1 Day in the Sacred Valley

Our Local Expert Says:

Recommended to lodge here for better aclimatization

Description:

Flanking the Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. The approximately 26 mile long valley was once the domain of the Incas for the abundance of corn and natural wealth it yielded. There are plenty of archaeological ruins scattered along the length and breadth of the valley, each guarding their precious secrets. In the ruins of Pisac, farmers still cultivate the terraces, seemingly knowing that all was one, and one is all. It's well worth arranging an organized tour of the valley. You'll run into far fewer tourists than at Machu Picchu.

Description:

This restaurant is the best in the Sacred Valley. Chef Pio prepares great Novoandina food and also gives cooking classes via the Kuychi Rumi hotel.

Description:

The site of Moray is an excellent example of Andean technological development during the Incan period. The circular terraces we know today were once an Incan agricultural investigation center, where they experimented with crops at different altitude levels. The complicated terraces and irrigation systems, and environmental temperature and frost control, permitted the Incas to cultivate more that 250 varieties of vegetables at this site.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great Sunday local market for handicrafts and textiles.

Description:

This village is built on the historic remains of the ancient "Hacienda" of Tupac Inca Yupanqui. The hillside surrounding Chinchero was transformed into a group of terraces lined by typical Incan stone walls. Large rooms were built above the terraces and were used for administrative and religious functions. Today, you will find colonial bell towers that have been built over the Incan ruins. The colorful Sunday market in Chinchero is where the communities of the region exchange their agricultural products and handicrafts.