Discover the true soul of the Sacred Valley in Urubamba, the “pearl of the Vilcanota” that has captivated travelers for centuries with its fertile lands and privileged climate. This Andean oasis at 2,687 meters above sea level was the granary of the Inca Empire and today remains the administrative and commercial center of the Sacred Valley, where ancient history coexists with modern adventure.
Strategically located between the Chicón and Pumahuanca mountains, Urubamba offers the most pleasant climate in the entire Cusco region, making it the perfect refuge for those looking to explore the wonders of the Sacred Valley without the hassles of extreme altitude.
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History of Urubamba
The granary of Tahuantinsuyo
The name Urubamba comes from Quechua and means “plain a day’s journey away,” but this designation does not reflect the true importance this valley had for the Incas. During the Inca Empire, Urubamba was one of the main agricultural production areas, taking advantage of the special geographical and climatic qualities that made it the food source for Inca culture.
The Incas developed a sophisticated agricultural system here that included terraces, irrigation channels, and research centers like Moray, where they experimented with different crops to optimize the production of corn, potatoes, quinoa, and the sacred coca leaf.
The gateway to Antisuyo
During the Inca era, Urubamba was considered the entrance to Antisuyo, the jungle region of the empire, the land of the “chunchos.” The Urubamba River, then known as Willka Mayu or “river of the Sun,” was sacred to the Incas and shaped a valley where some of the most astonishing cities of the empire were concentrated: Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Choquequirao.
Colonial and republican transformation
After the Spanish conquest, many terraces were maintained for colonial agricultural work, but much of the ancestral knowledge was lost. In 1825, the province of Urubamba was created, consolidating the town of the same name as the provincial capital, which also includes the district of Machu Picchu.
During the colonial period, important buildings were constructed, such as the San Francisco temple and numerous colonial houses that today characterize the historic center of the town.
Geography and privileged climate
Strategic location
Urubamba is located 60 kilometers from the city of Cusco, right in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Its elevation of 2,687 meters above sea level provides an exceptional climate, with temperatures ranging from 23°C during the day to 4°C at night.
This altitude, 700 meters lower than Cusco, significantly reduces the symptoms of altitude sickness, making Urubamba the ideal place for acclimatization before exploring higher altitude sites.
The sacred river
The Vilcanota River, which takes the name Urubamba as it flows through the town, was considered by the Incas as the earthly manifestation of the Milky Way. This sacred river not only provided water for agriculture but also played a fundamental part in the Andean worldview and today offers excellent opportunities for adventure sports like rafting.
Main attractions
Salineras de Maras: the white gold of the Sacred Valley
41 kilometers from Urubamba are the famous salt mines of Maras, more than 3,000 salt wells that have been exploited since Inca times. These salt mines produce the coveted “pink salt” of the Andes, rich in minerals and marketed by 800 families from local communities.
The salt mines offer one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Sacred Valley, especially during golden hours when sunlight reflects off the ponds, creating a unique mosaic of colors.
Moray: the Inca agricultural laboratory
The circular terraces of Moray, located 7 kilometers from Maras, represent one of the most ingenious constructions of the Inca Empire. This complex of three circular terraces functioned as an agricultural research center where up to 20 different microclimates were created.
Each terrace has specific climatic conditions, with temperature differences of up to 15°C between the highest and lowest terrace. The Incas used this system to experiment with crops from different ecological regions, even developing hybrid species.
Chinchero: living textile tradition
The town of Chinchero, at 3,762 meters above sea level, keeps ancestral textile traditions alive. Its weavers preserve ancient techniques to create textiles with natural dyes, showing visitors the complete process from spinning to the final weaving on traditional looms.
Ollantaytambo: the living Inca city
Just a short distance from Urubamba is Ollantaytambo, the only Inca city that remains almost intact. Its cobblestone streets, water channels, and stone houses are still inhabited by descendants of the Incas, keeping Inca urban planning alive after more than 500 years.
Experiences in Urubamba
Adventure sports
Urubamba is the center for adventure sports in the Sacred Valley:
Rafting: The Urubamba River offers class II and III rapids, ideal for beginners and experts.
Bungee jumping: The highest jump in Latin America takes place here, an extreme experience in a spectacular setting.
Mountain biking: Routes that traverse traditional villages and unique Andean landscapes.
Paragliding: Flights over the Sacred Valley with unparalleled panoramic views.
Horseback riding: Horseback rides along Inca trails and rural communities.
Gastronomic tourism
The Main Square (Plaza de Armas) of Urubamba, surrounded by pisonay trees, features a diverse culinary offering that combines traditional Andean cuisine with contemporary proposals. Restaurants take advantage of local products, especially the giant white corn from Urubamba, considered the best in the world.
Connection to Machu Picchu
Urubamba has a train station within the Tambo del Inka hotel, offering direct connection to Machu Picchu. This logistical advantage makes it a strategic base for exploring the Inca citadel without the crowds of Cusco.
How to get to Urubamba
From Cusco
Route via Chinchero: 60 kilometers (1 hour 24 minutes), the shortest and most scenic route.
Route via Pisac: Passing through Calca to reach Urubamba, a longer route but one that allows you to see other towns in the Sacred Valley.
Public transport: Combis from Pavitos street in Cusco to Urubamba (S/. 3-5).
Private taxi: Approximately S/. 80-120 from Cusco.
Connections in the Sacred Valley
From Urubamba, it’s easy to get to:
- Ollantaytambo: 20 minutes
- Maras: 30 minutes
- Moray: 45 minutes
- Pisac: 45 minutes
- Chinchero: 30 minutes
Why choose Urubamba?
Strategic center of the Sacred Valley
Urubamba serves as the perfect hub for exploring all the attractions of the Sacred Valley. Its central location allows for day trips to the main archaeological sites and returning to a place with excellent hotel and dining infrastructure.
Privileged climate for acclimatization
With the most pleasant climate in the entire Cusco region, Urubamba is ideal for combating altitude sickness. Its lower altitude allows for gradual acclimatization before exploring sites like Machu Picchu or undertaking high-altitude treks.
Diversity of experiences
Urubamba combines history, adventure, culture, and nature in one destination. From exploring Inca agricultural laboratories to practicing extreme sports, experiencing ancient textile traditions, and enjoying the best Andean cuisine.
Cultural authenticity
Unlike more touristy destinations, Urubamba maintains its character as a real administrative and commercial center, where visitors can experience the daily life of the Sacred Valley and meet communities that preserve ancestral traditions.
Gateway to Machu Picchu
The train station in Urubamba offers a less crowded alternative for the journey to Machu Picchu, avoiding the crowds of Ollantaytambo and providing a more relaxed start to one of the most important experiences of your trip.