Sacred Valley
The valley encompasses a series of towns and sites that demonstrate the Inca mastery of engineering and agriculture:
Location and Geography: It sits at a lower altitude than Cusco (around 2,800 to 3,000 m.a.s.l. or 9,200 to 9,800 ft.), making it ideal for acclimatization. It is flanked by high mountains and traversed by the sacred river.
Key Archaeological Complexes:
Pisac: Famous for its stunning stepped agricultural terraces clinging to the mountainside and its vibrant artisan market.
Ollantaytambo: A formidable Inca military fortress and temple. It is one of the few areas that still maintains the original Inca urban layout and serves as the primary train station to Machu Picchu.
Chinchero: A town known for its colonial church built upon Inca foundations and its workshops specializing in traditional Andean weaving.
Purpose: It was the breadbasket of the Inca empire. The Incas built andenes (agricultural terraces) on the mountain slopes to maximize arable land and used sites like Moray as experimental agricultural laboratories.
Introduction
VALLE SAGRADO
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the cultural and historical heart of the Cusco region. It stretches along the Urubamba (or Vilcanota) River and was a vital area for the Inca civilization due to its favorable climate, fertile lands, and abundant water supply. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the valley is a tapestry of Andean landscapes, traditional communities, and spectacular archaeological complexes. It served as the primary center for agricultural production for the empire, making it a strategic and sacred axis.
Difficulty and Preparation
- Difficulty: Moderate to high due to altitude and uneven terrain
- Preparation: It is essential to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
- Equipment: Thermal clothing, trekking boots, hiking poles, sunscreen and camping gear
FULL DAY
7:00 Departure from CuscoHotel pickup or meeting point. Start the road trip.
8:30 Visit to Pisac (Ruins and/or Market)Exploration of the agricultural terraces and the Inca archaeological complex. Time to visit the artisan market.
11:00 Travel to UrubambaBrief stop for lunch in the center of the Sacred Valley.
14:00 Visit to the Moray TerracesExploration of the Inca agricultural laboratory, with its perfect concentric circles.
15:30 Visit to the Ollantaytambo FortressTour of the formidable military fortress and temple, and the structure of its living Inca town.
17:30 Return to CuscoBoard the transportation back to the city.
19:30 Arrival in CuscoEnd of the tour, drop-off near the Plaza de Armas or at your hotel.
INCLUDES + ROUTE DETAILS
Transportation
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
Transportation to the trek start.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
Snacks (tea, hot water, cookies).
Cook and assistants during the trek.
Safety
First aid kit.
Emergency oxygen.
Not included:
Admission (15-20 soles)
Tips
Key Considerations
Intensity: This is an extremely long day (18 to 20 hours total) with significant travel time.
Bookings: Train tickets (round trip), bus tickets (up and down), and the Machu Picchu entrance ticket must be booked well in advance, especially since the most convenient times sell out quickly.
Acclimatization: It’s essential to have spent at least 1 or 2 full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before attempting this tour to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
