The Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley is a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to the Inca
capital of Cusco and below the ancient sacred city of Machu Picchu. The valley is generally understood
to include everything between Písac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the Urubamba River, or Vilcanota
River or Wilcamayu, as this Sacred river is called when passing through the valley. It is fed by
numerous rivers which descend through adjoining valleys and gorges, and contains numerous
archaeological remains and villages. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special
geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the empire’s main points for the extraction of
natural wealth, and the best place for maize production in Peru.