Best Things To Do In Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a breathtakingly beautiful region in Cusco, located between Cusco City and Machu Picchu. It was an area of immense cultural importance for the Inca civilization, and its stunning landscapes have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru.

The Urubamba Valley is a tranquil and breathtakingly beautiful area composed of quaint villages and historic ruins dotted across a vast plain, bisected by the Urubamba River and surrounded by majestic Andes mountains and a vast sky. This region was once home to some of the Inca Empire's grandest estates, temples, and royal palaces.

Here are some popular activities to enjoy in Sacred Valley:

• Visit the Inca ruins of Pisac: The ruins consist of several components, including agricultural terraces, religious and military buildings, and a large residential section. The most famous part of the Pisac ruins is the Intihuatana, or Sun Temple, which is believed to have been used for astronomical observations.
• Explore the Pisac market: The market is famous for its Incan textiles, jewelry, and other crafts made by local artisans. Visitors can purchase unique and locally made souvenirs, as well as sample traditional Peruvian foods.
• Take a tour of Ollantaytambo: It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Inca architecture and city planning, the Temple of the Sun, large, stepped agricultural terraces that were used for farming and as housing for the Inca nobility, the well-preserved residential area where you can see the remains of Inca homes,, the fortress, a defensive structure located on a hill above the town.
• Enjoy a traditional meal: Food in Ollantaytambo can be enjoyed at local restaurants and taverns, many of which offer outdoor seating and scenic views of the surrounding valley.
• Take a bus to the Maras salt mines: The Maras salt mines, also known as the Salineras de Maras, are a series of salt pans, which have been in use for over 500 years, are still operated by local families who harvest salt from the nearby hot springs.
• Visit the town of Chinchero: A visit to Chinchero offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Andes and a chance to learn about local weaving and textiles. Bring local currency, as many of the textiles and crafts for sale in Chinchero are unique and can only be purchased on-site.
• Hike to the Moray: Moray consists of a series of large circular terraces that were used by the Incas for agricultural experiments and crop adaptation.
• Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Cocalmayo hot springs: The Cocalmayo hot springs are fed by a number of mineral-rich thermal pools that are said to have therapeutic properties and are a popular destination for visitors looking to relax and rejuvenate.

IMPORTANT: You’ll need the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) to enter most of these sites, which you can buy upon entering any of the attractions (~$20). Maras salt mines (~$3).