Region in Cusco, Peru
Sacred Valley
A fertile Andean valley of Inca ruins, markets and villages between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Ideal for slow, scenic stays and day trips; lower than Cusco, but sights are spread out and dry-season crowds are heavy.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$959–1,510Comfortable, one person · S/3,300–5,200Details
- Value for money81/100Better value than 80% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Nov, 20°CDetails
- Internet260 MbpsFixed broadband, Peru medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–58Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundColectivo / vanWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels and some restaurants; carry soles for markets, colectivos and small villages.Details
Where to stay in Sacred Valley
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ollantaytambo | Inca streets, train to Machu Picchu, trekkers |
| Urubamba | Central base: restaurants, markets, comfortable hotels |
| Pisac | Artisan market, ruins, lively backpacker feel |
| Yucay and Maras area | Quiet countryside stays and salt-mine day trips |
Apps that work in Sacred Valley
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Mototaxis in towns and colectivos between them; apps do not work reliably here. Hotels can book drivers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Peru.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels and some restaurants; carry soles for markets, colectivos and small villages.
- Currency: Sol (PEN). US$1 ≈ S/3.44 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, higher at airports; many also dispense US dollars.
- Tipping: Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in cities; Yape and Plin QR payments need a Peruvian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Pre-registering on MigraCheck (free) can let you use the immigration e-gates at Lima airport.
- No arrival card; entry is recorded digitally. Overstays are fined per day when you leave.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon trips but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy prepaid chips in official carrier stores with your passport, not from street sellers. Claro and Movistar cover the Andes best. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Peru
Going to Sacred Valley solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Sacred Valley meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.