Related Destinations:

The Urubamba Valley

(or "Sacred Valley")

The Urubamba Valley, traditionally called the Yucay Valley and most recently the Sacred Valley(although, to add extra confusion, it is technically the Vilcanota-Urubamba valley given the change in the river’s name downstream from Ollantaytambo), owes its name to the beauty and fertility of its land. Since colonial times visitors have discovered this rich land dotted with picturesque Andean markets, impressive churches and remarkable Inca ruins. It stretches for approximately 180 kilometres/112 miles north of Cusco (toward Machu Picchu), and lies at an average of 2200metres/7,200ft, approximately 1000 metres/3,280ft lower than the Cusco. The climate is considerably 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.

Today, the Urubamba Valley is not overlooked by tourism, and consequently some of the key highlights such as Pisac market and the Ollantaytambo ruins are somewhat overrun. At Aracari we of course still visit these sites, but in a creative fashion in order to minimise the disruption to the experience of our guests.

Destinations in the Valley:

Pisac, Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Andahuaylillas, Tipon, Pikillacta, Patakancha, Maras, Moray.

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, is 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!

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.

Our most highly recommended Sacred Valley hotels: