Sacred Valley

Rich with incredible archaeological sites and breathtaking scenery, a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must on any trip to Peru.

Surrounded by the magnificent snow-capped summits of the Andes Mountains, the Sacred Valley is a particularly fertile region along the Vilcanota River of vital importance to the Inca Empire at its zenith. Today, its rich history can be experienced in many ways: go on day hikes to dozens of unique and awe-inspiring Inca ruins, spend time in charming small towns with historic colonial architecture and vibrant markets, and get to know traditional artisan crafts and important cultural customs.

Offering a unique blend of cultural, archaeological, agricultural and historical heritage, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is truly a world-class destination. Add to it the absolutely incredible natural scenery ringed by magnificent Andean peaks and it is clear why a visit to the Sacred Valley is an indispensable part of your trip to Peru.

About the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley winds along the Vilcanota River between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The varying elevation is a relatively moderate 9,000 ft (2,790 m) at the valley floor — lower than Cusco and a great area to acclimate and minimize chances of altitude sickness — but climbs to dizzying heights of 16,000 ft (5,000 m) and beyond in the surrounding peaks of the Andes.

Climate & Weather

Temperatures in the Sacred Valley are fairly consistent year-round. The temperate valley floor, which includes towns like Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, averages 70° F (22°C) during the day and 43° F (6° C) overnight. The region’s dry season is from April through October and provides clear, sunny days with cooler nights (sometimes dropping down towards freezing). Rainy season, November to March, experiences daily cloud cover and rainfall, with January and February as the rainiest months.

Best Time to Visit

The busiest tourist season in the Sacred Valley coincides with the dry season, while the rainy season means fewer crowds and beautifully green and colorful surroundings, with the added caveat of inclement weather.

History

Rich and fertile soil found along the Vilcanota (Urubamba) River, fed by plentiful water from mountain springs, have made The Sacred Valley of the Incas important to various local peoples stretching back 1000 years BCE. The Inca gradually took control of the area between 1000 and 1400 CE, when the empire began to expand in earnest and it became the prime location for Incan royal estates and retreats.

During this time, the Sacred Valley became the breadbasket of the Inca Empire, leading to the construction of copious agricultural terraces or andenes. Its lower altitude and warmer weather made it ideal for growing maize, important for the religious significance of the fermented maize drink chicha. The Incas also developed and cultivated many varieties of potato in the Sacred Valley. Numerous other crops, like maize, fruits, and vegetables, helped feed the Inca Empire at its pinnacle.

The Spanish arrived to the region in 1531 and quickly took control of the imperial capital Cusco, but groups of Inca continued to hold out at citadels in the Sacred Valley. In 1537, Manco Inca Yupanqui won the greatest Inca military victory over the Spaniards at the Battle of Ollantaytambo. But by 1572, Spanish control of the Sacred Valley was complete.

Palaces and mansions not taken over directly by Spaniards were destroyed, while other structures such as many terraces fell into disuse and Christian churches became commonplace. Today, tourism to the Sacred Valley continues to grow in popularity while small communities keep local traditions, customs and artisan trades alive.

Things to See & Do

The Sacred Valley offers an endless variety of captivating sights and activities: dozens of short hikes to Incan ruins (perfect for acclimating to longer, more intense hikes) encompassed by unparalleled natural vistas; outdoor adventures sports from mountain biking to whitewater rafting to rock climbing; local traditions including artisanal craft such as weaving, dances, and pachamama rituals; and many more. Here are a few of the select sites of interest:

Sacred Valley Hotels

The Sacred Valley is a great place to spend a night or two while you’re in Cusco. You can head here directly from the city upon arrival if you’re worried about altitude sickness, or stay here en route to Machu Picchu.

Those looking to combine adventure with a non-traditional luxury experience can find it in Skylodge Adventures Suites. This one-of-a-kind adventure hotel welcomes guests by way of steep hike and climb up a sheer rock face to cozy glass pods attached to a mountainside, where an amazing night of sleeping under the Milky Way is capped off by ziplining back down.

Sacred Valley Restaurants

The Sacred Valley is a perfect place to try traditional Andean dishes or trendy novoandina cuisine. Located in one of Peru’s major breadbasket regions, much of the food you will taste here is grown by local farmers. Here are a few of our favorite options in the valley:

Travel Tips

Make sure to follow these important tips on your trip to the Sacred Valley. If you have any questions about planning your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions!

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Though the Sacred Valley is a lower altitude than Cusco, it can still be a concern. While most people experience mild symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite that tend to clear up in 24-48 hours, altitude sickness does affect each individual uniquely and acclimation varies. Here are some tips for adapting to the altitude during the first couple days of your trip:

• Eat light meals. The digestive system works slower at higher altitudes.
• Try not to exert yourself too much. Just relax and try to take it easy as much as possible.
• Make sure to stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Take advantage of some of the natural altitude sickness cures available in Peru such as coca or muña tea. Note: avoid drinking coca tea too late in the day, which can cause trouble sleeping.
  Take medication if necessary. Acetazolamide and other medication for soroche (the word for altitude sickness) are available over the counter in Peru.

What to Pack

The Cusco region is known for its fluctuating temperatures, strong sunshine and intermittent rainfall. Essential year-round items for your trip to Cusco and the Sacred Valley include:

• Light sweaters or jackets
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots
• Sunglasses and/or protective hat
• Sunblock (SPF 35 or higher recommended)
• Umbrella, raincoat or rain poncho
• Good quality hiking shoes or boots
• Waterproof hiking pants

Plan Ahead

The peak season of June through August requires planning ahead as many destinations sell out or book up weeks or even months in advance. Visitors should consider checking availability for hotels, flights, trains (to and from Machu Picchu and other sites), Inca Trail permits, etc., when planning their trip. Planning ahead for rainy season means confirming that destinations affected by the weather are open for business and potentially accommodating extra time in your itinerary for postponed or rescheduled excursions. Don’t hesitate to contact us for further guidance — we can help with your Peru travel plans!

Related Blogs

Browse some of our most popular blogs about the Sacred Valley:

FAQ’s

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the Sacred Valley:

Why Choose Cusco Native?

At Cusco Native, we have over 15 years of experience operating tours in the region, specializing in the Inca Trail and other treks, and we pride ourselves in being the best option for your visit to Cusco and surrounding areas. We offer not only guided tours and excursion packages at affordable rates, but we distinguish ourselves from many other tour companies in Cusco through our focus on environmental and social consciousness and responsibility. We are proud to pay our employees fair, livable wages and to contribute to local Indigenous communities. This makes us not only the most sustainable Cusco tour option, but also the most ethical one.

Testimonials

The experience of a lifetime This was the experience of a lifetime, made all the more special by the incredible service and friendship offered by... read moreThis was the experience of a lifetime, made all the more special by the incredible service and friendship offered by locally owned and operated Cusco Native Tours. Our 4 day Inca Trail trek was tough yet rewarding in the best of ways - incredible views, excellent food, our wonderful guide Nilton, our trail chef extraordinaire Pedro and the wonderfully kind and exceptionally efficient team of porters who made it all possible. Anyone who undertakes the trek should understand that it is 45km at altitude with thousands of stone steps, rustic yet comfortable tent camping and weather that can shift from blazing sun to wind and rain, but to be up in the clouds with breathtaking views, desolate Incan ruins and incomparable nature is truly a once in a lifetime experience. We had two adults and three teens — everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip despite a few rough moments. The Cusco Native crew headed up by Renato anticipated all of our needs, were highly responsive to questions and requests and a pleasure to deal with. We cannot recommend them highly enough! read less

Laura P

4/05/2024

Moms and teens on the 4-day Inca Trail trek 4 Day Inca Trail trip was amazing. Cusco Native took care of our group of 5 (2 moms and 3... read more4 Day Inca Trail trip was amazing. Cusco Native took care of our group of 5 (2 moms and 3 teen boys) from Cusco arrival to departure. Excellent customer service and communication ahead of trip and wonderful care during the trek. Our guide, Nilton, kept us safe and was very knowledgeable. The porters and chef were unbelievable- we could never had completed such a trek without them. From the coca tea delivered to the tent each morning to the gourmet meals each day and night - their smiling faces kept us going on this challenging trek. We knew that choosing a local company was the way to go, and it showed as we met others on the trail. Cusco Native cares for their porters, cooks and guides and it shows! We are so grateful to have had this one in a life time experience!!! read less

Laura B

4/05/2024

Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I booked a solo trip for my 60th bday and am beyond impressed with the whole experience! Cusco Native made... read moreI booked a solo trip for my 60th bday and am beyond impressed with the whole experience! Cusco Native made all the arrangements (tickets, transfers, accommodations etc.) and answered all my (many!) questions! I loved my hotel Taypikala! The day trips with Franklin and Renado to Cusco and the Sacred Valley were so informative and a great base of knowledge for taking in the history of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. My guide Cesar on the Inca Trail was so patient and supportive. He was gracious, passionate and shared his personal connection to the land - I honestly could not have finished without him - I called him “My Coach”! He was somehow attentive to all of us and shared so much history … I could go on and on, seriously! The food was out of this world amazing! Every breakfast, lunch and dinner was fresh, different and better than any dishes I have had in a 5-star restaurant! The flavors were always so interesting and delicious! I had no idea this would be part of the trip … they treated us like royalty with a special private “restaurant”, coffee/coca tea and and a bowl of warm water delivered to our tents (that were up and ready when we arrived to camp each night) and a special added surprise like food made in the shape of hilarious animals, banana flambé, and even a cake! All this packed up the same trail I barely made it up! Thank you for making my dream come true for my 60th bday! I hope to see Cusco again! read less

Elaine W

3/28/2024

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