Of all the tourist places in Peru, a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas is crucial to know the culture and history of the ancient Incas, since the Valley functioned mainly as an agricultural, religious and political center of the empire.
It is one of the most touristic places in Peru. Located in the heart of the Andean mountain range, this fertile valley that once saw the flowering of the Inca civilization, contains numerous ruins, Andean communities and amazing landscapes. Here are 6 reasons to go on a Sacred Valley tour.
1. Perfect weather
Today the Sacred Valley of the Incas is composed of 6 main villages: Pisac, Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Calca and Yucay. Most of these villages are not at high altitude. The Urubamba River covers much of the land allowing the fertility of arable lands. During the day, the temperature can reach 23°C; at night, 4°C. This type of climate made possible the cultivation of a variety of agricultural products during Incan times.
2. Architectural works
It was in the Sacred Valley of the Incas where the best constructions saw the light, materializing in architectural works that amaze everyone. Along the whole valley we will find architectures that served the community itself and gave life to the Andean worldview, as temples, because Incas believed that the Vilcanota River was an earthly representation of the Milky Way.
It is the conjunction between the Andean worldview and nature, which makes the Sacred Valley of the Incas one of the most amazing destinations you will find in Cusco. Within the main architectural works you will get to know Pisac, Yucay, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo.
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3. Beautiful viewpoints
The opportunities you will have to take the best pictures of 2023 are in the Sacred Valley of the Incas thanks to the spectacular viewpoints that you will find on the way. The union between the landscape of the Urubamba River, formerly called Vilcanota, with the mountains surrounding the valley and the perfect climate of Cusco, is the dream landscape for all photo lovers.
Viewpoints can be natural or artificial built by the Incas themselves in some of their structures or cities to better control one of the most important production centers of the time. In these unique places we will have the opportunity to enjoy unmissable viewpoints in Cusco.
4. Dose of adventure
In the Sacred Valley of the Incas you will have the opportunity to do the best adventure sports with its respective dose of adrenaline and lots of nature. You will be able to take advantage of the river to practice canoeing, while we walk surrounded by the natural beauty of the valley and appreciate the architectural works of the Incas.
You can also enjoy a beautiful bike ride while touring Moray’s water supply systems or a walk to the salt flats of Maras. If we want to increase the dose of adventure, there is the opportunity to go four wheeling in it on the same route as Maras and Moray, or in other specific sites within the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
In the case of going to the extreme, you will be able to find adventure activities such as paragliding, if the weather gets on our side and we can make the reservation in time.
5. Unique cuisine
Another of the main reasons that attracts thousands of travelers from the world is the opportunity to enjoy Peruvian cuisine, and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas food is protagonist. We already told you about the importance of the valley to produce the main Andean resources for the Inca empire, but even today production has not stopped.
If in previous years the gastronomy was benefited by the quality of the inputs, today you will have the opportunity to enjoy better dishes and better food combinations that stand out for the powerful Inca qualities.
During our tour we will discover restaurants and typical dishes that will make the best possible use of each of the ingredients, a unique dining experience worldwide that will only be possible in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
You can also read: Ancestral stories and tales of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
6. Knowledge
Travel is to know and learn, the Sacred Valley of the Incas has prepared us a lot of knowledge for travelers who are willing to know everything. Different cultures have lived side by side over thousands of years with the aim of appropriating one of the best areas of the ancient world in South America.
This has allowed the generation of knowledge and incredible stories all around the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Be surprised by the unique platforms of Ollantaytambo, underground water canals, temples built perfectly, archaeological sites with history in every corner, and best of all, the effect the Incas had on each of the places.
In the Sacred Valley of the Incas you will learn much more than anywhere else in the world of the Incas, its history, architecture, economy, agriculture, worldview and wars; all in one place.
Now you know the reasons to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas. If you think you have seen it all in Cusco, you are wrong. Add this magic place to your list of fantastic destinations in Peru. We know you will not regret it. We hope this information has been useful to you!