Top Sacred Valley Recommended restaurants. There is anything more amazing than knowing about the beauties of the world, and among them, is the Sacred Valley of the Incas
To start, this incredible valley has one of the wonders of the world; Machu Picchu was recognized in 2007 as a world wonder. This is located in the Andes Mountains and nestled above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is said to have originally acted as a palace complex for the ruler. But this is not the only wonder at the valley.
This incredible and beautiful valley is recognized all around the world. As CNN says. – The 70-mile narrow strip of land, in the Peruvian Andes, that runs roughly from the old imperial capital of Cusco to the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu remains a place of eerie natural beauty.
Against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, the fertile river valley winds below steep forests and ancient agricultural terraces while the mountain light at dusk gives the landscape an otherworldly glow.
Many locals still speak Quechua — the language of the Incas. They also grow corn, raise alpacas and weave brightly colored textiles much as their ancestors did before the violent arrival of the Spaniards five centuries ago.
What else about the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley was a significant area in the Inca Empire, rich with agricultural, spiritual, and political significance. The Urubamba River that flows through it was considered sacred, and the valley’s fertile lands were a major source of food for the empire.
What was the main food source for the Incas?
The most important staples were various tubers, roots, and grains. Maize was of high prestige, but could not be grown as extensively as it was further north. The most common sources of meat were guinea pigs and llamas, and dried fish was common.
And what happened with the passage of time?
Well, as everything happens in Peru, the tourist development made large hotel and restaurant businesses flourish. The chefs were responsible for having a space in this magical place and develop all the techniques they have been learning over time.
Some samples of recommended restaurants at the Sacred Valley
El Huacatay
A small restaurant nestled in the Sacred Valley, in Urubamba, which has become a welcoming space for visitors. The menu is based on fresh local products, adding here and there Mediterranean and Asian touches. The alpaca loin in port thyme sauce is one of the best dishes.
Mil Centro
Virgilio Martinez is the chef behind MIL Centro, a restaurant located on the edge of the Moray Archaeological Complex, at 3,680 meters above sea level, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is believed that the place was the agricultural research center of the Inca Empire. Mil Centro offers a comprehensive experience to its diners, from touring the place to learning more about the products offered.
Wayra Restaurant at Sol & Luna
Hotel Sol y Luna, one of only a handful of Relais & Chateaux properties in Peru, has two restaurants run by chefs who were trained by Peruvian celebrity chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino of the acclaimed Malabar restaurant in Lima. Wayra is open to guests and to the public and offers Peruvian favorites including the incredible Pachamanca (meat and vegetables cooked underground.
Chuncho
Chuncho means “native” or “wild” in Quechua, and the restaurant aims to serve purely traditional dishes. “These are foods that you only eat once a year,” explained Bhojwani. Chef Josefina Rimach, who grew up in a subsistence farming village a short hike from Ollantaytambo, came out of the kitchen smiling, with a platter of small dishes including roast lamb and guinea pig.
Tawa in Yucay
The town of Yucay got its first serious restaurant in 2016 when Milagros and Rene Rodriquez opened Tawa on Manco II Plaza. The Peruvian couple has spent decades working in restaurants (including the restaurant at the Sol y Luna hotel, see above) and they brought all of that experience to Tawa. The couple spent two years developing the menu before opening Tawa which means four in the Quechua language–a nod to the number of members of their family.