Finest Issues to Do in 2022 – Wild Junket Journey Journey Weblog

Final Up to date on Might 7, 2022 by Nellie Huang

Excessive up within the Peruvian Andes lies the Sacred Valley, a dramatic space chocked filled with rugged landscapes, speckled with historical Inca ruins – together with Machu Picchu – and rural villages wealthy in indigenous tradition. Most vacationers move by means of this area on their option to Machu Picchu, however few cease and linger round to immerse within the Andean tradition right here.

Regardless of its proximity from the metropolis of Cusco (27 miles or 43km to be precise), the Sacred Valley is the Peru that many dream of: the place vicuñas roam free over lush inexperienced terraces, and Quechua women wearing colourful conventional follow centuries-old traditions that pre-date the Inca civilization.

The Sacred Valley was the spotlight of Peru for us, and we extremely suggest spending a while right here earlier than heading to Machu Picchu. On this information, I’m sharing the very best issues to do in Sacred Valley, an in depth itinerary, and the place to remain.

Sacred Valley Peru Journey Information

The place is Sacred Valley Peru?

The Valley of the Solar is a 60-mile (100-km) lengthy valley that extends from Pisac City (20 kilometers from Cusco) to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The valley served as a transport hall and performed an necessary position within the Inca instances (thus the abundance of Inca ruins discovered right here). The Incas settled within the Sacred Valley because of the decrease elevation, hotter temperatures, and fertile soil. They carved stone terraces, which stay intact and are nonetheless in use immediately. 

I knew I would love Sacred Valley, however I didn’t anticipate it to the spotlight of our Peru journey. In comparison with Cusco and Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley is far much less commercialised and the indigenous tradition is actually nicely preserved right here. The gorgeous mountainscape, wealthy heritage, and historic treasures made this space my favourite a part of Peru.

Map of Sacred Valley Peru

Obtain this on Google Maps.

Present Peru Journey Restrictions

All land and air borders to Peru are actually open. All vaccinated vacationers should present proof of vaccination, whereas unvaccinated vacationers should present legitimate adverse COVID-19 check outcomes, issued as much as 48 hours earlier than boarding. Youngsters below 12 are exempted. Test the Peru authorities web site for up-to-date information.

It’s necessary to have journey insurance coverage no matter how lengthy you’re touring. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Seek advice from my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.

Methods to Get to Sacred Valley Peru

The primary gateway to the Sacred Valley is Cusco, the capital metropolis of the Inca civilization and a cradle of Latin American tradition. Cusco is about an hour’s flight from Lima, Peru’s capital metropolis (a bus takes 21 hours). The one worldwide flight to Cusco leaves from Santiago de Chile.

Our flight from Lima to Cusco price round US$150 return, however you’ll be able to higher offers when you’re touring at shoulder season. Test for flights right here.

By Automotive

From Cusco, there are a number of methods to get to the Sacred Valley. The best manner is to hire a automotive. We employed a automotive for five days from Cusco Airport and located it a superb option to discover the Sacred Valley. Our Cusco automotive rental price round US$280, which was not low cost however gave us extra freedom. We all the time e-book on Uncover Vehicles, as they’ve persistently given us the very best charges and repair.

Sure driving in Peru requires some grit and the steep mountain roads of the Sacred Valley aren’t straightforward to navigate. However, when you’ve acquired expertise driving overseas, it’s doable and positively makes for an journey!

By Public Transport

When you communicate Spanish, navigating the general public transport isn’t too troublesome. You simply want time, as colectivos (shared taxi) might be unreliable and solely go away once they’re full. Begin by taking a colectivo from Cusco to Pisac city. Colectivos go away frequently from Calle Pavitos, situated simply off of Plaza de Armas, and value about 10 soles per individual ($2.50). From Pisac, you’ll be able to take a colectivo to the opposite major websites within the valley, akin to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

By Taxi

For many who don’t drive however desire your personal transport, Taxidatum is a helpful service that permits you to make a non-public driver reservation on-line. Taxidatum can choose you up on the airport, lodge, or anyplace. They’ll anticipate you in addition to take you across the Sacred Valley. The journey between Cusco and Ollantaytambo price roughly US$40.

Finest Time to Go to Sacred Valley Peru

Sacred Valley is situated at a decrease altitude than Cusco, however it nonetheless lies round 8,000 toes (2,500m) above sea stage. Be ready for cold evenings and excessive temperature variations between day and evening.

The most effective time to go to the Sacred Valley is in the course of the dry season, which runs from April to October. Throughout this time, there’s little rainfall and temperatures are milder, making it splendid for out of doors actions.

We’ve traveled Peru in April and July, and located the climate to be all the time sunny, warmish, and ideal on each instances. Remember the fact that June to August is peak vacationer season in Peru, so anticipate crowds and better costs throughout these months. November to April is the wet season, temperatures are hotter however wetter. You’ll want to pack waterproof gear!

How A lot Time to Discover the Sacred Valley?

We spent 5 days within the Sacred Valley, slowly taking our time to discover all of the Inca websites and villages, earlier than taking the practice to Machu Picchu. Most individuals do a Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco, however I don’t suggest that as sooner or later is simply not sufficient to see and expertise all of it.

The Sacred Valley stretches throughout a distance of 60 miles (100km) and it’s plagued by historical websites, museums, artisanal facilities, and farms value visiting. You’d wish to take your time to discover and benefit from the Andean mountains.

Sacred Valley Excursions

The preferred possibility is to e-book excursions of the valley, which generally embrace transportation and guides to archaeological websites. It makes logistics simpler and takes away the stress of navigating the roads your self. Nevertheless, you’ll be herded round in teams to websites that everybody goes. Exploring by yourself will permit you to see the less-visited websites and wander round at your personal tempo.

Right here’s a have a look at some fashionable Sacred Valley excursions. Learn additional to determine which elements of Sacred Valley you’ll wish to see most.

 Boleto Turistico for the Sacred Valley

To enter the varied Inca websites within the Sacred Valley, you’ll want to get a boleto turistico. It’s a single ticket which permits entry to the key websites in Sacred Valley, akin to Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Nevertheless, it’s solely legitimate for two days. Value: 70 Soles or US$18.50 .

You will get the boleto turistico at any of the websites within the Sacred Valley, however word that ONLY CASH is accepted. It isn’t doable to purchase a person entry ticket for any single web site included on the boleto turistico.

Circuit III Boleto Turistico: Legitimate for two days* and permits entry to those websites in Sacred Valley:

• Pisac
• Ollantaytambo
• Chinchero
• Moray

*It’s a problem to go to all 4 websites above in 2 days! We had to purchase two separate boletos turisticos as we needed to take our time. 

Finest Sacred Valley Inns

Sacred Valley is a giant space, so the place’s the very best city to base your self at? I counsel selecting a base and exploring the valley from there (the furthest factors are at most 1.5-hour drive away).

Ollantaytambo is the preferred city within the Sacred Valley; virtually each traveler in Peru will move by means of because the trains to Machu Picchu go away from right here. For that very same cause, we selected to base ourselves right here. Urubamba is one other fashionable city to remain in because it’s residence to the very best inns in Sacred Valley. I personally don’t suppose the city is engaging, however it enjoys a central location within the valley.

Funds: Wayras Hostal, Ollantaytambo

Wayras Hostal has a superb location subsequent to the Ollantaytambo practice station. We selected to remain right here for an evening as we had an early morning practice to Machu Picchu to catch. The triple rooms are snug, with thick duvets and the sound of the river exterior the window. Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: Del Pilar Ollantaytambo

We stayed at this countryside lodge (pictured) for many of our time within the Sacred Valley. The lodge’s location (a 20-minute drive from Ollantaymbo) could also be inconvenient for these and not using a automotive, however we beloved being surrounded by the mountains. The lodge has high quality furnishings, a superb recreation room with boardgames and pool desk, in addition to mountain bikes that you should use without cost! Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Tambo del Inka, Urubamba

Among the finest inns in Sacred Valley is Tambo del Inka, which sits proper alongside the Urubamba River and has a non-public practice station to Machu Picchu. This beautiful property is laid out on a sprawling inexperienced space, and provides the right rustic luxurious expertise. Test charges right here.

Extremely Luxurious: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubumba

Simply probably the most luxurious lodge in Sacred Valley, Inkaterra Hacienda has a privileged location overlooking Urumbamba. Housed in a large hacienda surrounded by mountains, this resort serves up the best lodging within the space. Excellent for honeymooners and people seeking to splurge. Test charges right here.

Sacred Valley Itinerary

You may in all probability inform by now that there are numerous issues to do in Sacred Valley. I’m sharing the small print of our Sacred Valley itinerary that covers the very best spots within the space. This itinerary can simply be prolonged to five days if you wish to take issues gradual, and even 6 days if you wish to embrace lengthy hikes.

Sacred Valley Day 1

Get Up Near Alpacas at Awana Kancha

Leaving Cusco behind, drive half-hour to the Awana Kancha, an academic farm and dwelling museum of the Andes. The farm is residence to 4 species of the native camelid household: alpacas, llamas, guanacos and vicunãs. These long-necked creatures have traditionally roamed the Andes and offered clothes, gasoline and companionship as domesticated animals for over 5,000 years.  

Feeding these cheeky creatures is loads of enjoyable, and their inquisitive nature makes assembly them an satisfying expertise. Simply watch out about saliva and spitting! Don’t miss out on Awana Kancha’s fascinating displays on Peruvian textiles’ manufacturing and making. Entry is free, however donations are a lot appreciated!

Wander round Pisac Market

After assembly the animals, proceed driving for an hour to succeed in Pisac, one of many major cities in Sacred Valley. Make a cease at its bustling market, the place Peruvians from all around the valley come to commerce their items.

The market sells the whole lot from contemporary vegetables and fruit to dwell chickens and cuy (guinea pigs). Seize some empanadas for a fast lunch or sit down for a dieta de pollo (rooster noodle soup). You can too discover conventional clothes, hand-crafted jewellery and different souvenirs. It’s an incredible place to work together with the Quechua group and get a really feel for rural life in Sacred Valley.

Discover Pisac Ruins

Pisac ruins are amongst Peru’s most intensive archeological websites, and mentioned to be larger than Machu Picchu. Situated on the lengthy crest of a 3000m excessive mountain overlooking the Southern finish of the Sacred Valley, , the Pisac ruins supply spectacular views of the valley. 

The sheer dimension and placement of the positioning means that Pisac was an necessary defence in opposition to any potential invasion of Cusco. One of many major websites right here is Inti Punku, or the ‘Solar Gate’. From right here, you get a shocking view of the valley beneath and your complete web site. Plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours right here.

Keep the evening in Pisac city or Urubamba (a 30-minute drive away). Take a look at my lodge solutions above.

Sacred Valley Day 2

Go to Museo Inkariy

Begin your morning with a go to of Museo Inkariy within the city of Calca. This new museum is without doubt one of the finest that we’ve visited in Peru: it reveals the fascinating pre-Colombian civilizations that got here earlier than the Inca.

You find out about every civilization, together with the Inca, by means of key artifacts, musical devices, instruments, and even life-sized figures of its folks. Nice for each adults and youngsters! Entry: 35 Soles or US$9.

Lunch at Parwa Group Restaurant

The Parwa Group Restaurant is situated in Huchuy Qosqo, a tiny hamlet of 70 households round a 20-minute drive away. Due to the village’s remoted place and lack of fundamental providers, many inhabitants battle to get by.

The restaurant, run by the Huchuy Qosqo Affiliation, makes use of all of its earnings to assist group improvement efforts. The meals comes from native farmers, which helps to develop the native financial system. Workers on the restaurant get coaching, a wage each month, medical health insurance and retirement advantages. The meals is genuine and scrumptious, and you realize your cash goes to trigger!

Wander round Yucay

After lunch, drive in direction of Urubamba, the most important city within the Sacred Valley. The bustling city is just not overly engaging, because it’s primarily a transport hub. Skip the city and head straight to the small farming city of Yucay. That is residence to the archaeological web site, Palacio de Sayritupac. The palace belonged to the final Inca king, Sayri Tupac 1350-1558.

Students consider it was used as an Inca astronomy heart support with the altering seasons and agriculture. You may nonetheless spot mural work within the niches, a clay oven that was utilized by the Incas to complete pottery, and the illustration of an Andean Cross (or Chakana).

Drink Craft Beer on the Sacred Valley Taproom

Beer lovers, don’t miss the Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado taproom, situated halfway between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Based in 2014, the Sacred Valley brewery has gained quite a few awards and produces a few of the finest craft beer in Peru.

Our favourite was the Be Form, a conventional pale ale. Alberto additionally actually favored the Olas de Maras, a bitter beer with hints of salt from Maras and the aguaymanto fruit. 

Keep the evening in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. Lodge solutions are above.

Sacred Valley Day 3

Marvel the UNESCO Maras Salt MINES

It’s steep drive from Urubamba as much as the Maras salt mines, however the journey is undoubtedly a few of the most breath-taking surroundings in Peru. Salineras de Maras is a group of about 3,000 small swimming pools that sit on the slopes of the mountains. I keep in mind first listening to about these salt mines from a documentary, Añay Kachi (extremely value watching!).

The indigenous communities have been harvesting salt from the springs right here by hand for over 600 years, previous to the Inca instances. After a few years of battle and unfair working situations, the salt staff grew to become house owners of the salt mine, making a cooperative. As we speak they proudly personal and function the salt enterprise and the salt mines are a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

You may nonetheless see the salt staff arduous at work immediately, however it’s now not allowed to stroll free across the salt swimming pools. Entry: 35 Soles or US$9.

Cease at Mountain View Expertise

As you allow Maras behind, you’ll spot the beautiful glamping huts of Mountain View Expertise. Right here, A-framed picket huts stand precariously on the meadow, with wild vicunas roaming round you. One of many huts even include an out of doors scorching tub! We didn’t keep right here because it was out of the way in which, however we want we did! It’s gloriously in the midst of the mountains and the placement is simply spectacular.

Admire Moray Round Terraces

Proper subsequent to Maras is the intriguing Moray archaeological web site, the place you’ll discover round terraces or “muyus” constructed on mountaintops. Constructed by the Incas, these circumscribed circles had been designed to create microclimates. Scientists consider that this was a sort of agricultural laboratory. The positioning resembles an amphitheater and has been immaculately preserved. 

Wander round Chinchero

A 40-minute zigzagging drive up the mountains is the picturesque city of Chinchero, situated at 12,460 toes (3,800m) above sea stage, even increased than Cusco! The previous city is perched on steep hill slopes, so each step is an upward ascent. When you begin strolling away from the village, you’ll discover the Inca terraces.

This city was the nation resort of Inti Tupac, the son of well-known Inca king, Pachacutec. He ordered the development of those agricultural terraces, that are nonetheless in use immediately. The soil in Chincero is definitely probably the most fertile in the entire Sacred Valley, and lots of native produce like quinoa and potatoes are grown right here.

Go to the Chinchero Market

Attempt to time your go to to coincide with market day, on Tuesday, Thursday, and particularly Sunday. The Chinchero market is much less business than its counterpart in Pisac, and is nicely value visiting! Historically dressed locals from the hills descend for the produce market on Sunday, an enchanting alternative to see precise bartering.

*Don’t mistake this for the artisanal market in Chinchero ruins. The Chichero Market is down the street and is extra of a contemporary produce market. It’s much more genuine and untouristy.

Cease on the Centro de Produccion Texil Illapa

In your manner again down, cease on the Illapa Artisanal Heart to be taught concerning the weaving practices in Chinchero. The locals, wearing conventional apparel, will reveal how alpaca wool is spun and dyed to create their beautiful textiles. They had been so type to supply us coca tea for the altitude, and speak to us concerning the variations between the native communities. Entry is free, however a purchase order or ideas is appreciated.

Keep in Urubamba (a 30-minute drive) or Ollantaytambo (1-hour drive) for the night.

Sacred Valley Day 4

Wander round Ollantaytambo Previous City

We’ve left the very best for the final: Ollantaytambo often is the gateway metropolis to Machu Picchu, however it deserves to be a vacation spot by itself. The village’s previous city is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings, that you may simply spend days getting misplaced in.

Strolling the city’s historical alleyways is like stepping again in time. Begin at Plaza de Armas, the primary sq. flanked by tourist-centric eating places promoting pizza, pasta, burgers, and alpaca steaks. Duck into one of many side-streets and also you’ll discover far more genuine eats, outlets, artwork galleries and even yoga studios.

Hike up the Ollantaytambo Ruins

Perched on the hilltops of the city, the Ollantaytambo fortress is a showcase of fantastic Incan stonework. Throughout the Spanish conquest of Peru, it was used as a fortress by the Inca resistance. In truth, the Inca repelled the Spanish military from this location. Sadly, the Spaniards returned with larger forces later and compelled the Inca to withdraw to Vilcabamba.

Essentially the most distinguished options are the Temple Hill and the Temple of the Solar, with their huge stones stacked at good angles. These enormous rocks nonetheless bear historical carvings in aid. The complicated additionally features a stepped terrace, generally known as the Princess Baths, the place ritual bathing befell.

See the Ollantaytambo Market

Mendacity on the foot of the Ollantaytambo ruins is the out of doors Ollantaytambo market. It’s extra of a memento market lately, jam-packed with handicrafts and souvenirs of each form and dimension. Costs listed here are increased than in Cusco. You can too spot “Inca emperors” right here who’re dressed up for photographs.

Keep in Ollantaytambo tonight as trains to Machu Picchu go away from right here!

Sacred Valley Day 5

Put together for an Journey in Machu Picchu

Did you suppose I’d write a information to the Sacred Valley, with out together with Machu Picchu? Truly, Machu Picchu is the primary cause why you’re concerned about coming to the Sacred Valley within the first place, proper?

A visit to Peru is just not full and not using a go to to Machu Picchu, however visiting Machu Picchu is just not as straightforward because it was once. To protect the archaeological web site, the Peruvian authorities has now put a restrict to the variety of day by day guests. Guests should e-book an entrance time prematurely, and there’s a restricted variety of tickets for out there for every time slot.

I like to recommend reserving your tickets a minimum of a month prematurely – particularly when you’d love to do any hikes inside Machu Picchu itself. However which hike to decide on and which timeslot? Learn my information on how you can get to Machu Picchu.

Take the Prepare to Machu Picchu

The practice journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also called Aguas Calientes) is maybe one of many finest practice journeys on the earth. You’ll whizz alongside the raging Urubamba River, stare up steep canyons, and gaze upon snow-peaked mountains, whereas retracing Hiram Bingham’s footsteps into the misplaced metropolis of the Incas.

Ollantaytambo is the closest city to Machu Picchu Pueblo (there’s no street entry) and there are common practice departures on each Peru Rail and Inca Rail. They use the identical tracks and serve the identical stations, and ticket costs are roughly the identical.

You’ll want to purchase your tickets prematurely on-line to get the very best worth and departure instances in your journey. The Vistadome and 360° trains have enormous glass home windows and are well worth the splurge (from US$65 every manner). When you don’t thoughts lacking out on the surroundings, evening trains are less expensive (at round US$25 every manner).

Particulars concerning the Prepare to Machu Picchu

• TIME: The practice from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes round 1.5 hours and the journey again takes 2 hours.

• COST: Vistadome trains begin from US$65/manner. The most affordable trains on Peru Rail begin from US$25/manner; Inca Rail from US$40/manner.

• WHERE: Trains go away from the station on the finish of Avenida Ferrocarril in Ollantaytambo, a 10-minute stroll from Plaza de Armas.

• STAY: Guide a lodge proper subsequent to the practice station so it’s a straightforward hop to the practice. We stayed at Wayras Hostal simply steps from the station.

• TIP: Guide a morning practice to Machu Picchu and only one entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, so you’ll be able to spend the entire day within the web site. I like to recommend staying a minimum of 1 evening in Machu Picchu Pueblo simply to chill out and benefit from the scorching springs on the town.

Finest Sacred Valley Eating places

Don’t anticipate to have Michelin starred meals on this rural a part of Peru, however there’s no scarcity of healthful, inexpensive home-cooked meals. Most eating places serve a menu del dia in the course of the day, which normally features a soup as a primary dish, meat with rice and salad as a major course (select from beef steak, trout or rooster), and a lemonade. Nice worth for cash!

Tierra Bistro Organico, Pisac

This sunny cafe serves up the freshest ceviche and nice vegetarian menú, plus do-it-yourself pasta, and house-made pizzas. We had been actually stunned to search out such wholesome, worldwide meals in small city Pisac. Learn critiques right here.

Parwa Group Restaurant, Huchuy Qosqo

A very good stopping level close to Museo Inkariy, the Parwa Group Restaurant makes use of all of its earnings to assist group improvement efforts. It’s a easy farm-to-table restaurant that serves scrumptious native dishes made with natural, native produce. Learn critiques right here.

Restaurante Willkamayo, Urubamba

We stumbled upon this quaint nation restaurant in Urubamba and beloved the plush gardens and look at of the encompassing mountains. It was an excellent place to only lay on the grass and relax! They serve genuine, Peruvian home-cooked meals at nice costs. Attempt the trout and chicharron de pollo!

Quinua Restaurant, Ollantaytambo

Overlooking the primary sq. of Ollantaytambo, Quinua could look identical to the opposite vacationer traps on the town, drawing in legions of backpackers. Nevertheless it truly serves up fairly respectable pizzas, pastas, and alpaca steaks. Learn critiques right here.

What to Pack for Sacred Valley

As you’ll be climbing and strolling round historical websites in Sacred Valley, having pair of climbing boots is necessary. The strolling paths are product of stone and might be very slippery when moist.

Carry a small daypack in your digital camera, water bottle and snacks. However word that enormous backpacks aren’t allowed into Machu Picchu. In case your bag is bigger than 15.7 inches x 13.7 inches x 7.9 inches (40 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm) it gained’t be allowed in. Solely reusable water bottles are allowed (not plastic ones)!

No matter if you go to, the daytime and night temperatures differ rather a lot within the Sacred Valley. Make certain to carry layers; you’d wish to put on a fleece and jacket within the morning, and peel them off by midday. The solar might be robust within the afternoon, so a hat and sunscreen are important.

Packing Record for Machu Picchu

Additional Studying on Peru

Are you able to journey Sacred Valley, Peru? Hope you discovered my Sacred Valley journey information helpful! Which half are you most trying ahead to? Drop me a remark beneath when you’ve acquired questions!

Searching for extra tricks to plan your journey to Peru? Check out a few of our different posts:

Disclaimer: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks i.e. when you can e-book one thing by means of my hyperlinks, I’ll get a small % of fee, AT NOT EXTRA COST TO YOU.  

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