Super Sacred Valley Tour
Full Day Tour

The Sacred Valley, known as the Valle Sagrado in Spanish, is a region in Peru’s Andean highlands, renowned for its profound historical significance. This valley was highly valued by the Incas due to its geographical and climatic qualities, which made it ideal for the cultivation of corn, a staple and sacred crop. Notably, it served as a key area for the development of the Inca Empire, and today, it continues to be a living canvas of Incan architecture, traditional cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Its enduring legacy makes it a pivotal destination for understanding Peru’s rich history.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled in the Peruvian Andes, spans approximately 60 kilometers in length. It stretches from the town of Pisac to Ollantaytambo, following the meandering path of the Urubamba River. This valley is not just vast in terms of physical space; it’s also immense in cultural and historical richness. Each kilometer of the Sacred Valley is imbued with ancient Incan history and is dotted with numerous archaeological sites, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Its size and depth offer a unique window into the Incan civilization and their remarkable adaptation to the Andean environment.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, or Valle Sagrado, earned its reverent name due to its paramount importance to the Inca civilization. This fertile land was the agricultural hub of the Incas, providing a rich source of food and natural resources. Its significance was further elevated by the spiritual and religious value the Incas placed on it. They believed the valley was blessed by the gods, as evidenced by the alignment of its sites with celestial events. The convergence of agricultural abundance and spiritual sanctity in this valley rightfully crowned it as ‘Sacred’ in the eyes of the Incas.

The Sacred Valley holds immense importance in Peru, both historically and culturally. As the agricultural backbone of the Incan Empire, it was vital for food production, thanks to its fertile lands and favorable climate. Culturally, it’s a living museum, showcasing impressive Incan ruins, traditional villages, and vibrant markets. The Valley also serves as a gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu, attracting countless visitors who seek to explore its ancient paths and understand the rich heritage of the Incan civilization. Today, it remains a symbol of Peru’s enduring connection to its past and a testament to the ingenuity of the Incas.

The Sacred Valley was not ‘built’ in a traditional sense but rather developed and cultivated over centuries. Its creation and expansion are credited to the Inca civilization, flourishing under their rule from the early 15th century. The Incas, renowned for their architectural and agricultural prowess, transformed the valley through a series of sophisticated terraces, irrigation systems, and towns. These developments allowed the region to become a crucial area for agriculture, supporting the growth and sustenance of the Inca Empire. Today, the remnants of their ingenuity continue to awe visitors from around the world.

The Sacred Valley, a bastion of biodiversity, is home to a myriad of plants. Among these, maize holds a place of prominence, known for its larger kernels. The region’s fertile soil and ideal climate also support the growth of potatoes, quinoa, and beans. Additionally, various medicinal herbs and fruits like lucuma and cherimoya thrive here. The valley’s unique ecosystem, characterized by a blend of high altitude and temperate climate, allows for this diverse flora, which has been integral to local cultures and cuisines for centuries.

The “Secret Valley” in Peru refers to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a gem hidden in the Andean highlands. This valley, cradled by towering mountains, was a key area for the Inca civilization due to its rich agricultural land and strategic location. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, the valley harbors ancient ruins, traditional villages, and meandering rivers. It was a vital area for crop production, particularly maize, and played a significant role in the Inca’s spiritual and ceremonial practices. Today, it remains a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas earned its name from its crucial significance to the Inca civilization. Revered for its fertile lands and strategic location, this valley was the empire’s agricultural heartland, producing crops essential for sustaining a vast population. Its importance extended beyond sustenance; the valley held immense spiritual value for the Incas, dotted with significant religious sites and temples. The combination of its agricultural richness and spiritual significance made this region ‘sacred’, a title that endures in its name and the awe it inspires to this day.

The Inca Empire, a civilization renowned for its architectural and cultural brilliance, flourished in Peru’s Sacred Valley. This valley, cradled in the Andes, was the heart of Inca civilization from the 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The Incas skillfully harnessed the valley’s fertile land, developing advanced agricultural terraces and irrigation systems. Beyond agriculture, the Sacred Valley held immense spiritual and political significance for the Incas, evident in the remarkable ruins and ceremonial sites that continue to captivate visitors worldwide. This rich heritage cements the valley’s historical importance as an Inca stronghold.