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Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas

by Peter Steyn - Editor, GlobeRovers
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Ruins of Runkurakay (Trading Post) Inca Trail, Peru
Ruins of Runkurakay (Trading Post) Inca Trail, Peru

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba Valley and Valley of Yucay, is irrigated by the Urubamba River and stretches all the way from Pisac village to Ollantaytambo, a distance of about 60 kilometres (37 mi). 

Located in Peru’s Andean highlands, the Sacred Valley formed the heart of the Inca Empire, along with the town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

The first known occupants of the Sacred Valley were the Chanapata civilization around 800 BC. They were followed by the Qotacalla civilization from 500 to 900 AD and the Killke civilization from 900 AD until the Incan Empire took over the region in 1420.  The Incan Empire ruled over the valley until the arrival of the Spanish conquerors. While the Incas won the Battle of Ollantaytambo against the Spanish in 1537, the Incan Emperor was so rattled by the invaders that he withdrew from the Sacred Valley and the area came under the control of the Spanish colonialists.

Inca ruins are still dotted throughout the entire valley and the area has an authentic Peruvian feel due to the many traditional villages and towns that populate the area.

For the adventure junkies, the Sacred Valley offers enough opportunities for white water rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, and a lot more.

Join us as we travel along the Sacred Valley of Peru.


Cusco – Gateway to the Sacred Valley

Today the Sacred Valley is a major tourist attraction for many reasons. Located just 26 kilometres (16 mi) from Cusco, many travellers visit the valley on a day trip, sadly not having enough time to truly experience the many attractions offered by this historically and culturally rich region. 

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (Cusco Cathedral), Cusco, Peru
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (Cusco Cathedral), Cusco
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (Cusco Cathedral), Cusco, Peru
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (Cusco Cathedral)
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (Cusco Cathedral), Cusco, Peru
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (Cusco Cathedral)
Cusco, Peru
Cusco
Streets of Cusco, Peru
Streets of Cusco

Ollantaytambo

Among the highlights of the valley are the Ollantaytambo ruins and the adjacent old village at the western end of the valley.

The archaeological site of Moray and the salt flats of Maras near Ollantaytambo are hidden gems of the Sacred Valley.

Village of Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley 60km from Cusco, Peru
Village of Ollantaytambo
Village of Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley 60km from Cusco, Peru
Ollantaytambo
Ruins, Village of Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley 60km from Cusco, Peru
Ancient ruins above Ollantaytambo
Ruins, Village of Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley 60km from Cusco, Peru
Ancient above Ollantaytambo

Chinchero

Chinchero is a village located high up on the windswept plains of Anta at 3,765 metres (12,350 ft), about 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Cusco. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley.

Chinchero market, Sacred Valle, Preu
Cross on the square of Chinchero
Chinchero market, Sacred Valle, Preu
Chinchero market
Old man at the Chinchero market, Sacred Valley 60km from Cusco, Peru
Man at the Chinchero market

Pisac

At the eastern end of the valley lies Pisac village and its authentic market that is packed with local produce and a wide array of locally created arts and crafts. Up the hills to the north of the village is the Pisac Archaeological Park. 

Pisac village market in Sacred Valley, Peru
Pisac village market in the Sacred Valley
Girl Pisac village market in Sacred Valley, Peru
Girl at the Pisac village market in the Sacred Valley
Guinea-Pig BBQ at Pisac village market in Sacred Valley, Peru
Guinea-Pig BBQ at the Pisac village market

☛ Read more: 10 Great Ruins of Latin American Empires

☛ Read more: 10 Best Countries for Sacred Architecture



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