The Sacred Valley of the Incas runs 60 km between Pisac and Ollantaytambo at altitudes from 2,800 to 3,000 metres — a thousand metres lower than Cusco, which makes it the natural acclimatisation stop before Machu Picchu.
Peruways runs the full Sacred Valley circuit: Pisac for the hilltop ruins and the Sunday market, Ollantaytambo for the Pachacuti fortress and the Machu Picchu train, Chinchero for the weaving cooperatives, Moray for the circular agricultural terraces, Maras for the pre-Inca salt pans. Most itineraries pick three of these as a day trip, or spread them over two days with a Yucay or Urubamba overnight.
The valley climate is milder than Cusco. Days warm, nights cold, and clearer skies through most of the year because you’ve dropped below the puna cloud line. The flora changes with the altitude — eucalyptus and corn at valley floor, cactus and ichu grass on the upper slopes.
Plan a Sacred Valley day with Peruways: book your tour.
