SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

The Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley the valley that stretches between Pisac and Ollantaytambo and to the north Machu Picchu. The lush valley offers gorgeous views of the Urubamba River as well as snow capped Andes peaks.

This fertile valley has an excellent climate and continues to be a major agricultural area as it was during the time of the Incan Empire. Traveling through the valley you can see terraced hills where locals farm a variety of crops including potatoes, maize, fruits and vegetables much in the same way their ancestors have for hundreds of years.

Located a short 1 hour drive from Cusco most of the villages within the valley have Incan ruins ranging from fortresses and storage houses to Incan baths and experimental farms. Lower in elevation than Cusco, with a more pleasing climate and a variety of hotels to choose between the Sacred Valley has become a popular country resort destination much as it was for the Incan Royalty.

Visiting the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley can be visited as a day tour from Cusco. However due to its proximity to Machu Picchu, the lower elevation when compared to Cusco, as well as the many hotel options and tour options many visitors either spending part of their time in the region in the Sacred Valley or basing their stay here.

Pisac

The village of Pisac is well known for its handicraft market held each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The market is a popular destination for tourists from Cusco and where visitors can purchase a variety of handicrafts including textiles, ceramics and local hand painted multi colored beads.

During the time of the Incas, Pisac protected the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley. Here Pachacutec built a royal estate to memorialize the victory over the Cuyos. While Francisco Pizarro and the other conquistadors destroyed much of Pisac, parts of the citadel remain including the terraced agricultural area, aqueducts, Incan baths, a sun temple where the rock work surpasses that of Machu Picchu, as well as the largest known Incan Cemetery.

Chinchero

A small, lovely town approximately mid-way between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Incan legend tells that Chinchero was the birthplace of the rainbow. The town holds close to its pre-Colombian traditions with mainly adobe buildings and its residents dressed in traditional clothing.

The town's spectacular views of the Rio Vilcanota and vistas of the Villcabamba Range and the snow capped Salkantay made it a popular country retreat for Tupac Tupanqui. Reminders of the Incas include a massive stonewall in the plaza and terraced hillsides and the church which was built upon the foundations of an Incan Temple.

Chinchero is home to a colorful Sunday market one of the most traditional markets in all of South America. Locals dressed in their traditional attire will buy and sell fresh fruits and vegetables, spices used for dyes as well as handicrafts.

Moray and the Salt Mines

Near the town of Mara is the Incan agricultural laboratory of Moray. The site consists of concentric circular shaped terraces which would provide for distinct micro climates in which the Incas could plant and test crop production. A stone stairway allows access to each level permitting the Incas to tend their plantings and allows today's visitors to get a clear view of the site.

The salt mines of Salinas near Moray are still in use and have been since ancient times. Residents harvest salt in the same manner as they have for hundreds of years. Water from a nearby saltwater hot spring is diverted into shallow pools, as the water evaporates the salt crystals are left behind. Approximately 150 kilos of salt are cultivated in the area each month.

Ollantaytambo

On the northwest end of the Sacred Valley approximately 80 km from Cusco and 40 km from Machu Picchu is the fortress of Ollantaytambo. One of the best preserved ruins in the area the fertile lands near Ollantaytambo have been home to civilizations for nearly 3,000 years.

Ollantaytambo held both religious and military significance to the Incas. Legends of Ollaytaytambo provide an insight on how important this site was to the Inacas. On the rock wall facing the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo it is said there is a 140 meter high face of Viracocha the creator god of the Incas naturally carved into the wall.

An Inca legend tells the story of Ollantaytambo for whom the town is named. Ollayantay was a great Inca General who fell in love with the Kusi the daughter of Pachacutec. The general not being of noble blood their marriage was forbidden. When Kusi ran away to be with the general her father declared war and for 10 years they battled. Finally Pachacutec realized the great love the two had for each other and allowed them to marry and the town where they lived would be named in honor of the general.

History tells us that Ollantaytambo was a royal estate of Pachacutec who conquered the area. During the mid 15th century the area of Ollantaytambo was rebuilt with extensive terraces, irrigation canals (which still operate today) and large store houses. The site was still under construction at the time of the conquest and was never completed.

In 1536 where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish in one of the last great battles of the Incas. Here at Ollantaytambo was the only place in which the Incas were able to resist the Spanish. Yet when the Spanish returned the following year with four times their previous forses, Manco Inca retreated to Villcamba which would become the legendary Lost City of the Incas and Ollantaytambo would fall into the hands of the Spanish.

Today Ollantaytambo is one of the most impressive Incan ruins and one that holds the greatest mysteries. The Wall of the Six Monoliths has been the subject of scientists and documentaries. The wall is an uncompleted building which was part of the Temple of the Sun. These giant rose rhyolite boulders were quarried from a site some 2 1/2 miles (5 km) from town then apparently moved to Ollantaytambo through an elaborate series of roads, ramps and slides. For years scientists have speculated how it could be possible that the Incas not only moved these giant stones the over 2 miles from the quarry to Olantaytambo but one at the site how they were able to get the boulders to the top of the mountain. Additionally there is much speculation as to how the stones were cut and fitted so precisely in place without the use of bronze tools. While we may never know the answer to these questions it is an awe inspiring site to look up at these giant rocks and ponder the question for yourself.

Next to the ruins is the town of Ollantaytambo with a number of restaurants, store, a few hotels and the main train station for Machu Picchu.

Urubamba

The largest town in the Sacred Valley Urubamba is home to a number of restaurants and hotels. Centrally located near the ruins of the Sacred Valley Urubamba is a frequent stop for most travelers in the region.

Sacred Valley Hikes and Treks

There are a number of scenic hikes and treks thought the Sacred Valley. The limited number of permits available for the traditional Inca Trail has brought attention to the other scenic hikes and treks which can be done in combination with a train trip to Machu Picchu.

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