The Urubamba Valley

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The valley where the Sacred River flows

The valley where the Vilcanota river (also called Wilcamayu and Urubamba) flows is the overlooked by Machu Picchu's ruins from an over 2.500 m high mountain and is crossed by the famous 23.000 km long Inca Trail.

This is a picturesque area of Peru with lots of riches. It is a "must explore" unique place for those adventure seekers who travel to Peru and want to see dreamlike landscapes.

The valley is a good place to start exploring the lives and traditions of the indigenous people, whose ancestors the Incas were. There are many villages, towns among which the town Urubamba, a quiet place, just 1 hour from Cuzco. With colourful landscapes, interesting traditional markets, the little town attracts many tourists wandering to the region, curious about the lifestyle and traditions of the locals.

The small village called Yucay and the town Urubamba are both highly frequented places by foreign tourists. At the local markets, one can buy traditional souvenirs, but careful, because sometimes prices are unreasonably high. 

In the eastern part of the Urubamba Valley, there is the village/town called Písac, well known for its periodical markets. The place is also famous for its beautiful views over the valley below and especially, the ruins of Písac.

Ollantaytambo is another important place located on the northern part of the Urubamba Valley, almost half as far away from Machu Picchu as Cuzco is (in a straight line). Ollantaytambo is one of the most impressive Inca cities ever built. It is one of the biggest and most intact ruins, you mustn't miss when you visit Machu Picchu.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is somewhat included in the Urubamba Valley. The Sacred Valley starts from Ollantaytambo on the north and runs south to Písac, following the line of the Vilcanota river. The river actually flows from south to north, into Machu Picchu's direction.

The Urubamba Valley does not include the whole Sacred Valley of the Incas, because it exclusively refers to the basin of the Vilcanota River. Places like Cuzco, the Inca capital and the town of Chinchero are not in the Urubamba Valley, but they are in the Sacred Valley, which includes a wider territory than the valley of the Vilcanota.

The Urubamba Valley has wide plains and hills as well. It is surrounded by very high mountains, often getting close to each other, forming narrow passes, like the one under Machu Picchu.

Colorful agricultural lands stretch in the valley of the Urubamba River, scattered Inca archaeological sites and villages lie everywhere.

This region is Peru's most productive cropland. Tourism flourishes due to the numerous attractions (beautiful views, ancient ruins, local markets, adventure travel opportunities).

This landscape and its archaeological attractions seduce the arriving tourists. You too should experience the magic of this special place!