|
The Urubamba or Sacred Valley |
 Urubamba Valley | The Urubamba Valley (traditionally called the Yucay Valley and most recently Sacred Valley) owes its name to the beauty and fertility of its land, and is dotted with picturesque Andean markets, impressive churches and remarkable Inca ruins. It stretches for approximately 180 kilometres north of Cuzco (toward Machu Picchu), and lies at an average of 2200metres, approximately 1000 metres lower than the Cuzco. Hence the climate is much milder here making it the chosen area by the Incas and later Spanish Conquistadors as a resting place where they established their estates and country homes. | Practical Information for The Urubamba Valley
It was not until very few years ago, that the visitor to Cuzco and Machu Picchu completely overlooked the Urubamba Valley. It is now a highlight of any itinerary in the area, and spending a night in the Valley is a must, especially since there is more infrastructure and better accommodation. The main town in the Valley is Urubamba, where our favourite hotel, the Sol y Luna located. Ollantaytambo, where there is a train station to catch the train to Machu Picchu lies 20 minutes drive from Urubamba and 1 ½ hours from Cuzco.For a detailed map of the area please click here.
Unfortunately since everyone now seems to visit the valley, the usual highlights such as Pisac market and Ollantaytambo ruins are very much on the tourist path, to the point of being annoying. Both these are wonderful sights and must be visited, but it is imperative to organise the visits in a creative way in order to prevent the crowds factor from spoiling the experience. The reality is, most lovely places are not visited by anyone! | 
Pisac
| 
Weavers from Chinchero
|  | 
Destinations in the Valley: Pisac, Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Andahuaylillas, Tipon, Pikillacta.
Patakancha, Maras, Moray | | At Aracari we have developed a number of day trips to visit lesser-known communities, such as Patakancha (where we have a community project); private Haciendas, one-day walks such as Patakancha-Pumamarca, Tipon or Chawaytire, 1-night camping treks such as Huchuy Qosqo, and a variety of hotel -based one day activities such as rafting, horse riding and even paragliding, that will make your visit to the area entirely different. These itineraries are particularly attractive for families, as they allow children to have fun as well. In-depth knowledge of the area and being experts on the ground is key and will make your stay absolutely hassle-free and unique. Southeast of Cuzco, on the road toward Lake Titicaca, you will find a number of interesting sights to visit. Some of these visits, such as the colonial churches of Andahuaylillas, Huaro and Checacupe, or the Pre Inca (Wari) ruins of Pikillacta can be done on half day or full day visits while being based in Cuzco. Others, like our favourite, the magnificent Inca ruins of Raqchi, are further afield and are best visited while travelling overland to Lake Titicaca. Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi. | | |
|
