Top Ten Things to Do in the Sacred Valley, Peru
Almost everyone who visits Peru will travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Sandwiched between them is the wonderful, fertile Sacred Valley, full of unexpected delights.
It would be easy to spend a week in the Sacred Valley; the climate is warmer than in Cusco, and the accommodation is generally more spacious. Most hotels and guesthouses have gardens full of flowers and hummingbirds, there are walks on the doorstep, small market towns, Inca ruins aplenty and lots of opportunities to interact with local communities.
Kathy has been out exploring the valley and gives some top tips on things to do and places to see.
In no particular order!
1/ Pisac: Markets and Ruins
Pisac is less than an hour from Cusco by taxi or local bus. It is a small town famous for its market and ruins. You can stay here or go on a day trip, travel independently or take a tour.
- Wander through the extensive Pisac handicraft market in search of fabulous weavings, artwork and souvenirs of all imaginable types, shapes and sizes. The local people in the valleys above Pisac make a living from farming and herding llamas and alpacas. Their weaving is particularly well-known, and their clothing is elaborate and colourful.
- The Inca site of Pisac, high up above the town, is even more extensive than Machu Picchu. I like to take a taxi to the top and spend a few hours wandering down through the ruins with a picnic. This site is one of the best, with intricate constructions, beautiful curved terraces and stunning views.
2/ Urubamba: Street Markets and Tradition
Urubamba, just down the valley (an hour or so from Cusco), is less touristy (and less pretty!) than Pisac. The Urubamba food market is worth a visit to marvel at the sheer variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Drink a freshly made fruit juice on the top floor and watch all the comings and goings in the stallholders’ area below.
Want to learn a bit more? Take a tour of the Urubamba market, interact with local vendors and learn about the ingredients used in Peruvian cuisine. Best of all, you’ll get to taste a variety of local street foods, fresh produce, and traditional snacks.
3/ Community Tourism in the Sacred Valley
Another highlight of the Sacred Valley is a visit to a working farm or smallholding, locally known as a chakra. The Sacred Valley is very fertile and considered the breadbasket of the Cusco Highlands.
See how corn is grown and learn about the wide range of types of maize and what they are used for, help to make chicha (fermented maize beer), cut alfalfa to feed the rabbits and guinea pigs, and experience life on a chakra.
If you’d like to add a bit more activity, you can combine a good hike (around 9km) with a visit to an Andean llama herder’s home. Walk with llamas and then help prepare a traditional “pachamanca” (pitroast) lunch.
Want to get even more hands-on?
Take part in a reforestation project in Qenqo or contribute to organic farming in Sacllo. These hands-on experiences will immerse you in these Andean communities.
4/ Sacred Valley Day Walks and Treks
The Sacred Valley offers plenty of fabulous walks. In addition to the multi-day treks, such as the Lares treks, there are numerous beautiful day walks.
- The hike to Huchuy Qosqo Inca ruins is one of my favourite short treks in the region. There are several routes you can take over one or two days to reach Huchuy Qosqo, an Inca archaeological site perched on a cliff over the Sacred Valley. Spectacular views on the trek over the Urubamba mountains and the valley far below.
- Add llamas to the mix and take a day hike to Huchuy Qosqo, accompanied by these iconic camelids.
- Pumamarca Inca site, which sits in the valley above Ollantaytambo. I recommend taking a taxi to the site with a picnic and then gently ambling back down, which takes a couple of hours. Take plenty of water, sun protection, and a hat.
- Maras and Moray: Moray is a series of concentric circles that make up an Inca agricultural laboratory. Maras is a collection of individual terraced salt mines that have been used since pre-Inca times to evaporate salt from an underground stream. I recommend spending one day visiting the small weaving town of Chinchero and then exploring Moray before walking down through Maras salt mines to the Sacred Valley below.
5/ Ollantaytambo: Inca Ruins, Artists, and Chocolate
Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest towns in Peru, now hosts the main station for trains to Machu Picchu.
This is a town to hang out in, sit by the Plaza and just watch life go by. Explore the narrow back streets of this bustling Inca village, visit the local market, barter for souvenirs or pop into a local house and see their guinea pigs. Look out for some of the books you can pick up here on Inca astronomy and the Inca sites.
There are great Inca sites to explore here. One is Ollantaytambo Fortress, an Inca site renowned for its impressive terraces and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley (you need a ticket). Another is the little-visited Pinkuylluna Ruins. It’s a moderate hike to these hillside ruins, which once served as storage facilities, but you’ll have great views of the town and surrounding mountains (free).
Ollantaytambo is also a great place for those looking to hone their photography skills with a local artist. On the tour, you’ll explore the design principles of composition and documentary photography, as well as basic photography principles and techniques for using light, shadow, and perspective.
If you’re interested in traditional arts and crafts, don’t miss ALQA – Contemporary Andean Art Gallery and Restaurant, a fabulous project created for the conservation and dissemination of traditional arts.
And if you’re a chocolate lover, why not try a Bean-to-Bar Workshop at the Choco-museum? Find out more about the history of chocolate, the chocolate-making process, and, finally, make your own chocolates.
6/ Biking Adventures in the Sacred Valley
If you are in search of a cycling adventure, there are plenty to be had, from hard-core single-track mountain biking to more gentle pedalling along the valley, with the option of electric-assist mountain bikes (E-bikes) if you’re worried about those hills!
Try a half day from Urubama to Ollantaytambo along the Sacred Valley—enjoy the Andean scenery as you ride through fields and past houses on a virtually traffic-free dirt road.
Or a full day from Pisac to Ollantaytambo along a dirt track passing through local villages and haciendas against the lovely backdrop of mountains and Inca ruins. Or even bike and trek to Machu Picchu.
7/ Take to the Water
The rivers and lakes in the Sacred Valley offer a refreshing alternative to its archaeological wonders.
If you want to get your pulse racing, a day of white-water rafting or kayaking on one of the rivers in the Sacred Valley might be for you. It’s also a great way to see the valley from a whole new angle, and there are plenty of tour companies to guide you safely downriver.
Prefer something more laid-back? Head to Lake Huaypo, a short drive from Cusco. This scenic lake is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. Enjoy the calm water and soak up the mountain views and fresh air.
8/ Food and Cooking
Our favourite food tours are those that combine cooking with a visit to the local community.
- Take a day trip to a small holding and explore traditional Andean farming. Learn about local crops like corn, potatoes, quinoa, and more, while helping out on the farm. After the farm visit, enjoy a hands-on cooking session using local ingredients to prepare a delicious local lunch with the community.
- Or combine local food with a visit to some Sacred Valley sights. Start at Chinchero, a village famous for its weavers and watch the artisans at work. Then, learn to make (and eat!) traditional Andean quinoa soup. After lunch, visit the Inca site of Moray and the Maras salt pans (see Section 4 above).
- And one for real potato lovers – a visit to Parque de la Papa (Potato Park). Learn about the thousands of potato varieties and enjoy a potato-focused picnic.
9/ Try you hand at crafting
For a complete change of pace, how about joining a local artisan to create your own art? Peru has a rich tradition of handcrafts, many of which reflect the country’s Inca heritage and the influence of indigenous cultures. As well as shopping for these crafts at local markets or community cooperatives, you can learn to make some yourself.
Some of the workshops on offer include a one-day textile workshop, ceramic painting in Urubamba, and jewellery-making in Urco.
10/ Sacred Valley Spas
Just finished your hike? Time to treat yourself! Several hotels in the Sacred Valley, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly, offer spa treatments.
Some of them incorporate local Andean traditions and ingredients into their treatments, from facials and hydrotherapy to body treatments and massages.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sacred Valley
Where is the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley, also known as the Urubamba Valley, is located in the Peruvian Andes, near the city of Cusco and just north of Machu Picchu.
What is the Altitude at the Sacred Valley?
The altitude in the Sacred Valley varies depending on the town, but it ranges from 2,000 to 2,900 metres (6,600 to 9,500 feet) above sea level. It’s lower than Cusco (3,400m/11,155 ft), making it a good place to begin acclimatising before treks like the Inca Trail.
Is the Sacred Valley Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely. The Sacred Valley is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It boasts impressive Inca ruins (like Ollantaytambo and Pisac), traditional markets, scenic landscapes and traditional Andean villages. It’s also a gateway to Machu Picchu.
How Long to Spend in the Sacred Valley?
Ideally, spend at least 2–3 days exploring the Sacred Valley. This allows you to visit archaeological sites, experience local culture and markets, and begin altitude acclimatisation before higher-elevation treks.
Can You Do Sacred Valley Without a Tour?
Yes, you can! Many travellers explore the Sacred Valley independently: use public transport between towns like Urubamba, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo; ride shared minivans (colectivos), which are affordable and frequent; hire a private driver for more flexibility; or rent a bike.
Can I Acclimatise to the Altitude in the Sacred Valley Before the Inca Trail?
Yes, since it’s lower than Cusco, the Sacred Valley is a great place to start acclimatising to the altitude before tackling the Inca Trail or visiting Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,970ft)
Top Ten Things to Do in the Sacred Valley, Peru
Homestays, community tourism, 5-star hotels, spas, massages, high-adrenaline activities, day walks or multi-day treks, biking, and rafting: The Sacred Valley has it all.
