Urubamba Province, Administrative province in Cusco Department, Peru
Urubamba Province is an administrative region in the Cusco Department, located about 57 kilometers northwest of Cusco city, encompassing seven districts including Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. The area spans a fertile valley with mountains rising to snow-capped peaks and is crossed by the Vilcanota River.
The area was officially recognized as an administrative province through government decree in 1825 and received designation as an archaeological province of Peru in 1962. This recognition reflects the region's major importance for the country's archaeological heritage.
The valley was a core settlement area for the Inca, who established communities and built agricultural terraces that still shape the landscape you see today. The region remains deeply connected to farming traditions and continues to be the heartland of Andean culture in this part of the highlands.
The region sits at about 2,588 meters (8,500 feet) elevation where temperatures range between 4 and 21 degrees Celsius (39 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit), so bring layers and cold-weather protection for higher areas. The best time to visit is the dry season from May to October when weather conditions are most stable.
Several snow-capped peaks scattered across the area, such as Willka Qasa and Hatun Luychu, are visible from many locations and create an impressive mountain backdrop alongside the historical sites. These peaks held religious meaning in Inca culture beyond being simple geographic features.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
