The area of the Urubamba Valley between Pisac and Machu Picchu is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Incas saw this beautiful valley as a representation of heaven on earth, imbuing the Urubamba River with symbolic importance, and built many magnificent temples and fortresses along its banks. Today's visitors can explore numerous Inca holy sites, large and small, gaining an insight into this fascinating ancient civilisation.
The valley has always been very fertile, enjoying a pleasant climate and was the main food-growing area for the Inca Empire. The area continues to produce maize, fruit and vegetables today and there are many towns and villages in the valley where traditional crafts and customs exist alongside modern techniques and practises. This is also a region of great natural beauty, with stunning mountain scenery and lush agricultural terraces. No trip to Peru would be complete without a visit to the Sacred Valley.
The Urubamba River (also known as the Vilcanota and the Wilcamayu) is a meltwater river created by the glaciers at La Raya, about half way between Puno and Cusco. If you are travelling on the train from Puno these can be seen on the right hand side. From a bubbling trickle you can follow the growth of this river right up to a town called Urcos. The railway leaves the river here as you ascend the Huatanay valley to Cusco. The river continues on to Pisac.
The Sacred Valley contains some of the most visited archaeological sites in the region around Cusco, including Machu Picchu, as well as some less frequented but no less interesting attractions, such as the Salt Pans at Maras, and contemporary towns and villages.
Pisac
This delightful little village is the highest settlement in the Sacred Valley at 2920m. It is characterised by the huge Pisonay trees in the central square, however on the market days these are all but hidden by hundreds of stalls.
Another draw of Pisac are the ruins above the town. The stonework here is very impressive, especially in the religious complex, which has an Inti Huatana (hitching post of the sun) similar to Machu Picchu but sadly almost destroyed by the Spanish.
Calca
This is the largest town in the valley and is an original Inca settlement. During Manco Inca's rebellion of 1536 the Incas made this their first base before retreating to Ollantaytambo. There are thermal baths in Machachanca about 1½ hours walk from the town. The snowy peaks behind Calca are Pitusiary and Sawasiray.
Yucay
This is another Inca settlement and there are still traces of their constructions around the plaza. This is a very tranquil place to stay in the valley and is not greatly visited by tourists. The zone from Calca to Yucay was considered to be some of the most fertile land in the valley and thus in the whole Inca range.
Urubamba
Urubamba is not an Inca settlement but its central position in the valley has led to its growth. It is a delightful laid back town with a warmer climate than Cusco enabling palms, fruit trees and Pisonay to grow here. It is a good base from which to explore the rest of the valley. The snow peaks behind Urubambaare Chicon, Illahuaman & Pumahuanca.
The Salt Pans at Maras
Between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo is the town of Maras, site of the centuries old salineras or salt pans. As with all ancient cultures salt was hugely important, especially for the jungle tribes who lacked sodium in their diet. These pans are fed by an underground stream high in mineral content which comes out of the southern hillside of the valley. The water drains into pans created by terracing where the water gradually evaporates leaving thick deposits of salt. The pans have been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years and are still in use to this day.
Moray
The best way to describe this pre-Inca site is as an agricultural testing station. It consists of 4 deep depressions, which have been enlarged and terraced, forming parabolic shapes like a radar dishes. This shape enabled the agriculturalists to mimic a number of different climates by changing the aspect, elevation, humidity and soil type, all within the same area.
Ollantaytambo
This wonderful town is one of the few places that still retain the original Inca layout. The ruins at Ollantaytambo are also very impressive. It was to this town that Manco Inca retreated in the great revolt against the Spanish. Indeed this is the only place where the Incas won a battle against the Conquistadores.
Chinchero
This was the largest settlement on the plateau between Cusco and the Valley. Chinchero (3750m) was an Inca site characterised by the huge niches on the wall facing the plaza, however it is now most famous for its Sunday market. There is a quaint restored colonial church here too.
Continuing from Chinchero, which is one of the highest points on the route, the road levels off. After a few winding bends you are greeted by one of the most amazing views in the Andes. The valley seems to drop vertically below and the far side looms in front of you. On a clear day you can see the huge Chicon, Illahuaman and Pumahuanca snowcaps behind the lower valley walls. The descent from here is hair raising as your road zigzags down the sheer face.
The Sacred Valley also contains the world famous site of Machu Picchu, the famous 'Lost City of the Incas'. Discovered as recently as 1911, Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site. It is located on a limestone ridge about 600 metres above the Urubamba River, and is often shrouded in cloud. The city was divided into 3 sections, agricultural, urban and religious and is very well preserved. Machu Picchu can be reached by train from Cusco, or on foot, following the famous Inca Trail.
The Sacred Valley offers opportunities for hiking, horse riding, mountain biking and white water rafting. These are great ways to excplore this beautiful area. Visitors can enjoy treks lasting from a couple of hours to several days, through small villages and past breathtaking scenery and often taking in remote Inca sites.
