This big and fertile valley that lies north of Cusco offers a glimpse into Peruvian history. Besides enjoying fascinating landscapes, you will be able to explore numerous Inca archaeological sites and to visit typical Andean villages that have preserved their ancestral customs and traditions. Let’s talk about them!
Let’s start with Pisac, the first town on route. It is famous for their rows of agricultural terraces that descend the mountain and also for its colorful and traditional market where many tourists stop to shop local weaving and other handcrafts.
Ollantaytambo -my favorite place in the valley!- represents one of the best testimonies of the Incan architectural work. You can climb more than 200 steps up to a ceremonial center. From the top you will be dazzled with the immensity of the Sacred Valley. You can also go for a stroll around the town, buy some souvenirs in the local market and enjoy nice landscapes.
Next on my list? Maras. It is known for its more than 5,000 salt ponds that have been used to collect salt from an underground water source rich in iodine since the time of the Incas and that are still in use. As the sun evaporates the water, the salt crystallizes and is collected. Depending on the season and the stage of evaporation, the ponds can look white, pink, red or brown.
Only a short distance from Maras, you can get to Moray and visit its agricultural terraces, an impressive place that the Incas used as a laboratory. Due to the different environmental conditions of each terrace, there are different microclimates and this way the Incas could grow and do some important research on their crops.
Let’s make a stop here. Did you know that one of the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America is located in Moray? You need to visit MIL! This restaurant is ranked 35th and it comes from the team behind Central, the restaurant that topped this list from 2014 to 2016. Are you looking for a great culinary experience and also breath-taking views of the valley? This is the place to be!
Now, let’s continue. Chinchero is next on my list. This is a charming town quite known for its textile houses, where you can learn about the process to make and dye blankets and garments and the weaving techniques that are used by local families. It is also famous for its Sunday Market and for its Inca agricultural terraces in the surrounding area.
If fine pottery interests you, it would be a great idea to visit the Seminario Pottery Studio. Pablo Seminario has studied pottery techniques and styles from the peruvian ancient cultures and you could learn more about his ceramic art.
Finally, are you an adrenaline lover? If so, you can’t miss the opportunity to paraglide over the Andes, practice rafting in the Urubamba river, drive an ATV across the valley or to stay at the Skylodge, a hotel suspended in the air, at 400 meters above the valley.
Would you like to know about our tours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas? Please click here.
