A flexible itinerary allows you to explore the Sacred Valley at your own pace. A few days in the Urubamba offers a unique opportunity for slowing down and mingling with the living Inca culture, while experiencing the timeless spirit of the region. If you wish, we may arrange a driver and guide for your excursions, which may include rural villages, beautiful mountain landscapes and architectural sites. Among the most popular:
OUR SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS
Chinchero
Small authentic Andean village 18 miles from Cusco, where you will explore Inca archaeological sites, visit a history-rich colonial church, and roam through a local market.
Pisac
On a hill 18 miles outside Cusco stands the historic Pisac archaeological site, among the finest in the Valley, also known for its typical Sunday market. See Pisaca, a curving wall; the Intihuatana group of temples; and the military area known as Q’allaqasa. This excursion may also include a stop at Awanacancha, where you can meet native weavers and see South American camelid species, including llamas and vicuñas.
Excursions are included in our suggested itineraries
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo, a temple and a fortress for the Incas, with extremely well-built stone walls and steep
terraces, is one of the few places where the Conquerors lost a major battle. The complex, still under
construction at the time of the Spanish Conquest, was never completed. The Museum and Cultural
Center of Ollantaytambo (CATCCO) promotes traditional Ollantaytambo culture and technology, and sells
lovely local handicrafts.
Maras & Moray
The ancient salt mines of Maras are the first stop on your excursion. Continue on to Moray, with its
huge circular agricultural terraces, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes on a limestone plateau. You
may also visit Yahuarmaqui, a ceramic workshop, select a piece of pottery, and decorate it yourself.
The finished piece will be fired and delivered to you before you leave the Sacred Valley.
Huchuy Qosqo
This day-long hike up to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco) combines rich history
with spectacular mountain views. Your challenging trek is richly rewarded when you arrive at this
little-visited former governor’s residence of the Inca Wiracocha. You can roam, virtually alone, through
Inca buildings, ceremonial centers, and along graceful plazas.
Patacancha & Willoq
This full-day excursion lets you meet and interact with the indigenous people, as you come to
understand their traditional lifestyle, how they make their living, and how life changes little from one
generation to the next. You will learn about ancient weaving methods (and have a chance to purchase
some lovely handicrafts), and will enjoy a three-course picnic lunch with spectacular views of the Andes.
River Rafting
The experience begins rafting through rapids of I and II class rapids, passing through stunning sites
and inishing with “El Resbaladero” (the slippery one), a strong Class III rapid consisting of waves and
small whirlpools.
