Urubamba

Urubamba is a town and the capital of Urubamba Province in the Cusco Region of Peru. It sits in the Sacred Valley of the Andes along the Urubamba River, about 25 kilometers north of Cusco city. The town is located at an elevation of roughly 2,900 meters above sea level, giving it a temperate highland climate. Urubamba serves as the administrative and commercial center for the surrounding rural communities and functions as a gateway to the Sacred Valley’s archaeological and cultural attractions.

Geography and economy: The surrounding region is known for its terraced agriculture and traditional markets. The local economy relies on farming—potatoes, maize, quinoa, and fruit crops—and on tourism, as visitors use Urubamba as a base to explore nearby Inca sites and the Machu Picchu corridor via Ollantaytambo. The town is connected by major roads to Cusco and other valley towns, and the Sacred Valley rail corridor near Ollantaytambo provides access to Machu Picchu.

History and culture: The area was part of the Inca Empire and has a long history of agriculture and trade. After the Spanish conquest, Urubamba developed as a colonial town with a blend of Inca and colonial architectural influences, including churches and market plazas that remain central to daily life.

See also: Urubamba River, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo.