Cusco Sacred Valley – The Landscape of the Incas

The Sacred Valley, also known as Cusco Sacred Valley, follows the fertile course of the Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu and was a key area in the Inca Empire. The valley lies lower than Cusco, offering a milder climate that made it ideal for agriculture – a legacy still visible in the terraced fields growing corn and quinoa. Ollantaytambo is one of the valley's standout locations with its massive, precisely carved stone blocks and a town layout that remains virtually unchanged since Inca times and continues to be inhabited by local families. In Pisac, impressive agricultural terraces and ceremonial ruins cling to the mountainsides, while the weekly market tradition attracts both locals and travelers. The markets in the Sacred Valley are renowned for handwoven textiles in natural colors, ceramics, and agricultural products from the valley. The combination of archaeology, vibrant Andean culture, and dramatic mountain landscapes makes the Sacred Valley an ideal stop – both as a standalone destination and as acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu.