Sacred Valley of the Incas

With its Quechua village festivals and markets, colonial churches, Inca ruins and other archaeological sites, river rafting, horseback riding, and trekking, there are plenty of reasons to head out into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a day tour or longer. Day trips from Cusco might involve a guided trek to the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, a tour of the Maras salt mines, cycling on Moray Mountain, shopping the Pisac market, wandering the agricultural terraces at Ollantaytambo, or tucking into a traditional Andean lunch.

It’s also possible to combine a tour of the Sacred Valley with an overnight tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu.

• The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see for adventure travelers, history buffs, and first-time visitors.

• A Sacred Valley tour from Cusco can last anywhere from eight to 12 hours.

• Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

• While lower than Cusco, the Sacred Valley still has a high altitude of 9,514 feet (2,900 meters), so plan accordingly.

While Cusco is the nearest major city to the valley, most travelers arrive by air into Lima before transferring to Cusco City. While it’s possible to rent a private car or ride public transportation, the easiest way to explore the Sacred Valley is on a guided tour.

High season in the Sacred Valley of the Incas falls between June and early September. The winter season brings dry weather, ideal for exploring the area’s many outdoor attractions, but larger crowds as well. Holidays aside, the valley is much quieter during the rainy season between November and March.

The local towns and markets of the Sacred Valley are perfect for picking up interesting local souvenirs. Look for pottery in Urubamba, peruse the market in Pisac for silver jewelry and alpaca fleece items, or pick up some local salt, pulled directly from the nearby mines, from the shops in Maras.

Yes, the Sacred Valley is definitely worth visiting. This landmark is one of Peru’s most popular tourist destinations, and it offers scenic mountain views, hiking trails, and fascinating archaeological sites. Many people combine a trip to see the Sacred Valley with a visit to explore Machu Picchu.

Costs to go to the Sacred Valley vary. Some people visit the Sacred Valley independently, while others choose group or private tours. Transportation or rental cars can be the main cost for some travelers, while others invest in a more comprehensive tour experience of this area of Peru.

Yes, you can go to the Sacred Valley without a tour. Many visitors rent cars or utilize transportation to reach the Sacred Valley and then explore independently at their own pace. There are hiking trails to explore and archaeological sites to check out during a visit to the Sacred Valley.

Wear comfortable and casual clothes to the Sacred Valley. Hiking boots or sneakers with anti-slip soles are a good idea for exploring hiking trails and archaeological sites. Visitors may also want to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Even on warm days, many people wear long sleeves for sun protection.

Plan on at least a full day to explore the Sacred Valley. With its mountain views, hiking trails, and archaeological sites, the Sacred Valley has much to offer visitors to Peru. Nature lovers may want to plan longer, even up to three days, for exploring the Sacred Valley.

Many travelers base themselves in Cusco and visit the Sacred Valley first, though the opposite itinerary is also possible. Visitors should be aware that Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley have varied—but high—altitudes, which may take time to adjust to, so plan accordingly.