Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE SACRED VALLEY
Tucked under the tawny skirts of formidable foothills, the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley,
known as El Valle Sagrado (The Sacred Valley), is about 15km north of Cuzco as the
condor flies, via a narrow road of hairpin turns. Long the home of attractive colonial towns
and isolated weaving villages, in recent years it has become a destination in its own right.
Star attractions are the markets and the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, but
the valley is also packed with other Inca sites. Trekking routes are deservedly gaining in
popularity. Adrenaline activities range from rafting to rock climbing. Most activities can be
organized in Cuzco or at some hotels in Urubamba.
TAXI TOURS
If you are short on time to see the sights outside Cuzco, consider taking a taxi tour. Particularly if you have two or
more people, they can be a good deal, and also allow you to take your time (or not) visiting various ruins and markets.
From Cuzco, a tour of the Sacred Valley (possibly including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras and Moray)
runs S120 to S150 (for the whole car); to the Southern Valley (with options to Tipón, Pikillacta and Raqcchi) costs
around S90 to S170.
One reliable option is
Virgin Estrella Taxi Tours
(
973-195-551, 974-955-374)
in Cuzco.
A multitude of travel agencies in Cuzco offer whirlwind tours of the Sacred Valley, stop-
ping at markets and the most significant archaeological sites. If you have a day or two to
spare, spend it exploring this peaceful, fetching corner of the Andes at your own leisure.
The archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero can be visited with a
boleto turístico,
which can be bought directly onsite.
