Urubamba the capital of the Sacred Valley: The first time you arrive in Cusco, altitude sickness may affect your stay in the city. However, the best way to acclimatize your body is to rest in the extensive Sacred Valley of the Incas. Additionally, there are numerous hotels and restaurants that allow you to enjoy the combination of nature and luxury.
These incredible landscapes, along with the surrounding natural beauty and the warm hospitality of the local people, result in an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, the tourist amenities within this valley, such as restaurants and hotels, greatly enhance the stay of tourists.
Contact this Sacred Valley
You can visit the town of Urubamba through our services in the Sacred Valley of the Incas:
If you wish to take the traditional Sacred Valley tour, you can book ours. Compared to other travel agencies, we offer a personalized route, high-quality information, and the best restaurants (in Urubamba) to enjoy our delicious Peruvian cuisine. Of course, we guarantee a safe car journey.
However, if you want to explore the entire valley and its surroundings, you can rely on our extended Sacred Valley tour. This allows you to visit the best places included in different regular tourist tours, all in one day. Additionally, lunchtime will be held in Urubamba.
Furthermore, you can visit Urubamba through our Chinchero – Moray – Maras – Ollantaytambo Tour. This exclusive transportation route from Cusco offers you a new way to travel through the Andean sites between the Cusco and Urubamba valleys. You will also visit Urubamba for a buffet lunch (book it with us).
Although lunch on these tourist routes is in Urubamba, we cannot visit the attractions of this town due to the itinerary when you are on a guided tour. But we have a solution: contact us to inquire about our personalized tours or our shuttle service with stops.
Now you know how to get to Urubamba, but we want to make sure you have a clear idea of what you can find in this ancient town.
A brief description
Urubamba the capital of the Sacred Valley
This warm valley is filled with luxury hotels; in fact, the best hotels in Cusco can be found in this valley. As examples, we can mention the Tambo del Inka Hotel, the Rio Sagrado Hotel, the Casa Andina Hotel, and many others of slightly lower category.
Furthermore, you can savor a variety of flavors and aromas at gourmet restaurants like Wayra Restaurant or Hawa Restaurant, as well as Huacatay Restaurant and even 3 Keros Restaurant, along with many other restaurants throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
By the way, Urubamba is located 67 km (41.6 miles) northeast of the city of Cusco and is considered the “Capital of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.” Moreover, it boasts the best climate in the entire Cusco region, with an annual temperature range of 23°C (73.4°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night.
Throughout this valley, you will find various ancient Inca constructions and numerous natural spots for relaxation. There are also many tourist facilities on both sides of the Vilcanota River, which runs through this district.
Thanks to its privileged climate, these lands are the best for cultivating the world’s largest corn known as “the giant white grain of Urubamba.” You will also have the opportunity to see many varieties of Andean flora such as queña, pisonay trees, chachacomo, etc., and many examples of Andean fauna as well.
Another fascinating point for visiting this city is the panoramic views of the Urubamba mountain range, where you can appreciate the Veronica snow-capped peak (formerly known as the Wakaywillka snow-capped peak), the Chicon snow-capped peak, the Velo de Novia snow-capped peak, and many other high peaks.
What to do in Urubamba
As you know, Urubamba is the most important place in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and for this reason, there are many significant tourist destinations within its territory.
You can take your time in the main square, where you can observe the local people in their daily life and appreciate its colonial church with a Renaissance facade, while its base is an example of Inca expansion.
You can walk to this square if you are staying in a hotel in this urban area of Urubamba. However, if your hotel is located by the river or outside the district, we can help transport you to this “Plaza de Armas” of Urubamba and many other attractions such as:
The Sayri Tupac Palace, located in the Yucay neighborhood (the ancient capital of Urubamba). In this palace, you can explore its narrow streets and see the architectural techniques used in its construction. The advantage of visiting this palace is the tranquil atmosphere that surrounds the entire building.
Furthermore, our personalized tours allow you to visit various places you wish to see, such as good spots for panoramic river photos, viewpoints for some landscape shots, some craft shops, and we can even take you to nearby Andean communities and neighborhoods.
All of these activities are not included in regular tourist services in the Sacred Valley. However, our “stopover shuttle” or “customized tours” can provide you with a great opportunity to discover Urubamba in a new way. Contact us to tailor your journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions about Urubamba and the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, also known as Urubamba, is a region of great historical and cultural significance in Peru. It was considered sacred by the Incas due to its fertile soil and the presence of the Urubamba River, which provided them with water for agriculture. Additionally, the Sacred Valley is home to numerous archaeological sites, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray, showcasing the greatness of the Inca civilization. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking to explore the history and natural beauty of Peru.
The Sacred Valley boasts several significant archaeological sites that are worth visiting. Some of the most prominent ones include:
- Ollantaytambo: An ancient Inca town with impressive terraces and a hilltop fortress.
- Pisac: An archaeological complex featuring agricultural terraces, a citadel, and a craft market.
- Moray: An Inca site with circular terraces believed to have been used for agricultural experiments.
These are just a few examples, but there are many other fascinating places to explore in the Sacred Valley.
RELATED TOURS:
The climate in the Sacred Valley is generally temperate and pleasant throughout the year. However, it’s important to consider that the valley is situated at a considerable altitude, which can impact temperatures. Daytime temperatures typically range between 20°C and 25°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 5°C. The rainy season spans from November to March, so it’s advisable to bring appropriate rain gear if visiting during that period.
In the Sacred Valley, there is a variety of tours available to explore the region and its attractions. Some popular options include guided visits to the archaeological sites of Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray, as well as excursions to local communities to learn about Andean culture and traditions. Additionally, there are bike tours, hikes, and train rides to Machu Picchu, which is located in the Sacred Valley.
RELATED TOURS:
When visiting the Sacred Valley, it is advisable to bring the following:
- Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including layers for cooler nights.
- Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, especially if planning to visit archaeological sites.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent to protect against the sun and mosquitoes.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day.
- Cash, as some places may not accept credit or debit cards.
Additionally, it’s important to carry a secure backpack or bag to store personal belongings and important documents.
