Close to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches across fifty-odd kilometres. Its boundaries are defined by the riverbed of the Urubamba, which explains why it's also called the Urubamba Valley.
The Sacred Valley was an extremely important resource for the Incas, thanks to its fertile soils. It was also held in high esteem by Inca priests and astrologers, who believed the valley was a reflection on Earth of the Milky Way.
During my time there, I toured the major Inca sites. Urubamba was the birthplace of the Inca Civilisation and today you can visit numerous archaeological sites. I had the chance to visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo and the legendary Machu Picchu. There are also the Maras Salt Mines, but, sadly, I didn't have enough time on my hands.
In any case, by touring Urubamba you'll be plunged into an historical odyssey.
Close to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches across fifty-odd kilometres. Its boundaries are defined by the riverbed of the Urubamba, which explains why it's also called the Urubamba Valley.
The Sacred Valley was an extremely important resource for the Incas, thanks to its fertile soils. It was also held in high esteem by Inca priests and astrologers, who believed the valley was a reflection on Earth of the Milky Way.
During my time there, I toured the major Inca sites. Urubamba was the birthplace of the Inca Civilisation and today you can visit numerous archaeological sites. I had the chance to visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo and the legendary Machu Picchu. There are also the Maras Salt Mines, but, sadly, I didn't have enough time on my hands.
In any case, by touring Urubamba you'll be plunged into an historical odyssey.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas encompasses a number of towns and villages, running from Pisac to Ollantaytambo along the river Urubamba, which is also known as the sacred river. There are many places and sites to visit, and it's sometimes difficult to choose which to see as a priority.
Numerous sites enable you understand more about the know-how that the Incas must have had in ancient times. I learned all about their famous growing terraces and their ingenious field irrigation systems. It's very interesting and a guided visit is often necessary if you want to really understand the life of the Incas at that time.
During my trip I was lucky enough to take a day-long excursion to go to discover the Sacred Valley, departing from Cusco. I loved admiring the countryside and the place that I liked most of all was Ollantaytambo, with its archeological site, its market and its timeless atmosphere. The sites at Sacsayhuaman and Pisac are also very impressive and full of things to see.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas encompasses a number of towns and villages, running from Pisac to Ollantaytambo along the river Urubamba, which is also known as the sacred river. There are many places and sites to visit, and it's sometimes difficult to choose which to see as a priority.
Numerous sites enable you understand more about the know-how that the Incas must have had in ancient times. I learned all about their famous growing terraces and their ingenious field irrigation systems. It's very interesting and a guided visit is often necessary if you want to really understand the life of the Incas at that time.
During my trip I was lucky enough to take a day-long excursion to go to discover the Sacred Valley, departing from Cusco. I loved admiring the countryside and the place that I liked most of all was Ollantaytambo, with its archeological site, its market and its timeless atmosphere. The sites at Sacsayhuaman and Pisac are also very impressive and full of things to see.
Cusco and Machu Picchu are in general the two most unmissable visits of every holiday in Peru. This is a happy coincidence, because these two places are both gateways to the wonderful Sacred Valley of the Incas (also known as the Urubamba valley). And I guarantee that when you get there, you'll understand how it got its name. Landscapes of uncanny beauty, eucalyptus trees, llamas, snow-covered peaks, lakes galore, all you could possibly hope for..
So, what should you do there? From Pisac to Ollantaytambo, there's no risk that you'll get bored. Here's a non-exhaustive list: typical villages, of which Chinchero is the most authentic of the ones popular with tourists, walks and hikes of all sorts, archaeological sites, salt marshes, a good number of festivals, especially in June and July, and adventure sports. In short, definitely one of my favourite places in Peru!
Cusco and Machu Picchu are in general the two most unmissable visits of every holiday in Peru. This is a happy coincidence, because these two places are both gateways to the wonderful Sacred Valley of the Incas (also known as the Urubamba valley). And I guarantee that when you get there, you'll understand how it got its name. Landscapes of uncanny beauty, eucalyptus trees, llamas, snow-covered peaks, lakes galore, all you could possibly hope for..
So, what should you do there? From Pisac to Ollantaytambo, there's no risk that you'll get bored. Here's a non-exhaustive list: typical villages, of which Chinchero is the most authentic of the ones popular with tourists, walks and hikes of all sorts, archaeological sites, salt marshes, a good number of festivals, especially in June and July, and adventure sports. In short, definitely one of my favourite places in Peru!
