All the activities that can be done in the Sacred Valley of Cusco

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a vast area of land located north of Cusco. In the past it was the ideal place for agriculture, being vital for producing food and for the Inca expansions to continue in complete safety. Today it is still one of the areas that produces the largest amount of corn. However, thanks to the beauty of its landscapes, you can find many spaces, among which you can do many activities, tours, sports and more. In this blog, all the information and activities that can be done in the Sacred Valley of Cusco.

Content

• Visit the Inca buildings and sites
• Natural destinations of the Sacred Valley
• Extreme sports in the Sacred Valley of Cusco
• Experiential tourism in the Sacred Valley
• Family tours

Visit the Inca buildings and sites

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is named this way because it was the place where the most Inca buildings and constructions were found. That is why there are even remains of citadels with religious temples and also ceremonial spaces. Among the Inca constructions, the following stand out:

OLLANTAYTAMBO

Ollantaytambo is one of the most important Inca constructions in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It has imperial-style buildings and walls. These types of stones are finely carved and fit together perfectly.

The imperial-style walls are those that form the main temples, among which the Temple of the Sun and the Great Portal stand out. These constructions have this type of stone in their composition. Furthermore, from Ollantaytambo you can see the entire current population and the rest of the Inca constructions.

PÍSAC

The Inca buildings of Písac are located on a mountain and are made up of several sectors. Among these, the towers of Písac, the Inca cemetery and also the Temple of the Sun and the remains of a carved stone known as the Intihuatana stand out.

The buildings located on the top of the mountain of Písac, offer a beautiful view of the course of the Vilcanota River and also of how the Sacred Valley was formed. Písac was an ideal place to begin the expansion of the Inca domain through the Sacred Valley.

CHINCHERO

It is one of the most important Inca sites in all of Inca history. In Chinchero, you can find a particular construction known as the Palace of Túpac Yupanqui. This Inca, son of Pachacútec, was the one who continued the Inca expansion and consolidated the dominion of the Tahuantinsuyu.

This is why you can find a large number of platforms, remains of buildings and walls that are still used in many of the current buildings. However, the most famous construction is the colonial-style church that can be found on the foundations of the aforementioned palace.

ANDENES DE MORAY

The Inca construction of Moray shows a series of circular terraces that have the shape of an amphitheater. These terraces show the great capacity of the Inca architects who designed an excellent network of water channels that were precisely connected to the terraces.

It is also believed that these buildings served as a botanical laboratory. That is, it is hypothesized that various foods were planted to determine the growth time, the water needed and the possible amount of the harvest that could be obtained. Likewise, it could serve as a space where plants could acclimatize to different latitudes.

Natural destinations of the Sacred Valley

In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, there are not only Inca buildings. You can also find natural destinations, among which there are activities that allow you to do hiking activities between short and long routes. More information below:

POC POC WATERFALLS

• It is one of the natural destinations located near Chinchero.
• The waterfall has an altitude of 35 meters.
• The waters that make up the waterfall come from the Antaquilca snow-capped mountain.
• A 3-kilometer walk follows from Chinchero.
• The trail is quite safe and is regularly used by tourists.
• The walk follows stretches of abundant vegetation and the presence of humidity in the area.

THE SALT WORKS OF MARAS

• It is very close to the Maras district and the Moray Circular Terraces.
• Following the tour route, it is possible to visit it in just one day.
• It has more than 1,000 salt wells that were formed naturally and by the actions of the local inhabitants.
• Currently, residents extract salt from this site and sell it.
• The extraction method is natural and the salt obtained is also quite healthy.
• Maras salt is ground and has natural properties that are truly beneficial for human consumption.
• It offers beautiful views and landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

PEROLNIYOC WATERFALLS

• You have to leave from Ollantaytambo to get there faster.
• You have to walk 6 kilometers to get there.
• It is located near the community of Socma.
• It is a very large waterfall. It is estimated that the water falls up to 100 metres.
• Near the top of the waterfall, you can find Inca constructions, known as Raqaypata.
• It offers beautiful views and also allows you to learn more about the history of the Incas.

VISIT THE VILCANOTA RIVER

• It is one of the least visited destinations, but of great importance.
• The Incas called it “Willkamayu”, a name that refers to the Sacred River.
• The Vilcanota River is the natural tributary that makes the formation of the Sacred Valley possible.
• It is possible to see it during the trip, but if you make a short stop, it is recommended to show your respect.
• If you plan to approach it, you should do so with caution, especially during the rainy season.
• The presence of continuous rains increases its flow considerably.

EXTENSIVE CROPS AND VIEWS

• During the tour or trip through the Sacred Valley it is possible to see extensive corn crops.
• There is more presence of the crop during the rainy season.
• That is to say, part of its growth and maturity can be appreciated during the months of November and February.
• Mainly, the presence of corn plantations can be observed.
• Rain is the main means of irrigating crops.
• It is possible to better appreciate the crops or cultivated lands if you do experiential tourism.

Extreme sports in the Sacred Valley of Cusco

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is also the ideal space for modern constructions that offer other types of activities. Likewise, you can find the ideal geography to practice some extreme sports that accelerate the heartbeat and fill the body with pure adrenaline. The extreme sports that can be practiced in the Sacred Valley of the Incas are:

ZIP-LINE IN THE VALLEY

This is an extreme activity, because not everyone dares to do it. It consists of sliding with harnesses down a zip line cable that is attached between two points. The activity is carried out at a height of up to 600 meters.

These activities are offered with all the necessary safety measures and with clear instructions to avoid accidents. They can be practiced in the community of Racchi, very close to Chinchero.

BUNGEE JUMPING

It is located near Cusco and the activity consists of jumping or being thrown out by a series of bands and ropes. The height from which you can jump is 122 meters. Likewise, when you are thrown out, you reach almost the same altitude. The experiences are different. Would you dare to do it?

ATV ROUTES

It is possible to drive ATVs on the route to archaeological sites. The most popular route is the one that will connect with the archaeological site of Maras. The trail allows you to appreciate the high area of the mountains that form the Sacred Valley. Therefore, a beautiful experience and beautiful views are guaranteed.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

In the Sacred Valley, different activities have been established. Among these, there are those that few people know about. This route allows you to do a route similar to the ATV route in Maras. There is also the possibility of going down a mountain near the community of Racchi, the main requirement being to have experience in this type of activities.

CANOEING

This is one of the activities that can be done on the emblematic river that forms the Sacred Valley. This activity has different routes on which it can be done. The rainy season is ideal to find greater strength and “danger” in the activity. This activity takes place near the district of Urubamba, where you can find all the necessary safety equipment.

ROCK CLIMBING

This is an activity that takes place near Cusco, just by the pass to enter the Sacred Valley. It is done with the guidance of experts and with the necessary safety equipment. Likewise, for the most experienced or expert, there is the opportunity to rappel. It is an ideal activity for people who have climbing experience. If you are a beginner or amateur, it is recommended to discuss it with the guides.

Experiential tourism in the Sacred Valley

Experiential tourism is one of the most personal and sought-after experiences for tourists. This activity allows for cultural immersion thanks to the possibility of integrating into the communities of the Sacred Valley.

The activities carried out in experiential tourism do not only consist of seeing or learning, but also of doing. Normally, they are instructed in tasks related to agriculture, animal care and even wool weaving workshops.

Experiential tourism in the Sacred Valley can be found in the upper area of the Sacred Valley. One of the best-known destinations is in the community of Ccaccaccollo. Before reaching this place, a hike is required.

At Ccaccamollo, you can spend the night in rustic facilities. You can harvest crops, plant new ones, process alpaca wool and weave fabrics. In addition, the entire activity is sustainable and completely eco-friendly.

In the heights of Ollantaytambo, these types of activities can also be found. In these spaces, integration is achieved with collective music and dances, using the same clothing as the community members and also doing the tasks mentioned above.

Family tours

In the Sacred Valley, you can also do family activities that are also considered simple and do not require a lot of time. That is why they are ideal for having moments of harmony and peace.

This is possible because the Sacred Valley offers beautiful views, open fields and the slow, meandering Vilcanota River. This space is often used as a means of relaxation and spiritual purification.

HORSEBACK RIDING IN URUBAMBA

One of the best safe and easy activities to do is horseback riding on Paso horses. This activity is done with the help and assistance of an expert. On the other hand, the space is quite well maintained and ideal to do it with friends or family. Near Maras you can find the ideal space for this task.

WALKS

You can take short walks around the different areas or take simple walks to some open spaces, viewing points and also to the crops. Of course, with the necessary care. Another option is to go to one of the indicated sites, but only as if it were a recreational activity. That is, use the spaces to have a time with the family rather than a tour or cultural tourism.

MORE ACTIVITIES

Another activity that can be done in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is visiting restaurants. In the valley, you can find good restaurant options with a variety of services and innovations.

Likewise, many people simply choose to spend time in the tranquility that the valley offers. This will be possible in the large number of hotels of different categories. There are many people who wish to make the trip to Cusco just to have a few days in the wonderful geography of the Sacred Valley.