The Sacred Valley is the enchanted area that lies between Cusco (formerly the capital of the Incan empire) and Machu Picchu (the lost city of the Incas). The sacred Wilka Mayu River flows from its source high in the Wilcanota Mountains down through this picturesque valley. Here it becomes the Urubamba (‘fields of light’) River and winds its way around Machu Picchu before completing its journey to the Amazon.

The mysticism surrounding this valley is probably what drew the Incas to settle here around the 13th century, building temples and royal palaces whose remains provide enough evidence to put your imagination to work. According to Inca legend, each of the fields in the Sacred Valley reflects the Upper World, which is also represented by the Milky Way. The Milky Way is also thought to be the counterpart of the sacred river in the sky. There are approximately 95 Sacred Sites throughout the valley, each of which connects to a particular constellation in the Milky Way, thus creating a mirror reflection. The fertile lands helped strengthen their presence, producing abundant crops of corn and potatoes. The terraced mountain slopes served to create excellent irrigation systems to further the diversity of their crops.

Today the area is undergoing a transformation from agricultural hub to tourist destination. There is no shortage of activities for OTR Travelers from hiking and horseback riding to ceramics shopping and fine dining. Increasingly travelers are using the Sacred Valley as their base to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the sites in between.

The rainy season in the Sacred Valley usually lasts from October to March. The heaviest rains arrive in January and February and occasionally the train to Machu Picchu shuts down due to flooding and mudslides. The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February for maintenance and repair. The best time to visit the Sacred Valley is during April-May, just after the rainy season but before the peak season picks up, or September-October before the rainy season sets in. Peak season for travelers is June-August, when prices are at their highest and accommodations and tours book up well in advance. The rainy season tends to be fairly quiet and peaceful with scattered showers throughout the days. Check out monthly temperatures and precipitation in Peru.