Between Cusco and Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile corridor of colonial villages, archaeological sites, and remarkable Andean scenery. These ten places deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Sacred Valley highlights
- Pisac: a crafts market and an impressive archaeological complex high above the valley.
- Ollantaytambo: a living Inca town and fortress overlooking the valley.
- Moray: circular terraces once used as an Inca agricultural laboratory.
- Maras Salt Mines: thousands of salt ponds with pre-Inca origins.
- Chinchero: living textile traditions and a colonial church built on Inca foundations.
- Urubamba: the valley’s culinary and transport hub.
- Calca: a town known for nearby hot springs.
- Pinkuylluna: ancient Inca storehouses above Ollantaytambo.
- Huchuy Qosqo: a less-visited treasure ideal for hiking.
- Maras village: colonial houses with carved stone doorways.
Travel tip
Many of these sites are covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket. A visit to the valley can also help you acclimatize before traveling to Machu Picchu.
Want to explore the Sacred Valley at your own pace? We design custom itineraries with local transport and guiding.
