Population
Geography
Climate
Gastronomy
Economy

POPULATION

The province has a population of 57,059 inhabitants

 

GEOGRAPHY

It is very hilly and contains the Vilcanota mountain range and the Urubamba River, which runs through the entire valley. The bottom of the valley is quite flat and the mountains very rise above 5800 m, the highest mountain is called Veronica 5832 m. This valley is located between the villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where the river is calm, the great plains are planted with corn, the mountains are decorated with large Inca agricultural terraces, and on sunny days you can see the snow-capped mountain summits.

 

CLIMATE

The weather in the Sacred Valley is determined both by altitude and by season and has a similar weather pattern to that of Cusco. There are wet and dry seasons. The dry season lasts from April to October and is characterized by sunshine and occasional nighttime freezes. The rainy season lasts from November to March. Due to the lower elevation, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is typically a few degrees warmer than Cusco city.

 

GASTRONOMY

People in the valley cultivate the white and yellow corn, quinoa, quiwicha, potatoes and many other natural products. In the valley there are many different dishes prepared for main festivals and celebrations. The most important delicacy is the roasted Guinea Pig. People also enjoy roasted pig and roasted lamb, especially on Sundays, holidays or house celebrations. During the first months of the year people eat fresh corn with cheese.

 

ECONOMY

The valley's economy is based on agriculture, ceramic wares and tourism due to the vast fertile fields along the valley and the many Inca archeological sites. In recent years the business of trout farming has increased. Presently not only rainbow trout are bred, but also the trout are cross bred with salmon, creating the salmon trout.