It is possible to visit the Sacred Valley along? Find here essential Information if you want to visit by yourself
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one day tour in the city of Cusco in Peru; this tour takes you to visit the mysterious Inca sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo; also, the local markets and enjoy the local cuisine in the town of Urubamba. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a vast area surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls where several small villages still are leaving farming the most prestigious crops like corn and vegetables. Along the Sacred Valley, the Incas has built temples, palaces and agricultural centers and water aqueducts which, to this day, survive despite the weather. The construction of Pisac and Ollantaytambo shows the excellent architects and engineer that they were. Today, most tourists visit these traditional and historic places by renting a tour. However, it is also possible to do it yourself.
How to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas without a travel agency
Nowadays, it is possible to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its main attractions such as Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo without organized tours. For that, you have to buy the CUSCO TOURIST TICKET in Cusco or when you visit each of these incredible places directly from the rangers; the price is the same. The transport you can take from the bus stop or you can take a private transport (Taxi).
What is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
It is a large and extraordinarily fertile valley Know as the Urubamba Valley located in the Andes next to the city of Cusco. The Incas organized a great empire which extended to the south of Colombia, to the north of Argentina and to almost all of Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru. Its capital was in Cusco. The geography of this place is blessed by a climate favorable to agriculture. Thus, the Incas raised their main buildings in the Sacred Valley, an area crossed by the Urubamba river. Over time, traditional towns have settled there and have retained many of their ancestral customs. Today, this region is one of the main tourist attractions when to travel to Machu Picchu.
When was built the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley is a nice and picturesque valley where exist a 15th century Inca constructions; the Incas built the great palaces and temples along the Sacred Valley after the XV century when the Inca Pachakutec won the war over the Chankas. For its construction the best engineers and architects of the empire are summoned, including the workers from different regions. Most of the sites were built with stones and thatched roofs.
What to do in the Sacred Valley?
Currently, the Sacred Valley of the Incas offers all kinds of experiences to visitors. The main attractions are the archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, because its history and the scenic environment; These Inca sites keep stone constructions as magnificent as Machu Picchu. In addition, there is an agricultural study center of great beauty and size known as Moray. Nearby there is a set of natural salt wells thousands of years old.
Several indigenous peoples settled in this fertile and land-rich region, which quickly adapted to tourism. Today, for example, the main cities that welcome visitors are Pisac, Urubamba, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. These retain many traditions such as alpaca spinning, markets where typical products from each region are sold, delicious cuisine made from natural products and much more.
The Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota) flows through most of these cities surrounded by mountains. The incredible geography of the place is the scene of a diversity of adventure sports. The most popular are mountain biking, canoeing on the Urubamba river, walks in the snowy valleys, ziplining or canopy from mountain peaks and much more.
The sacred Valley tour by yourself
It is possible to enjoy the Sacred Valley for yourself. Costs depend on the means of transport used and the places you want to visit. There are public transport services, as well as private taxis that accompany tourists during their visit. The most important places to visit are: Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt mines. Almost all of them include archaeological sites, adventure sports and much more.
Most of these towns around have accommodation, restaurants and other tourist services. Many visitors choose to spend the night in these places and learn more about their attractions. Pisac is one of the villages most recommended by the traditions that its inhabitants preserve. Urubamba has the highest quality hotel and restaurants services. The town of Ollantaytambo maintains its Inca urban organization. From ollantaytambo you can take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes and visit the lost city of Machu Picchu.
If you want to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas in one day and alone; the ideal is to start visiting the zone of Pisaq then continue toward Urubamba and finally Ollantaytambo. Another day you can visit the Chinchero, Moray & Maras salt mines. Entrance to each of their respective archaeological sites can be obtained at the main gate. Private or public transportation is not difficult to find.
Recommended Tours with Sacred Valley
- Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days
- Machupicchu Tour 3 Days
- Best Machupicchu Tour 5 Days
- Magic Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days
- Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco 6 Days
