Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac, Ollantaytambo and beyond
Between Cusco and Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas — a string of market towns, terraced ruins and snow-fed rivers. It is also the perfect place to acclimatize, sitting lower than Cusco itself.
The valley’s great sites
| Site | What to see |
|---|---|
| Pisac | Hillside terraces, ruins and a famous craft market |
| Ollantaytambo | Living Inca town and a vast temple-fortress |
| Moray | Mysterious circular agricultural terraces |
| Maras | Thousands of ancient salt pans |
Why give it more than a day
Sitting around 2,800 m, the valley is gentler on new arrivals than Cusco and makes an ideal first stop for acclimatizing. It is also the gateway to the train and most treks to Machu Picchu. See the Sacred Valley tour.
Explore the Sacred Valley
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and more with a local guide.
Frequently asked questions
Its Inca ruins, markets and dramatic scenery — especially Pisac and Ollantaytambo — and as the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Yes. At around 2,800 m it sits lower than Cusco, making it a gentler place to spend your first days in the region.