June 18, 2025
Urubamba: The Capital of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The capital of the Sacred Valley is Urubamba, the largest town in this region, where we can find countless activities. Although Urubamba does not have any major archaeological sites, due to its geography and size, it is a place where many of the main tourist services take place. Moreover, as with the entire Sacred Valley, we can enjoy an ideal setting to relax and take in each of the wonders that Cusco offers. Learn more about this charming town and add it to your travel itinerary.
Contents
- What will I find in Urubamba?
- Where is Urubamba?
- What are the best activities I can do in Urubamba?
- Tips for visiting the town of Urubamba
- Frequently Asked Questions
What will I find in Urubamba?
Urubamba is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley. Since Inca times, this territory was used as a key agricultural area. Throughout the region, the Urubamba River (Willcamayu) accompanies us, enhancing the fertility of the valley and offering splendid landscapes, as well as the opportunity to practice adventure sports in its waters.
The town of Urubamba is an ideal destination for every traveler, as it offers a wide range of tourist services such as major hotel chains, a diverse culinary scene, cultural workshops, holistic activities, nature walks, and adventure sports. It’s practically a small city where you can fulfill almost all your needs.
In most tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Urubamba is a must-stop for meals, as many of the highest-quality restaurants are located here. In addition, during this brief stop, we can get a glimpse of the town, which seems to be waiting to be explored in depth.
Where is Urubamba?
The town of Urubamba is located in the province of the same name, approximately 53 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, passing through incredible landscapes and agricultural zones that will make you want to stop and admire them fully.
Urubamba is situated at an altitude of 2,687 meters above sea level, which gives it an ideal climate for relaxing and enjoying the valley. Another of Urubamba’s great attractions is its abundant flora, as well as the surrounding mountains and the snow-capped peaks of Chicón and Pumahuanca, which appear to watch over the town.
What are the best activities I can do in Urubamba?
The Urubamba region offers a wide variety of activities. Thanks to its diverse geography, the experiences available are equally varied. Discover the most outstanding experiences you can enjoy in Urubamba:
Gastronomy
The variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars in Urubamba is extensive — you’ll find flavors for every palate. Being located in an agricultural area, every place you visit offers fresh and diverse products, just like throughout the Sacred Valley.
Tasting the dishes offered by Andean cuisine is practically a must, as it allows you to experience another facet of this rich culture. Moreover, thanks to their geographical settings, many of these places offer beautiful natural surroundings that enhance the flavor of everything you try.
Hospitality
Much of the region’s top-tier tourism offerings are found in Urubamba — from 5-star experiences to rental homes that let you enjoy extraordinary moments, whether due to breathtaking landscapes or the adventure itself.
Overnight options in Urubamba allow visitors to rest at one of the lowest altitudes in all of Cusco, making it an ideal place to acclimatize during your first days, or to relax after each exciting experience in this rich and diverse region.
Hiking and Exploration
Urubamba’s great biodiversity allows for walks through its forests and natural fields. During these experiences, you can enjoy a quiet day surrounded by beautiful scenery, having a picnic or simply exploring.
Urubamba is also known for its natural viewpoints, but you’ll need to set out and discover them — the journey itself is part of the reward. You’ll also encounter diverse local flora in one of the Sacred Valley’s most pleasant climates.
Adventure Sports
Thanks to Urubamba’s rich geography, the region is a perfect setting for adventure sports. Among the most popular are mountain biking, white-water rafting on the Urubamba River, rock climbing on nearby mountains, and even paragliding excursions.
There are also gentler options, such as horseback riding, ATV tours, and trekking routes that will take you to lesser-known corners of Urubamba.
Palace of Inca Huayna Cápac
Just a short walk from the center of Urubamba (15 minutes on foot), you’ll find the archaeological remains of the palace of Inca Huayna Cápac. This site includes towers, large stone walls with window openings, residential spaces, and resting areas.
The archaeological site is in good condition and is free to visit. It won’t take much time to explore, but you’ll still be amazed by the impressive Inca architecture.
Tips for Visiting the Town of Urubamba
If you’re looking for a magical and comfortable experience in the Sacred Valley, Urubamba is your ideal choice. To help you get the most out of your visit, here are some helpful tips and recommendations for a better travel experience.
- Urubamba is located at an altitude of approximately 2,687 meters above sea level, making it an ideal destination to acclimatize during your first days in Cusco. It also offers a wide range of accommodations.
- Wandering through the streets of Urubamba is a great way to get your first impressions of the town — every street holds its own charm.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for any excursion around Urubamba and the Sacred Valley. Most of the places you’ll visit provide perfect settings to relax and unwind.
- Thanks to Urubamba’s culinary variety, you’ll find many vegan, vegetarian, and eco-friendly options.
- Urubamba has a unique cultural offering within the Sacred Valley. You’ll find all kinds of wellness and recreational activities.
- If you have extended travel time in Cusco, Urubamba is the perfect destination to spend your free time.
- When visiting Urubamba during the dry season (April to October), you’ll enjoy clear skies and sunny weather — ideal for any adventure.
- During the rainy season (November to March), Urubamba experiences more precipitation, but you’ll encounter fewer tourists.
- All classic Sacred Valley tours include a lunch stop in Urubamba as part of the route, giving you a brief glimpse of the town. It’s up to you to return and explore it fully.
- Remember that you can plan your tour of Urubamba and the entire Sacred Valley by choosing the route that best suits you — consult our advisors to discover all your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Urubamba?
Urubamba is the largest town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its unofficial capital. Although it doesn’t stand out for having major archaeological sites, its strategic location makes it a key hub for tourism.
2. Where is Urubamba located?
Urubamba is located about 53 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The trip takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by vehicle.
3. What tourist activities can I do in Urubamba?
In Urubamba, you can enjoy Andean cuisine, high-end hotels, hiking, adventure sports, cultural workshops, and holistic experiences.
4. What is the best time to visit Urubamba?
The dry season (April to October) is the most recommended, offering sunny days and clear skies. During the rainy season (November to March), rainfall is more frequent, but there are fewer tourists and the landscape is greener.
5. Is Urubamba recommended for acclimatization?
Yes, thanks to its lower altitude compared to Cusco, Urubamba is ideal for acclimatizing and a great base for exploring other Sacred Valley attractions such as Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, or Pisac.
6. What types of accommodations can I find in Urubamba?
Urubamba offers a wide variety of lodging options, ranging from luxury hotels with spa services to rural houses and more affordable alternative accommodations.
7. Are there food options for all types of diets?
Yes, Urubamba has a diverse range of restaurants that include vegetarian, vegan, organic, and traditional options.
8. Does Urubamba have archaeological sites to visit?
While it’s not known for archaeological monuments, just a 15-minute walk from the town center is the Palace of Inca Huayna Cápac. The visit is brief, and entry is free.
9. How do I get to Urubamba from Cusco?
You can reach Urubamba from Cusco by public transportation (buses or shared vans), private car, or as part of an organized tour. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
10. What kind of cultural experiences can I find in Urubamba?
In Urubamba, you can take part in workshops on ceramics, weaving, and traditional Andean cooking, attend artisan fairs and local events, and visit wellness centers offering yoga, meditation, and holistic ceremonies.