Overview
- Sacred Valley
- Manos de la Comunidad
- Pisac Markets
- Museo Inkariy
- Seminario pottery workshop
- Salt ponds at Maras
Sacred Valley in the shadow of Machu Picchu
“Urubamba Valley”, known widely as the Sacred Valley, is a corridor through the Andes Mountains, formed by the Urubamba River. This area has a rich Inca history, with many archeological sites and villages. Rich in natural wealth due to its unique geography and climate, the Sacred Valley was highly valued by the Incas. Here are some of the places to look for that are easy to miss following the typical tourist route.
Manos de la Comunidad
Manos de la Comunidad is a local cooperative in the valley where native weavers sell their wares and species of South American camelids, including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas are bred, raised and tended.
This is such a beautiful place to stop, with shops selling alpaca wool products and souvenirs from the region. The shops in this area are committed to supporting local artisans and the products are of excellent quality — it’s the perfect place to support the local economy and contribute to the preservation of traditional Peruvian crafts.
Visitors can also see the South American camelid species - alpacas, llamas, guanacos and vicuñas. This is a perfect opportunity for the cutest photographs, and to see these wonderful animals up close.
Pisac Markets
Pisac looks like a sleepy town on any given day, but on Sunday it comes to life when people from the surrounding communities come together to sell and buy produce, crafts and other supplies at the town’s central square.
There are all kinds of fruits and vegetables, including many different types of potatoes, cacao leaves, silver jewellery and gems, pottery, brightly woven textiles and many other odds and ends.
Artisan weaving in Peru by David Hein
Woven textiles at the Pisac Markets in Peru by David Hein
Museo Inkariy
A visit to the Museo Inkariy is the best way to get a tangible understanding of the cultures of the Sacred Valley. Visiting here with a guide can enrich the experience. A guide can explain each of the seven different Peruvian cultures and how the various artefacts contributed to the Pre-Incan people’s daily lives.
The artistry throughout the visual displays is impressive and there are descriptions in both Spanish and English. The museum as a whole provides a cohesive and comprehensive narrative of 5,000 years of history in this valley.
Seminario pottery workshop
After seeing the pottery made and sold in the region, booking a ceramics class is a fun way to get down and dirty with pottery creation of your own! Learning the techniques and designs that originate in Peru’s ancient cultures from respected local artists is a special experience that is available in the Uruhumbra Valley, and one we get to discover on tour.
In this beautiful, tranquil corner of the Sacred Valley, you can learn about the history of Peruvian ceramics, see the process or try it for yourself and relax and find refreshment. It’s a unique way to experience the local culture and way of life.
Salt ponds at Maras
On the hill next to the town of Maras are around 4,500 salt ponds, each around four metres square and made with stone and mud mortar walls. These ponds were developed to harness the naturally salty stream running underground.
Salt is harvested by filling the ponds with a few centimetres of water, and then allowing it to evaporate over several days. This process is repeated for around a month, resulting in a 7-10 cm layer of salt. In this fashion, each well produces around 150-200 kg of salt every month.
The three types of salt harvested here are used for kitchen and industrial or agricultural purposes.
Salt Ponds at Maras, Peru by Dennis Bunnik
Explore Peru's Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu with Bunnik Tours
One of the best ways to explore the Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in the local cultures and communities is with a small group tour. Travelling through Peru on a Bunnik Tour opens up opportunities that would be tricky to find on your own, plus you'll experience all the convenience of an organised tour, with the companionship and fun that go along with it. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of free time to get out and explore on your own too!
Discover what else you'll be exploring on our Peru tours online or call one of our friendly Travel Specialists on 1800 286 645.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu first?
Visiting the Sacred Valley first and then continuing to Machu Picchu enables you to acclimatise to the increasing altitude. Visiting both is definitely a must — the Inca ruins, history and stories are truly fascinating.
Is Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley?
Yes, Machu Picchu is in the Sacred Valley. It’s one of the most famous of the estates built for royals of the Inca Empire in the Sacred Valley, believed to have been built for the ninth Sapa Inca (or monarch) of the Kingdom of Cusco, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who also owned an estate at Pisac.