Urubamba

Written by Sandra Frank, Jose Quispe
04/08/2025
A breathtaking view of Machu Picchu in Peru surrounded by lush mountains and clouds.
Sparks Darby, Pexels

Urubamba is a charming town nestled in Peru's Sacred Valley, offering a tranquil retreat amidst stunning natural beauty and towering Andean peaks. It serves as an ideal base for exploring significant Inca archaeological sites and engaging in various outdoor activities.

While not a party destination, Urubamba's main Plaza de Armas provides a central area with bustling restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and experience cultural and gastronomic fairs on weekends, fostering a relaxed environment to interact with others.

Top 5 Things to do in Urubamba

Urubamba offers a diverse range of experiences, from immersing oneself in local culture and ancient history to engaging in thrilling outdoor adventures.

1. Explore Mercado de Urubamba (Urubamba Market)

The Mercado de Urubamba is a bustling local market that provides an authentic glimpse into Peruvian daily life. Visitors can wander through vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, traditional foods like empanadas, colorful textiles, and handmade crafts. It is an excellent place to engage with local vendors, sample regional flavors, and find unique souvenirs. Visiting in the morning, especially on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays, allows for the most lively experience.

Cost: Entrance to the market is free, with costs only for purchases made inside.

Transport: The market is centrally located just two blocks from Urubamba's main square (Plaza de Armas) and is easily accessible by walking from most accommodations in town.

2. Discover Maras Salt Mines and Moray Archaeological Site

These two distinct but often combined sites offer unique insights into Inca ingenuity. The Maras Salt Mines consist of thousands of terraced salt pools cascading down a hillside, still used today for salt extraction and providing a breathtaking visual spectacle. Nearby, Moray features circular agricultural terraces, believed to have been an Inca experimental farming laboratory designed to test crop growth at different microclimates.

Cost: Entry to Maras Salt Mines costs 10 Peruvian Soles (approximately $3 USD) and is paid on-site. Moray is part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico); a 2-day partial ticket covering Moray, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero costs 70 Soles, while a 10-day general ticket costs 130 Soles. The ticket can be purchased at the site entrance. Many opt for half-day tours combining both sites, which typically range from $45 to $60 USD per person.

Transport: The most convenient way to visit Maras and Moray from Urubamba is by taxi. A round-trip taxi service including waiting time for both sites generally costs between 100-150 Soles. The drive to Maras takes approximately 30 minutes. Public transport involves taking a colectivo to the Maras turn-off (around 4 Soles), but finding a connecting taxi or walking from there can be challenging.

3. Participate in a Traditional Pottery Workshop

Engage with Peruvian artistry by attending a hands-on pottery workshop. These workshops often teach about the historical significance of pottery in Peru and guide participants through creating their own ceramic piece using pre-Columbian techniques. It's a creative way to connect with local traditions.

Cost: Costs vary depending on the workshop and its inclusions. Some workshops might be part of larger tours costing around $145 USD. Individual workshops may involve a fee for materials and an additional cost (e.g., $3-$6 USD) for firing the piece, with delivery options available.

Transport: Prominent pottery studios, such as Seminario Ceramics, are located within Urubamba. Other workshops might be in nearby villages like Huayoccari, accessible via short taxi rides from Urubamba. Tours often include transport.

4. Experience a Peruvian Cooking Class

Delve into Peru's acclaimed culinary scene with a cooking class. These sessions typically teach you to prepare classic Peruvian dishes like fresh ceviche, savory lomo saltado, and various regional specialties. Many classes begin with a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, offering a deeper understanding of the country's gastronomic heritage.

Cost: Cooking class prices range from approximately $59 to $183 USD per person, depending on whether it's a group or private experience and if a market tour is included.

Transport: Many cooking classes are hosted within Urubamba itself, often centrally located or offering hotel pick-up as part of the package.

5. Undertake a Via Ferrata and Zipline Adventure

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, a via ferrata and zipline experience offers a thrilling way to appreciate the Sacred Valley's dramatic landscapes. Participants climb a fixed-route rock face using ladders and cables (via ferrata) and then soar across the valley on multiple zipline segments, providing unparalleled panoramic views. Operators like Natura Vive offer these adventures.

Cost: The cost is approximately 275 Peruvian Soles (around $75-$80 USD) per person. This typically includes private transportation from Urubamba or Cusco, safety equipment (harness, helmet, etc.), guides, and a box lunch.

Transport: Adventure operators are located along the Urubamba-Ollantaytambo road. Tours generally provide private transportation directly from accommodations in Urubamba, making access convenient.

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