The Sacred Valley is located in the north of Cusco. It is the area between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It was the most important agricultural area of the Incas. The best growing areas were created on terraces on the mountain slopes. Depending on the altitude, different plants were cultivated.
In the Sacred Valley there are various sights. You can visit it from Cusco as a day trip. But one day is not enough to see all the highlights. Unfortunately we did not have enough time on our trip to see all the things we would have liked to see. Therefore I would recommend 2 days in any case.
For the Sacred Valley, you can either use a tourist partial ticket or if you want to visit some sights in Cusco as well, the full ticket can be worth it. The partial ticket includes Moray, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. Maras is not included. Tickets are available in Cusco or at the entrance of the ruins. More information here: http://cosituc.gob.pe/
Sights
The Ruins of Pisac – Here you will also find a huge terraced landscape on the mountainside. In addition a small ruin village.
The Ruins of Ollantaytambo – Here you can also find big terraces. You can also admire the temple of the sun. From above you have a great view over the city. In the mountain wall you can see an old warehouse of the Incas. And do you find the face in the rock?
Unfortunately I have no pictures of the other sights here, because we didn’t make it there. Hopefully you have more time, so at least I’ll give you the ideas.
Round Terraces of Moray – They look almost like an amphitheatre and were an important growing area.
Salt Terraces of Maras – Thousands of small pools where salt is harvested.
The Ruins of Chinchero – Of the former temple of the Incas that stood here, only the foundation walls remained. The temple was destroyed by the Spaniards and replaced by a church.