Tips for making the trip to the sacred valley in cusco

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in Cusco, so it has a changing climate in two well-defined seasons. We are talking about the dry season and the rainy season. As for the routes, they will not always depend on the weather conditions, but on other factors that we want to tell you about today. That is why the main reason for this blog is to provide a series of tips and recommendations for before, during and after making the trip. Also, other recommendations so that you do not miss any detail in the activities you can do. Let’s get started!

Content

• What is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
• What to bring on my trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
• How to get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
• Can I stay overnight in the Sacred Valley?
• A tour of the best restaurants in the area
• About the connection to Machu Picchu
• More FAQs

What is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a vast territorial sector located north of Cusco. This valley begins geographically from the Taray sector, the first natural viewpoint, where you can see how the Vilcanota River shapes this enigmatic valley located between the Andes Mountains.

The Sacred Valley of Cusco is so named because it is considered a privileged sector for agriculture. This is the main reason why the first peoples and cultures created their citadels in different parts of this vast place.

Thus, we can trace the presence of cultures much older than the Incas. However, after expansionist movements of the latter, they managed to take over the entire region. Today, scattered vestiges of Inca constructions remain.

The Sacred Valley of Cusco is formed by the course of the Vilcanota River. In this sense, it crosses different towns, among which are Písac, Coya, Lamay, Yuca, Urubamba, Pachar and Ollantaytambo. In all the places mentioned you can find beautiful landscapes and also a pleasant climate.

In this sense, the Sacred Valley is not a destination as such, but rather a geographical space. That is why you can do different activities, it will also be possible to stay more than one night or extend it and stay a whole season in one of the districts. Now that we are clear about what the Sacred Valley is, we will begin to leave some recommendations.

What to bring on my trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

Trips to the Sacred Valley will always begin in Cusco. The first point of arrival for foreign and national tourists is usually the city of Cusco. This is because there, you can find an international airport and also a bus terminal.

Another factor to take into account is that the Sacred Valley is located very close to Cusco. This allows for day trips to be done. In addition, most of the destinations are very close to towns that are closely related to tourism. In this sense, you will receive excellent service and you will even find locals who speak English.

The Sacred Valley, being close to Cusco, will allow for a more comfortable and easier trip. For this reason, you can only bring what is necessary for the tour and the activity you will do. Normally you will need the following:

• The most important thing is to bring cash and your ID or passport.
• Also, regardless of the tour you choose to take, you should bring sunscreen and a hat or cap.
• Activities in the Sacred Valley take place in the open air.
• During the rainy season (November to April), try to wear waterproof clothing.
• During the rainy season, it is also necessary to bring a waterproof poncho.
• It is important to do prior research on the route you want to take.
• If you are traveling with a travel agency, you will only have to worry about dressing comfortably.
• If you are traveling on your own, it is recommended to bring two backpacks, one to store personal items and valuables, and the second to store clothes, drinks or some snacks you may need.
• If you plan to stay for a long time in the Sacred Valley, you can rent hotel rooms, A&B and even luxury services.
• If you want to make a connection to Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry only a backpack with a change of clothes and the necessary items.

How to get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

There are many ways to get to the Sacred Valley, the first thing to consider is the destination you want to visit. This, taking into account that you will make the trip on your own. If you make the trip with a travel agency, you will not have much to worry about.

When it comes to transportation, a travel agency can save you a lot of time and also make the journey much smoother. When you travel on your own, you may experience delays or even be left without a ride, in the worst case scenario. Below, we give you some advice if you plan to travel on your own.

• Getting to Písac – A very convenient way to get to Písac is by visiting Puputi Street. On this street you can find cars and minivans that cover the route to Urubamba. So on the route you only need to make one stop to get to Písac.
• Arriving in Ollantaytambo – Just like the previous destination, you have to get to another street very close to the center of Cusco. The street where you will find transportation to Pavitos Street. There you can find minivans that make the trip to this address.
• Getting to Maras and Moray – This trip can start from the two points mentioned above. That is, from Pavitos Street and Puputi Street. If you take the route from Pavitos Street, you must indicate that you want to get off at the entrance or branch to the Maras Salt Mines. In the case of Puputi Street, you will have to complete the route to Urubamba and from there take a taxi to Maras. In both cases, once you reach the Maras Salt Mines, you will have to make one more trip to the Maras district. There, you will have to board another vehicle to get to the Moray Circular Platforms, of course, this will have an additional cost.
• Arriving in Chinchero – Vehicles for the district and archaeological site of Chinchero are located very close to the Grau Bridge, also located very close to the center of Cusco. Once the trip is over, you can check how to get to the archaeological site.

Can I stay overnight in the Sacred Valley?

Yes, it is possible to spend the night in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is a very popular option among the thousands of tourists who come to Cusco. The Sacred Valley, thanks to its climate, offers an excellent geographical space for vacations and also for long stays.

This factor is probably the main reason why you can find a wide variety of hotels with different quality of service. That is, you can find basic hotels and also luxury hotels. In this section we are going to talk about some of the hotels you can find.

HOTELS IN PISAC

• HOTEL LA POSADA DE FRANCISCA: This is a 4-star hotel located very close to the Plaza de Armas in Písac. This allows it to be the center or starting point for different destinations, whether in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

  It has spacious rooms with beautiful views of the town of Písac. In addition, visitors who have come to this place, highlight its cleanliness, the pleasant service and the comfort of the place. Another point in its favor is its excellent location.

• ARTHOUSE PÍSAC – ROYAL INCA: This is a hotel with 80 rooms. It has different spaces that combine various architectural styles where luxury decorations will predominate. Of course, without losing the Andean cultural tradition and art, in most of its spaces.

  The hotel has several services and common areas, ideal for socializing or spending time with loved ones. It also has the Art House Club, ideal for groups of friends or large families. There they can have sports facilities and access to the Hotel Restaurant.

• PÍSAC INCA GUEST HOUSE: This is a 3-star hotel with excellent services. It is located in the town of Písac and has 35 rooms. It is one of the most recommended hotels by national and international tourists.

  It offers various services, including a magnificent breakfast for guests. As for the rooms, you can request double and triple rooms. You can also find terraces, gardens and even a kitchen. Other services offered include luggage storage, Wi-Fi and laundry.

• PÍSAC INN: This is a 3-star hotel located near the center of Písac. This hotel is characterized by its decoration and small details that are closely related to the main Andean traditions and mythology.

  It has only 11 rooms. You can also find green spaces or areas such as gardens and beautiful views of the town of Písac. It also has several additional services such as a spa, restaurants and the sale of some souvenirs.

HOTELS IN URUBAMBA

• ARANWA SACRED VALLEY HOTEL & WELLNESS: This hotel was built very close to the Vilcanota River, so beautiful views are guaranteed. Many people stay at this hotel just before starting their trip to Machu Picchu or visiting all the destinations in the Sacred Valley.

  It has several spaces and spacious rooms. The service is top quality and closely related to Andean spiritualism. It also has a restaurant, cinema, an orchid garden, an events hall, a library and many more luxury services because it is a 5-star hotel.

• CASA ANDINA PREMIUM VALLE SAGRADO HOTEL & VILLAS: One of the most recommended hotels in all of Cusco. It is located 20 minutes from Ollantaytambo, making it ideal for those who want to continue their journey to Machu Picchu. It has spacious and comfortable rooms. This is a 5-star hotel.

  Among the services offered are feeding alpacas and a workshop for preparing pisco cocktails. It also offers the possibility of making bonfires, visiting board games and gyms. Some of the services mentioned have additional costs.

• TAYPIKALA DELUXE VALLE SAGRADO: A luxury hotel with one of the most attention to detail in Urubamba. Its facilities include modern architecture with small decorations and details from the Inca sites. It is one of the hotels that offers meditation areas that blend in exceptionally with the landscape and location of the hotel.

  This is a luxury hotel with spacious rooms and you can also visit the green areas. It offers Wi-Fi, a relaxing spa and exclusive room service. This 5-star hotel offers one of the best alternatives to discover and enjoy the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

• WIFALA HARMONY HOTEL: This is a 3-star hotel, but with a very particular decoration. It has easy access and the most striking thing is the facilities and buildings where the organic and minimalist architecture stands out. This is thanks to the unique design.

  Likewise, inside the rooms you can find designs and decorations with Andean motifs. You can also find heating, hot showers, Wi-Fi and also access to a kitchen. If you are looking for a hotel with particular details, this hotel will be an excellent choice.

• RÍO SAGRADO BELMOND HOTEL: This is one of the most renowned luxury hotels in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The architecture of all the facilities is planned to simulate a village in the Peruvian Andes, but with all the services surrounded by luxury. Likewise, it is located in the lowest altitude area of the Sacred Valley, making it an ideal place to acclimatize.

  As part of the Belmond chain, it has a private access to the railway, this line is the one usually used for the Hiram Bingham trains to Machu Picchu. Among its services, its spacious rooms, large villas and access to the river where you can walk stand out. Likewise, activities are scheduled along with other relaxation and recreation services.

HOTELS IN OLLANTAYTAMBO

• SOL OLLANTAY EXCLUSIVE HOTEL: This is a three-star hotel, located very close to the river and in the heart of the town. Therefore, you will also have views of the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.

  It has comfortable and well-cleaned facilities. In recent years, most of the facilities have been renovated, so comfort and elegance are guaranteed. It has Wi-Fi services, gardens to visit and also rooms with private balconies to appreciate the mountain where the Ollantaytambo archaeological site is located.

• HOTEL PAKARITAMPU: This hotel has a 3-star category. One of its main virtues is that it is very close to the train station. So getting there will take less than 5 minutes on foot. It has been serving thousands of tourists for over 20 years who decide to spend the night in the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu.

  It has a variety of rooms that will accommodate the needs of passengers. It has room service during the early hours of the night and has a 24-hour reception. It provides Wi-Fi, a safe, a laundry service and also a luggage storage service. The latter is only for guests.

• VERTICAL SKY LUXURY SUITES: This is a hotel out of the ordinary. This is because the rooms are domes secured to the walls of a rocky mountain. In this sense, before taking possession of the mountains you will have to make small routes through the mountainous rock. Of course, you will have all the safety equipment and constant help from the staff.

  It has room service and also an excellent security team. The domes are safe and the facilities are well-cleaned and also very comfortable. The main attraction of this hotel is that it allows you to appreciate the stars and the sunrise in all their splendor.

• DEL PILAR OLLANTAYTAMBO: This is a 4-star hotel and one of the best you can find in Ollantaytambo. It is located 25 minutes from the Plaza de Armas of the place. In this sense, it is very close to the starting point of the 4-day Inca Trail.

  Located in an area far from the population, it becomes a spiritual place, ideal for long stays and why not start the adventure of all the tours from this site. Likewise, you can find a restaurant and other services to have a pleasant stay, such as a bar, a spa lounge and an entertainment room.

A tour of the best restaurants in the area

One of the best things to do in the Sacred Valley of Cusco is to have a nice lunch. Here are some of the most successful options you can find in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

• MIL – CENTRO: We mention this destination because it is one of the most sought after by tourists. It belongs to chef Virgilio Martínez and his wife Pía León. Recognized for the CENTRAL restaurant, which in 2023 was awarded as the best restaurant in the world. MIL offers a warm and very exclusive space, as the prices are high.

  The experience is similar at MIL, as it allows visitors to tour the agricultural areas and they also mention that the products they offer are purely local. Therefore, they work with the communities near Moray and Maras, where this place was built.

• THE 14 INKAS: This is one of the largest restaurants in the Sacred Valley and also offers an exquisite buffet lunch. They offer a variety of ready-to-serve dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients obtained from the region. The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the valley thanks to its large windows. It is located in the community of Yanahuara near Ollantaytambo.

  Thanks to its extensive location, additional services can be requested for private events and even celebrations. Specialists in classic Andean preparations and also presenting innovations. In addition, it has trained personnel to advise the client during the selection of their dishes.

• NATIVE COCINA PERUANA: This is a restaurant located in Urubamba. It has the appropriate facilities to serve the public in an organized and comfortable manner. They offer a variety of fast food such as pizzas, salads and other preparations that are representative of Peruvian cuisine.

  This restaurant has different varieties of preparations, so if you want to try ceviche or ají de gallina, you can do so without any problem. Likewise, it has a variety of national and international drinks and cocktails.

• AMANTO: Located in the heart of Ollantaytambo, it offers a varied menu with the best typical dishes of Peru. It also offers cocktails, cold drinks and even vegetarian options. Likewise, you can find variations of some international preparations with native products from the region.

  Amanto is one of the ideal restaurants to spend time with your partner and plan the new adventures that await you in the Sacred Valley or on the way to Machu Picchu. It has comfortable and really cozy facilities. This is without a doubt a place you should visit while in Ollantaytambo, ideal for lunch and dinner.

• TUNUPA: This is one of the restaurants that rescues rustic architecture, combining it with modern details and really comfortable spaces. Tunupa restaurant offers a gourmet menu, ideal for those who have done tours or want to regain energy.

  It offers a wide variety of Peruvian and international dishes to choose from. It also offers desserts and hot and cold drinks. Among other services, you can see live music shows, dancers and an area for walking. It is located in Urubamba.

About the connection to Machu Picchu

One of the options that is always left open for those who make the trip to the Sacred Valley is to make the trip to Machu Picchu. Below is a guide to do so, since everything will be easier if you are in the Sacred Valley or more precisely in Ollantaytambo, from where you must board the train to make the connection.

• MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCE TICKET: Before any other activity to get to Machu Picchu, you must prioritize the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. There are more than 6 tickets that reach a total of 10 during the high season.

  These tickets have different availability and schedules. It is important to choose the time and circuit you want to take appropriately. If you want to make the trip to Machu Picchu, do not hesitate to contact us to help you choose the ticket that best suits you.

• TRAIN TICKET TO MACHU PICCHU: Once the ticket is ready, it will be time to take the train. It is recommended to take the train in the afternoon. This will allow you to arrive at a suitable time for dinner and even to find a hotel.

  The train journey time is approximately 2 hours, and there are a wide variety of train services available. However, it is important to check the travel schedules, as not all trains leave at the same times.

• MACHU PICCHU TOWN: In Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, you will find a tourist district. There you will find some banks, a variety of restaurants, bars and hotels. In fact, you will have everything you need to spend the night.

  You can also reserve your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu here, but this is not always a guarantee that you will be able to purchase the one you want. On the other hand, in Machu Picchu Pueblo you can visit the Handicraft Market and the thermal baths.

• ECOLOGICAL BUS: At the beginning of the second day in Machu Picchu Pueblo, it will be time to visit the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. To get there without problems, in the right time and without much physical effort, you will have to take a short 30-minute trip on the ecological buses.

  Tickets for this service can be booked digitally and online, just like tickets for Machu Picchu and train rides. Fortunately, it is now much easier to make these reservations from anywhere in the world. If you have any questions, please write to us.

• RETURN TO CUSCO OR THE SACRED VALLEY: The return will be done in a similar way. It is recommended to book a train after 4:00 p.m. This will allow you enough time to tour Machu Picchu and the tourist district. You can also book a direct trip to Cusco or just to the Sacred Valley.

  The train journey can be direct to Cusco, but you can also take a bimodal service. That is, from Ollantaytambo you will have to take a bus to Cusco. At the stations and in some hotels you can leave your belongings so you don’t have to travel with too much luggage.

More FAQs

1. During which months can you not visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

The Sacred Valley of the Incas can be visited all year round. There are no months in which the main archaeological sites are closed. Some cases that can make visiting the Sacred Valley difficult are social conflicts such as strikes or protests. Similarly, the same can occur due to landslides or natural disasters.

2. Who is restricted from visiting the Sacred Valley?

No one is restricted from visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco. What’s more, most destinations and activities can be visited without problems and without the need for great physical effort. In this sense, it becomes a space for the whole family. Another factor to support this is that it is very close to Cusco and in most destinations, you can find hotels, restaurants and other tourist services.

3. Where is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located northeast of Cusco. Exactly about 45 minutes away. The entire geographic space is made up of several districts and provinces of Cusco. It follows the current of the Vilcanota River that runs through much of Cusco until it enters the Peruvian jungle. The Sacred Valley is an area dedicated to agriculture that has been operating since time immemorial.

4. Is it possible to make the trip to the Sacred Valley with private services?

Of course, we recommend private tours for groups of people looking for a personalized experience. In addition, they will be able to do the tour at their own pace and time. On the other hand, you will find all the necessary services for this activity. Most of them even have luxury services.

5. How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

Fortunately, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is made up of several Inca sites. This means that the visit itself does not have a limit of visitors, since tourists, whether they want to or not, are scattered around the different attractions. However, it is likely to see large groups of people. It is not necessary to have strategies to avoid crowds. It is more advisable to take an adequate route and to do this, plan the trip well.