The Sacred Valley of the Incas is north of Cusco City and has a very rich history. Besides, it’s a place with stunning natural beauty, excellent weather, amazing archaeological remains, typical villages and gastronomy, where the Inca civilization is still alive in many ways. We think that if anyone comes to Peru, should not miss the chance to visit this unforgettable place.
Back in the 15th century a.D., when the Inca empire emerged, the Sacred Valley was very important. Actually, it belonged entirely to Inca nobility, because its lands and weather are very good for agriculture. The Andean world, before the Spanish arrival, did not have the concept of money. The rich were those who owned land and the products of such land; gold and silver were used as elements of decoration and art, especially religious, they didn’t have much exchange value.
Also, the Sacred Valley was used as a system of military defense; its high mountains allowed to spot enemy armies from a very long distance. Indeed, many constructions of the Sacred Valley were observation posts, to see marching attackers from foreign kingdoms, who coveted the large, fertile agricultural lands of the empire.
Next, we will go through all the wonderful places visitors can and should enjoy within the fabulous Sacred Valley of the Incas!
PISAC
It was a very important village for the Incas. In the middle of a majestic mountainous landscape, they built a small town and also, designed terraces over the hillsides, which greatly increased farming output. Actually, Pisac was mainly an agricultural hub; there were large plantations of potato, corn, coca leaves and more. Nowadays, the ruins still stand and so are the terraces; Pisac still is a place of large farming. Also, in the village next to the ruins, we can find the famous market, with all kinds of typical Cusco products and souvenirs.
URUBAMBA
Probably the most beautiful town in Cusco, or close. In a small valley between quite massive mountains, crossed by a softly flowing river, a really beautiful sight, with a very warm, nice weather. Perfect place in the Sacred Valley for taking in unforgettable views, taking great pictures and film videos. The entire Sacred Valley is filled with reviving natural energy flow and Urubamba is no exception. Additionally, this town has a top gastronomical level: there are many restaurants, offering Peruvian and international foods and beverages.
OLLANTAYTAMBO
Another must if you come to Cusco! This village is really something else! It was built by the Incas for several purposes: first, a military surveillance post, because the view is quite long until the horizon; second, a major place for farming and storage of crops, which were placed in big barns on the hilltops, to refrigerate with the cold wind; finally, it was meant as a very important religious spot, to that end a mighty temple was built, the Temple of the Sun, with stones so big that some esoteric people believe they used extraterrestrial help… this wonder of the Sacred Valley also displays the original urban design of Inca times. Actually, many people say that Ollantaytambo is the town which still is the most alike to the pre-Hispanic past.
CHINCHERO
One more jewel in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. This village also keeps a lot of traditions from Inca times: clothes are made following the ancient ways, without modern machinery and yet they achieve a very high quality; here visitors can find typical garments made of fine alpaca wool. Accordingly to Inca culture, Chinchero is also a place with large agricultural production, for it has very fertile soils. The ruins are fantastic; especially the remains of the palace built by emperor Tupac Yupanqui, who stayed there because Chinchero was on the original route to Machu Picchu from Cusco City. Finally, the surrounding mountains are great places where visitors can enjoy adventure sports like ATVs.
TOUR IN PERU offers a wonderful package, full-day, to the Sacred Valley of Cusco, which covers all the places above!
MARAS
It is a very trendy place in Cusco too. The main attraction is the immense salt deposit, the famous pink salt of Maras, which has many benefits for health and can be bought there. This deposit has been active even since Inca times; they didn’t know the concept of money, so the pink salt was used as a kind of currency in exchange for other goods.
MORAY
Very close to Maras, we find the spectacular Moray site. It originally was the agricultural laboratory of the Sacred Valley, where Inca specialized farmers researched all kinds of vegetables, particularly coca leaves. The peculiar shape of the fields has the purpose of growing varied crops at different altitudes and temperatures, to be ready for distribution, exchange etc. It’s a great spot also filled with natural energy and quietude, just like all the Sacred Valley of Cusco.
TOUR IN PERU offers two great packages combining Maras and Moray! The first is a classic, half-day experience tour; and the second is a full-adventure, mountain biking 1-day tour.
The Sacred Valley of Cusco is a classic, must-see destination for almost all travelers. Talk to our staff, you can easily add this really enjoyable experience to your vacation in Peru!
