SACRED VALLEY
The sacred Valley of the Incas is an important tourist attraction that stands out for its handicraft fairs, and biodiversity located in the mountains, which are an eternal imprint of the magnificence of a great empire as was that of the Incas.
The main attractions are its archaeological sites, handicraft and agricultural fairs, as well as its gastronomy and the practice of hikes on itineraries that include villages situated on mountain tops, from which pure water rivers rush down, to then join with the great Vilcanota or Urubamba river. The community centers function like "Ayllus" (Andean communities) and maintain the Ayni (Community work) alive. Throughout the whole valley, the mountains are respected as protectors and have names in Quechua that begin with the word "Apu" which means: Ostentatious, Powerful Mountain, or Spirit.
The inhabitants of the high valley's communities also breed sheep and goats and many of these keep areas to cultivate medicinal plants in the city. It is very interesting to try that gastronomy, among the traditional Pachamanca prepared which, once they have been seasoned, are buried with hot stones 'till they are cooked.
The sacred valley of the Incas is definitely an ecological and cultural reserve. among its Kiwicha maca and hundreds of varieties of potatoes that Sacred Valley of the Incas shelters indigenous peoples who have not changed much over the past 300 years and when visiting these communities, it seems as though time would have stopped.
This Valley was very appreciated by the Incas, given its special geographic and climatic qualities, as it is composed of a series of microclimates. It is one of the region's main agricultural production centers, due to its fertile lands and it is the place where the best and biggest corn grain is in Peru. During your journey. you will be accompanied by the Vilcanota River and you will visit the valley. You will pass by the localities of Pisaq, Calca, Yucay, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, in each one of them, there are archaelogical remains that were built by the different Incan rulers, some of them using them as fortresses, resting places or religious temples for worshipping the celestial bodies. "The Incas" Took Advantage of the climate and fertile land and there are many villages and agricultual center along the valley that are little visited. The most important attractions are the incan cities of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, including their handicraft fairs.
Location of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the Cusco region, exactly in the province of Urubamba and is about 20 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco (about 40 minutes by car). Likewise, this immense valley extends along the Urubamba River and is surrounded by impressive natural landscapes and ancient archaeological sites.
Characteristics of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an impressive mountain valley surrounded by imposing mountains and crossed by the Urubamba River that offers unparalleled beauty, but in addition to its impressive landscape, it also has a rich history and culture. Likewise, numerous archaeological sites dating back to the Inca era are found here, such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, Moray and Yucay; which are testimony to the splendor and greatness of the Inca civilization and that is not to mention that the valley is also home to a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as picturesque traditional towns where the inhabitants maintain ancestral traditions.
The Historical Background of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
In ancient times this hidden place was considered a sacred place by the Incas due to its beauty and its strategic importance as an agricultural center, which is why, during the height of the Inca Empire, it was inhabited by nobles and the elite, who built impressive structures and agricultural terraces.
Although it is also well known that the valley was an important center of commercial and religious exchange; But throughout history, the Sacred Valley witnessed the resistance of the Incas against the Spanish invasion, which is why today the numerous vestiges of Inca culture are still appreciated and preserved.
Places to visit in the Sacred Valley
- Pisac: Archaeological ruins and traditional market
Starting with the town of Pisac, it is located 33 kilometers from the city of Cusco and is known as the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Likewise, it is best known for its arsenal market (a place where you can enjoy the colorful offering of textiles, ceramics and other handmade products) and its impressive archaeological ruins that include temples, terraces and cultivation systems; Likewise, tourists and visitors can explore these vestiges of the Inca culture and marvel at its architecture and landscapes that it has to show.
- Urubamba: Picturesque town and local gastronomy
Urubamba is a charming picturesque town and one of the most important cities in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is known for its scenic beauty and its rich local cuisine; Therefore, tourists can enjoy delicious Peruvian dishes, such as stuffed rocoto, while marveling at the environment that the area offers.
- Ollantaytambo: Inca fortress and starting point for Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca fortress located in the Sacred Valley and is considered a very important archaeological site that offers visitors an opportunity to explore and learn about Inca engineering and architecture; Likewise, from Ollantaytambo, it is also possible to take the train to Machu Picchu, being one of the most popular starting points to visit this wonder.
- Chinchero: Colonial church and artisanal textiles
Chinchero is a charming town in the Sacred Valley known for its colonial church and its artisanal textiles. Likewise, its old church was built by the Spanish on the remains of an Inca temple, it is an impressive example of the fusion of cultures; but it should be noted that this town is famous for its artisanal weaving, which carries the Inca textile tradition, so tourists and visitors can learn about the weaving process and buy beautiful handmade products, such as blankets, ponchos and clothing.
- Maras: Salt mines and impressive landscapes
Maras is a unique place in the Cusco region, since the famous salt mines are located here, a complex system of salt wells used since pre-Inca times, where visitors can walk along the paths between the salt mines and marvel at the beauty that these landscapes have to offer; But in addition to the salt mines, Maras offers impressive landscapes, with imposing mountains and hills of different colors.
- Moray: Circular agricultural terraces and Inca experimental center
Moray is another of the most visited places within the Sacred Valley, since here are the impressive circular agricultural terraces, which served as an Inca experimental center for the cultivation of different types of plants. Therefore, according to historians, these terraces, built on different levels, created microclimates that allowed the Incas to research and develop new agricultural techniques; That being the case, today visitors can explore this amazing site and marvel at the planning and agricultural knowledge of the Incas.
- Yucay: Old hacienda and historic gardens
Yucay is a quiet and charming destination located about 50 kilometers from the city of Cusco, but although it is not a very visited destination, it has a certain charm that attracts visitors; According to some tourists, they are more attracted by its buildings of Inca origin and the traditions of its people. Likewise, this town has a pleasant climate and fertile lands, which gives it greater charm, which is why some claim that it is the most beautiful town in the region.
Sports in the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a wide variety of sports and outdoor activities for visitors ranging from exciting ATV rides, which allow you to explore the landscapes of the region, to trekking on the beautiful mountain trails, although there are more sports options for all tastes and skill levels such as:
- ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle)
These all-terrain vehicles allow you to explore the wonderful landscapes of the region while experiencing a dose of adventure and have several routes available, which will take you through valleys, mountains and narrow paths, giving you the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the place. Although you should know that no previous experience is required, since ATV tours usually include brief training and the necessary instructions.
- Trekking
Like ATVs, trekking has a wide variety of routes and trails that allow you to explore the region on foot and enjoy impressive views. These range from short, gentle walks to long journeys lasting several days. There are options for everyone experience and fitness levels; Also, some of the most popular trekking destinations in the Sacred Valley include the Urubamba Mountains, the Pisac Ruins, and the impressive Inca Trail.
- Rock climbing
If you enjoy climbing, the Sacred Valley offers a unique rock climbing experience, with its impressive cliffs and rock formations, the region has several climbing routes for different skill levels; So whether you are both a beginner and an experienced climber, you will find interesting and exciting challenges.
- Zipline or zip line
The zipline or zipline is an activity that will allow you to fly while enjoying exciting views. This attraction consists of sliding down a cable suspended in the air, using safety equipment that will keep you securely fastened, which makes it a suitable activity for people of all ages, as long as they meet the physical and safety requirements.
- Rafting
If you like water sports, canoeing is an exciting activity that you can enjoy in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with impressive rivers and rapids, the region offers ideal conditions to practice this sport. Likewise, canoeing tours usually include safety equipment and expert guides that will ensure a safe and fun experience.
- Cycling
Cycling is one of the most striking options when touring the Valley, since the region has routes and trails that allow you to explore the impressive landscapes by bicycle, these range from paved roads to dirt roads.
