Sacred Valley of the Incas

 

Sacred valley of the incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba Valley, is an incredible region steeped in history and natural beauty. Nestled in the Andean highlands of Peru, the valley is approximately 60 kilometres long. It is close to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and the world famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

Why is famous sacred valle of the incas

Come and discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a land of incredible fertility. Where every product grown is of astonishing quality and generosity. Not for nothing did the Incas call their lands «sacred» because they believed they were blessed by the same gods.

The Urubamba or Vilcanota River crosses the country for some 60 miles from southeast to northwest. Along its course, its waters bathe fertile riverbanks that produce healthy and abundant crops of white corn, potatoes, kiwicha, quinoa, beans, barley and coca.

Fertile lands, a perfect climate all year round and beautiful landscapes protected by the imposing Andes mountains on either side made the Incas build their most important neighbourhoods, cities and palaces there. All of them were aligned with celestial events that were deeply meaningful to the Inca civilisation. So there’s plenty of history, culture and natural beauty to discover in the fantastic Sacred Valley.

A trip to the Sacred Valley is an enriching experience. It allows you to explore important remnants of the Inca civilisation.

Where is the Sacred Valley in Peru

The Sacred Valley or Urubamba Valley is located in the Andes of Peru. It is 15 km north-east of the Inca capital of Cusco and close to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. It is located in the present-day Peruvian region of Cusco.

History

The Sacred Valley also has a rich history spanning thousands of years. It has been an important settlement area for various cultures, culminating in the Inca civilisation.

A.- Pre-Inca Period

The Sacred Valley has been inhabited since prehistoric times due to its fertile land and favourable climate. Different cultures, such as the Killke and the Wari, left their mark on the valley with terraced fields, settlements and villages..

B.- Inca Period

The Inca civilisation began to rise in the 13th century and eventually established their capital at nearby Cusco. Located 27 kilometres southeast of the Sacred Valley. The valley’s fertile soil was a major source of food for the highland cities. The valley is also dotted with many sacred Inca sites.

It was there that the Incas developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, such as terracing and irrigation, to cultivate the land. The Sacred Valley was also strategically important. It provided a natural route to the jungle. It also acted as a buffer zone, protecting Cusco from the Antis, the fierce jungle tribes.

C.- Spanish Conquest and Colonial Period

After the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Sacred Valley underwent significant changes. The Spanish built colonial towns close to the Inca cities, introduced new crops and livestock, and converted the indigenous population to Christianity. However, many Inca sites, traditions and agricultural practices survived and can still be seen today

.D.- Modern Times.

Today, the Sacred Valley is a major tourist destination. It attracts visitors from all over the world with its well-preserved archaeological sites, traditional Andean communities and stunning natural beauty. The region’s agricultural heritage also lives on, with local farmers growing corn and other crops in terraced fields just as their ancestors did centuries ago.

Plcae to visit along the sacred valley

Places to visit in the Sacred Valley The Urubamba Valley, another name for the Sacred Valley, is located in the Andean highlands of Peru. It is a historically and culturally rich area that served as one of the centres of the Inca Empire. Here are some of the most important towns and cities in the Sacred Valley.

Pisac

Pisac was an ancient Inca neighbourhood on a mountain of the same name at the extreme south-eastern end of the valley. It is 33 kilometres from the city of Cusco. Pisac also served as a military fortress and astronomical observatory and even had an Inca cemetery, unique in its class.

After the Spanish conquest and during the colonial period, the viceroy Toledo founded a beautiful village of the same name at the foot of the mountain. There, Spaniards and Indians lived in harmony.

The area also has a famous craft market. Here you can buy handmade jewellery, textiles, glass and other unique items.

Yucay

 This small town has a peaceful charm, famous for its Inca terraces and palaces.

Town of Urubamba

Urubamba is the modern city of the Sacred Valley region. Here you’ll find restaurants, accommodation and shops. Most of them are for tourists.