Urubamba, Peru

The Peruvian province of Urubamba is filled with striking natural landscapes, ancient world wonders, and colorful cultural arts.

Offering opportunities for thrilling adventure and spiritual tranquility alike, it’s no wonder Urubamba, Peru, has become a top destination for travelers.

Where Is Urubamba? Location & Altitude

Urubamba is a province and a town. The province covers 1,439 sq. km (~556 sq. mi.)

• Region. Cusco Region

• Nation. Peru

• Geographic Location (Province). The Sacred Valley, Southern Andean Highlands

• GPS Location (Town). Near Chicón mountain base, 13° 18′ 15″ S, 72° 7′ 0″ W

• Altitude (Town). 2,870 m. (9416 ft)

• Altitude (Province). From 2,050 m (6,730 ft) to 3,000 m (9,800 ft)

Best Things To Do In Urubamba, Peru (Town)

Engage With Free-Roaming Alpacas At Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba
Alpacas and llamas are peaceful animals native to Peru. Ranches and farms in and around Urubamba offer a rare opportunity to experience these animals up close, interact with them, and watch them comfortably roam free.

Enjoy & Shop Mercado de Urubamba

Urubamba hosts lively, vibrant open-air markets.

Visitors can enjoy an authentic Peruvian market experience, as the Mercado is a central hub by and for Urubambans. It wasn’t built with tourists in mind, although travelers are certainly welcome!

Peruse rows of stalls and stands selling aromatic baked goods, homegrown food, handcrafted wares, and works of art. Or, when they’re on, relax and enjoy the street music performances enlivening the atmosphere.

See The Murals of Templo de San Pedro Apóstol

Art historians have called Templo de San Pedro Apóstol “the Sistine Chapel of Peru.”

The exterior of the 15th-century church, easily seen from across the plaza, is a lovely example of the era’s baroque-influenced Gothic architecture. Yet, the interior is what makes the church worth visiting.

The walls and ceilings of San Pedro Apóstol are filled with murals. A gold, gothic reredos altarpiece depicts saints watching from windows in a heavenly palace. Elaborate frescoes depict Biblical scenes, saints, spiritual forces, and symbolic journeys.

Best Urubamba River Attractions

Rafting Expeditions On The Urubamba River Rapids

Whitewater rafting is a thrilling adventure, and there’s plenty adventure to be had on the Urubamba River. Guides offer short trips and multi-day tours through the Sacred Valley, riding the river’s class 2 and 3 rapids.

Relaxing In The Cocalmayo Hot Springs

The Urubamba River feeds the thermal springs of Cocalmayo: hot, mineral-rich pools renowned for their medicinal properties.

The Cocalmayo springs are in Santa Teresa, in The Sacred Valley. The springs’ managers have preserved their natural surroundings and atmosphere, while offering amenities.

Best Urubamba Valley Attractions (The Sacred Valley)

The Historic and Natural Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an extraordinary archaeological site. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it protects over 200 Inca structures. This includes La Ciudadela: the iconic, 15th-century fortress at the heart of the Inca Empire.

The sanctuary also preserves the wildlife of the rare cloud forest ecosystem.

Tours Of The Sacred Valley On E-Bike, Quad, or Horseback

Adventurers can explore the 62-mile expanse of The Sacred Valley on foot, bikes, off-road ATVs, and even on horseback.

Guided tours draw guests to underrated sites, like the ruins of the Huchuy Qosqo palace, the intricate Pumamarca complex, the surreal terrace ruins of Moray, or the underrated Chinchero archeological site.

Discover Urubamba, Peru With Caravan

Enjoy ancient Inca ruins, friendly alpaca, and the stunning landscape of the Andes mountains on a trip unlike anything, anywhere else. Caravan’s 8-Day Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu offers guests the Peruvian journey of a lifetime.

Call us toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot today. Or, call +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.