12 Best Things to Do and See in Urubamba
Exploring Urubamba on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Urubamba, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Urubamba. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Moray
Moray is a fascinating archaeological site in Peru’s Sacred Valley, near Urubamba. Its vast circular terraces, set within a natural depression, create a dramatic and unique landscape. Visitors come for the concentric levels, often linked to Inca agricultural and experimental uses. A visit reveals both the ingenuity of the ancient builders and the harmony between the site and the surrounding Andes.
2. Urubamba Market
Mercado de Urubamba is a lively market in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you can experience everyday local life in an authentic, colorful setting. The stalls sell fruit, vegetables, Andean products, spices, textiles and handicrafts, offering a great glimpse into the region’s traditions and skills. It is also an ideal place to sample simple, traditional Peruvian food, chat with locals and watch the comings and goings of traders. A vibrant and welcoming stop to soak up the atmosphere of Urubamba.
3. MachuQolqa Viewpoint
MachuQolqa Viewpoint in Urubamba offers a beautiful panorama of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with Andean slopes, agricultural terraces, and mountains on the horizon. This viewpoint lets you admire the surrounding countryside in a peaceful setting, often appreciated for photography and quiet moments of contemplation. Depending on the light and the season, the colors of the landscape change and highlight the scale of the panorama. It is an ideal stop to discover the natural beauty of the region.
4. Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva
Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva, located in Peru’s Urubamba Valley, invites visitors to discover Andean culture in a lively, accessible way. The site showcases local traditions through interpretive spaces, artisan know-how, and displays about daily life in the region. It reflects a strong connection to agricultural heritage, community customs, and the cultural identity of local residents. It is an interesting visit for anyone wanting to better understand the history and traditions of the Sacred Valley in an authentic, welcoming setting.
5. Palacio de Huayna Capac
Palacio de Huayna Capac in Urubamba is a tourist site linked to Inca history and the archaeological heritage of Peru's Sacred Valley. Visiting this place reveals ancient remains and traces of architecture that evoke the region's prestigious past, along with the Andean natural setting that surrounds it. The visit offers a chance to appreciate the site's cultural interest while taking in its peaceful environment of mountains, fertile valley and classic Andean scenery. It is an interesting stop for understanding Urubamba's historical importance.
6. Ceramicas Seminario
Ceramicas Seminario is a popular stop in Urubamba for discovering a workshop-boutique dedicated to Peruvian handcrafted ceramics. Visitors can admire decorative and functional pieces, often inspired by Andean aesthetics, with shapes, colours and motifs that highlight handmade work. The place is also a good spot to buy authentic locally made objects and appreciate the skill of artisans from the Sacred Valley. It is an easy and enjoyable visit for anyone wanting to better understand regional craftsmanship and bring home an original souvenir.
7. Hacienda del Chalán
Hacienda del Chalán is a tourist stop in the Urubamba Valley, in the heart of Peru's Cusco region. It offers a pleasant Andean rural setting with open spaces, gardens and mountain views. Visitors come here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take a walk, admire the scenery and pause during a trip to the Sacred Valley. The hacienda offers a glimpse of the charm of the Peruvian countryside, combining nature, tradition and relaxation.
8. Maras Salt Mines Viewpoint
From this viewpoint over the Maras Salt Mines near Urubamba, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the stepped salt pools that form thousands of small white terraces on the mountainside. The landscape contrasts strongly with the ochre and green tones of the surrounding Andean valley, creating a highly photogenic panorama. Depending on the light, you can also see the shifting reflections in the pools and the scale of the site within its natural setting. It is a favorite spot for admiring the unique layout of the salt pans and the beauty of the Andean scenery.
9. Mirador de Tantanmarka
Mirador de Tantanmarka in Urubamba is a viewpoint overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From this scenic lookout, you can admire Andean mountains, terraced fields and the lush green slopes surrounding the town. It is a popular stop for photos, a short break and peaceful valley views, where nature, agriculture and Andean villages meet.
10. Machu Colca
Machu Colca in Urubamba is a tourist point of interest in a city closely tied to Sacred Valley itineraries. Jirón Grau 3314 places it in an accessible, lively area where everyday urban life meets visitor activity. It offers a concrete view of Urubamba as an Andean stop shaped by landscape and local use. A visit here is as much about the place itself as its immediate surroundings.
11. Museo de Qespiwanka
Le Museo de Qespiwanka offre une approche historique d’Urubamba à travers un lieu ancré dans la Vallée sacrée des Incas. On y découvre un espace muséal qui évoque la mémoire locale, les références culturelles andines et les traces du passé régional. Sans chercher l’effet spectaculaire, le musée met l’accent sur la compréhension d’un territoire et sur la manière dont son histoire s’inscrit dans la ville. C’est un point de repère pour saisir le contexte culturel d’Urubamba et l’importance du patrimoine dans cette partie du Pérou.
12. Chicheria YOLA – Museo de la Chicha and Museo de la Salt
Chicheria YOLA – Museo de la chicha y Museo de la Sal offers a visit focused on two important elements of Andean culture, chicha and salt. In this Urubamba museum, visitors learn how these products fit into daily life, food traditions and local customs. The site provides a clear glimpse into a regional heritage linked to the Sacred Valley, with an emphasis on practices still associated with the identity of the Peruvian Andes.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
