Book: Sacred Valley of the Incas
The beautiful Vilcanota/ Urubamba valley is popularly called El Valle Sagrado, or the Sacred Valley, of the Incas. It is about 15km north of Cusco as the condor flies. The climate is pleasant because of the elevation (600m lower than Cuzco), and there is much to do visit Inca ruins, bargain in Indian markets, stroll though Andean villages or go river running down the Urubamba. Rafting is one of the Sacred Valley’s most pleasant activities, and this option is described under Activities in Cusco earlier in this chapter. The most important points of interest in the valley are the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, both of which require the Boleto TurÃstico for admission. Other sites can also be visited. Limited accommodations are available in the towns of Pisac, Calca, Yucay, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.Various tour companies in Cuzco visit in the Pisac and Ollantaytambo sites on half and full day guided bus tours of the Sacred Valley, but if you have a few days, taking local buses and staying in the valley itself is rewarding.
