Geography
Climate
Gastronomy
Economy

GEOGRAPHY

The area is very hilly and includes 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 go high above 5800 m. The highest mountain is called Veronica, at 5832 m. This valley is located between the villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo where the river is calm and the great plains are planted with corn. The mountains are landscaped 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; it has a similar weather pattern as that of Cusco. There is a wet and a dry season. 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. Roasted pig and roasted lamb are also enjoyed, especially on Sundays, holidays or house celebrations. During the first months of the year people boil fresh corn and eat it 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 located in the valley. In recent years the business of trout farming has increased. Now rainbow trout are bred with salmon, producing the salmon trout.