What you need to know to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is truly one of the most amazing places in Peru and South America. Its vast fertile territory was a sacred place where the Incas built their most important citadels and temples, such as: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray and much more. Today it is one of the best tourist destinations in Cusco along with Machu Picchu.
How to get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is made up of the towns of Pisac, Chinchero, Maras, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
Of these towns, the closest to the city of Cusco is Chinchero (30 kilometers). It is followed by Pisac (34 kilometers), Maras (55 kilometers), Urubamba (60 kilometers) and Ollantaytambo (79 kilometers).
To get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, there are 2 routes: a) via Chinchero and b) via Pisac.
If you are traveling to the Sacred Valley of the Incas on your own, these are the ways to get there:
By ‘colectivo’ cars – The colectivo cars are taken on Pavitos street (to go by route via Chinchero) and Puputi street (to go by route via Pisac). The cost of the trip is around 10 soles (3 USD).
By bus – Buses from Cusco to Ollantaytambo leave from Pavitos Street. The cost is 10 Peruvian soles per person (3 USD). Buses from Cusco to Pisac leave from Puputi Street. The cost is 5 Peruvian soles per person (2 USD).
By Taxis – Taxis can be hired on any street in Cusco. You can also hire this service through a tourist agency. The cost varies from 60 to 120 Peruvian soles (from 20 USD to 40 USD).
Which tours to choose to travel to the Sacred Valley?
An organized tour will allow you to save time and travel more safely. There are 2 ways to take a tour of the Sacred Valley:
An organized tour
Joining an organized group to tour the Sacred Valley is the most used way by tourists. An organized tour guarantees reliable drivers, qualified guides and a comfortable trip. The tour starts with stops in the town of Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
A private tour
A private tour gives you more flexibility in the itinerary and in the time you can stay in each place. This service can be organized from 1 tourist. This tour is a good option for family, couples or group of friends. T
When to go to the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley is beautiful at any time, either during the dry season (April to October) or the rainy season (November to March).
The rainy season is characterized by more frequent rainfall while the dry season by the absence of rain.
The dry season is characterized by little rainfall. In those months, the sun is more intense during the day and the cold is more icy at night.
According to tourists who have already visited the Sacred Valley, the dry season is a good time to visit Chinchero, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and all the towns that make up the Sacred Valley.
Tickets needed in the Sacred Valley
To visit the main archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley you need the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
The Cusco Tourist Ticket Partial – Circuit 3 includes the entrance to: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray.
Another good option is to purchase the Integral Tourist Ticket, which includes admission to 16 different tourist attractions in Cusco, South Valley and Sacred Valley.
What to do in Pisac?
The archaeological site of Pisac – One of the best citadels built by the Incas. It is built on the basis of finely polished granite stone terraces. It is also characterized by its system of terraces, altars, water wells, squares, ceremonial enclosures and more.
The Pisac handicraft market – It is a handicraft fair that has been established in the town of Pisac for centuries. There, tourists can find alpaca clothing, silver jewelry, paintings, souvenirs and much more. It is held every Sunday in the main square of the town.
The town of Pisac – This town preserves many customs of their ancestors. There you can appreciate the colorful dress of its people.
