Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Urubamba River corridor between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, an hour from Cusco: living Inca towns, markets, salt pans and terraces at a lower altitude than the city.
The Urubamba River corridor between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, an hour from Cusco: living Inca towns, markets, salt pans and terraces at a lower altitude than the city.
The Sacred Valley is the stretch of the Urubamba (Vilcanota) River running from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, northwest of Cusco. The valley floor is lower than the city: Urubamba at 2,871 m and Ollantaytambo at 2,790 m, against 3,350 m in Cusco. It brings together archaeological sites, towns that are still lived in and Ollantaytambo station, where trains leave for Machu Picchu.
From Cusco you reach the first stop in about an hour by road, and the five main sites can be covered in a single day.
The valley floor lies below Cusco; only the plateau of Chinchero, Moray and Maras is higher. That’s why many travelers do the valley in their first days in the city.
In Chinchero, local weavers still spin alpaca wool and dye it with plants and cochineal. In Maras, the salt pans are worked by families from the community, who run their own entrance. And Ollantaytambo is the only Inca town still lived in on its original plan.
Cold mornings and nights all year; the sun is warm at midday. Dry season from May to September; rain from November to March; April and October are shoulder months.
May to September for clearer skies; April and October, with good weather and fewer people. June to August is high season: book further ahead.
A full day covers the five sites. Two days let you sleep in the valley and continue to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo.
| Option | What it solves | What it doesn’t solve |
|---|---|---|
| Day tour from Cusco | Transport, guide and lunch; tickets are added at payment | Horarios fijos |
| Shared minivan from Cusco | It’s cheaper | Several changes to see more than one site |
| Taxi or private driver | Your own pace | No guide; price per vehicle |
| Train (Ollantaytambo only) | Direct connection to Machu Picchu | Doesn’t stop at Pisac or Chinchero |
The Boleto Turístico covers Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray. Maras has its own fee. None are included in the tour price.
If you arrive in Cusco that day, the valley is a good first outing: most of the route is lower than the city.
Bring soles in cash for markets, restrooms and tips.
Yes: the Sacred Valley + Maras & Moray version covers all five sites between 06:20 and 19:00. Traditional Sacred Valley, at an easier pace, visits three of them (Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero) plus the Taray Viewpoint.
Before, especially if you’ve just arrived in Cusco: most of the valley is lower than the city and helps you acclimatize. You can also end in Ollantaytambo and continue by train.
The Boleto Turístico for the archaeological sites on your version and, if you choose + Maras & Moray, the community fee for the Maras Salt Mines. Both are added when you pay on WeTravel.
Yes. The walks are short, although Pisac and Ollantaytambo have steps. Traditional Sacred Valley has an easier pace.
Yes. Choose either version ending in Ollantaytambo: it finishes around 15:30 by the train station.
Four versions of the tour from US$29, with a bilingual guide and buffet lunch. Daily departures from Cusco.
