Sacred Valley
The trip to the Sacred Valley in Cusco, Peru is as amazing as the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. This extensive area surrounded by mountains, rivers and the most incredible nature enjoyed great importance for the Incas, and in recent years it has become one of the most important destinations in South America, being known worldwide as the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
This valley is home to beautiful traditional Andean towns from the colonial era; In them you can find ancient Inca settlements scattered throughout the valley that to this day survive despite the passage of time. An example of the Inca's ability to work stone are the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and more, whose structures have made it one of the favorite places for travelers from all over the world, so if you have some free days in Cusco, we recommend you explore this valley at the foot of the Andes.
Where is the Sacred Valley of the Incas located?
The Urubamba river valley or "Sacred Valley of the Incas" is located 15 km northeast of the city of Cusco, reached by a paved road. A drive to one of the nearest towns will take you around 40 minutes. From there you can move to the other towns in the valley.
What is the climate like in the valley?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 2,800 meters above sea level, 600 meters below Cusco, and enjoys one of the best climates in this region, daytime temperatures vary between 19 ° and 24 ° C. This privileged climate made the Incas take it as their main center of agricultural production, experimentation and research. Today travelers use the valley to acclimatize, before starting their tours of Cusco and Machu Picchu, and without a doubt one of the best ways to avoid altitude sickness.
Will you need a ticket to the Sacred Valley?
Yes, you will need a tourist ticket, This ticket grants you admission to the main attractions of the Sacred Valley, but also to various places in Cusco. The complete ticket (Cusco and the Sacred Valley) is priced at S / 130 ($ 45) and is valid for 10 days. To access some of the Valley sites you will need a ticket; Also, keep in mind that it is cheaper than paying for an entrance to each site separately.
The Cusco Tourist Ticket will allow you to enter 16 sites, including Pisac, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and 13 other archaeological sites and museums in Cusco and the Sacred Valley; although you can also buy "partial tickets". You can buy them at the offices of the Tourist Ticket of Cusco, in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco or on Av. El Sol, in the historic center of Cusco. The ticket includes the income to the archaeological sites, but not the transfer to or through them.