⛰️ Cusco Region, Peru
Things to do in The Sacred Valley
Inca ruins and Andean markets on the way to Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley of the Incas unfurls between Cusco and Machu Picchu — a string of dramatic Inca sites, terraced hillsides and lively Andean market towns along the Urubamba River. It’s both a destination in its own right and the ideal place to acclimatise (it sits lower than Cusco) before Machu Picchu.
Time needed
1–2 days
Best time
May–September (dry season) for clear skies and reliable trails
Region
Cusco Region, Peru
Don’t miss
Ollantaytambo and Pisac
Climb the great terraced fortress-temple of Ollantaytambo (also the train gateway to Machu Picchu) and the hillside ruins above Pisac, with its famous handicraft market below. The Maras salt pans and circular Moray terraces are surreal extras.
Check availability on GetYourGuideTop things to do in The Sacred Valley
- The terraced Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.Find tours
- Pisac ruins and its Andean craft market.Find tours
- The Maras salt pans and the Moray agricultural terraces.Find tours
- Chinchero’s weaving village and colonial church.
- Use it to acclimatise before Machu Picchu — it’s lower than Cusco.
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How to get to The Sacred Valley
The valley starts about 30–40 minutes from Cusco and runs to Ollantaytambo (the Machu Picchu train station). A guided day tour covers the highlights; staying a night or two helps you acclimatise to the altitude.
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Best time to visit
May–September (dry season) for clear skies and reliable trails. The wet season (November–March) is green but rainier; afternoons can cloud over.
The Sacred Valley tips
- Sleep in the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu — it’s lower than Cusco and helps you acclimatise.
- A boleto turístico (tourist ticket) covers several Sacred Valley sites — buy it for the day.
- Ollantaytambo is the train gateway to Machu Picchu, so it’s an ideal last stop before the climb.
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