Everything You Need To Know About The Inca Valley Peru
Have you heard of the legendary Inca Valley Peru before?
Known locally as the Sacred Valley, this giant mountainous region is found within the Andes around Cusco. Once the central kingdom of the ancient Inca civilization, here we can observe both incredible temples and structures of a culture which were way before their time, as well as some beautiful landscapes of towering peaks and vegetative valleys.
In this guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Inca Valley Peru. This includes the best things to see and do here, exactly where it is located, how to get here and also what makes this remote Peruvian region so special.
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Where Is The Inca Valley In Peru?
The Inca Valley is a large region of roughly 60km, which is nestled within the Andean highlands of Peru. The closest major city to this region is Cusco, which is roughly an hour away – and is the best basecamp for exploring this incredibly diverse area.
Given its location, the geography here is really diverse. This includes giant alpine mountains that include Salkantay and Ausangate, Rainbow-colored peaks as well as beautiful fertile Andean valleys. This is why joining a Sacred Valley Day Tour is such a good idea, where local expert guides will show you the very best highlights of the region.
What Is So Special About The Sacred Valley In Peru?
There are many reasons why the Inca Valley Peru is so special and popular to visit, however one of the biggest reasons is the ancient history and traditions once found throughout this Andean region.
First of all, the landscapes and varied scenery here are a dream for all adventurers, photographers, and also for those who love epic mountain views! Giant snow-capped peaks like Ausangate and Salkantay often loom behind for some iconic photos, and we can also explore cloud forests and remote Andean settlements (especially when heading on the four day Inca Trail trek).
As well as this, the surrounding valleys and hills were once the kingdom of the infamous Inca civilization. Living between the 15th and 16th century some 500 years ago, the Inca were incredible stonemasonry and architectural experts, and today we can see many of their very best creations in ruins like those around Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Inca Valley Peru
Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the Inca Valley Peru, as well as anything else important that you need to know.
Is It Worth Heading On An Inca Valley Day Tour?
Overall we think that visiting the Inca Valley with a day tour from Cusco is the best way of experiencing this memorable Andes region. Not only will you have private transport (so will have no delays waiting for public buses), you will also have one of our local expert guides show you around and teach you everything you need to know about this region.
Are Sacred Valley And Machu Picchu The Same?
Although it can be argued that Machu Picchu is inside the Sacred Valley region, they are still different given Machu Picchu is just one site inside this large region that expands some 60km. The good thing is that distances aren’t too large to travel, so you can still explore Machu Picchu with a simple tour from Cusco.
Where Is The Best Place To See The Inca Ruins?
Within the sacred valley we can find countless Inca ruins that remain in pristine condition, both near major towns and also in remote locations. Those who want to see epic giant temples will love Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, whilst those who want to experience hidden settlements that only few tourists see will want to head on the Inca Trail.
Overview Of The Inca Valley Peru
And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about the Inca Valley Peru.
Better known as the Sacred Valley, this breathtaking mountain region has everything you would want from a trip around the Andes. This includes perfectly-preserved Inca ruins, giant snow-capped peaks, multicoloured lagoons and some memorable hiking trails. And that’s all of course without mentioning the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu too!
Are you looking to explore the Inca Valley Peru? Here at AB Expeditions we operate a memorable Sacred Valley Day Tour, where you’ll visit iconic sites such as Pisac Ruins, the Maras Salt Mines as well as the peaceful mountain town of Chinchero. As well as including all activities, you’ll also have round-trip transportation from Cusco provided too.