Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is nurtured by Rio Urubamba which carves a fertile chasm from Pisac in the east to Ollantaytambo in the west. To the Incas, Rio Urubamba or Vilcanota as referred to downstream, symbolised the flow of life and is guarded by the watchful gaze of numerous ancient citadels perched on the lofty mountain ridge above.
Constructed for worship and astronomical observation, the first of magnificent citadels in the Sacred Valley is sited at the lively market town of Pisac. Etched out of the terraced hillsides, the ruins comprise some of the finest examples of Inca masonry in the valley with the Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun) being most impressive. Further feats of formidable Inca engineering can be explored at Ollantaytambo, which marks the final settlement before Machu Picchu. Nestled between Pisac and Ollantaytambo are the intriguing Inca ring-terracing at Moray, and the ancient salt mines of Maras.
For those seeking adventure, the Sacred Valley can be explored on horseback or by raft along the raging rapids of Rio Urubamba. It is also possible to visit the Sacred Valley en route to Aguas Calientes from Cuzco aboard the Vistadome train.
Group Tours to the Sacred Valley