Sacred Valley, Cusco

Published by jacko77 on Sat Jul 25th, 2009

The sacred valley is an amazing collection of Inca ruins that runs along the Urubamba river between the towns of Cusco and Machu Picchu which is covered in beautiful high valleys, wheat fields and a few well off the beaten tracks to explore.   It can be seen that the river was a great importance to the Incas because of the villages that were built above the valley in strategic locations. 

Around 28km down the valley to the north of Cusco is the little town of Pisac, which as been considered to have some of the finest Inca ruins around.  As well as this, tourists often come to experience the village markets which is held on Sundays by the people who live in the highlands to come and sell their produce.

Also along the valley is the town of Urubamba which as a fine setting of Inca architecture including the main plaza with is surrounded by blue painted buildings.  Then you also have amazing views of the snow capped peaks and glaziers.  

Another pretty town you will visit on the way down the valley is Ollantaytambo which is at the bottom of some fantastic Inca ruins.  Here you have jaw dropping views of blocks of houses which have been built above the town and are still fully intact today and should not be missed.