The Urubamba Valley is also known as the Sacred Valley following the length of the Vilcanota river and consists of areas between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Access to the area is via two paved roads. The most popular route runs from Cuzco Northwest via Chinchero (28 kms) to the town of Urubamba (57 kms). The second route leaves Cuzco towards Pisac (32 kms) and then follows the river Vilcanota to the town of Calca (51 kms) at the centre of the valley along this route you will pass picturesque villages, agricultural terraces and many archaeological sites. This area offers a wide range of activities including climbing, trekking, river rafting, archaeology, horse riding and mountain biking. The area is also extremely photographic with the summits in the Vilcanota range all reaching a height of over 5,000 metres.

Excursions from The Sacred Valley

Pisac A picturesque town with an important archaeological site. The gateway to the sacred valley has an old town considered to the one of the most beautiful Inca complexes and a new town from the colonial era. To reach the ruins, a fortress built to guard the capital of the empire requires a walk uphill past some of the most spectacular terraces of the region. The ruins perched at the top consist of impressive stone walls, a few towers, the sundial and various enclosures. The site offers spectacular views of the valley below. The new town has a colonial era church where services are still said in Quechua. Pisac is famous for its colourful market offering a wide range of good quality local crafts. The major market is on Sunday but there are also minor markets to be seen on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We highly recommend a visit to this old world town.

Calca Situated 50 kilometres North East of Cuzco is the beautiful Inca town of Calca. It lies at the foot of two snow capped peaks, Pitusiray and Sawasiray at an altitude of 2,930 metres. It has one of the largest markets in the Sacred Valley because of its links with the tropical Lares valley. Many Inca foundations can be found here and an impressive colonial church. Close by can be found the archaeological complex of Huchuy Qosqo and medicinal hot sulphur springs of Machacancha. The cold mineral springs of Minasmoqo are also nearby.

Maras A small picturesque town 67 kms North of Cuzco was once a prosperous colonial town. Today can be seen various manor houses with the coat of arms of the nobility of that era. Close to Maras are the Inca salt mines that are still being worked today. The mines take the form of hundreds of small water filled terraces and we highly recommend this place for a rare photographic opportunity. An archaeological site seven kilometres from Maras is recommended for its archaeological value and the beauty of the countryside. The site consists of concentric agricultural terraces, some as deep as 400 feet. It is thought the Incas used the different microclimates to create a large variety of crops and is possibly an early example of an agricultural laboratory

Ollantaytambo 93 kilometres north east of Cuzco lies this important town with the majority of the buildings dating from the Inca era. Above the town stands the fortress which guarded the entrance to this part of the valley, it also served to offer protection from the lower jungles. The fortress is made of a series of terraces made up of carved stones accessed by long staircases. It was here that Manco Inca fought the troops of Hermando Pizarro in 1537.

Chinchero A traditional town overlooked by the snowy peaks of Chincon, a Quechua word for ‘courageous man’. Its Plaza de Armas has a huge Inca wall with ten large trapezoidal niches in perfect condition. Again this place has a well attended Sunday market which attracts Campesinos who travel from the great heights of the valley to sell their produce. From here it is also possible to visit the lakes of Guaypo and Piuray .

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