Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a range of towns, lakes and historical sites in the Andes mountain range of Peru. Carved by the snaking Urubamaba river, this ridiculously photogenic valley is only 20km from the Inca capital, making it an ideal day trip from Cusco.

The classic and most popular circuit to explore the Sacred Valley is a visit to Pisac and its mountain-top fortress, lunch at Urubamba, the terraces of Ollantaytambo, and a visit to the weaving village of Chinchero.

Pisac is known for its famous Sunday market and one of the cheapest place to buy hand-made handicrafts in the region. It has all sorts of colorfully-weaved alpaca scarves, sweaters and clothing, shiny trinkets, country magnets and more.

There is also a modern jewelry store in the town where you can see jewelry craftsmen in action. Pisac is the place to fill up your luggage with souvenirs for family and friends.

However, Pisac’s claim to fame is the Inca fortress and corn terraces towering over the village. The Inca planted different types of crops over the 276 Corn terrace levels that are connected by an irrigation system and carefully-carved steps. These steps lead up to a little hill with an ancient fortress built on top, which belonged to the high society and provided a vantage view of the surrounding valley.

Ollantaytambo is the town visitors go to catch the train to Machu Picchu. However, the primary attraction is the Ollantaytambo Fortress on the outskirts of the town.

Like in Pisac, the fortress here lies atop huge terraces built for farming, irrigation and religious purposes. Climbing up the terraces gives a sense of just how large this complex really is. Ollantaytambo also has historical significance, as this was the place where the Inca defeated the conquistadors in a major battle – one of the few times they won.

We suggest going on a day tour, because your guide will explain to you the exciting history of these places, and also bring you to the town of Urubamba and even stop by Chinchero village.