The main square of Urubamba, the Plaza de Armas, is attractively framed by a twin-towered colonial church and pisonay trees. Dozens of mototaxis, a funky form of local transportation not seen in other places in the valley (and widely seen in only a few other places in Peru), buzz around the plaza in search of passengers. The most activity is around the market, at the corner of Jirón Comercio and Jirón Sucre, a sprawling produce market that spills into the surrounding streets. With few tourists exploring this maze of unique tubers and seasonal fruits, it’s one of the more authentic markets in the Sacred Valley.
Worth visiting in town is the beautiful home workshop of Pablo Seminario ★, a ceramicist whose whimsical work features pre-Columbian motifs and is sold throughout Peru. Visitors either love or hate the style, which was once sold by Pier 1 Imports in the U.S. The grounds of the house, located at Berriozábal 405 (www.ceramicaseminario.com; tel. 084/201-002), feature a mini-zoo, with llamas, parrots, nocturnal monkeys, falcons, rabbits, and more. The workshop is open daily from 8am to 7pm.
Yucay, just south of Urubamba, is a pleasant and quiet little village with extraordinary views of the surrounding countryside. The Spaniards “bequeathed” the land to their puppet Inca chieftain, Sayri Túpac, who built a palace here. Inca foundations are found around the attractive main plaza, and some of the best agricultural terracing in the valley occupies the slopes of mountains around the village. However, the most interesting sights are all beyond Urubamba: the ancient salt pans of Maras, the Inca site at Moray, and Chinchero, a historic market town.
The Museo Inkariy ★ (www.museoinkariy.com; tel. 084/792-819) opened in 2014, after more than a decade of planning by a group of artists and archaeologists, outside of town at Km 53, near Calca on the road to Pisac. The museum is very family-friendly and makes a good general introduction to the major civilizations that formed in Peru, each one with a two-room house filled with artifacts, colorful graphics, and various easy-to-understand displays.
Shopping
Aside from the famous valley handicrafts markets in Pisac and Chinchero and renowned ceramicist Pablo Seminario, Urubamba has just a few small shops that may be of interest to travelers. PaCa PaCa, Av. Mariscal Castilla 640 (tel. 084/201-181), began as a shop at a different location, but today coexists with a small restaurant. It sells funky, colorful knit items like handbags and scarves.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
