{"id":5737,"date":"2023-11-25T16:37:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T21:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/?p=5737"},"modified":"2023-11-28T18:07:22","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T23:07:22","slug":"sacred-valley-of-the-incas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/sacred-valley-of-the-incas","title":{"rendered":"Sacred Valley of the Incas"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SacredSacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful region, located approximately one hour away from Cusco. The Sacred Valley of Peru<\/strong> is also the gateway to Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/a>. Explore stunning archaeological sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Salt Mines and Chinchero on this magical Sacred Valley day tour<\/strong> from Cusco and immerse yourself in Inca history, as well as see how local communities still live in traditional ways until today.<\/span><\/p>\n

History of the Sacred Valley<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"HistoryIn the 15th century, Pachacuti Yupanqui and Tupac Yupanqui built a huge empire in South America. This empire traveled an incredible distance from central Chile to southern Colombia.<\/span><\/p>\n

It occupied all of Peru, most of Ecuador and parts of Argentina and Bolivia. This incredible empire was known as the Tahuantinsuyo Empire. With an astonishing 4,000 kilometers from north to south and covered by a 40,000-kilometer with the red Inca trail<\/strong>, this was one of the largest empires in the history of South America<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cusco was part of the Sacred Valley and had extraordinary financial and agricultural wealth. It was protected by Inca fortresses. The valley extended to the Vilcanota and Urubamba rivers<\/strong>. The Vilcanota River, in particular, was sacred to the Incas, as it represented the Milky Way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Weather in the Sacred Valley of the Incas<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"WeatherThe Sacred Valley of the Incas is located at 2,800 meters above sea level and has one of the best climates in the highland region, which is one of the reasons that plants flourished and allowed agricultural research and experimentation, and the rich and the religious of the Inca empire settled here.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the days, the temperatures range from 18\u00b0 to 25\u00b0C. It is also slightly lower in altitude than Cusco, and so a great place for travelers to acclimatize before taking on Machu Picchu<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pisac<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Pisac\"Considered the official entrance to the Sacred Valley<\/strong>, it is a small Inca town with impressive ruins. In Inca times, Pisac’s central location made it the ideal place to barter goods, and the lively craft and agricultural market still thrives today. Be sure to stop by to see the local crafts and you might even want to buy some souvenirs like textiles and pottery.<\/span><\/p>\n

What most people come to visit here are the ruins at the top of the town and they certainly do not disappoint. The main site or plaza is made up of a set of archaeological sites with different purposes, from a fortress to protect the valley to terraces for cultivation, and from baths and altars to the Intihuatana, a ritual stone. associated with the astronomical clock. We can also find an Inca cemetery with more than 10 thousand burials.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the ruins have not yet been excavated, so there is much more to learn about this impressive site.<\/span><\/p>\n

Urubamba Town<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"UrubambaThis town is considered a midpoint of the tour of the sacred valley of the Incas<\/strong>, we can also find the best boutique and luxurious hotels located on the outskirts of the city that attract many travelers.<\/span>
\nSpending the night in the Urubamba Valley<\/strong> is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the Sacred Valley at a slower pace. Enjoy top-notch services, spa amenities, and endless views of the Andes from your hotel room.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a taste of Urubamba’s budding culinary scene, dine at top restaurants Tunupa or Don Angel. The restaurant at Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection<\/strong> in the Sacred Valley, Alma, is highly recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many travelers pass through Urubamba<\/strong> because it is located along the only highway that connects key transportation routes through the Sacred Valley<\/strong>. In fact, many tours to the Sacred Valley stop in town for lunch. If you have extra time, walk to the town square and then visit the Urubamba indoor market just two blocks away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ollantaytambo<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ollantaytambo\"This archaeological center is one of the best surviving examples of Inca planning. Built between two mountains, it was an ancient administrative center of the Incas.<\/span><\/p>\n

The entrance to the town is formed by steep stone terraces, it was the site of a great battle with the Spanish conquistadors, and one of the only ones that were successful. Climbing the steep stone stairs, one realizes how impressive this fortress is.<\/span>
\nUpon reaching the top, you will be able to enter the unfinished Temple of the Sun, which serves a specific purpose for the Inca calendar. You will also be able to see Incamisana, an ancient water temple, the baths of the \u00d1ustas (princesses) and the funerary towers of Cachicata<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Salt Mines & Maras<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"SaltMaras is a beautiful town from the Inca era where we will find the famous salt pools. Originally built by the Chanapata culture<\/strong>, there are thousands of ponds that belong to local families and have been passed down from generation to generation. <\/span><\/p>\n

It is believed that this area, despite its elevation of 3,000 meters, was once covered by the ocean, giving the spring water a high concentration of salt. When swimming pools were developed, a canal was created to feed this water to the ponds. Once filled, it is left to dry in arid climate until the water has completely evaporated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moray Terraces<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"MorayOne of the most phenomenal and, in some ways, mind-blowing things to see in the Sacred Valley. These circular terraces, also called \u00abThe Laboratory\u00bb, offer changing light and temperature conditions on each level. <\/span><\/p>\n

For that reason, in the Inca era they were able to experiment with many different types of crops and that is why Peru, today, has more than 2000 species of potatoes!<\/span><\/p>\n

Chinchero<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Chinchero\"Located 28 kilometers from Cusco. In Chinchero, you can see how locals extract, clean and dye alpaca hair and weave traditional handmade items. It is located at the highest altitude 3,772 meters above sea level (12,375 feet). <\/span><\/p>\n

It also has a craft market where you can still barter. Chinchero<\/strong> has a wonderful 17th century colonial church with canvases from the \u00abCusco school.\u00bb. <\/span>Remember to respect local communities and their customs when visiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Travel tips the Sacred Valley<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Travel
\nPlanning Ahead<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Traveling to Cusco<\/strong> and the Sacred Valley in high season (June, July, August) requires months of advance planning because services sell out quickly. Travel logistics include airfare, hotel reservations, tours, and train tickets and entrance fees if you are going to Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/a>. Permits are also limited to travel the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/a> and can sometimes be reserved 4 months in advance. Please note that the Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Packing list<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n