Travel to Peru: Sacred Valley Tours

Why travel to the Sacred Valley

In the heart of the spiritual homeland of the Incas lies the Sacred Valley, a landscape of inspirational beauty where Andean villages thrive among the ruins of an ancient civilization.
In this stunning and fertile environment, the Incas were convinced that they inhabited the center of the world. It was here that their vast empire was born, and eventually died. Tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas for great insights into this fascinating culture.

The Sacred Valley itself is a stretch of green fields and rocky gorges that follows the path of the Urubamba River as it flows past such important sites as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. The valley is dotted with small villages and bustling towns, and is dominated by the ancient capital city of Cusco, which is located nearby.

The legend of the Incas' creation actually places their spiritual homeland far from the Sacred Valley, and near Puno instead, where Manco Cápac was said to have risen from Lake Titicaca, in Peru’s deep south. This visionary ruler led his small tribe to the more fertile and strategic highlands around the Sacred Valley, establishing Cusco as his new capital.

It was here that the Incas’ complex religion emerged and spiritual devotion to the mountains was added to the Incas reverence for the celestial god: the sun, the moon, Venus, the rainbow, and thunder.

These days, the Sacred Valley is home to a vibrant blend of cultures, the ancient Quechua language can still be heard in town markets, and Spanish influence is clearly visible in the towns and villages via impressive colonial architecture.

What to do in the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a treasure of history, but one which remains very much alive. The region’s unique culture has developed over thousands of years and continues to thrive. This can be experienced in any one of the Sacred Valley’s communities: the famous Pisac market which draws highlanders from far to sell their wares; the attractive towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, home to wondrous ruins; or the Quechua-speaking village of Chinchero.

Nestled between these settlements are the clues to a bygone age: the fingerprints of an empire that once dominated the entire Andean mountain range from this very spot. From the world famous Machu Picchu to the fort at Pisac to the vast mountainside farming terraces to the impressive temples, signs of the former Inca grandeur are everywhere.

That the valley was considered a sacred place is evident from the sheer volume of constructions that dot the landscape. Machu Picchu is the most obvious and recognized site, but the Sacred Valley is actually packed with other sites, many of which were of greater importance to the Inca kingdom.

For instance, the town of Pisac is home to an extensive set of ruins which provide a view of the valley and its elaborately-terraced hillsides. These are one of the largest ruins in the valley, probably sited for the spot’s defensive qualities, towering over the valley below.

Opposite Pisac near the town of Urubamba, the site of Moray reveals a fascinating insight into the agricultural expertise of this lost civilization. Here, the agricultural terracing shows how specialized and honed the Inca way of life had become.

Meanwhile, the great outdoors offers adventure seekers countless activities, and the Sacred Valley is one of the hottest trekking spots in the country and in the world. A number of well-trodden routes exist in this region, most of which snake through several of the area’s important archaeological sites as well as perilous mountain passes and stunning scenery.

When to visit Sacred Valley

You can visit the Sacred Valley region year-round depending on your preferences. From April to October/November is the dry season in Peru, with hot, dry days and cold, dry nights, often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July. May is perhaps the best month, when the countryside is exceptionally lush and the views and weather are superb.

The rainy season lasts from November to April, with most rainfall occurring in January and February. It’s usually clear and dry in the mornings with occasional heavy rain in the afternoons. The daily temperatures are typically mild with only a small drop at night.

The Inca Trail is much less crowded during this period and there’s a more abundant fresh water supply, but of course travelers should be well equipped for the rain. You’ll find some roads may become impassable, particularly those off the beaten path. The Inca Trail is closed in February because of the rain and for maintenance.

Travel Testimonials

The Cusco and Sacred Valley tours were great with knowledgeable guides who were proud of their heritage. Dad and I enjoyed the hike into Machu Picchu.

Emmett and Ray Doherty (Texas, USA) traveled to the Sacred Valley in September 2010

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We had a wonderful time in Peru. Every aspect of the trip was above our expectations. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery and the amazing accomplishments of the Incas. We are grateful to you and your company for a well organized trip.

Stephen Mende (California) traveled to the Sacred Valley in August 2010

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Rony was our guide for both our day trip in Cuzco and the tour of the Sacred Valley. A bright, knowledgeable guy whose English was excellent, he took a shine to our 9 year old. In 2 days the girls received a history lesson that outstripped anything they could have received in a classroom (us, too).

Matt Conway (Vermont, USA) traveled to the Sacred Valley in August 2010

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Top Pick Sacred Valley Hotel

Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel 5*

Huayllabamba-Urubamba

Built on a seventeenth century colonial hacienda, along the tranquil banks of the Vilcanota River, the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel is the picture-perfect place for a countryside retreat. The hotel showcases a fusion of minimalist and colonial style rooms and buildings, all surrounded by sweeping views of the breathtakingly beautiful Sacred Valley.

Restaurant Room Service Internet Laundry Service Parking Baby Sitter Gift Shop Spa

Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel Photos & Info »

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Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado 4*

5to Paradero, Yanahuara

A prominent member of the Casa Andina chain, the Private Collection is a luxurious hotel, comfortably nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley only 10 minutes from the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Combining relaxation in its luxurious spa with sports activities such as bike riding or hiking, this excellent and all encompassing hotel has something to suit everyone's taste. The hotel also features a delicious restaurant, playgrounds, a jewelry store and an on-site observatory allowing guests to admire the beautiful star-filled Andean sky.

Restaurant Room Service Laundry Service Parking Spa Gym Baby Sitter

Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado Photos & Info »

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El Albergue Bed & Breakfast 3*

Ollantaytambo

Neighboring the Ollantaytambo train station, this quaint bed & breakfast is nicely located an hour between Cusco and Machu Picchu, making it the perfect place to rest before visiting the mountaintop ruins, the historic city of Cusco, or the surrounding Sacred Valley attractions. This hotel originally started operating in 1923, making it the first hotel to open in the area.

Restaurant Internet Laundry Service

El Albergue Bed & Breakfast Photos & Info »

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