Globerovers Magazine, July 2019

Peru’s
sacred valley
LOCATED in Peru’s Andean highlands, the Sacred Valley
formed the heart of the Inca Empire, along with the town
of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known
as the Urubamba Valley and Valley of Yu-
cay, is irrigated by the Urubamba River and
stretches all the way from Pisac village to
Ollantaytambo, a distance of about 60 kilometres (37 mi).
The first known occupants of the Sacred Valley were
the Chanapata civilization around 800 BC. They were
followed by the Qotacalla civilization from 500 to 900
AD and the Killke civilization from 900 AD until the Incan
Empire took over the region in 1420. The Incan Empire
ruled over the valley until the arrival of the Spanish
conquerors. While the Incas won the Battle of Ollantay-
tambo against the Spanish in 1537, the Incan Emperor
was so rattled by the invaders that he withdrew from the
Sacred Valley and the area came under the control of the
Spanish colonialists.
Today the Sacred Valley is a major tourist attraction
for many reasons. Located just 26 kilometres (16 mi) from
Cusco, many travellers visit the valley on a daytrip, sadly
not having enough time to truly experience the many attrac-
tions offered by this historically and culturally rich region.
Inca ruins are still dotted throughout the entire valley
and the area has an authentic Peruvian feel due to the
many traditional villages and towns that populate the
area.
Among the highlights of the valley are the Ollantay-
tambo ruins and the adjacent old village at the western
end of the valley. At the eastern end is the village of Pisac
and its authentic market that is packed with local produce
and a wide array of locally created arts and crafts. Up the
hills to the north of the village is the Pisac Archaeological
Park. Chinchero is a village located high up on the wind-
swept plains of Anta at 3,765 metres (12,350 ft), about
30 kilometres (19 mi) from Cusco. There are beautiful
views overlooking the Sacred Valley. The archaeological
site of Moray and the salt flats of Maras near Ollantayt-
ambo are hidden gems of the Sacred Valley.
For the adventure junkies, the Sacred Valley offers
enough opportunities for white water rafting, paraglid-
ing, mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, and a lot more.
Join us as we travel along the Sacred Valley of Peru.
Photo Essay • Peru’s Sacred Valley | 83