Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour 1 Day Classic .

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the Peruvian Andes, is composed by numerous rivers that descend forravine and small valleys, possesses numerous Archaeological Centers and Indigenous Villages.

This valley was very appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the main points of production for the wealth of his(her,your) lands and place where the best grain of corn takes place in Peru.

Sacred Valley of the Incas 

During the Inca times, the Sacred Valley was an important agricultural centre where the unique large grain maize was, and still is, grown. This tour passes through beautiful cities that are a syncretic blend of cultures, art and architecture

On the tour we will visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero and stops for lunch in the charming riverside town of Urubamba.

P’ISAQ ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Pisac is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Its name is believed to come from a bird native to the area, known as the “p’isaqa.” Some scholars suggest that the original pre-Columbian city was designed in the shape of this bird, symbolizing a deep connection with the local fauna.

Today, the nearby colonial town of Pisac spelled “P’isaq” in Quechua is known for its vibrant local market, where you can find a wide variety of traditional crafts, handmade textiles, and regional products. It’s a perfect place to experience the local culture and pick up unique souvenirs.

OLLANTAYTAMBO

The archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo served as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center during the Inca Empire. Its architecture stands out for its impressive scale, distinctive style, and remarkable originality.

The name “Ollantaytambo” is believed to come from the word Ollanta, the name of an Inca captain whose story was passed down through oral tradition and later written as a drama by Antonio Valdez, a priest from Urubamba, in the mid-18th century. The second part of the name, tambo, derives from the Quechua word tampu, meaning “a resting place that provides lodging, food, and comfort for travelers.”

Ollantaytambo’s agricultural activity was supported by the nearby Patacancha Creek, where large terraces were once actively cultivated. Although many of these terraces are now damaged and no longer in use, they remain a testament to the ingenuity of Inca agricultural engineering.

CHINCHERO

Chinchero is a typical Inca city where, despite the efforts of the Spanish conquerors to “civilize” and impose their culture, the local people fiercely resisted. Today, this spirit of resilience is evident in the inhabitants who continue to live in the original Inca buildings structures that have remained largely intact since the time their ancestors built one of the largest and most prosperous civilizations in the Americas.

Known as the “Rainbow City,” Chinchero is located 28 kilometers northwest of Cusco, perched at an altitude of 3,762 meters. It sits at a unique crossroads between the highlands and the warm valleys, surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Veronica, and Soray. The panoramic views from here are truly breathtaking. Chinchero was also chosen by the Inca emperor Tupac Yupanqui as one of his royal residences, adding to its historical significance.