The term Sacred Valley of the Incas is used to refer to the valley of the Urubamba River, especially between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The whole of the Urubamba River was very important to the Incas, and many of their most sacred sites were located near the river, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Nowadays, as in Inca times, the Sacred Valley is an important agricultural area, and most of the towns have given themselves titles such as ?the world capital of maize?, or ?the world capital of capulí?. Its pleasant climate makes it particularly suited to agriculture.
The Sacred Valley contains some of the most visited archaeological sites in the Cusco area. Pisac and Ollantaytambo are both important ruins, and most visitors to Cusco visit the valley, although usually on a day trip. However, the towns in the Sacred Valley now contain a number of good hotels in different categories, and staying in the Valley rather than in Cusco is an option being taken by an increasing number of visitors. Staying in the Valley is a far quieter option than staying in Cusco, and is preferable for people who prefer to be away from the crowds and closer to nature. It has a far more pleasant climate, with nights especially much more pleasant. The lower altitude also makes a big difference, especially if you suffer from altitude sickness. Another big advantage is its location, as most of the sights and activities are closer to the Valley than to Cusco. The train journey to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo is two hours shorter than from Cusco, meaning that you do not have to get up at ludicrously early hours to catch the train. In the end, the decision whether to stay in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley will depend on each individual traveller. If you prefer lively nightlife and meeting other people, you are probably better off in Cusco. For those who want a quieter option, the Sacred Valley is a good choice.
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