Stretching along the Urubamba River between towering Andean peaks, the Sacred Valley served as the agricultural and ceremonial heartland of the Inca Empire. This fertile corridor, blessed with a temperate microclimate ideal for cultivating maize and other crops, remains dotted with impressive archaeological sites that reveal the sophistication of Inca civilization. The valley showcases an extraordinary concentration of Inca heritage. Ollantaytambo preserves massive stone terraces and the only Inca town still inhabited by descendants of its original residents. Pisac combines a dramatic clifftop fortress with one of Peru's most vibrant artisan markets. The circular agricultural terraces of Moray demonstrate Inca experimental farming techniques, while the ancient Maras salt mines continue production using pre-Columbian methods. Beyond archaeology, the Sacred Valley offers intimate encounters with Andean culture. Traditional weaving communities in Chinchero maintain techniques passed down through generations. Local families welcome visitors to experience authentic highland cuisine and participate in ancestral farming practices. The valley's lower elevation compared to Cusco makes it an ideal base for acclimatization before tackling higher altitude adventures.