Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru
Explorations in
Sacred Valley
Activity
Difficulty
Areas
Yanahuara
Quechua
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Hike -
Easy
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Half-day
Inside Quebrada Yanahuara, following a small stream that descends from the glaciers and crosses an ancient forest, we will find tremendous biodiversity with native trees over 200 years old. After leaving the gorge we will visit Enisfera, a private reserve that preserves hummingbirds, where we will observe these beautiful birds, which are characteristic of the valley.
More details >Yanahuara
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Exploration Path
Inside Quebrada Yanahuara, following a small stream that descends from the glaciers and crosses an ancient forest, we will find tremendous biodiversity with native trees over 200 years old. After leaving the gorge we will visit Enisfera, a private reserve that preserves hummingbirds, where we will observe these beautiful birds, which are characteristic of the valley.
244 m 801 ft
-244 m -801 ft
3357 m 11014 ft
3197 m 19489 ftElevation Profile
Parcco
Puna
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Hike
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Advanced
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Half-day
On this occasion we will be behind the massif of Pitusiray, the apu or mountain lord of Calca province, and walk along the edge of a mountain range where we will have the chance to see different lagoons and the slopes of Quebrada Calca and Quebrada Lamay, along with folds of the earth's crust that add drama to Andean geology.
More details >Parcco
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Exploration Path
On this occasion we will be behind the massif of Pitusiray, the apu or mountain lord of Calca province, and walk along the edge of a mountain range where we will have the chance to see different lagoons and the slopes of Quebrada Calca and Quebrada Lamay, along with folds of the earth's crust that add drama to Andean geology.
275 m 902 ft
-376 m -1234 ft
4526 m 14849 ft
4247 m 13934 ftElevation Profile
Wata
Suni
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Hike
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Moderate
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Full-day
Following an old Inca road still used by the region's inhabitants to trade products between Pampa de Anta and the Sacred Valley, we go into the ravine until we reach Wata, an old ceremonial center on the mountain peak that predates the Incan era and has spectacular views of the mountain range and the Quebrada Huarocondo.
More details >Wata
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Exploration Path
Following an old Inca road still used by the region's inhabitants to trade products between Pampa de Anta and the Sacred Valley, we go into the ravine until we reach Wata, an old ceremonial center on the mountain peak that predates the Incan era and has spectacular views of the mountain range and the Quebrada Huarocondo.
808 m 2651 ft
-1235 m -4052 ft
3820 m 12533 ft
3223 m 10574 ftElevation Profile
Huayna Kolka
Suni
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Bike
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Moderate
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Half-day
After visiting the archaeological site of Machu Kolka, we get on our bikes and begin a descent among trees and adobe houses towards...
More details >Huayna Kolka
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Exploration Path
After visiting the archaeological site of Machu Kolka, we get on our bikes and begin a descent among trees and adobe houses towards the town of Racchi. There, we pedal in ascent towards the viewpoint of Huayna Kolka to contemplate the valley. We descend by a winding dirt road to Huayllabamba. At this point, we skirt around different crop fields until we reach explora.
403 m 1.322 ft
-1.198 m -3.930 ft
3.740 m 12.270 ft
2.867 m 9.406 ftElevation Profile
Cuesta del Sapo
Quechua
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Bike
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Moderate
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Half-day
From the heights of the Sacred Valley’s slopes we descend over a track in good conditions. The road offers very interesting views to the mountains...
More details >Cuesta del Sapo
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Exploration Path
From the heights of the Sacred Valley’s slopes we descend over a track in good conditions. The road offers very interesting views to the mountains and the Urubamba river. Once downhill, we will continue bordering the river through an area of cornfields and orchards and densely packed Inca terraces.
163 m 535 ft
-858 m -2.815 ft
3.505 m 11.499 ft
2.811 m 9.222 ftElevation Profile
Huaypo Views
Suni
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Bike
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Advanced
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Full-day
This exploration crosses the farmlands of Chinchero, visiting small farms and villages. It takes the traveler...
More details >Huaypo Views
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Exploration Path
This exploration crosses small farms and villages of Chinchero. It takes the traveler to the remains of the Moray experimental crop center, the colonial town of Maras and its Inca salt-mines, to finalize with a descent to the Urubamba River. This exploration is recommended for travelers in good physical conditions and experienced in mountain biking.
735 m 2.411 ft
-1.557 m -5.108 ft
3.710 m 12.172 ft
2.841 m 9.321 ftElevation Profile
Qenqo
Puna
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Bike
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Expert
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Full-day
The exploration begins in the heights of the pampas and then descends – over a vehicle road – among Quechua communities and farmlands...
More details >Qenqo
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Exploration Path
The exploration begins in the heights of the pampas and then descends – over a vehicle road – among Quechua communities and farmlands with views to the Sacred Valley and Pisac. In the afternoon, the ride goes follows the south side of the Urubamba river among cornfields, old haciendas and manors from the 19th and 20th century.
997 m 3.271 ft
-2.209 m -7.247 ft
4.130 m 13.550 ft
2.896 m 9.501 ftElevation Profile
Between Mountains
Quechua
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Combination
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Moderate
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Full-day
From the heights of the slopes of Sacred Valley we will descend by bicycle on a track in good condition. The journey offers...
More details >Between Mountains
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Exploration Path
From the heights of the slopes of Sacred Valley we will descend by bicycle on a track in good condition. The journey offers very interesting views towards the mountains and the Urubamba river. Once the descent is finished, we will continue along a land parallel to the river, an area full of orchards and cornfields, as well as a great density of Inca terrace. We continue walking through Ollantaytambo, ascending a path with vegetation next to houses and orchards. The Pumamarca remains pose a conundrum to archeologists and explorers: their origins and functions are still unknown.
814 m 2.671 ft
-1.072 m -3.517 ft
3.510 m 11.516 ft
2.811 m 9.222 ftElevation Profile
Machu-Picchu
Quechua
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Overland
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Easy
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Full-day
We explore the famous historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive architectural expressions of the Inca civilization.
More details >Machu-Picchu
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Exploration Path
We explore the famous historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive architectural expressions of the Inca civilization. We leave the hotel towards the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes to ascend to Machu Picchu by bus. We explore this magical place for approximately three hours. This version does not include the hike to Puerta del Sol or Inti Punku. Once we’ve visited the sanctuary, we leave Machu Picchu and head towards the station to take the train back.
*This exploration combines Explora services with third-party services, meaning it must be confirmed with our booking team at least 50 days before the visit. It has an additional cost of USD $400 for adults and USD $350 for children (up to 11 years). The exploration to Machu Picchu is provided through the rail company Perú Rail in the “Vistadome” or “Expedition” modality, depending on availability. The entrance to Machu Picchu must be at 11am.
To make your reservation, contact us by email at reserve@explora.com or phone us at +56 2 2395 2800.
Cusco
Quechua
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Overland
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Easy
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Full-day
This exploration shows the best of Cusco in one day. We will descend from the fortress of Saqsaywaman down crossing the al leys...
More details >Cusco
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Exploration Path
This exploration shows the best of Cusco in one day. We will descend from the fortress of Saqsaywaman down crossing the al leys of the colonial quarter of San Blas to the main square. After lunch, the traveler can continue walking through Cusco with one of our guides or on his/her own. The temple of Corincan cha, on which the Santo Domingo convent was built, Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, the San Pedro Market, some Art Galleries or the hundreds of souvenirs stores are some of the options we recommend. * Tickets to the evening atractions are not included.
Valle Sur
Quechua
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Overland
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Easy
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Full-day
We will explore the Spanish influence through art and the religious syncretism that the cultural encounter fostered. We begin with a visit to the first of the three Canicunca churches, before walking to the Huaro church and then heading to the Andahuaylillas church, where we will visit the choir and the museum. We will end with lunch in a wetland accompanied by native birds.
More details >Valle Sur
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Exploration Path
We will explore the Spanish influence through art and the religious syncretism that the cultural encounter fostered. We begin with a visit to the first of the three Canicunca churches, before walking to the Huaro church and then heading to the Andahuaylillas church, where we will visit the choir and the museum. We will end with lunch in a wetland accompanied by native birds.
Pirka
Suni
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Overland
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Easy
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Full-day
This route first takes us to Ollantaytambo, also known as the “living Inca city”. From there we travel to the archaeological site of Moray...
More details >Pirka
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Exploration Path
This route first takes us to Ollantaytambo, also known as the “living Inca city”. From there we travel to the archaeological site of Moray, a laboratory of experimental farming where different microclimates are used to grow crops. From here we continue to Maras and a large lagoon, an ideal place to take a stroll and have lunch, to then follow to the town of Chinchero. The road crosses several fields where we will see farmers working or looking after their animals.
Pisac
Suni
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Overland
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Easy
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Half-day
Known for its remarkable ruins, as well as for its colorful crafts market, the village of Pisac bears witness to the accomplishments and mysteries...
More details >Pisac
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Exploration Path
Known for its remarkable ruins, as well as for its colorful crafts market, the village of Pisac bears witness to the accomplishments and mysteries of the Inca civilization.
This exploration allows travellers to discover, by foot, this key enclave of the Sacred Valley, showing an integral vision of the Inca cosmovision.
Chinchero
Suni
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Overland
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Easy
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Half-day
Just 1 hour away from explora, between Urubamba and Cuzco, the village of Chinchero (3762 masl) is believed to be the birthplace...
More details >Chinchero
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Exploration Path
Just 1 hour away from explora, between Urubamba and Cuzco, the village of Chinchero (3762 masl) is believed to be the birthplace of the Sacred Valley’s textile craftsmanship, as well as a hub for local trade.
This exploration takes travellers through the colonial streets of Chinchero by foot, visiting the village’s adobe church and discovering the unique murals preserved within.
Moray y Salineras
Suni
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Overland
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Easy
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Half-day
Located only 45 min. away from explora (by van), the Maras salt mines are one of the few sites in the world to extract naturally pink salt.
More details >Moray y Salineras
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Exploration Path
Located only 45 min. away from explora (by van), the Maras salt mines are one of the few sites in the world to extract naturally pink salt. This exploration takes travellers through the open-air salt pools, as well as to the silent village of Maras. Close by, travellers will also find the circular terraces of Moray, once used by the Incas as agricultural laboratories for the empire’s crops, and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the valley.
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