When you think of a trip to Peru, the iconic panorama of Machu Picchu often comes to mind—especially if you’re planning to settle in the ancient capital of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its surroundings. But beyond the legendary Inca city, the Andes mountain range hides many other treasures within its peaks. Stretching along the Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley is packed with wonders that captivate anyone who ventures there, from Pisac to Sacsayhuamán. This enchanting region reveals breathtaking landscapes, as well as the ruins of ancient civilizations. Blending nature, history, and culture, the hidden treasures of the Sacred Valley will charm you for sure, all while taking you away from the crowds and well-trodden paths.
And for a deeper dive into the heart of Peru, consider joining the 9-day Magical Peru guided tour. This immersive experience will take you beyond the famous sites, offering you the chance to explore not only Machu Picchu but also the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and other stunning, lesser-known destinations with the expertise of a knowledgeable guide.
Ready for the unexpected? Here’s an overview of the Sacred Valley in Peru, through four places that are definitely worth a visit!
Sacsayhuamán: The stone puma
Just 2 kilometres from Cusco, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán dominate the valley. Enjoy the tranquillity of its plains and the incredible views of the city surrounded by majestic mountains.
Built in the 15th century, this ancient Inca fortress is characterised by its cyclopean walls, made of massive stone blocks perfectly interlocked. It once played a key role in protecting the capital of the empire. A unique architectural feature: when viewed from above, Sacsayhuamán resembles the shape of a puma. Along with the condor and the serpent, the puma was one of the three sacred animals in Inca mythology, representing strength, protection and the earthly world.
To visit, you’ll need a ‘boleto turístico’, a ticket valid for several archaeological sites and museums in the region. These can be bought at any of the sites.
- Cost: Between 70 and 130 soles
- Open daily from 7:00 to 18:00, with some exceptions.
Maras Salt Flats: The salt mines of the Andes
Located about 50 kilometres from Cusco, the Maras Salt Flats are a truly breathtaking sight. Embedded in a mountain, there are some 3,600 salt ponds that form a shimmering palette of whites, creams and beiges. Located over 3,000 metres above sea level, far from any visible source of salt or the ocean, these terraced salt flats are a natural mystery, the subject of many theories. Nevertheless, the mineral-rich water evaporates under the Andean sun to form salt crystals. The harvest of this precious ‘white gold’ is almost 200 tonnes a year.
Historically, salt was used as a currency in exchange for other resources. The salt mines supplied Cusco and much of Peru for centuries. Today the site is managed by a cooperative of families from Maras, who pass on the ponds and traditional knowledge from generation to generation.
Note that the colours may vary depending on the lighting! The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, especially in the late afternoon when the light accentuates the contrasts. With a bit of luck, you may witness a spectacular play of colours.
- Tickets available on site: 10 soles per person
- Open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, with some exceptions.
The mysterious circles of Moray
About 10 kilometres from the village of Maras, near the salt flats, lies the enigmatic archaeological site of Moray. It is made up of three zones: Moray 1, 2 and 3. The site is made up of concentric terraces dug into the earth, reaching impressive depths and resembling an amphitheatre.
The most popular theory is that the Incas used these terraces for agricultural experiments: the different heights create microclimates that allowed them to observe how plants adapted to different temperatures and humidity levels. Some speculate that these structures had ceremonial or symbolic functions. Either theory reflects the ingenuity and spirituality of the Inca civilisation.
Moray is now both a scientific study site and a tourist attraction for the more discerning visitor. It offers a beautiful natural setting for exploring what many consider to be an ancient Inca laboratory of particular importance to our understanding of the Andean environment.
- Admission is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
- Open daily from 7:00 am to 18:00 pm, with some exceptions.
Ollantaytambo: Guardian of the Sacred Valley
Located about 75 kilometres northwest of Cusco, the charming village of Ollantaytambo is considered the “only living Inca city” in the Sacred Valley. Famous for its cultural richness and ruins, it is also known for its preservation of Inca traditions, which are still evident in the daily lives of its inhabitants.
A true testament to Inca urban planning, Ollantaytambo is characterised by its original layout, with narrow cobbled streets bordered by precisely cut stone walls. Its ingenious irrigation system consists of ancient canals that carry fresh mountain water to the village’s homes and fields.
Perched on a cliff, the remains of the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo overlook the village at an altitude of 2,792 metres. Once a religious centre and the site of battles against the Spanish, the fortress was an important defensive point, blocking access to the Sacred Valley. You can reach the top and enjoy a stunning panoramic view by climbing the terraces. The climb can be physically challenging under the scorching sun, but you’ll be greeted by friendly alpacas along the way! At the foot of the mountain, a market of local artisans and traders brings colour to the plaza with textiles, jewellery, ceramics and various handicrafts.
- The village of Ollantaytambo is free to explore at any time.
- Access to the archaeological site requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
- Open daily from 7:00 am to 18:00 pm, with some exceptions.
Other treasures in the Sacred Valley of Peru
To enrich your adventure in the Sacred Valley, here are some other fascinating places that are a must see:
- Chinchero: Home to beautiful colonial churches, this village is known as the “Cradle of the Rainbow”. It is famous for its textile crafts, with local weavers sharing their ancient traditions.
- Urubamba: Known as the ‘Heart of the Sacred Valley’, this peaceful village is ideal for hiking and trekking. It’s also a great place for gastronomic discoveries at local farms and restaurants.
- Puca Pucara: This ancient fortress, which may have served as a military checkpoint in the valley, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Tambomachay: A symbol of purification, the “Inca Bath” is made up of stone channels and fountains that show the Inca’s expertise in water management.
- Pisac: This picturesque village is home to a colourful handicraft market. The impressive ruins of Pisac, with their agricultural terraces, offer stunning views over the valley.
- Visit an alpaca/lama farm: No trip to the Sacred Valley would be complete without a special moment with these iconic Andean animals. Visit a local farm to meet, feed and learn about these adorable creatures and discover their role in traditional Peruvian textile crafts.
