The Sacred Valley stretches along the Urubamba between Pisac and Ollantaytambo at around 2,800 metres — about 600 m below Cusco. It was the breadbasket of the Inca empire and a line of royal estates, and it remains the most agriculturally productive stretch of highland Peru.
Ollantaytambo is the most impressive single stop — a terraced royal estate above a town whose grid hasn’t been resurveyed since Inca times. Climb the terraces for the view back over the old roofs, then walk the lower town along narrow stone channels that still carry water from the hillside springs.
Pisac is the other half-day essential — Sunday market in the town below, Inca citadel on the hillside above with terraces that staircase down into the valley. The ruins see fewer visitors than Ollantaytambo and the walk up through the terraces is one of the best in the region.
For a tighter day with transport and a licensed guide, book through Peruways. They cover the main valley loop and can add Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt pans if you have longer. The Boleto Turístico (70 soles for the day-use ticket, 130 for the 10-day) covers entry to all the main sites.
