After 15 years crafting luxury trips throughout the Sacred Valley, I’ve reached a conclusion that surprises many: this 60-kilometer stretch between Pisac and Ollantaytambo is more impressive than Cusco itself. And I don’t say that lightly.

Why the Sacred Valley Should Be Your Base in Peru

Altitude changes everything. Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,155 ft) above sea level; the Sacred Valley rests comfortably between 2,800 and 2,900 meters (9,186–9,514 ft). Those 500 fewer meters mean you’ll breathe easier, sleep deeply, and enjoy every moment without the headaches many experience in Cusco.

There’s more: some of South America’s best luxury hotels are here; you’re 25 minutes from Ollantaytambo (where you board the train to Machu Picchu); and you have direct access to archaeological sites, authentic villages, and experiences that simply don’t exist in Cusco.

Sacred Valley Essentials

Pisac: Two Worlds in One

Pisac is really two completely different experiences: the artisan market down in town and the stunning ruins up on the mountain.

The Pisac Market

On Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, the town explodes with color. The Pisac artisan market is famous for a reason: you’ll find quality craftsmanship here—not the mass-produced knockoffs that flood other tourist markets.

What to look for: genuine alpaca textiles (the flame test: true alpaca won’t melt; it chars), traditional ceramics from nearby communities, hand-worked silver jewelry, and Cusqueña school-style paintings. Most vendors are artisans from high-Andean communities who come down on market days.

Insider tip: Arrive early (8–9 AM) while locals are still shopping for produce before the tour buses arrive. In the back of the market, far from the main square, you’ll find the most authentic goods and the best prices.

The Pisac Ruins

Here’s where the magic really happens. The Pisac ruins form a massive archaeological complex rivaling Machu Picchu in historical importance, yet it receives a fraction of the visitors.

The site has several sectors: Intihuatana (the ceremonial sector with the famous sun clock), Qalla Q’asa (the residential neighborhood), and an Inca cemetery with 10,000+ tombs carved into the mountainside. The agricultural terraces look like stairways to the sky, hugging every curve of the mountain with precision that defies logic.

Luxury visit approach: You can hike up from town (2 hours, demanding but spectacular) or take a taxi to the upper entrance (20 minutes, $15–20). Most of my clients ride up by taxi and walk down, stopping in each sector to explore unhurried.

Hire a private guide—absolutely. There’s little signage, and a good guide turns stones into stories. Cost: $80–120 for an expert English-speaking private guide, half-day.

Best time to visit: Get there at 8 AM at opening, or after 2 PM when group tours leave. Between 11 AM and 1 PM is bus chaos.

Urubamba: The Valley’s Beating Heart

Urubamba has no marquee ruins, but it’s the logistical heart of the Sacred Valley and home to its best luxury hotels. The Vilcanota River (which becomes the Urubamba downstream) skirts town, and farm fields stretch in every direction with snowcapped peaks as a backdrop.

What makes Urubamba special is its authenticity. Unlike Ollantaytambo or Pisac, this is a working town where locals far outnumber tourists. The local market (daily, especially lively on Sundays) is entirely for locals: 20+ native potato varieties, fresh purple corn, and medicinal herbs your grandmother would recommend.

Experiences in Urubamba:

• Chichería Carlitos is unmissable. This isn’t sugary tourist chicha; it’s authentic fermented corn beer Peruvians have drunk for centuries. Carlitos, the owner, tells stories as he serves it in gourd cups. Rustic, local, real.
• For controlled adventure, rafting the Urubamba from here toward Ollantaytambo (Class II–III) is perfect for adrenaline without extreme risk. Several companies operate with top gear and professional guides. 2–3 hours on the water, $80–100 pp.

Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca Town

Ollantaytambo is my favorite place in the Sacred Valley—no contest. It’s the only Inca town in Peru where people still live in the original houses, walk the same stone streets, and use the same water channels functioning since the 15th century.

The Archaeological Site

The Inca fortress looms over town from the mountainside. It was the only place where the Incas defeated the Spanish in open battle (1537). Emperor Pachacutec built this as an administrative, military, and religious center.

What impresses: the Sun Temple stones at the summit are 50+ ton megaliths hauled from a quarry across the valley. How they moved and fitted them with such precision remains a mystery that challenges modern engineers.

Key tip: Climb the terraces up to the high storehouses (Pinkuylluna) on the opposite side of the valley. 90% of tourists don’t know they exist. From up there you get the best view of the living Inca town, the main ruins, and the entire valley. 45-minute hike, moderately demanding, worth every step.

The Town

Ollantaytambo’s streets are a living museum. Blocks are organized into canchas (Inca residential units), each with a central courtyard and four dwellings. The street water channels are the same the Incas built 600 years ago.

Walk early in the morning (6–7 AM) when locals set tables outside to eat breakfast, when women sweep their thresholds, when kids head to school. That’s when you understand this isn’t a museum—it’s a living town that just happens to be 600 years old.

Where to eat in Ollantaytambo:

• Hearts Cafe: Social enterprise training local youth. Excellent food (try the quinoa risotto), soulful service, and every sol you spend supports their education.
• Chuncho: On the main square. High-quality novoandina cuisine, solid wine list, and one of the best lomo saltados I’ve had.
• Tutti Amore: If you need a break from Peruvian fare, this Italian trattoria is surprisingly authentic. The chef is actually Italian, and the pasta is homemade.

Chinchero: Textiles & Tradition

Chinchero sits at 3,760 meters (12,335 ft), making it the highest town on the classic Sacred Valley circuit. If you’ve just arrived from Lima, save Chinchero for day 2 or 3 once you’ve acclimatized.

What makes Chinchero unique: two things. The Inca ruins with impressive terraces and the colonial church built literally atop the palace of Túpac Inca Yupanqui, plus weavers’ associations that keep 500+ year-old textile techniques alive.

The Textile Center

Several weaving cooperatives operate in Chinchero, but the most authentic is the one next to the ruins. Women demonstrate the full process: shearing alpaca, hand-spinning with traditional spindles, natural dyeing with local plants (cochineal for reds, chilca for greens, qolle for yellows), and backstrap loom weaving used since Inca times.

This isn’t a superficial tourist show. If you show genuine interest, they’ll teach techniques their grandmothers taught them and explain symbols whose meanings reach back into pre-Columbian time.

Buy or not? Textiles here are expensive (a blanket can cost $200–$500), but they are months of work, entirely handmade with ancestral methods. If you want a meaningful keepsake and are willing to pay fairly, this is the real thing.

Sunday Market

Chinchero’s Sunday market is less touristy than Pisac. High-altitude villagers come to trade: native potatoes in dozens of varieties, chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), fava beans, hominy. It’s more anthropological than commercial, more authentic than photogenic.

Maras & Moray: Science and Salt

Maras and Moray lie close together (15 minutes by car) and are usually visited on the same outing.

Moray: The Inca Laboratory

Moray is one of Peru’s most intriguing sites. Concentric circular terraces look like a Greek amphitheater, but they weren’t for shows—they were an agricultural research center.

Each terrace level creates a different microclimate. The temperature difference between the bottom and top can reach up to 15°C (27°F). The Incas experimented here with crops from across the empire—jungle, coast, and varying Andean altitudes—testing where each grew best and adapting species to new climates.

It’s sophisticated agricultural engineering disguised as geometric beauty. The first time you reach the bottom and look up, you feel the weight of how much knowledge was lost when the Spanish arrived.

Practical visit: The site is exposed to sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Walk down to the bottom of the main circle (most tourists stay up at the overlook). Admission: 70 soles with the Partial Tourist Ticket.

The Maras Salt Pans

Ten kilometers from Moray, the Maras salt pans are 3,000+ shallow pools worked by local families since pre-Inca times. A subterranean saline spring (the only one in the Andes) emerges high on the mountain. Water is channeled into stepped pools.

Each family fills their pans (passed down through generations) with spring water. The sun evaporates it in 3–4 weeks, leaving pink salt harvested by hand.

Visual spectacle: At midday the pans are pretty, but at sunset, when low light strikes the water-filled pans, the mountainside becomes a mosaic of rose-tinted mirrors reflecting sky and peaks—one of Peru’s most photogenic places.

Best season: Dry season (May–September) sees the most active pans. In the rains some are empty because salt won’t crystallize well with humidity.

How to visit: Two viewpoints: an upper (where most photos are taken) and a lower area where you can walk among the pans. You can buy salt directly from working families. A 1 kg bag is 5–10 soles, vastly better than regular table salt.

The Best Luxury Hotels in the Sacred Valley

Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Location: Urubamba, beside the Vilcanota River

Tambo del Inka is the largest and most luxurious resort in the Sacred Valley. It’s also the only hotel in the region with a private train station on property. You can literally step off the train returning from Machu Picchu and be in your room in 3 minutes.

Facilities
The hotel has 128 rooms and suites across modern-colonial buildings with red-tile roofs and local stone. Deluxe rooms start at 42 m² and feature:

• King or two queen beds with high-thread-count Egyptian cotton
• Marble bathrooms with separate tub and shower
• Radiant floor heating (a luxury where Andean nights are cold)
• Private balconies or terraces (most with river or mountain views)
• All the expected tech: LED TV, Nespresso, safe, excellent Wi-Fi

Suites (especially the 200 m² Presidential Suite) are spectacular, but honestly Deluxe rooms are so good that upgrading only makes sense for very special occasions.

The Spa — Andes
One of Peru’s best hotel spas. 1,500 m² with:

• 8 single treatment rooms
• Couples’ massage rooms with fireplaces
• Hydrotherapy circuit (heated pool, jacuzzis, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath)
• Treatments with Andean ingredients: hot river stones, Maras salt & quinoa scrubs, mountain-clay wraps

The Andean Deep-Tissue Massage (90 min, $160) is perfect after a day among ruins—deep tissue with hot stones and muña (a relaxing Andean herb).

The Pool
The outdoor pool is heated to 28–30°C year-round, beside the river. 25 meters long—you can actually swim, not just float. Separate kids’ pool.

Best part: loungers with direct river and snowcapped mountain views. Grab a canopy daybed (limited; go early) and spend the afternoon reading while Pisco Sours magically reappear from the pool bar.

Restaurants

• Hawa Restaurant: Flagship novoandina cuisine blending European techniques with Andean ingredients. Seasonal menu. Breakfast buffet ($35 if not included) is outstanding: fresh-juice station, house-baked breads, omelet station, Andean options like quinoa & kiwicha, local fruits.
• Kiri Bar & Lounge: Sophisticated cocktails built on piscos and macerados. Try the pisco Negroni with coca macerate and Campari.
• Pachacútec Private Dining: For special occasions—private space with personal chef and custom menu. 6-person minimum, from $150 pp.

What makes Tambo special

• Private train station: No need to go to Ollantaytambo; PeruRail stops here.
• Service: Professional without pretension; many staff have been here since opening in 2012.
• Family-friendly: Kids’ programs, connecting rooms, safe gardens.
• Gym: Technogym equipment—better than many Lima gyms.

Less ideal

• It’s big. If you want boutique intimacy, this isn’t it.
• Can feel more “international resort” than “ultra-authentic Peruvian.”
• On-property prices are high (a Cusqueña is $8).

Price range: $600–$900/night (Deluxe). Suites from $1,200. Always look for packages with breakfast, transfers, and spa credit.

Best for: Couples wanting full-service luxury, families with kids, travelers prioritizing comfort over hyper-local style.

Hotel Río Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel

Location: Between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, on the Vilcanota River

Río Sagrado is my recommendation when someone says: “I want luxury, but I want to feel I’m in Peru.” It balances five-star comfort with authentic valley connection.

Concept
Belmond (formerly Orient-Express) designed it as a luxury country hacienda. Buildings follow colonial architecture with interior courtyards, built with modern methods and materials. The result looks 200 years old—but with the fastest Wi-Fi in the Valley.

Rooms
Just 23 villas set in 2 hectares of gardens. Three categories:

• Garden Terrace Rooms (entry level): 55 m² with private garden terrace; Peruvian textiles, local art, that Belmond touch—special without being ostentatious.
• Mountain View Rooms: Same layout but mountain views. Worth the extra $100/night.
• Deluxe Suites: 90 m² with separate living room, working fireplace, large terrace. Perfect for honeymoons/anniversaries.
• River View Villas (top tier): Two riverfront villas are the crown jewels—120 m², private garden, outdoor tub with mountain views, absolute privacy. From $1,500/night—unforgettable if budget allows.

All rooms include:

• Fireplaces (some wood-burning, others electric)
• Bulgari bath amenities
• Balconies or terraces with comfy seating
• Bed warmers (hot water bottles placed at turndown)
• Oxygen enrichment system to ease altitude

Experiences
Where Río Sagrado shines—curated, meaningful activities:

• Native Plant Garden: 100+ Andean plant species. Don Fernando (15 years on staff) gives daily tours—learn muña for stomach aches, paico as antiparasitic, Andean sage as antiseptic.
• Pachamanca Ceremony: Twice weekly; not a tourist show—the real Andean earth-oven feast. You participate from pit-heating stones to unearthing the aromatic meal.
• Cycling: Excellent Giant mountain bikes. Ride riverside paths, visit nearby communities, or pedal to the Maras salt pans (3 hours round-trip, intermediate).
• Peruvian Cooking Classes: Hands-on in the hotel kitchen—ceviche, lomo saltado, pisco sour.

El Huerto Restaurant
Food is excellent. The chef sources from local producers (many vegetables from the hotel’s garden) and delivers contemporary Peruvian cuisine without losing tradition.

Tasting menu ($85 without pairing; $135 with Peruvian wines) is the way to go. Dishes rotate by season, often featuring: reimagined causa, local river trout with crispy quinoa, alpaca with Andean tubers, and Amazon-fruit desserts.

Breakfast (included) is continental + à la carte: order scrambled eggs with Andean cheese & tomato, or kiwicha pancakes with goldenberry honey.

Bar
Inti Lounge has perhaps the Valley’s best macerated-pisco list (20+). Ask for the Pisco Tasting Flight ($25) with storytelling and snack pairings. Evenings by the big fireplace are perfect for conversation or reading in leather armchairs.

Spa
Smaller than Tambo del Inka’s, but equally good:

• 4 treatment rooms
• Garden-view sauna
• Relaxation lounge with fireplace

“Sacred Valley Massage” (80 min, $145) uses pressure techniques inspired by Andean healing. “Inca Trail Recovery” ($160) targets tired feet and legs.

What makes Río Sagrado special

• Scale: Only 23 villas—never feels crowded; mornings can feel like you have it to yourself.
• Staff: Small, long-tenured team; they know your name and preferences.
• Location: Literally between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo—perfect base.
• Experiences: Authentic culture without leaving the property.

Considerations

• No heated outdoor pool (a small, cold plunge only)
• Closest train station is Ollantaytambo (15 min)
• Bar/restaurant prices are Belmond-level (high)

Price range: $700–$1,100/night (Garden Terrace to Deluxe Suite). River View Villas from $1,500. Usually includes breakfast; some packages include dinner.

Best for: Couples seeking romance and authenticity; travelers who value experiences over amenities; guests wanting intimacy and personalized service.

Other Luxury Hotels in the Sacred Valley

Explora Valle Sagrado
All-inclusive with 50 suites. Operates with daily “explorations” (included): choose from 30+ excursions each day. Fantastic if you want guided experiences without handling logistics. Spectacular architecture. From $1,200 pp/night (3-night min)—includes meals, bar, expert-guided outings, transfers.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
17th-century colonial hacienda turned eco-boutique hotel. Just 13 rooms. Organic gardens supply the restaurant. Ideal for sustainability without sacrificing luxury. $450–$700/night.

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Family-run boutique with 43 unique casitas (each differently decorated). On-site theater with Peruvian dance show, Peruvian Paso horse rescue, and spa in private cottages. Excellent value. $400–$650/night.

Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

Location: Minutes from Urubamba on the road to Ollantaytambo

Aranwa is the Sacred Valley’s most authentic colonial-soul luxury offering—a 17th-century manor fully restored, blending colonial architecture with every modern five-star comfort.

Style
You immediately notice: stone colonial arches, courtyards with fountains, corridors lined with colonial and republican art (the hotel’s private collection exceeds 300 pieces), and a restored 17th-century chapel for special events.

Aranwa Hotels specializes in hotel-museums. This isn’t just décor: each piece has a story and label. It’s like staying in a living museum where you can touch everything—and sleep in the rooms.

Rooms
72 rooms arranged around colonial courtyards. Categories:

• Superior Rooms (entry): 35 m², Andean textiles, restored period furniture; garden or courtyard views.
• Junior Suite: 55 m², integrated sitting area, richer décor; some with decorative fireplaces.
• Executive Suite: 70 m², separate living room, jacuzzi tub, private terrace/balcony.
• Colonial Suite: 85–100 m², original colonial architecture (17th-century beams, restored clay floors), working fireplaces, luxury baths with large soaking tubs.

All rooms feature:

• High-quality linens
• Heating (essential in the Valley)
• Spacious bathrooms with premium amenities
• In-room oxygen to ease altitude
• Reliable Wi-Fi
• Authentic colonial art pieces

Unno Spa
One of the Valley’s most complete spas, blending ancestral Andean techniques with top-tier facilities:

• Thermal water circuit with varying temperatures (access to natural hot springs)
• Heated indoor pool
• Indoor/outdoor jacuzzis
• Finnish sauna & Turkish bath
• Single & couples’ treatment rooms
• Treatments with natural Andean products

“Sacred Valley Ritual” (120 min, $180) is superb: Maras salt scrub, Andean clay wrap, hot-stone massage with aromatic oils—you’ll feel ten years lighter.

Heated Pool
An outdoor heated pool (28°C) sits amid gardens with mountain views—perfect for floating under the Andean sky after a day of ruins.

Dining

• Qespi Restaurant: Peruvian–international fusion. Generous breakfast buffet with Andean and continental options. Dinner à la carte with well-executed classics: ceviche, lomo saltado, alpaca, and traditional desserts like suspiro limeño and mazamorra morada.
• Wayra Bar: Solid pisco and cocktail list; cozy firepit evenings in the courtyard.

What’s special about Aranwa

• Genuine colonial architecture: A true restoration of a 17th-century manor, not a replica.
• Art collection: Walking the hotel equals visiting a colonial/republican art museum.
• Hot-spring spa circuit: Few Valley hotels have natural thermal water
• Chapel: Perfect for vow renewals or special events.
• Strong value: More amenities than small boutiques at competitive prices.

Considerations

• Larger hotel (72 rooms)—less intimate than tiny boutiques
• Colonial style isn’t for everyone—if you prefer minimalist contemporary, look elsewhere
• 10 minutes from central Urubamba (you’ll need a taxi or hotel transport)

Price range: $350–$650/night (Superior to Executive Suite). Colonial Suites from $800. Usually includes buffet breakfast and spa water-circuit access.

Best for: Travelers who appreciate history and colonial architecture, couples seeking character-rich romance, families wanting space and full amenities, guests who value price–quality in the luxury tier.

Sacred Valley FAQs

How many days do I need in the Sacred Valley?

Minimum 2 full nights; ideally 3–4 nights.
With 2 nights you can comfortably see Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Maras/Moray. With 3–4 you add Chinchero, have time for deeper experiences (cooking class, shaman ceremony, horseback riding), and can spend restful days at your hotel without feeling you’re “losing” time.

If your plan includes Machu Picchu, count one night in Aguas Calientes as part of the overall Sacred Valley experience.

Is it better to stay in the Sacred Valley or in Cusco?

For luxury travel, the Sacred Valley wins for several reasons:

1. Altitude: 500–600 meters lower than Cusco = less altitude sickness, better sleep, more energy
2. Hotels: The best luxury hotels are in the Valley, not in Cusco
3. Location: Closer to Machu Picchu and major attractions
4. Ambience: Less traffic, less noise, more nature
5. Authenticity: Real towns vs. a tourist city

My standard plan: Spend 3–4 nights in the Sacred Valley, then 1–2 nights in Cusco to visit the city, Sacsayhuamán, and the historic center. Cusco is wonderful by day—but sleeping in the Valley is smarter.

How do I get around the Sacred Valley?

If you’re in luxury hotels, they organize everything:

• Tambo del Inka, Río Sagrado, and Aranwa: Concierge coordinates private tours with guides and transport. Build your day à la carte.
• Explora: All-inclusive with transport to daily explorations.
• Private tours: $200–300 per full day with bilingual guide, private transport, and entrances. Your hotel will set it up.

If you want independence:

• Private taxis: Negotiate a full-day hire ($80–120 depending on route)
• Colectivos (shared vans): Cheap but far less comfortable (not recommended for luxury trips)

Do I need the Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley?

Yes, for most sites. Two options:

• Partial Tourist Ticket — Sacred Valley Circuit (70 soles / ~$19):
  Includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray
  Valid: 2 consecutive days
• General Tourist Ticket (130 soles / ~$35):
  Includes all Valley sites + Cusco attractions (Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, museums)
  Valid: 10 days

Maras Salt Pans are NOT included. Pay direct entry (10 soles / ~$3).

Your hotel/agency can purchase tickets for you, or buy them at the Tourist Ticket offices in Cusco or at the first site you visit.

What’s the best time to visit the Sacred Valley?

Dry season (May–September):

• Weather: Sunny days (20–23°C / 68–73°F), cold nights (2–8°C / 36–46°F). Rare rain.
• Pros: Perfect activity weather, spectacular photos, few mosquitoes.
• Cons: More tourists; higher hotel rates; Inca Trail books out months in advance.

Rainy season (November–March):

• Weather: Rains almost daily, usually 2–4 afternoon hours; mornings often clear. 18–20°C / 64–68°F by day, 8–12°C / 46–54°F at night.
• Pros: Valley is vivid green, flowers everywhere, 20–30% lower prices.
• Cons: Rain can disrupt plans; Inca Trail closes in February; paths can be slippery.

Shoulder months (April & October): TOP recommendation. Generally good weather, fewer tourists than peak winter, reasonable prices. April has harvests (active fields); October has beautiful local festivals.

Do I need to acclimatize before visiting the Sacred Valley?

At 2,800–2,900 m, the Valley is significantly lower than Cusco (3,400 m). Most people do fine, especially if they fly from Lima directly to the Valley instead of Cusco.

Ideal acclimatization plan:

• Day 1: Arrive in the Valley, take it easy. Unpack, stroll the hotel gardens, drink plenty of water, skip alcohol. Light dinner, early sleep.
• Day 2: Gentle activities (Pisac market, Maras visit). Avoid strenuous effort.
• Day 3+: You’re ready for longer walks, Machu Picchu, etc.

Altitude-sickness symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping

What to do if you feel it:

• Coca tea (it works)
• Ibuprofen for headaches
• Rest—don’t force it
• Eat light (carbs digest easier)
• If severe, luxury hotels have oxygen available

Medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help—ask your doctor. Start 24 hours before ascent.

What should I pack for the Sacred Valley?

Clothing (layering is key):

• Short- and long-sleeve tees
• Light fleece
• Waterproof windbreaker
• Comfortable walking pants (jeans are okay, activewear is better)
• A warmer sweater/jacket for evenings
• Thermal base layers if traveling May–September

Footwear:

• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers with good grip (ruins have uneven stones)
• Sandals/light shoes to relax at the hotel

Essential accessories:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen (high-altitude sun is brutal—even with clouds)
• Brimmed hat (real sun protection)
• Quality UV sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle (hydration is key at altitude)
• Small daypack for outings

Med/health:

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Stomach meds
• Your regular prescriptions
• Insect repellent (almost none in dry season)
• Band-aids & basic first-aid kit

Electronics:

• Good camera (photos here are incredible)
• Power bank
• Plug adapter (Peru uses Type A & C, 220V)

Documents:

• Passport (original—needed for Machu Picchu)
• Copy of travel insurance
• Hotel confirmations (printed or on phone)

Is the water potable in the Sacred Valley?

Tap water is not potable. In luxury hotels:

• All provide complimentary bottled water
• Some have filtration systems and offer reusable bottles
• Tap water is fine for brushing teeth
• Ice cubes in luxury hotels are safe (purified water)

Outside luxury hotels, always buy sealed bottled water.

Is the Sacred Valley safe?

Very safe. It’s a well-established tourist area with developed infrastructure. Luxury hotels have 24/7 security. Towns like Ollantaytambo and Urubamba are safe to walk day and night.

Standard precautions:

• Don’t leave valuables visible in parked cars
• Use your in-room safe for passports, extra cash, electronics
• Normal awareness in markets (as anywhere touristy)
• Hire official guides (your hotel will recommend)

Are there ATMs and currency exchange?

ATMs: Available in Urubamba and Ollantaytambo and accept international cards. However:

• Low withdrawal limits (often 400–700 soles / ~$110–190 per transaction)
• Fees ~15–20 soles (~$5) per withdrawal
• Sometimes run out of cash (especially weekends)

Recommendation: Bring enough cash from Lima or Cusco. Luxury hotels accept credit cards for everything, but you’ll want cash for:

• Tips
• Artisan markets
• Small restaurants
• Taxis
• Site entries (some take cards, many still prefer cash)

Money exchange: Best rates in Cusco. Valley hotels can exchange, but rates are poor.

What language is spoken? Do I need Spanish?

Spanish is the local language; many older residents in rural communities speak Quechua first.

In luxury hotels and with professional guides, English is no problem. Staff at Tambo del Inka, Río Sagrado, Aranwa, Explora, etc., speak fluent English.

In small local restaurants and markets, Spanish helps. Some locals speak basic English in highly touristy areas like Ollantaytambo and Pisac.

Useful apps:

• Google Translate with offline Spanish
• Duolingo for basic phrases

Handy phrases:

• Buenos días = Good morning
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? = How much?
• Gracias = Thank you
• ¿Dónde está…? = Where is…?
• La cuenta, por favor = The check, please

How’s cell service and internet?

Cell coverage: Good in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Pisac; patchy on rural roads and remote sites.
Carriers: Claro and Movistar have the best Valley coverage.
Internet: All luxury hotels have good Wi-Fi; some (especially Tambo del Inka and Aranwa) offer excellent speeds for video calls/remote work.
SIM cards: Buy a Peruvian prepaid SIM at Lima airport or in Cusco ($10–$15 with several GB). Passport required.

Do luxury hotels offer vegetarian/vegan options or cater to dietary restrictions?

Yes. All the luxury properties mentioned (Tambo del Inka, Río Sagrado, Aranwa, Explora, etc.) can accommodate virtually any dietary requirement with advance notice:

• Vegetarian & vegan (Peruvian cuisine is rich in quinoa, kiwicha, native potatoes, Andean vegetables)
• Gluten-free (native flours like quinoa and kiwicha)
• Kosher & Halal (requires more coordination but possible)
• Food allergies

Important: Inform the hotel when booking and remind them at check-in. Chefs at these luxury hotels are professionals and take this very seriously.

Can I tour Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley?

Absolutely—and it’s the most logical way to do it. Most travelers based in the Sacred Valley take the train from Ollantaytambo (15–30 minutes from most hotels) to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Two main options:

Option 1: Full day from the Valley

• Early pick-up from your hotel (5–6 AM)
• Train from Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (5 hours)
• Bus up to Machu Picchu
• Guided visit (3–4 hours)
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Afternoon train back
• Return to your hotel by 7–8 PM

Option 2: With an overnight in Aguas Calientes (my recommendation)

• Afternoon train from Ollantaytambo
• Overnight at an Aguas Calientes hotel (Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or Sumaq are excellent)
• Early pre-dawn bus for sunrise at Machu Picchu
• A more relaxed visit with no rush
• Afternoon return to the Valley

Your hotel can coordinate everything: train tickets, Machu Picchu entry, private guide, and transfers.

What else can I do in the Sacred Valley besides ruins?

The Valley offers far more than archaeology.

Adventure

• Rafting on the Urubamba River (Class II–III)
• Mountain biking on Andean trails
• Ziplining (several options in the Sacred Valley)
• Paragliding from mountain take-offs (spectacular views)
• Hikes & treks of all levels

Culture & traditions

• Peruvian cooking classes
• Visits to authentic local communities
• Andean shaman ceremonies (offerings to Pachamama)
• Traditional textile demonstrations
• Basic Quechua lessons

Nature & relaxation

• Birdwatching (200+ species)
• Horseback riding (including Peruvian Paso horses)
• Yoga & meditation in the mountains
• Spa & wellness treatments
• Stargazing (incredible dark skies)

Gastronomy

• Food tours through local markets
• Pisco and Peruvian wine tastings
• Pachamanca earth-oven experiences
• Farm-to-table at hotels with organic gardens

Should I hire a private guide or go on my own?

For luxury travel, a private guide is an investment that’s absolutely worth it.

Benefits of a private guide

• Your own pace (no groups of 15–20)
• Ask specific questions
• The guide tailors the narrative to your interests
• Knows the best photo angles
• Avoids crowds (knows when and how to move)
• Provides the historical context stones alone can’t

Cost: $80–150 for a half day; $150–250 for a full day (certified, bilingual). Split among a few people, it’s very reasonable.

Luxury hotels usually have trusted guides they recommend—or ask to coordinate through a reputable agency like Luxe Andes Peru.

Is there an age limit or fitness requirement to visit the Sacred Valley?

The Sacred Valley is accessible for almost all ages and fitness levels, with a few considerations:

For older adults

• Main sites (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras) require moderate walking
• Some sectors have irregular Inca stairs (no handrails)
• Altitude may affect older travelers more
• Luxury hotels provide oxygen if needed
• You can arrange direct transport to upper entrances

For children

• Ages 5–6+ generally enjoy the ruins
• Very young children may get bored (no playgrounds at archaeological sites)
• Altitude often affects kids less than adults
• Hotels like Tambo del Inka are very family-friendly

Fitness

• Basic fitness suffices for most sites
• For long hikes or the Inca Trail, good conditioning helps
• You can always adapt activity levels

Bottom line: Listen to your body—especially day one. Altitude can make you tire faster than usual.

The Sacred Valley is not just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu. It’s a destination in its own right where modern luxury coexists with millennia-old traditions—where every town has its own personality and every archaeological site tells a different chapter of the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.

Ready to explore the heart of the Inca Empire with the comfort and style you deserve?
At Luxe Andes Peru, we design personalized Sacred Valley experiences that combine the best hotels, exceptional private guides, and access to hidden corners you won’t find in any traditional guidebook.