SACRED VALLEY (PERU)
The Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River valley, is a lower-altitude paradise nestled between Cusco and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. It was the heartland of the Inca Empire, a fertile agricultural zone dotted with spectacular ruins.
This mesmerizing subregion combines magnificent Andean landscapes with the profound historical legacy of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. It is a land where ancient traditions endure in vibrant markets and monumental stone architecture.
Most Popular Attractions
Inca Citadel & Monumental Ruins:
Machu Picchu: The iconic 15th-century Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Ollantaytambo Fortress & Town: A massive Inca fortress with impressive terraces and a key logistical hub. The town itself is a rare example of a continuously inhabited Inca town.
Pisac Archaeological Park: A large complex featuring impressive agricultural terraces, a ceremonial center, and commanding views over the valley.
Moray: A fascinating Inca agricultural laboratory featuring circular, sunken terraces of varying microclimates.
Chinchero Archaeological Park: Inca ruins and agricultural terraces, often combined with a visit to the town’s famous Sunday market.
Huchuy Qosqo: “Little Cusco,” a set of well-preserved Inca ruins located on a plateau above the town of Lamay, accessible by hike.
Pumamarca Ruins: Lesser-visited Inca and pre-Inca ruins near Ollantaytambo, offering stunning panoramic views.
Colonial Towns, Markets & Living Culture:
Pisac Market: A vibrant Sunday market famous for its artisan crafts, textiles, and traditional produce; a key cultural experience.
Chinchero Town: Known for its traditional weaving demonstrations and colorful textiles, showcasing ancient Inca dyeing and weaving techniques.
Urubamba Town: The largest town in the valley, serving as a modern hub with a mix of local and tourist restaurants and hotels.
Yucay: A small, picturesque town known for its warmer climate and the Colonial church and palace of the Inca Huayna Cápac.
Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras): Thousands of shallow, terraced salt pools that have been manually harvested since Inca times, creating a unique visual landscape.
Andean Textile Center (Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco): Located in Cusco but often visited from the Sacred Valley, dedicated to preserving traditional textile arts.
Natural & Scenic Sites:
Urubamba River: The sacred river that runs through the valley, popular for rafting and scenic views.
Lares Hot Springs (Aguas Termales de Lares): Natural thermal baths accessible by a scenic route, often the start or end point of the Lares Trek.
Perolniyoc Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall near the town of Ollantaytambo, often included in short hikes.
Salkantay Mountain Views: Stunning, distant views of the sacred Salkantay peak are often visible from the upper parts of the valley.
Patacancha Valley: A high-altitude valley near Ollantaytambo, home to indigenous Quechua communities known for their ancestral practices and weaving.
Trekking & Adventure Hubs:
Inca Trail Gateway (Km 82): The traditional starting point for the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, near Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo Train Station: The main rail hub for travelers heading to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Sacred Valley Via Ferrata & Zipline: Adventure activities in the Pachar area between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Ollantaytambo Citadel: Wander through the massive Inca fortress, agricultural terraces, and temple on the hillside, one of the best-preserved examples of Inca engineering and town planning.
Visit the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras): Marvel at the thousands of shallow salt pans carved into the mountainside, still actively harvested using ancient techniques.
Discover the Moray Archaeological Site: Explore the intriguing circular agricultural terraces, which experts believe were used by the Incas as an experimental farming laboratory.
Hike to Huchuy Qosqo: Take a challenging but rewarding day hike to this lesser-visited Inca ruin (meaning ‘Little Cusco’) high above the Sacred Valley, offering stunning panoramic views.
Go White-Water Rafting on the Urubamba River: Experience the thrill of rafting on the river that runs through the valley, with various difficulty levels available near Ollantaytambo and Urubamba.
Browse the Pisac Market & Ruins: Visit the large, bustling Sunday market for traditional textiles and crafts, and then climb to the stunning hilltop Inca complex overlooking the modern town.
Take a Peruvian Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic dishes like Aji de Gallina or Lomo Saltado, often incorporating local ingredients like Andean potatoes and quinoa.
Cycle Through the Valley: Rent a mountain bike and explore the less-traveled back roads connecting the towns of Pisac, Calca, and Urubamba, taking in the agricultural landscape.
Visit an Andean Weaver Cooperative: Learn about the ancient practice of spinning, dyeing (using natural pigments), and weaving Alpaca wool, a vital part of the local culture, often with opportunities to purchase genuine textiles.
Go Horseback Riding: Take a guided horseback excursion through the rural fields and traditional farming communities surrounding Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
Experience a Pachamanca Feast: Participate in a traditional Peruvian meal cooked underground on hot stones, a deeply cultural and delicious experience focusing on meat and potatoes.
Local Tips & Transport
Cusco to Sacred Valley: Most visitors arrive via the main road from Cusco (via Pisac or Chinchero). You can hire a private taxi for a fixed day-tour rate, which is the most flexible option.
Colectivos (Shared Taxis): This is the most economical way to travel between the towns in the Sacred Valley (e.g., Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo). They are usually minivans or small buses that leave once full. Look for the designated stations in each town.
Local Buses: Large public buses are available for long-distance travel, but they are slower and stop frequently. Colectivos are generally preferred for inter-town trips.
Trains to Machu Picchu: Ollantaytambo is the main rail hub. Most visitors take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Book train tickets well in advance, especially during peak season.
Taxis: Taxis are abundant in the major towns. Always agree on the fare before getting into a taxi, as meters are rarely used outside of Cusco city.
Altitude Acclimatization: The Sacred Valley (approx. 2,800m / 9,200ft) is significantly lower than Cusco (approx. 3,400m / 11,200ft). Many people prefer to head directly to the Valley upon arrival for a day or two to acclimatize before returning to Cusco.
The Andean Climate: The Valley has two main seasons: the dry season (April–October) is sunny with cool nights, while the wet season (November–March) is characterized by daily rain showers, though mornings are often clear. Dress in layers, as temperatures can fluctuate wildly throughout the day.
The Quechua Language: While Spanish is the official language, many people in the remote or traditional communities are Quechua speakers. Learning a simple Quechua phrase like Imaynalla (hello) will be genuinely appreciated.
Coca Leaves: The locals chew or drink coca tea (mate de coca) to help with the altitude. This practice is completely legal and common in the Andes. Don’t be afraid to try it—it’s offered in most hotels and restaurants.
Negotiating Prices: In local markets and with private taxis, polite negotiation is expected, particularly if you are paying in cash. Be respectful and keep your counter-offer reasonable.
Tipping: Tipping (propina) is appreciated. In restaurants, 10% is standard for good service. For private guides, a tip is customary and often expected.
Hidden Gems:
- Temple of the Sun (Ollantaytambo): Located high up in the citadel, this unfinished section showcases massive, intricately cut pink granite blocks that reveal the Incas’ advanced stonework.
- Chinchero: This quiet, beautiful town is famous for its picturesque colonial church built on an Inca foundation and its women’s weaving cooperatives, offering a less touristy experience than Pisac.
- Calca Hot Springs: After a day of hiking, the medicinal thermal baths near the town of Calca offer a relaxing, local experience.
- The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MAP) in Cusco: While technically outside the Valley, it’s a great stop on the way back to Cusco, housing a stunning collection of Inca and pre-Inca artifacts in a beautifully restored colonial house.
Top Restaurants
Chuncho [$15-$30] – Located in Ollantaytambo, this is a must-visit restaurant experience started by a local, offering traditional ancestral foods made with the freshest local ingredients in a chic, rustic atmosphere.
Apu Verónica Restaurant [$15-$25] – A popular dining spot in Ollantaytambo, this family-run restaurant pours passion into its excellent, warm, and welcoming food, specializing in Peruvian classics.
Restaurante Doña Clorinda [$15-$25] – Situated in a gorgeous local home just outside of Pisac town, this family-friendly spot is very popular with Peruvian visitors for its expansive menu of traditional Andean dishes like ajiácos and causas.
Puka Rumi Restaurant [$15-$25] – Found on Ventiderio Street in Ollantaytambo, this simple, rustic, second-floor restaurant is run by a local woman, Rufina, and serves generous portions of satisfying, home-style cuisine.
La Ruta del Sabor [$10-$20] – A cozy, unassuming spot in an area like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, serving hearty and authentic local Andean dishes that are a favorite among local residents.
Julian Restaurant [$15-$25] – Found in the gateway town of Aguas Calientes, this small restaurant prepares delicious Peruvian dishes at a fair price, and is famous for its lomo saltado, ceviche, and fried trout.
Ylla Fusion [$15-$25] – Located in Aguas Calientes, this restaurant is known for its Peruvian food combinations, friendly service, and beautiful views from its terrace overlooking the town.
Tawa in Yucay [$15-$30] – Opened by a Peruvian couple with decades of experience, this serious local restaurant in Yucay offers a refined take on traditional Peruvian cuisine in a central location on Manco II Plaza.
Native Cocina Peruana [$15-$25] – A local favorite in the Sacred Valley that is loved for its traditional Peruvian meals, along with other items like pizzas and international dishes.
Tunupa Restaurant [$20-$35] – Set in a superb hacienda on the banks of the Urubamba River, this restaurant offers the best of Peruvian culinary art, often in a buffet-style setting, using exquisite ingredients from the Andes.
Q’anela [$20-$35] – A top-rated restaurant in Urubamba, contributing to the town’s budding culinary scene with a focus on fresh, local Sacred Valley ingredients.
Paca Paca [$20-$35] – Highly-rated and located in Urubamba, this establishment is a favored spot for a taste of the region’s emerging and authentic gastronomy.
La Paila Restaurant [$15-$25] – Located near the plaza in Pisac, this spot offers comforting food like alpaca burgers, tequeños, and papa a la huancaína, making it a great place for a casual meal.
Cuchara de Palo [$15-$30] – Known for its rustic charm, this local favorite in the Sacred Valley serves innovative Peruvian dishes, balancing a cozy atmosphere with creative food.
Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located in Aguas Calientes, this restaurant offers Peruvian food, including alpaca steak and filled chicken breast, paired perfectly with their selection of cold craft beers.
Full House Peruvian Cuisine & Craft Beer [$15-$25] – A spacious restaurant in Aguas Calientes with stunning views of the Vilcanota River, offering a fusion of grilled dishes, sauces, and a variety of pizzas.
Chef House Peruvian Food [$15-$25] – A popular restaurant located along the river in Aguas Calientes, offering fantastic food and service with a variety of dishes like ceviche, alpaca, and trout.
Los Ponchos Peruvian Kitchen [$15-$25] – Located in Aguas Calientes, this is a solid choice for traditional Peruvian dishes at a reasonable price, providing an authentic taste of local cuisine.
El Huacatay [$25-$45] – Found in Urubamba, this small but sophisticated restaurant was serving Peruvian fusion long before it was popular, combining Andean and international flavors with cuts of meat, pasta, and interesting vegetarian options.
Iskay [$25-$45] – Located in Urubamba, the name means “two” in Quechua, reflecting its blend of ancestral Andean tradition and contemporary creativity, with a focus on sustainable, local, and organic products.
Amanto [$25-$40] – This charming restaurant, located near where the train leaves for Machu Picchu, offers a delightful blend of traditional Andean cuisine with modern twists, featuring dishes like causa acevichado and alpaca carpaccio.
3 Keros [$20-$40] – Situated in Urubamba, this spot brings a delicious mix of local and international dishes to the table, known for its good atmosphere, delicious trout and shrimp ceviche, and quinoa mushroom risotto.
Alma Bar Restaurante [$25-$45] – Located in Urubamba, this spacious restaurant in the Casa Andina Premium hotel beautifully combines a modern atmosphere with Andean style, offering great views and Peruvian flavors.
Restaurant Bistro Bar Indio Feliz [$25-$40] – A popular dining spot in Aguas Calientes, known for its unique blend of creative Peruvian and French cuisine, with distinct flavor combinations like alpaca tenderloin in passion fruit sauce.
Wayra Restaurant at Hotel Sol y Luna [$30-$50] – Located in Urubamba, this highly-regarded restaurant is known for its Peruvian favorites, including the traditional Pachamanca (meat and vegetables cooked underground), served on an outdoor terrace.
Casa Colonial Restaurante & Bar [$20-$35] – This restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience in the Sacred Valley, combining Peruvian and international cuisine within a colonial setting.
The Tree House Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located in Aguas Calientes, this restaurant is known for its organic fusion cuisine, emphasizing sustainable practices and fresh ingredients in a mid-to-high-range setting.
Qunuq Restaurant by Sumaq [$30-$50] – Found near Aguas Calientes, this restaurant sources ingredients from high ecological zones to offer an elevated dining experience focused on the finest features of Peruvian cuisine.
El Huerto Restaurant [$35-$55] – Located in the heart of the valley, part of the esteemed Belmond Hotel group, this restaurant offers elegant dining blending local flavors with an added modern twist.
Hawa Restaurant [$25-$40] – This restaurant in the Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a unique culinary experience with natural ingredients grown on their own agricultural lands, creating distinct local flavors.
Pueblo Viejo Machupicchu Restaurant [$20-$35] – An elegant dining spot in Aguas Calientes that blends the best of Peruvian and Italian cuisine, with a chef-owner ensuring authentic Mediterranean experience alongside Peruvian dishes.
MIL Centro [$100-$200+] – A truly unique and innovative fine dining experience by world-renowned chef Virgilio Martínez (of Central fame). Located near the Moray archaeological site, the multi-course tasting menu focuses on eight high-altitude ecosystems and locally grown products.
Huayoccari Hacienda Restaurant [$40-$70] – Dining at this hidden gem, nestled in the lush private estate of the Lambarri-Orihuela family in Huayoccari village, offers an intimate experience steeped in traditional Peruvian hospitality and a focus on local ingredients.
Tambo del Inka Restaurant [$50-$80] – Located in Urubamba, this is one of the best and more expensive venues for dinner in the Sacred Valley, offering a luxurious farm-to-table experience that blends Andean traditions with modern flavors.
Explora Valle Sagrado Restaurant [$80-$120+] – The on-site culinary experience at this luxurious lodge in Urquillos was developed by renowned chef Virgilio Martínez, with a unique menu inspired by the valley’s biodiversity, often included in the all-inclusive rate.
El Albergue Ollantaytambo [$30-$50] – This restaurant in Ollantaytambo is known for its farm-to-table approach, sourcing fresh, organic ingredients from its own farm and serving traditional Peruvian dishes in a beautiful setting right at the train station.
Antica Osteria Pisac [$25-$40] – Located in Pisac, this restaurant specializes in freshly baked pizza, handmade pasta, and decadent chocolate desserts, offering a delightful and slightly different culinary break.
Cervecería del Valle Sagrado [$10-$20] – While primarily a brewery near Urubamba, it’s a must-visit spot where you can complement their constantly-changing, artisanal craft beers with a small bite to eat, offering a great local experience.
Hearts Cafe [$15-$25] – A popular choice in the Sacred Valley for its good food and focus on a social project, serving a mix of cafe fare and hearty meals.
Alhambra Buffet [$30-$50] – One of the Sacred Valley’s buffet restaurants, reinvented to offer a unique gastronomic experience with an extensive selection of Andean and international dishes intended to please a wide range of tastes.
Mapacho Craft Beer and Peruvian Cuisine [$20-$35] – A casual spot in Aguas Calientes that lets you enjoy the best of Peruvian cuisine with cold craft beers, offering a relaxed dining option by the river.
Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant Sanctuary Lodge [$40-$60] – An exquisite and varied gourmet buffet located right next to the Machu Picchu archaeological site, offering Peruvian, South American, and American food in a premium setting.
El Mapi Restaurant by Inkaterra [$25-$40] – Located in Aguas Calientes, this popular spot offers a buffet of Peruvian and South American food, belonging to the Inkaterra hotel chain and featuring a friendly bar.
Hawa Restaurant, Lamay [$20-$40] – A restaurant with a unique culinary focus on natural ingredients grown on their own agricultural lands, providing a truly farm-to-table experience in the village of Lamay.
MANTAY [$20-$35] – The on-site restaurant at El Albergue in Ollantaytambo, known for working only with local ingredients to create traditional Peruvian dishes, which can also be adapted to individual wishes.
Gusto [$35-$55] – A highly-regarded spot in the Sacred Valley, focusing on using regional ingredients to create elevated, modern Peruvian cuisine with a flair for presentation and bold flavors.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Puka Punku Bar (Ollantaytambo): A rustic and cozy bar nestled near the main plaza in Ollantaytambo, perfect for enjoying a Pisco Sour or a local craft beer in a relaxed atmosphere after a long day of visiting the ruins.
Bar El Refugio (Urubamba): Found within the Tambo del Inka hotel in Urubamba, this upscale bar offers a sophisticated setting to enjoy classic cocktails and wines, often featuring live music.
Kawsaypunku Cocktail Bar (Ollantaytambo): A vibrant spot centrally located in Ollantaytambo offering a wide range of cocktails, including creative takes on Peruvian classics, with a lively, welcoming vibe.
Cervecería del Valle Sagrado (Pachay, near Urubamba): While primarily a craft brewery in the heart of the valley, its taproom serves as a popular social spot and night destination, offering excellent house-brewed beers and simple, refreshing cocktails.
The Blue Llama (Pisac): Situated in the colorful town of Pisac, this bar is popular with travelers and offers a relaxed setting for drinks, often hosting local musicians or open mic nights.
El Huacatay Restaurant Bar (Urubamba): Known for its exquisite food, the bar area offers a refined selection of cocktails and fine Peruvian spirits in a beautiful, garden-like setting in Urubamba.
Chaska Olla Cocktail Bar (Ollantaytambo): A small, intimate bar near the train station in Ollantaytambo, specializing in innovative cocktails and infusions using local Andean ingredients.
Qeswa Pub & Restaurant (Urubamba): Located centrally in Urubamba, this spot offers a great mix of local and international drinks in a welcoming environment, often transitioning from a dinner spot to a lively bar.
Café Mayu Bar (Ollantaytambo): Found within the El Albergue hotel in Ollantaytambo, this classic bar offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere perfect for sipping wine or a classic Pisco Sour before catching the train.
El Balcón de Ollantaytambo (Ollantaytambo): Offering a second-floor view of Ollantaytambo’s main square, this venue provides a pleasant setting for enjoying a drink while watching the town’s activity below.
Perú Bar (Calca): A local favorite in the town of Calca, offering a genuine Peruvian bar experience with loud music, simple drinks, and a chance to mingle with locals.
Chichería y Cervecería La Picantería (Urubamba): A rustic, traditional spot focusing on chicha (a traditional corn beverage) and local beers, offering a culturally authentic, relaxed night out in Urubamba.
Muna (Pisac): A charming café-bar in Pisac that serves excellent coffee and drinks during the day, transforming into a cozy spot for cocktails and conversation in the evening.
Los Tambos Lounge (Urubamba): Located in one of the valley’s quieter parts, this lounge bar focuses on a relaxed, upscale environment ideal for unwinding with a premium spirit or signature cocktail.
Apu Lodge Bar (Ollantaytambo): Found within the Apu Lodge in Ollantaytambo, this smaller bar is known for its friendly staff and personalized cocktail service in a chill, mountainous setting.