Sacred Valley Peru: Why You Shouldn’t Only Stay in Cusco and Stay Here Instead

Skip Cusco (at First) and Head to the Sacred Valley

Here’s some controversial travel advice: skip staying in Cusco and head straight to the Sacred Valley. I know, I know – everyone says Cusco is a must, and we stayed there and loved it, but on the way back and not to start. Hear me out.

The Altitude Game-Changer

The Sacred Valley stretches between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, with elevations varying from 9,000 ft on the valley floor to 16,000 ft and above. That valley floor elevation is your friend. At 9,000 feet instead of Cusco's 11,200 feet, you're significantly reducing your altitude sickness risk.

My husband spent our Machu Picchu day violently ill (food, altitude sickness, water? we don’t know) and we'd been in Cusco for less than 24 hours. The Sacred Valley's lower elevation might just save your vacation. Our first aid kit also has altitude sickness meds to help with acclimation to the higher spots.

Casa Andina de Valle: The Perfect Family Base

We stayed at Casa Andina de Valle Segrado, about 20 minutes outside Urubamba, and it was hands-down the best accommodation decision we made. Unlike Ollantaytambo and Pisac whose Inca ruins are the main draw, the appeal of Urubamba is the surrounding natural beauty and its laid-back vibes.

The hotel had everything families need: a playground where Asher spent hours burning energy, alpacas on the property (automatic toddler entertainment), and that crucial ingredient for traveling parents – peace and quiet. They had a restaurant on-site so meals weren’t a worry, a bar for those post-hike refreshments, and were great at arranging any taxi we needed (though a bit more expensive than calling yourself)

Also, let's talk about these alpacas for a second. I honestly don’t know who was more excited about the alpacas on the property - myself or Asher. They have three daily feeding times where you can offer them a bottle of warm milk (there was a baby) and I was in heaven.

Sacred Valley as Your Machu Picchu Launch Pad

All the Sacred Valley highlights can be discovered from Urubamba Peru, like the lovely village of Ollantaytambo. You're perfectly positioned for day trips to Pisac, Chinchero, and most importantly, you're closer to the train station for Machu Picchu. The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 1.5 hours versus 3+ hours from Cusco. When you're traveling with kids, every hour saved is precious.

Ollantaytambo: The Afternoon Adventure

Ollantaytambo ruins feature the massive Temple of the Sun, intricate terraces, and remarkable stone formations. It's like a practice run for Machu Picchu, but without the larger crowds and logistical nightmare. The hike up to the ruins is no joke – lots of stone stairs and serious incline. This is where that hiking carrier becomes worth its weight in gold. I would have taken twice as long carrying a toddler in my arms, especially while pregnant. At the bottom of the ruins is a nice local artisan market to explore.

For lunhc, we were recommended the distillery (Chuncho) for lunch in Ollantaytambo just off the square, and the food was delicious. Chuncho is a Restaurant & Bar that serves up ancestral Peruvian food made from 100% local ingredients and produce. They had a mini block of salt you could grate yourself (yes, I'm easily amused).

Evening Entertainment: Stars and Science

Many Sacred Valley hotels offer stargazing experiences, and ours had an onsite planetarium. Learning about Incan astronomy and "dark constellations" while your toddler naps? Perfect evening entertainment.Unfortunately, clouds rolled in during our session, but the astronomer showed us incredible photos he'd taken on his phone the night before. It reminded me why I love staying in places that offer unique experiences beyond just a bed.

Why Sacred Valley is Great for Families

The pace is slower, and the tourist crowds are smaller. This river valley in the Andes Mountain range spans 60 kilometers from Pisac to Ollantaytambo and is full of Inca ruins, Spanish colonial villages, and fertile landscapes.

You get all the cultural experiences of Peru without the chaos of a major city. For families, that trade-off is worth it for at least a few nights. Check out all of my family travel to Peru essentials here on my Amazon storefront.