Andean Explorations – 18: Sacred Valley
Previous post: Cusco the Inca capital | Next post: Moray and Salinas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to the Inca capital of Cusco. The Valley is generally understood to include everything between Písac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the Urubamba River, or Vilcanota River or Wilcamayu, as this Sacred river is called when passing through the valley. It is fed by numerous rivers which descend through adjoining valleys and gorges, and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. (Wikipedia)
Plaza de Armas, Pisac
Like I suggested in previous post, the best way to travel in this region is independent travel. It gives you the choice to travel where you want and when you want. The cost is as low as possible and the experience of interacting with the locals, getting lost, finding the buses etc. is wonderful.
Local buses or collectivos (mini vans) run frequently between various towns, but there are 2 major routes on either side of the river. Often the driver will wait until his vehicle is fully packed with people. Make sure you tell the driver loudly (so that everyone will know) where you want to get off the vehicle.
As a rule, it is always safe to travel in public vehicles as people will try to help and offer plenty of advice. It’s only when you seek individuals such as taxis do you get exposed to potential crime, cheating etc. Foreigners (gringos) will be loved in the buses and people will watch your actions with curiosity 
Pisac market
The town of Pisac is great for shopping and there are hundreds of little shops on market days (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday). Urubamba is a bigger city, and there is nothing much to see there. I halted in Urubamba briefly at the fuel (gas) station while waiting for my next bus. A night’s stay in Pisac and Ollantaytambo would be very enjoyable as these towns are very quiet.
Pisac market
My path in Sacred Valley looked like this (very confusing without a map):
(from Puno) > Cusco > Ollantaytambo > (to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu) > Ollantaytambo > Cusco.
Cusco > Pisac > Urubamba > Moray and Salinas > Chincherio > Cusco
I would have loved to spend more time here cycling the valley, but as I said before – some things should be left for the next visit
Next post: Middle of nowhere.
For the complete photo set, slideshow and comments, please see my Sacred Valley Photo Gallery
Previous post: Cusco the Inca capital | Next post: Moray and Salinas
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so true..its not a small world after all ..why is it called sacred valley?
↵Hi Lakshmi:
The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was their primary source of agriculture and other natural wealth.
Rest of southern Peru is barren and the north eastern part is a rain forest. This piece of land has a distinct geographical character. Probably that’s why they called it Sacred. Incas built many temples here.
In addition, there might by mythological stories which I don’t know about… hope this answers your question
↵I was about to ask the same question that Lakshmi has asked. I’ll ask again if you have something else to say.
↵Your series is coming out well with awesome photos. I have Peru in my list, lets see when it happens.
Using transportation the locals use is very easy and inexpensive. We took the bus to Pisac, and another day found a taxi to take us to Ollantaytambo with another passenger that shared his knowledge of the history and tales about the Sacred Valley. Better than reading about in a travel book.
↵Hi Priyank, thanks for stopping by our site.
Your site looks great and a lot of stories about some similar destinations we are going in a few months!
I’ll have to spend more time reading it…
The sacred valley is a very special place on Earth… I can’t wait to be there next Februray!
Good travels!
↵Lol, answered about the sacred, I think they thought of lot of things as sacred, more great pics and story, you are braver then me, i’d be going the public route all the way. I would however one day before I die like to be called gringo,lol.
↵Cuckoo:
Enough for now ? lol.
↵Sure, I always have more to say:
Sacred valley is one of the most preserved region in Peru. When I say preserved, I mean the preservation of Inca culture. This region has a lot of Spanish influence although much lower than the western Peruvian cities. People speak Quechua (the Inca language) and dress very simply but colorfully. I will post some pictures in the next blog-post to highlight how beautiful this region is
Ray:
Indeed one of the best parts of traveling is that you get to meet local people 
Thanks for dropping by.
↵Welcome to my website and so nice to see your comment here
Cris:
February isn’t that far, happy traveling 
↵Welcome to Priyank.com and I’m glad you stopped by to comment. You will have a fantastic time in the Sacred Valley (and Peru in general) because it has soooo much to offer for everyone
Gringo Bob
↵Nah, I know, that doesn’t count
I will post the story of people calling me gringo. And me brave? only in few situations my friend!
Interesting to read about Cusco and the Sacred valley. Thanks.
I’ve begun to travel more in public transports these well, and find it not only more fun but turns out much cheaper as well.
↵Celine:
↵You are most welcome. Safety is one of the biggest benefits that I find of public transport. Many would disagree
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