Sacred Valley of the Inkas for women: An Andean retreat to reconnect
This valley is one of Peru’s most captivating destinations, offering a space for pause and spiritual renewal.
Surrounded by towering mountains, sacred rivers, and villages that preserve the ancestral wisdom of the Andes, the Sacred Valley of the Inkas emerges as an ideal sanctuary for women seeking to reconnect with themselves.
Located just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city of Cusco—one of Peru’s most important regions—the Sacred Valley of the Inkas is renowned for its deep connection to Andean worldview and traditions.
For many women travelers, this landscape feels like a quiet embrace, where the land itself takes center stage and gently reminds us of the value of balance, care, and inner harmony. Walking among ancient Inka terraces or simply gazing at the mountains brings a sense of calm that is rare to find elsewhere.
What to visit in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas
The Peruvian town of Pisac captivates travelers with its perfect blend of Inka heritage and living tradition. Its impressive archaeological complex, perched high on the mountainside, offers breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and unveils ancient agricultural terraces, sacred temples, and ceremonial spaces aligned with the movement of the stars.
The famous Pisac Market completes the experience. Open every day, it is a vibrant journey through color, aromas, and local culture. Handcrafted textiles and artisanal goods, silver jewelry, and fresh regional produce invite you to stroll at an unhurried pace, connect with local artisans, and capture truly unforgettable moments.
Meanwhile, the twin destinations of Maras and Moray invite travelers to discover the ingenuity of the Inkas in some of the Sacred Valley’s most distinctive settings. Moray captivates with its circular, amphitheater-like terraces—an area believed to have been used as an agricultural experimentation center. As you descend, the temperature subtly shifts at each level, revealing how the Inkas mastered microclimates to grow different crops in harmony with nature. The sense of peace here is truly awe-inspiring.
Just nearby, the Maras Salt Mines offer one of the most striking views in the region. Thousands of white salt pools cascade down the mountainside, fed by a natural spring that has enabled salt extraction since ancient times. Walking along its narrow paths, watching traditional practices at work, and capturing unforgettable images makes this visit a visually mesmerizing experience.
Ollantaytambo captivates visitors for being much more than an archaeological site. Its impressive fortress rises above the valley with vast stone terraces and the majestic Temple of the Sun. Here, simply walking through the town feels like stepping back in time. Ollantaytambo is also the gateway to the train bound for Machupicchu, which is why many travelers choose to stay overnight and savor its peaceful, almost magical atmosphere once the day winds down and the village returns to its natural calm.
What adventure activities can you enjoy in the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley is the perfect setting for women travelers seeking excitement, dreamlike landscapes, and authentic experiences. Here, every activity unfolds among sacred mountains, powerful rivers, and communities that have preserved their ancestral traditions for centuries.
Hiking and Trekking: From gentle walks through farmland to multi-day journeys, the Sacred Valley offers routes for every level. Trails such as Urquillos–Huayllabamba or the path to the Inka quarry of Cachicata reveal breathtaking views along the way. For those craving a greater challenge, the Lares Trek or the route to Huchuy Qosqo provide a deeper connection with Quechua communities and access to stunning Andean landscapes far from the crowds.
Mountain biking: Exploring the Sacred Valley by mountain bike is an unforgettable experience. The downhill ride from Chinchero to Urquillos and the Moray–Maras–Salt Mines route blend adrenaline with truly unique scenery. There are options for both intermediate and experienced cyclists, with local operators offering all the necessary equipment for a seamless adventure.
Rafting on the Urubamba River: The Urubamba River invites travelers to navigate its waters surrounded by mountains and Inka remnants. Near Ollantaytambo, gentle rapids are ideal for beginners and families, while the more challenging sections in Cusipata promise an extra thrill—always paired with unforgettable landscapes.
Nature at its purest: What activities are there in the Sacred Valley?
Birdwatching: For those who love being close to nature, just minutes from Urubamba lies a natural sanctuary where visitors can observe vibrant hummingbirds up close, including the astonishing sword-billed hummingbird—a one-of-a-kind species whose beak is longer than its own body.
Surrounded by lush native vegetation, this spot offers a peaceful setting for unhurried observation and bird photography. Local guides further enrich the experience by helping identify each species and sharing fascinating stories about Andean birdlife.
Stargazing: For the Inkas, the sky was essential to understanding agriculture and the Andean worldview. Today, guided experiences invite visitors to explore this ancestral legacy through telescope observations paired with captivating cultural storytelling that brings ancient knowledge to life.
Ceramics and weaving workshops: In Urubamba, hands-on workshops invite visitors to step into this creative world. During the visit, you can tour the workshop, observe the creative process up close, and explore the on-site gallery. Also within the Urubamba district, the Pincopata community is home to the Ecocamp—an eco-retreat designed for those seeking a deep connection with nature.
This dome-style accommodation is located near the district of Mollepata, making it an excellent choice both for travelers planning to begin the Salkantay Trek and for women who simply want to spend a few days surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable views.
Weaving remains very much alive in the Sacred Valley. In workshops run by local cooperatives, travelers enjoy an authentic experience by taking part in every stage of the process—from alpaca shearing to spinning, natural dyeing, and weaving on a traditional backstrap loom. Each design tells an Andean story through symbols inspired by mountains, animals, and agricultural cycles, and many workshops offer the chance to create a one-of-a-kind piece to take home as a meaningful souvenir.
Set among landscapes charged with ancestral energy, living traditions, and genuine hospitality, the Sacred Valley invites you to travel with freedom, confidence, and authenticity—reminding you that travel is also a powerful way to rediscover yourself.
