Mysteries and Significance of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley is not just a destination filled with breathtaking landscapes and archaeological remains—it was also a sacred place for the Incas. Its fertile lands, deeply connected to the cosmos and protected by the Apus (sacred mountains), made it a center of great spiritual and agricultural importance. In this article, we’ll explore its origins, its purpose, and how you can experience its mystical energy firsthand.

1. What is the Sacred Valley?

The Sacred Valley of the Incas was one of the most significant regions of the Inca Empire. Its mild climate, the presence of the Vilcanota River, and the natural protection provided by the surrounding mountains made it a strategic hub for agriculture and spirituality.

Where is the Sacred Valley located?

The Sacred Valley is located northeast of Cusco, Peru, stretching along the Vilcanota-Urubamba River. Its most famous towns and archaeological sites include Pisac, Moray, Salineras, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo, but the valley is home to many other Inca ruins and indigenous communities.

Who built the Sacred Valley?

Unlike other Inca constructions attributed to a specific ruler, the Valley was developed over time by different Inca leaders, including Túpac Yupanqui. However, Pachacútec, the ninth Inca emperor, played a key role in expanding and consolidating this region.

What was the Sacred Valley used for?

The valley was a major agricultural center, where the Incas grew corn, potatoes, quinoa, and other crops, taking advantage of the fertile soil and favorable climate. It also held deep spiritual significance, with temples and ceremonial sites aligned to important astronomical events.

What was the purpose of the Sacred Valley?

Beyond its agricultural role, the Valley served as a vital connection between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Many of its temples and sacred sites were built to honor the Andean gods, reinforcing the valley’s role as a spiritual sanctuary.

Which Towns Make Up the Sacred Valley?

Some of the most well-known towns include:

Pisac

Pisac is a destination rich in history, culture, and nature. Its impressive archaeological complex, located atop a mountain, features Inca terraces, stone temples, small chincanas (Inca tunnels), and the famous Intihuatana (an ancient solar clock). Below, in the valley, lies the town of Pisac, a charming place where you can visit local markets offering textiles, ceramics, and handcrafted silver jewelry made by local artisans.

Additional information: Pisac is perfect for hiking and testing your endurance, whether you’re exploring the ruins or trekking nature-filled trails. Its gastronomy stands out with typical dishes such as fresh trout, chicha de jora (a traditional corn-based drink), and quinoa soup.

Ollantaytambo

This is no ordinary town—here, people still live in original Inca structures, with cobblestone streets and centuries-old water channels still in use. However, its most striking feature is the fortress towering over the mountain. More than just agricultural terraces, this site was a strategic military and religious center for the Incas.

It was here that Manco Inca led one of the few victories against the Spanish, using the terrain to his advantage and even diverting the river to flood the valley.

If you the fortress towering over the mountain), you’ll reach the Temple of the Sun, where you’ll find massive pink granite blocks, transported from the opposite side of the river. How the Incas moved these colossal stones remains a mystery, but they stand there, perfectly fitted together.

After exploring the ruins, you can wander through the town, where Andean life continues at its own rhythm, or board the train to Machu Picchu, as Ollantaytambo is the last stop before reaching the Inca citadel.

Chinchero

The first thing that stands out here is the main square, home to a colonial church built atop an ancient Inca temple. If you look closely, you’ll see that the original Inca stone walls still remain, a striking fusion of two worlds in one place.

But Chinchero is more than just history—it’s also a living art center. Families here preserve the ancient Inca textile tradition, using natural dyes and ancestral weaving techniques. In local workshops, you can watch women weave beautiful ponchos and blankets made from alpaca and sheep wool, all handcrafted.

Of course, you can’t leave without visiting the Inca agricultural terraces, which are still used today to cultivate potatoes and quinoa, key staples of the Andean diet.

Urubamba

Urubamba is not just a town—it’s an oasis surrounded by towering mountains and the Vilcanota River. Unlike other Inca sites with monumental ruins, Urubamba is a place for relaxation, nature, and connecting with Andean life.

With its warmer and more pleasant climate, Urubamba has become a fertile land, producing some of the best corn and fruit in the valley.

For adventurers, Urubamba is the gateway to hikes leading to stunning destinations like Chicón and Pumahuanca mountains. If you prefer something more laid-back, you can visit eco-friendly farms, taste handcrafted chicha de jora, or enjoy a feast at one of the many countryside restaurants, where traditional Andean ingredients are fused with modern culinary techniques.

Maras and Moray

First, Moray—this is not just a series of agricultural terraces but an open-air Inca laboratory. Do you notice how the terraces form concentric circles? Each level has a different temperature, allowing the Incas to experiment with crops and microclimates. Essentially, this was an agricultural research center where they refined their farming techniques. If you look closely, it resembles an amphitheater, but instead of performances, it hosted an agricultural revolution.

Maras Moray, Sacred Valley — The 3 Inca agricultural terraces in Maras from the point of view of a drone

Now, let’s move on to Maras, home to the famous salt mines. This landscape is simply stunning—over 3,000 glistening salt pools, shining under the sun like a natural mosaic.

Salt Mines, Sacred Valley — The famous Maras Moray salt mines are home to more than 3,000 wells of natural salt

Since pre-Inca times, families have been harvesting salt from these pools, fed by a natural saltwater spring flowing from the mountain. Today, Maras salt is highly prized for its purity and mineral content. Here, you can watch locals collect salt using traditional techniques—and, of course, you can buy some to take home.

2. Activities to Do in the Sacred Valley

The Valley is not just about history and archaeology—it’s also a perfect destination for adventure and nature lovers.

Hiking

There are trekking routes that allow you to explore the mountains and archaeological sites in a unique way, such as the hike from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, the Yucay trek, or the trail to Huchuy Qosqo.

Biking

The valley offers routes for all levels, from leisurely rides through Urubamba to extreme downhill descents from the heights of Chinchero.

ATV Tours

Exploring Maras and Moray on ATVs is an exciting way to traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Rural Tourism

Several communities offer immersive cultural experiences, where visitors can learn about traditional Andean life, textile production, and ancestral agriculture.

Sleeping in the Sky: Skylodge Adventure Suites

Perched on a cliff over 400 meters high, this one-of-a-kind hotel features transparent capsule rooms hanging from the mountainside, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the valley. To reach these pods, visitors must climb a via ferrata or cross a series of hanging bridges.

3. About Tours to the Sacred Valley

Visiting the valley on a guided tour is one of the best ways to maximize your time and discover the most important sites with expert guidance and assistance.

What Is the Tourist Ticket?

To enter most of the archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, you’ll need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which grants access to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, and other key sites.

4. Is the Sacred Valley Connected to Machu Picchu?

Yes! In fact, Ollantaytambo is the main departure point for trains to Machu Picchu. The Incas used this valley as a natural corridor, linking their capital, Cusco, to the sacred city of Machu Picchu.

5. Conclusión

The Sacred Valley remains a destination where history, spirituality, and adventure blend together. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, cycling through breathtaking landscapes, or connecting with local traditions, the Valley will let you discover a world full of mystery and living culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sacred Valley

If you have any doubts, check out the frequently asked questions we’ve prepared for you:

Where is the Sacred Valley located?

It is located in the Cusco region, about 15 km from the city, stretching along the Urubamba River.

What are the main towns in the Sacred Valley?

Some of the most well-known include Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Urubamba, Maras, Moray, and Yucay.

What activities can you do in the Sacred Valley?

Hiking, biking, ATV tours, rural tourism, and visits to archaeological sites.

How do you buy the Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley?

It can be purchased in Cusco or at the entrance of the main attractions. There are different options depending on how many sites you want to visit.

Where can I buy the Tourist Ticket, and how much does it cost?

The Cusco Tourist Ticket can be purchased at the COSITUC office (Av. El Sol 103, Cusco), at the entrance of some archaeological sites, or through authorized travel agencies.

General Ticket: S/ 130 (valid for 10 days, includes the Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuamán, Moray, and other sites).
Partial Ticket: S/ 70 (valid for 1 or 2 days, depending on the selected circuit).