The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the Cusco Region, between 1 and 2 hours away from the main city, where you will land if you arrive by plane. If you’re wondering how to get to the Sacred Valley, the journey is easy and scenic, passing through breathtaking Andean landscapes. It’s a very popular area for many reasons. The mountains around are mighty; there, you can understand why the Incas used to worship them. Nature and the tranquility that you can feel there are different than the rush of the city. Some of the most important archeological Incan sites are located there.
The Andean culture is still alive: you can attend many festivities in the different villages, hear the Quechua language (the official and traditional Incan tongue), see people still wearing traditional clothes, eat traditional dishes, and so much more. And if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is the Sacred Valley worth visiting?”, the answer is absolutely yes. The Machu Travel Peru team recommends staying one or two nights here before visiting Cusco because it will help you to acclimate better.
Explore this spectacular place of the magic Peruvian Andes
How to reach?
You will probably arrive in Cusco city. From there, you’re one and a half hours away from Urubamba, the heart of the Valley. If you’re coming solo or with no agency, you can take the public transportation that leaves from the street “Pavitos”, where you will find a local bus stop near the Qoricancha temple. These cars cost between 12 and 15 soles, which is less than 5 dollars.
If you’re coming with an agency, they will likely lead you to the Valley first. As we have mentioned, here the altitude is lower, so you won’t feel the famous “soroche” or altitude sickness so badly. So they pick you up at the airport and bring you directly here in a private vehicle. Just relax and enjoy the views!
Another fun way to reach the Valley is by bicycle. So if you’re in good shape or you have already accustomed yourself to the altitude, this is a great way to enjoy the landscape and to feel great. There are some tour agencies that rent bikes while they carry your belongings in a private van if you feel more comfortable like that.
What to do in the Sacred Valley?
As we mentioned, the best things to do in Cusco’s Sacred Valley are to visit many of the principal architectural attractions in the region. So the options are wide. You can buy a tourist ticket (BTG) and visit the circular terraces of Moray, the ruins of Chinchero, Pisaq, and the magnificent ruins of Ollantaytambo. Many tours can get you to all these places in one day. You should also visit the Salt Mines of Maras. You have to buy another ticket for this place, but it’s not expensive. You will only spend 4 dollars.
If you’re into adventures and sports, you can also bike around the valley. Some beautiful roads will allow you to get to know more in-depth this beautiful place more in-depth. Some other agencies offer Via Ferrata and Zip Line. We especially advise doing it with a trustworthy company. Always be sure that you’re doing it with all the safety conditions.
Some hikes are also desirable. The Qapac Ñam covered the Valley. You can follow those steps to arrive in Pachar, Urquillos, and other hidden and beautiful places in the Valley. The markets are also places that you should not miss. All the colors and cultures that you will see there are part of our culture. Many people, a lot of animals, abundant food, and many things to buy. We recommend you go to the Pisaq and the Chincheros market.
You also might be interested in: Things to do in Sacred Valley
Where to stay?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers different kinds of options. If you’re on a budget, you can look for an affordable hotel. But if you’re seeking comfort and exclusivity, you’ll be glad to know that some of the best boutique and luxury hotels in Sacred Valley are located right here, offering world-class service surrounded by breathtaking Andean scenery.
For example, one of the Sacred Valley hotels that you will find is the Inkaterra chain hotel (Hacienda Urubamba), which has nice casitas near Urubamba. Another option is the Tambo del Inka, a huge property where you will bike, walk, see the mountain, and relax. Likewise, their rooms are luxurious and you can enjoy their spa to give you a good therapy. On the other hand, the Aranwa Hotel & Wellness is another recommended hotel that resembles an ancient and beautiful village. Besides, you can even find a small church inside, a nice spa, and beautiful views of the mountains.
You also might be interested in: Sacred Valley Luxury Hotels
Packages in the Sacred Valley
As with other points discussed previously, travelers will have a wide range of tour package options to choose from. For example, those who enjoy making friends and meeting new people should opt for a shared tour. Unfortunately, this type of service offers a limited number of options in terms of schedules and attractions because it is usually predetermined.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more personalized trip, a private tour will be the ideal option. Those on their honeymoon, traveling with family, or who simply prefer a more relaxed experience will necessarily have to choose this alternative. Remember that you can design your experience based on your expectations and enjoy the Sacred Valley to the fullest.
“WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN FINDING NATURE, HISTORY, ADVENTURE, AND CULTURE IN ONE PLACE?”
As we have seen, the Sacred Valley is a true haven of experiences for all tastes and interests. The Machu Travel Peru team hopes that this article has provided you with the information you needed and clarified your perspective. You can plan your dream trip with us; we’d be delighted to help you make the most of this and other attractions. You can consult with our expert advisors anytime for more information.
Peru has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
