peru: the sacred valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas – located at the heart of the ancient Inca Empire – is a unique mix of natural and cultural beauty that has attracted explorers and travelers for hundreds of years. During your time here, you’ll explore beautiful landscapes, archaeology, history and local culture, gaining a deeper understanding of Andean geography and local culture. We’ll organize a local trekking guide to be with you and we’ll coordinate together hiking options that suit you and your hiking preferences and activity level.

During your hikes, you’ll make your up to high plateaus where you’ll be rewarded with views of the Urubamba River, impressive Inca terraces and the high, snow-capped Andes in the distance. You’ll walk through small communities full of stone houses as you learn about the ancient Inca trail, irrigation canals and Inca ruins.

Machu Picchu is widely-known for its great spirituality and the best time to experience the serenity of the citadel is in the early morning at sunrise - an early wake up allows you to enjoy the beautiful light over the lush and peaceful mountains. Feel the pulse of the city as you visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabit this seemingly uninhabitable citadel. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing, but no gold. The same precision of assembled stones exists here as in other Incan sites. Observe the raging Urubamba River and discover in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain. The city of Machu Picchu will forever hold secrets as the Incas left no written record of its history.

Ending your journey in Cusco is a great way to round out your Peruvian adventure. From the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas to the Santo Domingo, 16th-century church and convent; from the Koricancha and the well-preserved ruins of Sacsayhuaman, you’ll love exploring this special city with its spectacular surrounding countryside.

Peru is a truly special place and will leave a powerful affect on your heart.

 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the “Lost City” of Machu Picchu at sunrise with a local guide and hike Huayna Picchu

• Trek through the Sacred Valley with a local guides for views of the high Andes

• Discover the colors & culture and Inca capital of Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley

• Experience the hustle and bustle of the Pisac market

• Visit a local weaving community off the beaten path

• Enjoy the delicious Peruvian cuisine

• Walk through the lovely countryside to Maras village and its salt mines

• Ride the narrow-gauge Vistadome train to the valley of Ollantaytambo

• Option to add a local guide for all or part of your trip

• Enjoy a customized itinerary tailored to your preferred activity level, budget, accommodation preferences, interests & schedule

When to go: March - December
Start/End Airport: Lima/Cusco
Minimum recommended length: 7 days / 6 nights
Average Mileage: 5 - 8 miles/day (options to shorten or lengthen)
Pre- or post-trip ideas: Lima, Cusco, Arequipa

how it works

All of our itineraries are handcrafted and completely customizable to your preferred travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences and activity level.

From the initial proposal, we’ll work with you to refine your itinerary until it’s just right. On your trip, we'll provide you with everything you need to enjoy a local, authentic Pathways experience and the liberty to explore at your own pace.

To request a personalized proposal, please complete the form below
and we’ll contact you to chat about next steps.

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