The Sacred Valley Peru has become in recent years, one of the most important destinations in South America, is the valley of the Urubamba River and is known worldwide as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley lodges beautiful traditional Andean towns of the time of the colony; In them you can find ancient Inca settlements scattered along the valley, in the middle of mountains belonging to the chains of the Andes mountain range.
Structures such as those you can see in the towns of Pisac or Ollantaytambo, have made it one of the favorite places for travelers from all over the world, especially since it is the place where you will have to enter the Inca city of Machu Picchu. This Sacred Valley was the center of Tahuantinsuyo, the largest known empire of the Western Hemisphere, it ran from Colombia and Ecuador, through Peru and Bolivia, to the northern part of the nations of Argentina and Chile; and its capital is the city of Cusco, known as the "navel of the world".
Meaning & History
For the Inca, the Sacred Valley was the center of their culture with the capital Cusco. According to legend, Viracocha, the sun god and creative being of the Inca culture, got fed up with uncivilized, low-level people at some point. So he sent his divine children Manco Capac and Mama Occlo to earth to bring the shop into shape and create some advanced culture in the form of agriculture and animal husbandry, religion, law and order. When the two descended on Lake Titicaca, they had a golden wand with them. This Tupayawri would automatically sink into the very fertile spot where the future center of the empire was to emerge. That happened where Cusco is today.
The center of the Inca culture was created and gradually spread into the Sacred Valley. For the Incas, the Sacred Valley and river were not just any fertile valley, but nothing less than the reflection of the upper world of the Milky Way, where their ancestors lived.
Mixing legend with historical data, Manco Capac ruled over the Incas around 1200 AD. It was only 120 years later that the culture started its first campaigns beyond the Sacred Valley and the spread took its course rapidly. In the 16th century, large parts of Chile, the Andes region of Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and southern Colombia were subjugated. The impressive high culture came to an abrupt end when the Spaniards invaded in 1532.
Where is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The valley of the Urubamba River or "Sacred Valley of the Incas", is located 15 km northeast of the city of Cusco, reached by a paved road. A trip by car to one of the nearest towns will take you around 40 minutes. From there you can move to the other villages of the valley.
How is the valley climate?
The Sacred Valley is located at 2,800 masl, 600 meters below Cusco, and enjoys one of the best climates of this region, temperatures during the day vary between 19 ° and 24 ° C. This privileged climate made the Incas take it as their main center of production, experimentation and agricultural research. Nowadays, travelers use the Sacred Valley to acclimatize, before starting their tours through Cusco and Machu Picchu, and without a doubt one of the best ways to avoid altitude sickness.
What to see in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
Known by the Incas as Willcamayu, the beautiful valley extends from the town of Pisac to Ollantaytambo, along the Urubamba River. The ancient Inca settlements in these cities are presented as checkpoints, before entering the "Inca Trail" that leads to the sacred city of the Incas, Machu Picchu; They are simply amazing, and one of the best previews of what you will see in Wonder.
Pisac
The town of Pisac is located 33 kilometers from the city of Cusco and is presented as the door to the Sacred Valley Peru. It is world famous for its artisan market and its impressive archaeological remains, located on a mountain above the town. This town was a kind of capital of the region in the time of the Incas, very important for its excellent location and fertile land. The Inca and colonial constructions that are exhibited in its territory, are admirable for their great invoice and for the platforms that surround the mountains and polished stone structures, assembled to perfection. On the other hand, the town of Pisac has become the spiritual center of the Sacred Valley Peru, it can have all kinds of experiences and spiritual retreats, as well as meet people from all over the world interested in this.
Urubamba
Urubamba is one of the most important cities of the valley at present, it is a city that was born during the colony and is considered the world capital of corn. This is possible because it is watered by numerous rivers that are born in the peaks of the glacier mountains; all this territory was very appreciated by the Incas due to the fertility of their lands and the great qualities for cultivation. It is one of the best places to relax in the valley, you will see many foreigners, but beware, they are not tourists, they are people who left their countries and decided to stay and live in this cozy town.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo, also known as Ollanta, is located 97 km northwest of the city of Cusco; approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car. It was during the time of the Incas a fortified city, with temples, urban, agricultural sectors and walls of defense. It is known that the Inca city of Ollantaytambo served as an administrative control post. After the Spanish invasion, it became one of the favorite places of the viceroys. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru and South America; In addition, many people consider that after Machu Picchu, the town and the ruins of Ollantaytambo contain the most impressive Inca stone work in Peru; however, it is not the only amazing thing about this place. Only a few years ago, the global positioning systems allowed us to discover that Ollantaytambo is aligned with other ancient constructions throughout the world; the pyramids of Giza, the islands of Pascua, the Nazca lines, are just some of them. In addition, the most important archaeological remains from all over the world are aligned around this line. We recommend you
Which route to choose in the Sacred Valley?
There are two routes that lead into the Sacred Valley and both are extremely scenic. The eastern route leads to Pisac and from there further along the Urubamba River to Urubamba (passing Calca). From there you can drive back to Cusco via Chinchero. So you would do a lap. If you start your tour very early in the morning you could visit the market and ruins of Pisac and see Chinchero and from there continue to Maras and Moray.
From Pisac you can also continue to Ollantaytambo (about 1 1/2 hours with a change in Urubamba), if you want to go to Machu Picchu afterwards. In Ollantaytambo you can also stay for 1 – 2 days.
The western route leads from Cusco to Chinchero and from there to Urubamba. For me personally the more scenic route, because you pass wide fields and see the outstanding mountains in the distance. On this route you can visit the archaeological sites of Maras and Moray and the village of Chinchero with its ruins. From Urubamba you also have the choice of driving east to Pisac or west to Ollantaytambo.
What other places to visit in Sacred Valley?
During the last day in Cusco, definitely the best option is to visit the Rainbow Mountain. However, there are other good options as well.
Maras and Moray - The salt mines of Maras and the circular Inca platforms of Moray are two of the most popular tourist attractions of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour to these places lasts half a day. You can go by bike, ATV or tourist transport.
South Valley of Cusco – The South Valley of Cusco is an area little visited by tourists. However, it includes such spectacular places as the Sacred Valley. The tour starts at the archeological site of Tipón. Then visit the pre-Inca citadel of Piquillacta and the Church of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of America.
Humantay Lagoon - This beautiful lagoon is surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes such as snow, mountains, fields and clear skies. You can reach it by tourist transport and a little walk. The lagoon is close to the famous snow-capped Salkantay. This destination is ubicated in the Salkantay Trek
Machu Picchu - The Machu Picchu is the most important tourist attraction of Peru. You can visit by train or hike. If you want to do the traditional tour, the Machu Picchu tours are the best options for you. In case you want to walk during the 5 or 2 day, these Inca Trail tours and alternative hikes are the best option for you.
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