Urubamba, Peru

Urubamba is a scenic valley town in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas.

An awe-inspiring view of the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, with its stone terraces and structures set against the dramatic, lush green mountains in the Urubamba Valley of Peru.

Overview

Urubamba, Peru Cruise Port

Urubamba, nestled in the heart of Peru's fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas, is not a direct cruise port in the traditional sense, but rather a central and highly significant land-based destination. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the rich historical, cultural, and natural wonders of the region, often visited by travelers as part of an extended land tour that may connect with a cruise from a major gateway like Callao (Lima). Surrounded by towering Andean peaks and the meandering Urubamba River, the town offers a tranquil escape with breathtaking scenery.

Urubamba's charm lies in its authentic local atmosphere, vibrant markets, and its strategic location providing easy access to iconic Inca sites like Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. It's a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, offering opportunities to learn about local Andean culture, sample traditional cuisine, and immerse oneself in the mystical allure of the Sacred Valley. Visitors find themselves enveloped in a landscape steeped in history and natural grandeur, making it an unforgettable part of any Peruvian adventure.

Top Things to Do in Urubamba, Peru

Explore the Urubamba Local Market (Mercado de Urubamba)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting the Urubamba Local Market. This authentic market offers a bustling sensory experience, where you can find fresh produce, local textiles, traditional crafts, and interact with local vendors, providing a genuine glimpse into daily Andean life.

Tip: Visit in the morning for the most lively atmosphere and the freshest selection of goods. It's a great place to pick up unique souvenirs or sample local fruits.

Discover the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)

Venture to the fascinating Maras Salt Mines, an extraordinary terraced complex dating back to Inca times. Thousands of shallow pools filled with saltwater from an underground spring evaporate in the sun, leaving behind salt crystals harvested by local families using traditional methods.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven. The contrast of the white salt pans against the green mountains makes for stunning photography.

Marvel at the Moray Agricultural Terraces

Visit the enigmatic Moray agricultural terraces, a unique Inca archaeological site resembling a giant amphitheater. Believed to have been an agricultural laboratory, its circular terraces create microclimates that allowed the Incas to experiment with different crops at varying altitudes.

Tip: Take your time to walk around the different levels of the terraces to fully appreciate the ingenious design and scale of this ancient site.

Visit the Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress and Town

Explore the impressive Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress, a massive stone complex that served as a temple, fortress, and administrative center. Wander through the well-preserved Inca town below, with its narrow cobblestone streets and ancient water channels, offering a vivid sense of Inca urban planning.

Tip: Climb to the top of the fortress for panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. Allow several hours to fully explore both the fortress and the town.

Experience Local Gastronomy

Savor the rich flavors of Peruvian gastronomy in Urubamba. Many restaurants offer traditional Andean dishes made with local ingredients. Try lomo saltado, aji de gallina, or fresh trout from the Urubamba River. Don't miss sampling chicha, a traditional corn beer.

Tip: Look for restaurants that offer a "menu del día" (menu of the day) for a delicious and often economical multi-course meal.

Engage with Traditional Weaving Communities (e.g., Chinchero)

While slightly outside Urubamba, many tours from the area include visits to traditional weaving communities like Chinchero. Here, you can witness ancient textile traditions firsthand, observe demonstrations of natural dyeing processes using plants and insects, and purchase authentic, hand-woven alpaca and sheep wool products directly from the artisans.

Tip: Support these communities by purchasing directly from them; it helps preserve their ancestral techniques and provides income.

Cruises to Urubamba

The ornate Baroque bell towers and domes of a historic stone cathedral in Cuzco, Peru, set against a bright blue sky with clouds.

15-night Hidden Galápagos & Peru Cruise/Land Package

Lima

Cuzco

Sacred Valley

Urubamba

Aguas Calientes (Peru)

Machu Picchu

Cuzco

Ollantaytambo

Cuzco

Lima

Guayaquil

Isla San Cristobal (Galapaguera)

Guayaquil

Genovesa (Tower) Island

Darwin Bay

North Seymour

Sullivan Bay

Mangle Point

Isla Isabela

Santa Cruz Highlands

Gardner Bay

Punta Suarez

Cerro Brujo

Isla Baltra

Guayaquil

+22 more

Aboard

Silver Origin for Tauck

From

Lima, Peru

18 Sailings

Apr 4, 2026 - Oct 16, 2027

Published prices from

$16,990

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

A rustic row of traditional stilt houses, some with thatched roofs, surrounded by a grassy field and lush jungle foliage near Iquitos and Nauta, Peru.

Exclusive Events, Savings & More with River Heritage Club*+ 2 more offers

15-night Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration Cruise/Land Package

Lima

Iquitos / Nauta

Ucayali River

Clavero Lake

Yarapa River

Amazon River (Peru)

Tahuayo River (Amazon River)

San Pedro Forest

Nauta

Maranon River

Yanayacu-Pucate River

Amazon River (Peru)

Samiria River

Ucayali River

Puerto Prado Forest

Amazon River (Peru)

Iquitos / Nauta

Cuzco

Urubamba

Ollantaytambo

Aguas Calientes (Peru)

Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes (Peru)

Machu Picchu

Cuzco

Lima

+24 more

Aboard

Aria Amazon

From

Lima, Peru

22 Sailings

Jan 14, 2026 - Dec 1, 2027

Published prices from

$13,499

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

View All Urubamba, Peru Cruises

The reviews are in

Our expert consultants and customer service teams are standing by to help with all of your cruising needs.

I was having some trouble finding the right cruise for the right price as a single traveler, but thanks to [our Cruise Expert] I was able to find it with Cruise Web. Thank you very much [our Cruise Expert]!

Camille G.

Google Reviews

We have worked with [our Cruise Expert] several times and she makes it so easy and a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable.

Linda F.

Google Reviews

[Our Cruise Expert] was informative and very pleasant to work with. I'm not familiar with booking travel online and he made my experience pleasant.

Sharon E.

Google Reviews

I would like to mention that for many years I really appreciate to have [our Cruise Expert] taking care of my cruises in the states. So, i'm glad to give five stars for him

Rudi D.

Google Reviews

I am working with [our Cruise Expert] as my travel agent...he has been very helpful...he is very informative and knowledgeable about the places that I want to go on my Cruise....I would use [our Cruise Expert] and Cruise Web again to book another cruise...thank you...

Priscilla B.

Google Reviews

[Our Cruise Expert] does an exceptional job of planning (with you) and coordinating a trip of your dreams! I can't wait to get started on the next one.

Sheralyn H.

Google Reviews

Great working with [our Cruise Expert]! He was a tremendous help and steered us in the right direction every time! Helped us make memories for a lifetime!

Wendy F.

Google Reviews

[Our Cruise Expert] always works hard to secure the bookings we have chosen and guides us through the process. She is always available to help and her advise is spot on.

James C.

Google Reviews

We are residents in another country, and have used [our Cruise Expert] for years as we try to cruise around the entire world. She offers great service and stellar communication.

Dave O.

Google Reviews

[Our Cruise Expert]does a wonderful job for me. I have had no glitches and I can count on things running smoothly when [our Cruise Expert] makes my arrangements.

Barbara H.

Google Reviews

4.9Google

Urubamba, Peru Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Urubamba, Peru

Explore the Urubamba Local Market (Mercado de Urubamba)

Tip: Visit in the morning for the most lively atmosphere and the freshest selection of goods. It's a great place to pick up unique souvenirs or sample local fruits.

Discover the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven. The contrast of the white salt pans against the green mountains makes for stunning photography.

Marvel at the Moray Agricultural Terraces

Tip: Take your time to walk around the different levels of the terraces to fully appreciate the ingenious design and scale of this ancient site.

Visit the Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress and Town

Tip: Climb to the top of the fortress for panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. Allow several hours to fully explore both the fortress and the town.

Experience Local Gastronomy

Tip: Look for restaurants that offer a "menu del día" (menu of the day) for a delicious and often economical multi-course meal.

Engage with Traditional Weaving Communities (e.g., Chinchero)

Tip: Support these communities by purchasing directly from them; it helps preserve their ancestral techniques and provides income.

Urubamba, Peru

Urubamba, Peru Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Urubamba, Peru

Explore the Urubamba Local Market (Mercado de Urubamba)

Discover the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)

Marvel at the Moray Agricultural Terraces

Visit the Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress and Town

Experience Local Gastronomy

Engage with Traditional Weaving Communities (e.g., Chinchero)

Cruises to Urubamba

15-night Hidden Galápagos & Peru Cruise/Land Package

$16,990

15-night Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration Cruise/Land Package

$13,499

Urubamba Cruise Lines

The reviews are in

Urubamba, Peru Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Urubamba, Peru

Explore the Urubamba Local Market (Mercado de Urubamba)

Discover the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)

Marvel at the Moray Agricultural Terraces

Visit the Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress and Town

Experience Local Gastronomy

Engage with Traditional Weaving Communities (e.g., Chinchero)

Cruises to Urubamba

15-night Hidden Galápagos & Peru Cruise/Land Package

$16,990

15-night Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration Cruise/Land Package

$13,499

Urubamba Cruise Lines

The reviews are in