Overview
Urubamba is a small, calm town in Peru's Sacred Valley. It offers a relaxed setting for a slower stay among the valley's sightseeing destinations.
Day Trips · Quiet · Food
Did you know?
- The everyday produce market showcases fresh Andean fruit and vegetables.
- Chichubamba hosts a community agrotourism project.
- Moray's circular agricultural terraces are a popular nearby excursion.
Why Go
Urubamba is a small, calm town in Peru's Sacred Valley that offers a refreshing contrast to tourist-heavy Cusco. At 3000 m elevation, it serves as an ideal altitude acclimatization stop for 1-2 days before tackling higher Inca sites. Unlike nearby towns, Urubamba remains largely non-touristy, giving visitors an authentic glimpse of daily Andean life.
Getting In
Urubamba is located 48 km from Cusco along the Sacred Valley road. The town functions as a crossroads where travelers can change buses or colectivos to reach various local destinations including Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, and Cusco. Regular bus and colectivo services connect Urubamba with these surrounding towns at typical local transport rates.
Getting Around
The main town is small enough to explore on foot, centered around the Plaza de Armas. For reaching more distant attractions like Moray or Salineras, visitors typically hire taxis or catch colectivos from the central transport hub.
See
The community of Chichubamba offers a unique agrotourism experience providing insight into traditional Andean life. The project is a collaborative effort between Chichubamba residents and ProPeru, a local NGO supporting sustainable development. The centrally located Plaza de Armas at the intersection of Jirón Palacio and Jirón Grau serves as the town's focal point.
Do
Urubamba serves as a perfect base for journeys into the Southern Andes. The town has an ordinary, non-touristy fruit and vegetable market where visitors can sample fresh Andean produce. Popular day trips include visiting Moray with its remarkable circular agricultural terraces and the Salineras salt mines.
Buy
Textiles and handicrafts are available for purchase around town. The local market is an excellent place to source fresh Andean produce and traditional goods at local prices.
Eat
Local restaurants around town cater primarily to residents and offer menu places with set options—typically arroz con pollo or lomo saltado with soup as a starter—for S/3-5. For American-style cuisine, The Muse near the main plaza serves camote chips, superburgers, and brownie with ice cream. El Huacatay at 620 Girón Arica offers an intimate dining experience where guests feel like family.
Sleep
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly to luxury. Las Chullpas Eco Lodge in Querocancha offers rooms at US$40-80. The upscale Aranwa Sacred Valley occupies an 18th-century hacienda with an onsite art gallery at US$175-350. Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa features a pool, spa treatments, and local cuisine at S/.1210.
Go Next
Cusco, the former Inca capital 48 km away, remains the region's major city with abundant ancient historic sites. Ollantaytambo is a centuries-old town built on Inca stonework foundations with train service to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail offers a four-day guided trek through the mountains, with some tour operators picking up in Urubamba.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Aranwa Sacred Valley
The hotel is in an 18th -century hacienda and features an onsite art gallery.
Price when recorded: US$175-350
Sleep
Las Chullpas Eco Lodge
Price when recorded: US$40-80
Sleep
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Pool and spa treatments, local cuisine.
Price when recorded: S/.1210
Eat
El Huacatay
You'll feel like you're a guest in the owner's home.
Price when recorded: Mains US$8–11
See
Chichubamba
The community of Chichubamba offers a unique glimpse into the traditional ways of Andean life that have been carried on since before the Incan Empire. The agrotour in Chichubamba is a collaborative effort between the people of Chichubamba and ProPeru, a local NGO. This project supports sustainable social and economic development in Chichubamba. ProPeru has worked extensively with community members in the planning and execution of the tour.
See
Plaza de Armas
Centrally located plaza.
Before you go
Health
At 3000 m elevation, altitude sickness is a concern. Spend 1-2 days acclimatizing before ascending to higher Inca sites.
Money
Local set meals at menu restaurants cost S/3-5. Market produce is available at local prices. Some higher-end accommodations quote in US dollars.
Transport
Urubamba is a transport crossroads 48 km from Cusco. Colectivos and buses connect to Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and local destinations like Moray and Salineras.
