Upcoming Event
01 Nov 2012 - 02 Nov 2012
Every year people get to the cemeteries to remember and pray for relatives and friends like in Inca times, when people adored dead people (mummies) and even lived with them in their houses.
Welcome to the Sacred Valley of the Incas!
Located near Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas has emerged as a significant tourist centre in Peru. In the heart of the valley lies a string of scenic towns, terraced fields and picturesque Incan ruins that are famous throughout the world. Due to these attractions and its moderate, pleasant climate, an overnight stay in a Sacred Valley hotel has become a must-do on many a tourists' itinerary to Peru.
Visitors to the valley will be enchanted by the Incan ruins, the local culture and people and the Inca way of life that has remained unchanged, despite the passage of time.
Until recently, visitors came to Cusco and Machu Picchu but ignored the Sacred Valley completely. However, the Sacred Valley offers so many interesting and exciting things to see and do, and has emerged as one of the highlights of visiting the region. It holds remnants of Peru's Incan past and also affords numerous Sacred Valley tour and adventure options such as mountain biking, trekking, rafts or kayak rides, thermal baths, hang gliding, paragliding and horseback riding. Visitors can also work in the terraced fields or recover salt from the salt pans to experience the valley's way of life in a unique way. For shoppers, two of the most prominent handicraft markets of Cusco - Pisac and Chinchero - are located here.
The Incas called this verdant valley Yucay, and this was one of the most fertile parts of Peru. The Sacred Valley consisted of lands belonging to the Inca nobility and their right to these properties was recognised as a royal favour by the Spaniard conquerors. The Palace of Savri Tupac in Yucay stands witness to those times when the Incas ruled the valley.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas follows the course of the Rio Vilcanota (River Vilcanota), which is also known by the names Urubamba and Willcamayu. It occupies the region that is spread between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Located to the northeast of Cusco, the Sacred Valley can be reached by an asphalt road. Two such asphalted roads connect Cusco with the valley. The first road is more popular and connects Cusco to Urubamba by a distance of 57 kilometres via Chinchero. The second road connects Cusco and proceeds northeast towards Pisac and follows the Vilcanota River for a distance of 50 kilometres, up to the village of Calca, which is located in the centre of the Valley. However, the first road is recommended as it is in better condition.
Sacred Valley tour activities centre around the lofty peaks of Chicon, Piturisay, Terijway, Sunchobamba , Puma Sillo and Sawasiray which form part of the Vilcanota chain of mountains with altitudes of over 5000 meters. Trekking, horse riding, mountaineering and rafting along the river at Pisac, Calca, Huaran and Ollantaytambo are popular. The towns along the valley have a number of Sacred Valley restaurants offering the cuisine of the region, and Sacred Valley hotels providing good value accommodation. You can use our Sacred Valley map to choose your hotel in the Sacred Valley based on its location.
Here in the valley, local markets selling the traditional handicrafts of the Andean people are a highlight. The Andean people's art and crafts have survived unchanged over centuries. The awe inspiring ruins of Inca fortresses and temples at Sacsayhuamán, Pisac and Ollantaytambo also shed light on an ancient culture that encompasses Machu Picchu.
In the Sacred Valley, the importance accorded to the movements of the sun and moon by the Incas can be clearly seen even today. A visit to the Sacred Valley will transport you to a world where Inca architecture and feats of engineering will inspire admiration and awe. In addition, the valley's sunny climate makes it easy for tourists to explore the quaint Andean villages that continue to make some of the best Peruvian handicrafts and visit the ruins of Incan palaces, temples and fortresses.
We are a locally based company that knows all there is to know about the Sacred Valley. Choose from our wide range of personally recommended Sacred Valley hotels and guesthouses, as well as our eco-friendly tours in the Sacred Valley and let us help you plan your perfect Sacred Valley holiday!
Tambo del Inka
Location: Urubamba
From: USD 319
Tambo del Inka is the newest hotel and at the same time is the most luxurious in the Sacred Valley. It will have its official opening on May 1, 2010. During the soft launch, Susan Sarandon was among one of its first guests to experience the hotel.
Tambo del Inka will debut as a luxury resort and spa featuring exclusive adventure tourism experiences, historical and cultural surroundings of the Incas and innovative dining.
Casa Andina Private Collection
Location: YanahuaraFrom: USD 196.90
Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection in the Sacred Valley is part of the Peruvain hotel chain Casa Andina with 17 hotels currently in operation in Peru. Casa Andina started in 2000 with only one small hotel in Lima and quickly converted itself in one of the most successful hotel chains in Peru, thanks to its commitment to service, quality and excellence.
As each hotel has its own unique style, based on the local culture, you will never feel bored when staying in two or more hotels of Casa Andina.
Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley is best described as a mountain chalet style resort, offering panoramic views of the Andes Mountains that surround the hotel.
Hotel Rio Sagrado
Location: UrubambaFrom: USD 370
Rio Sagrado is a new 5-star resort, which opened its doors in mid 2009. It is located on the banks of the Urubamba River in Cusco.
Rio Sagrado is built on an impressively large ground of 20,000 square meters and is a boutique hotel with only 21 rooms, divided in deluxe rooms and suites. With a large staff for only a small number of rooms, you will be assured of the best service and quality.
La Hacienda del Valle Hotel
Location: Yanahuara
From: USD 99
La Hacienda del Valle Hotel is located in the middle of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and was built over 8000 square meters. It is surrounded by highland landscapes and close to archaeological sites like Moray and Ollantaytambo. It is great for enjoying a sightseeing tour and close to the train station, where you can board the train to travel to Machupicchu instead of arriving from Cusco.
[more info]El Albergue
Location: OllantaytamboFrom: USD 70
Hotel El Albergue is located next to the Vilcanota River and inside the train-station of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas', which gives it a big advantage for everyone who needs a train to Aguas Calientes / Machupicchu.
[more info]Hotel Inkallpa
Location: YanahuaraFrom: USD 130
Hotel Inkallpa in the Sacred Valley is a wonderful new hotel located in a small community called Yanahuara, about 20 minutes from the train station in Ollantaytambo. It took the Peruvian family, the Mayos, two years to construct this little paradise and they have operated this hotel from the beginning.
The accommodation is a bit hidden away, but once you arrive, you will fully enjoy the silence and amazing views over the mountains.
Hotel Pakaritampu
Location: OllantaytamboFrom: USD 110
On the road going down from the Main Plaza in Ollantaytambo to the train station, you will find the Hotel Pakaritampu. It is an excellent place to stay overnight when you would like to take an early train to Machupicchu the next morning or after having finished a Sacred Valley tour in Ollantaytambo.
[more info]Melissa Wasi
Location: PisacFrom: USD 60
The Melissa Wasi is a fresh, new place on the outskirts of Pisac, situated close to the river and in a beautiful green area. By moto-taxi, you can reach Pisac's famous market in 5 minutes. The use of the accommodation's two motor scooters is generously included in the room rate, which makes it even easier to visit Pisac's most interesting places.
[more info]San Agustin La Recoleta
Location: UrubambaHotel San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta is the official name of this hotel in Urubamba, also known as Hotel San Agustin la Recoleta. Built in the 17th century as a monastery, this hotel offers you some excellent samples of colonial art.
The Hotel Recoleta, carefully refurbished in 2007, has been modeled to retain all its old-world aesthetic and the magic of an ancient monastery.
Royal Inka Pisac
Location: PisacFrom: USD 70
Pisac is situated at the beginning of the Sacred Valley only 40 minutes away from Cusco. The hotel Royal Inka PIsac is located at the edge of the small Andean village among corn fields and along the way up to the famous Pisac ruins. According to Frommer's, this is the best place to stay when in Pisac.
[more info]Apu Lodge
Location: Ollantaytambo
From: USD 50
A stay in Apu Lodge Ollantaytambo is like coming home after a long journey. Comfortable rooms are awaiting you with a hospitable host that will help you whenever possible. There are seven rooms available and a small common area where you can read one of their books or just chat with fellow travelers. This lodge will make you want to stay a few extra days in the Sacred Valley.
[more info]Hostel Sauce
Location: OllantaytamboFrom: USD 85
Hostel Sauce is a cozy little place right in the centre of Ollantaytambo. With just six rooms, this hostel gets fully booked quickly. So be on time with your reservation.
[more info]Hotel Sol Ollantay
Location: Ollantaytambo
From: USD 54
Hotel Sol called before Sol Ollantay is one of the newest hotels you will find in Ollantaytambo. It started in 2009 with 16 rooms and an extra 8 rooms will be added at the end of this year. Some rooms offer a perfect view over the famous Inca ruins up the mountain.
[more info]Illarimuy
Location: UrubambaFrom: USD 80
Hotel Illarimuy is an entrance to the Andean magical and mystical world. It is an excellent place to rest and escape from the busy city of Cusco. It is located just one hour from Cusco, 20 minutes from Ollantaytambo and 45 minutes from Pisac. This place forms an excellent base to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
[more info]Nustayoc Lodge
Location: OllantaytamboFrom: USD 66
The Nustayoc Lodge is the perfect place for nature lovers since the 16-room lodge is a 20-minute ride from Ollantaytambo and a short distance from the start of the Inca Trail. It is, therefore, also a great place to stay when you have booked the Inca Trail.
Superb views from the snow capped Mountain Veronica can be appreciated from this accommodation, while enjoying the gardens of the lodge.
Combo Rafting / Mountainbike Tour
Join a full day adventure in the Sacred Valley, combining white water rafting with a mountain bike tour. The most common activities in the Sacred Valley can now be done in just one day!
[more info]Sacred Valley Mountainbike Adventure
While staying overnight in the Sacred Valley, this mountain bike tour is an excellent option to fill your day as it starts and ends in Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley.
[more info]Sacred Valley Mountainbike tour Maras & Moray
Enjoy a full day with impressive views of the major archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley from the seat of a mountain bike. This tour will begin and end in Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley.y.
[more info]Rock Climbing in the Sacred Valley
A completely new type of adventure sport is now available in the Sacred Valley, rock climbing. Departures are possible every day! [more info]
Combo Rafting / Sacred Valley Tour
When not feeling like a standard bus-ride through the Sacred Valley, this is an ideal option for travellers. Participants will enjoy a rafting adventure in the Sacred Valley, combined with both Pisac's market and the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo! [more info]
Your local connection
Hello from Chaska Tours....your local connection in the fertile Sacred Valley of Peru! We are working hard here in the highlands of Peru to deliver a unique specialised service and ensure you have an unforgettable experience in our home. Check out our extensive range of accommodations, exciting tours and everything else to see and do in the Sacred Valley. Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions and stop into the office if you are in the area!
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