The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region located in the Peruvian Andes, near the city of Cusco. This area is rich in history and culture, as it was an important region for the Incas, who considered it sacred due to its fertility and natural beauty. Here are some of the tourist attractions that you can find in the Sacred Valley
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Ollantaytambo: This city was built by the Incas and is an important archaeological site, with temples, fortresses and irrigation systems. It is an ideal place to learn about the Inca culture and appreciate the impressive architecture and landscapes.
Pisac: It is a small town in the Sacred Valley, known for its handicrafts market and its impressive archaeological complex. There you can find beautiful pieces of local art and learn about the history of the region.
Moray: It is an archaeological site with a series of circular terraces built on the side of a hill. The Incas used it as an agricultural laboratory, where they experimented with different crops and soil conditions.
Maras: Another archaeological site near the Sacred Valley, known for its impressive salt mines, a set of more than 3,000 salt ponds that have been exploited since Inca times.
Chinchero: It is a picturesque town in the Sacred Valley, which preserves its colonial architecture and customs. There you can visit a church built by the Spanish in the seventeenth century and a textile center where local people weave beautiful pieces of clothing and accessories.
Ollantaytambo
History
Ollantaytambo is an Inca city located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the Cusco region. During Inca times, Ollantaytambo was an important ceremonial and administrative center, as well as a key stop on the route to Machu Picchu. The city has an archaeological complex that includes a temple and fortress, as well as irrigation systems and agricultural terraces. In the 16th century, the city was the scene of an important battle between the Incas and the Spanish conquistadors.
Climate
Ollantaytambo has a temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 23°C (46°F to 73°F). The rainy season is from November to March, while the dry season is from April to October.
Tourist Attractions
- Ollantaytambo archeological complex: This complex has a temple and a fortress, as well as irrigation systems and agricultural terraces. It is one of the most important archeological sites in the Sacred Valley.
- Ollantaytambo Market: The market is a major tourist attraction, with vendors offering handicrafts, textiles and local food.
- Walk through the town: Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with cobblestone streets and adobe houses. A walk through the village allows you to enjoy the architecture and local customs.
- Hike to Pinkuylluna mountain: Pinkuylluna is a mountain that overlooks the town and features Inca constructions. The hike offers spectacular views of the village and the valley.
Hotels
- Hotel Pakaritampu: This hotel has comfortable and cozy rooms with views of the garden. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar and swimming pool.
- El Albergue Ollantaytambo: This hotel is located in an old train station and has comfortable and well-decorated rooms with views of the valley. It offers a restaurant, bar, organic garden and spa.
- Kuychi Rumi: This hotel has comfortable and well-equipped rooms with views of the mountains. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar and garden.
Pisac
History
Pisac is an archaeological site dating back to Inca times and is located about 30 km east of Cusco. The citadel was built on top of the mountain and used for religious, military and administrative purposes. Today, the archaeological complex of Pisac is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Sacred Valley.
Climate
The climate in Pisac is temperate and dry during most of the year. The average temperature is 15°C (59°F), although in the winter months (June to August) it can drop to 0°C (32°F).
Tourist attractions
- Pisac Archaeological Complex: This complex includes agricultural terraces, temples and fortresses, and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. The view from the top is spectacular, and the hike to get there is demanding but rewarding.
- Pisac Market: The market is one of the largest and most popular in the Sacred Valley. Visitors can find textiles, jewelry, handicrafts and local food products, as well as have the opportunity to interact with the local inhabitants.
- Village walk: Pisac is a colonial town with beautiful adobe houses and cobblestone streets. A walk through the village is a charming way to learn about the local culture.
- Hiking in the surrounding area: There are several hiking trails around Pisac that lead to places such as the Pumaqchupan canyon and the Huaypo lagoon. These hikes offer spectacular views of the nature of the Sacred Valley.
Hotels
- Hotel Pisac Inca: This hotel has comfortable and well-equipped rooms with mountain views. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant and garden.
- Hospedaje Inti: This hotel is in a quiet location and offers simple but comfortable rooms with mountain views. It offers continental breakfast, garden and terrace.
- Colibri Lodge Pisac: This hotel has spacious and well-decorated rooms with garden views. It offers American breakfast, restaurant, bar and swimming pool.
Moray
History
Moray is an Inca archaeological site located about 50 km northwest of Cusco. It is an impressive and unique site consisting of several concentric circular terraces that resemble amphitheaters. The Incas built these terraces to experiment with different types of crops and to evaluate how they reacted to different altitudes and climatic conditions.
Climate
The climate in Moray is temperate and dry for most of the year. The average temperature is 15°C, although in the winter months (June to August) it can drop to 0°C.
Tourist attractions
Moray Circular Terraces: The circular terraces of Moray are an impressive sight. Visitors can walk the terraces and explore the different levels. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the terraces are an impressive example of Inca engineering and architecture.
Maras Salt Flats: The Maras Salt Flats are located just a few kilometers from Moray and are another interesting place to visit. It is a complex of more than 3,000 salt pools that local inhabitants have been using for centuries. Visitors can walk among the pools and learn about the history and production of salt.
Walking and hiking: There are several walks and trails starting from Moray and the surrounding area. Visitors can walk the trails and explore the natural beauty of the area.
Hotels
Hotel San Agustin Recoleta: This hotel is located about 20 km from Moray and offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms with garden views. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar and swimming pool.
Sol Miranda: This hotel is located about 30 km from Moray and offers comfortable and cozy rooms with mountain views. It offers continental breakfast, restaurant, bar and garden.
Casa de Campo Urubamba: This hotel is located about 15 km from Moray and offers spacious, well-equipped rooms with garden views. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar and swimming pool.
Maras
History
The town of Maras is famous for the Salinas de Maras, a complex of more than 3,000 salt pools that have been used since pre-Columbian times. The salt pans were created by the Incas to take advantage of the saltwater springs gushing from the nearby mountains.
Climate
The climate in Maras is temperate and dry during most of the year. The average temperature is 15°C (59°F), although in the winter months (June to August) it can drop to 0°C (32°F).
Tourist attractions
- Maras Salt Flats: The Maras Salt Flats are located just a few kilometers from Moray and are another interesting place to visit. It is a complex of more than 3,000 salt pools that local inhabitants have been using for centuries. Visitors can walk among the pools and learn about the history and production of salt.
Hotels
- Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba: This hotel is located about 15 km from Maras and offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms with views of the mountains. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar and garden.
- Inkallpa Valle Sagrado Lodge & Spa: This hotel is located about 14 km from Maras and offers comfortable and cozy rooms with mountain views. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar, spa and swimming pool.
- Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa: This hotel is located about 15 km from Maras and offers spacious, well-equipped rooms with garden views. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar, spa and swimming pool.
Chinchero
History
Chinchero is considered one of the oldest and most traditional places in the Sacred Valley. It is believed to have been an important administrative, religious and agricultural center in Inca times. The architecture of the colonial church of Chinchero, built on Inca foundations, is a testimony to the Spanish influence in the area.
Climate
The climate in Chinchero is temperate and dry during most of the year. The average temperature is 15°C (59°F), although in the winter months (June to August) it can drop to 0°C (32°F).
Tourist Attractions
- Chinchero Market: The Chinchero market is famous for its textiles, hand-woven by local women using traditional techniques. Visitors can watch the textile production process and buy handmade products such as shawls, ponchos, tapestries and more.
- Chinchero Archaeological Complex: The Chinchero archaeological complex includes several Inca structures, such as a palace, agricultural terraces and a ceremonial platform. It is an impressive site that offers breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
- Colonial church of Chinchero: The colonial church of Chinchero, built on Inca foundations, is an impressive example of 17th century Spanish colonial architecture. The main altar of the church is especially notable, with wood carvings and gold leaf.
Hotels
- Hoteles Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado: This hotel is located about 12 km from Chinchero and offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms with garden views. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar and spa.
- Hotel Sol & Luna: This hotel is located about 15 km from Chinchero and offers spacious, well-equipped rooms with views of the gardens and mountains. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar, spa and swimming pool.
- La Casona de Yucay: This hotel is located about 18 km from Chinchero and offers spacious and comfortable rooms with views of the gardens and mountains. It offers buffet breakfast, restaurant, bar, spa and swimming pool.
