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The Sacred Valley of the Incas: A Hidden Treasure Beyond Machu Picchu

While Machu Picchu rightfully captures the imagination of travelers worldwide, the Sacred Valley of the Incas offers equally magnificent experiences that many visitors overlook. At Salas Travel, we believe this verdant valley stretching from Pisac to Ollantaytambo deserves more than just a quick stopover on your way to Peru's most famous citadel.

As Cusco's leading local travel experts, we've crafted this guide to showcase why dedicating several days to exploring the Sacred Valley will enrich your Peruvian journey beyond measure.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas: A Hidden Treasure Beyond Machu Picchu

The Perfect Sacred Valley Itinerary: Treasures at Every Turn

Day 1: Pisac - Where Culture and History Converge

Your Sacred Valley adventure begins in Pisac, home to both spectacular ruins and Peru's most renowned artisan market:

  • Pisac Archaeological Park: Perched dramatically on a mountainside, these extensive ruins feature ceremonial centers, agricultural terraces, and some of the finest stonework outside of Machu Picchu. Our guides will reveal how this site served as both an astronomical observatory and defensive fortress.
  • Traditional Market: Immerse yourself in local culture at Pisac's vibrant market, where Quechua-speaking artisans from surrounding highlands gather to sell their handcrafted textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Unlike tourist markets in Cusco, Pisac's market (especially on Sundays) remains authentically Andean.
  • Agricultural Experiences: Through our community partnerships, Salas Travel offers exclusive opportunities to participate in traditional farming methods that have sustained Andean communities for centuries.

Day 2: Urubamba and Moray - Agricultural Marvels

The heart of the Sacred Valley reveals the Incas' genius for agricultural innovation:

  • Moray's Circular Terraces: These mysterious concentric circles carved into natural depressions served as an agricultural laboratory where Inca scientists studied how different microclimates affected crop growth. The temperature difference between the top and bottom terraces can reach 15°C (27°F)!
  • Maras Salt Ponds: Marvel at thousands of salt pans cascading down a hillside, operated using techniques passed down since pre-Inca times. The patchwork of white crystalline pools against the green landscape creates one of Peru's most photogenic scenes.
  • Farm-to-Table Lunch: Experience the Valley's renowned cuisine at a local organic farm where you'll enjoy dishes prepared with ingredients harvested the same day.

Day 3: Ollantaytambo - Living Inca City

The Sacred Valley journey culminates in what many consider Peru's most remarkable living Inca settlement:

  • Ollantaytambo Fortress: This massive stone complex showcases masterful Inca engineering with its terraces, water channels, and megalithic structures. As the site of a rare Inca military victory against Spanish conquistadors, it holds special historical significance.
  • Living Inca Town: Unlike most archaeological sites, Ollantaytambo remains inhabited, with residents living in homes built upon original Inca foundations. The town's grid layout, narrow cobblestone streets, and water canals have functioned continuously for over 500 years.
  • Traditional Chicha Houses: Visit local establishments marked by red flags to sample chicha, a traditional corn beer brewed using techniques unchanged for centuries.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Sacred Valley Experiences

At Salas Travel, we pride ourselves on revealing the Sacred Valley's secrets that most tourists miss:

Chinchero: The Rainbow Village

Known for its exceptional weavers, colonial church built atop Inca foundations, and Sunday market, Chinchero offers authentic cultural encounters away from the main tourist circuit.

Pumamarca Ruins

A short hike from Ollantaytambo leads to these rarely visited ruins with panoramic valley views and fascinating agricultural terraces, often explored in perfect solitude.

Yucay and the Royal Inca Estates

Once a retreat for Inca nobility, this picturesque town features the elaborate stonework of the Sayri Tupac palace and stunning mountain scenery.

Tipon's Water Engineering

Marvel at the Incas' hydraulic mastery at this lesser-known archaeological site, where perfectly functioning aqueducts and water channels have operated continuously for over 500 years.

Getting Around

The Sacred Valley stretches approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles), with attractions spread throughout. Options include:

  • Private Tour Services: Our most popular option, featuring a dedicated vehicle and guide for maximum flexibility
  • Group Tours: Cost-effective alternatives for solo travelers or budget-conscious visitors
  • Public Transportation: For adventurous travelers, local collectivos (shared vans) connect major points

Altitude Considerations

Unlike Cusco (3,400m), the Sacred Valley sits lower at 2,800-2,900m above sea level, making it an ideal first stop for acclimatization before tackling higher elevations. Many of our clients prefer beginning their Peru journey in the Valley for this reason.

The Sacred Valley offers accommodations ranging from luxurious spa resorts to charming family-owned lodges:

  • Luxury Options: Five-star properties like Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
  • Boutique Experiences: Intimate lodges featuring locally-inspired design and personalized service
  • Community-Based Tourism: Homestays that directly benefit local families and provide authentic cultural immersion
Featured tours on this blog
1. Machu Picchu full Day2. Sacred Valley of The Incas3. Maras Salt Mines and Moray4. South Valley Tour
Salas Travel