Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a valley in the Southern Sierra in Peru that contains many famous and beautiful Inca ruins. It was called the Sacred Valley because it contains some of the best land in the region and was not a part of the Incan Empire but the property of the Emperor or Inca himself.

Cities

Major cities or major attractions in the Sacred Valley include:

• Cuzco
• Ollantaytambo
• Pisac
• Urubamba
• Aguas Calientes
• Moray (Peru)
• Yucay
• Tipon

Other Destinations

Other destinations near to or accessible from cities in the Sacred Valley include:

• Machu Picchu
• Choquequirao

Sightseeing

Inca Ruins

The sacred valley is dotted with Inca Ruins, with Machu Picchu being the absolute star attraction. If you are in a hurry, try to visit at least Pisac and Sacsayhuaman.

Cuzco

Although most of the Inca buildings have been replaced by the Spaniards, there are still some Inca walls and foundations to be seen in the center of Cuzco.

Sacsayhuamán

Cuzco was envisioned to represent a puma with Sacsayhuaman as head. Large parts of the site has been destroyed in the colonial era as the spainards used the stones of the sites to build their own houses. What remains is still impressive. Admission with boleto turistico.

Qénqo

This site is hewn out of a rock. It probably served as religious shrine. Admission with boleto turistico.

Pucapucara

A small site. Which purpose it served is still unclear. Admission with boleto turistico.

Tambomachay

A small ruin which probably was a religious center, but could also be a military center. Walk back and visit pucapucara, qenqo en sacsayhuamán on the way back. Admission with boleto turistico (See Cuzco).

Pisac

The mountain overlooking the village of Pisac is covered with terraces and several ruins. Well worth a visit. Admission with boleto turistico.

Moray (Peru)

Amphitheater shaped terraces. It probably served as an agricultural laboratory and seed cultivation site.

Salineras

Thousands of salt pans nestled in a canyon that have been used to harvest salt from a spring for thousands of years.

Tipón

A group of agricultural terraces and irrigation channels. It is believed to be dedicated to agricultural experimentation as well as religious activities. Admission with boleto turistico.

Ollantaytambo

In the town of Ollantaytambo houses can be seen which date from Inca times. The nearby ruins features agricultural terraces as well as military, religious and administrative sections. Admission to the ruins with boleto turistico.

Choquequirao

According to some this site is as impressive as Machu Picchu, but without the crowds. The only way in is a 4 day trek.

Machu Picchu

The star attraction of the sacred valley. Also the endpoint of the Inca Trail

Pikillacta

One of the few pre-Inca sites. It has been built by the Wari-culture. Admission with boleto turistico.

Things To Do

See the valley. Although the various ruins are the undeniable highlight, a 4-5 hour bus tour of the loop Cuzco-Chincherro-Urubamba-Pisac-Cuzco shows truly spectacular landscapes, especially on clear days during the winter (May-September). Tours can be booked with various agencies, although it is cheapest to just take buses between the various cities (and you can start in any of them).

There are many beautiful towns in the Sacred Valley that contain great landscapes, typical restaurants, Hotels/Hostels and local markets, the largest one are: Pisac, Calca, Urubamba.

Nearby Destinations

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