main Colectivos now go a different route (as of November 2023.) We can help you find your way if you decide to skip the day tours to Sacred Valley from Cusco and travel on your own.
Planning Your Visit
- Best times to visit each attraction
- Creating an itinerary: day trips vs. extended stays
- Essential travel tips and considerations
As you can see, the Sacred Valley has a lot to see, and we’ve only scratched the surface. We highly recommend giving a couple of days to really enjoy this gorgeous area.
Whether or not you choose to organize a Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco, or visit these places with a private driver, or take the colectivos like the locals do, you will have a marvelous time.
In general, Late April through Early November tend to be the best time to visit, to avoid rainy season. Keep in mind that June – August are the coldest months of the year, but dry. Also, the weather is unpredictable in Peru, just as it is everywhere else.
Peru is a pretty popular destination, especially the route to Machu Picchu, which of course passes through the Sacred Valley. If you decide to book the whole experience with a travel agency, they will have options for a group sacred valley and machu picchu tour, or private tours: sacred valley from cusco, which can be done in one day or (our suggestion,) over multiple days.
As we mentioned before, sun protection and layers are essential, as are sturdy shoes. And stay hydrated.
While planning your trip to Peru, we are happy to give more tips about visiting the whole Cusco area, planning your Sacred Valley Peru tour, giving restaurant tips, transportation advice, and more.
The Sacred Valley is a place not to be missed. With stunning views, incredible history, great food, and more, it may just be your new favorite place. Well, and Manu National Park, of course!
