Plan exploreInca Trail to Machu Picchu
Things to do in the sacred valley
things to do in the sacred valleyElevate your Peru experience with unique high value activities designed to fit perfectly in almost every itinerary. Here we showcase three very special nature and culture add-ons to give you more choices on what to do in the Sacred Valley.
1. Stargazing at Sacred Valley
Ancient Andean cultures had a special connection with the stars. They were expert astronomers who understood the world through natural cycles and deep cosmovision.
Everybody can enjoy a great view of the stars. Still, a guided adventure into the infinite sea of stars can enhance a great trip to a "once in a lifetime experience" category. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local culture's essence and enjoy a beautiful nightscape.
Steps away from the light pollution of the small towns of the Sacred Valley, you can find a breathtaking sky. Some hotels provide the perfect space to explore the stars comfortably, while others may require a short transfer to a better setting for this activity.
2. Hummingbirds glimpse at Ensifera Camp
The protected Ensifera Garden provides a beautiful opportunity to enjoy a variety of colorful flora and fauna in the Sacred Valley. Catching a glimpse of high Andes bird species, such as the Giant Hummingbird or the Red-Crested Cotinga, can add a wow moment to every itinerary.
César, an enthusiastic local farmer, and bird-lover has transformed his backyard into a bird haven. Located at 3,000 meters above sea level, Ensifera Camp supports a great biodiversity, attracting various migratory birds and endemic species to sip on the nectar of the various flower species he has planted to support them.
Several species of hummingbirds, including the Sparkling Violet Ear, with its iridescent purple earmarks, the Giant Hummingbird, the largest hummer in the world, and much more, wait for you.
3. Pablo Seminario Ceramic Workshop
Hands-on pre-columbian ceramic technique workshop designed to connect with ancient traditions. Enjoy a creative activity and bring back home your handmade treasure!
Theory and practice in perfect balance create a magical experience that visitors will always cherish. Guests will work on a clay plate using techniques focused on painting based on Pablo´s research. The plates will be dried in the sun and then burned in the oven and ready in 2 or 3 days. They will be delivered after coordination with the guide.
Pablo´s work has received numerous awards and recognitions at a national and international level, including the Joaquín López Antay National Award from the Congress of the Republic of Peru. His pieces have been acquired by museums such as the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art in Cusco, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and the Field Museum in Chicago, among others. Together with Marilu Behar they founded the Seminario Ceramics Workshop in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, creating unique pieces that combine the richness of ancient Peruvian cultures with a contemporary and personal touch.
Plan exploreDestino Cusco
this season featured experiences
HIKING & TREKKING
inca trail to machu picchuThis 5-day journey begins at Km 82, the marker that signifies the start of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our highly trained guides, who are deeply familiar with these ancient Inca footpaths, will expertly lead us through the magnificent Andean terrain. Along the way, we’ll traverse breathtaking high alpine passes, lush valleys, dense cloud forests, and rushing rivers. We’ll pass through ancient Inca remains of Andean settlements, ultimately arriving at Machu Picchu via Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Each night, our team of porters and skilled cooks will have a delicious hot meal and a comfortable camp already set up for your convenience. Since we highly value sustainable tourism, we’ll have very little impact on the land, communities, and environment we encounter along the trail, and we will also take steps to enjoy a tranquil hike, avoiding crowds of fellow trekkers. On the final day, a guided tour of the citadel will bring Machu Picchu to life, as we explore and immerse ourselves in the magic and beauty of this ancient, mystical site. Our version of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu trek is truly an unforgettable experience you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
March - December
5 days / 4 nights
From
$ 1290
/ Per PersonHIKING & TREKKING
huayhuash trekThe Huayhuash Trek is an amazing journey to the very heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. A trekker's paradise, this terrain is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful. The film Touching the Void, the tale of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, was made about their harrowing experience as the first mountaineers to scale Siula Grande, which is part of this mountain range. This version of the Huayhuash trek crosses six high passes over 4500 m (14,763 ft) and two that are higher than 5000 m (16,404 ft)! Throughout the 12 days of the trek, we camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys replete with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks, while basking in the imposing presence of the White Mountains looming over us, with peaks at elevations above 5000 m (16,404 ft) and 6000 m (19,685 ft). At least three days of acclimatization hikes in the area are strongly recommended to be able to enjoy the trek.
April - October
12 days / 11 nights
From
$ 1750
/ Per PersonHIKING & TREKKING
the hidden valleys of salkantayStarting from a little-known valley near Limatambo, we ascend gradually over two days past ancient forests and varied Andean landscapes toward the Cruzjasa Pass at 4,550 meters / 14,927 feet above sea level. Here we will experience the best views of the south and east faces Mount Salkantay, away from the crowds. We descend along a gradual decline toward Mirador Pampaccahuana, accompanied by views of Mount Salkantay and its moraine until we reach Cusichaca Valley, which marks the eastern boundary of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. As we approach the Sacred Valley, we will begin to see trekkers embarking on the first stretch of famous Inca Trail as we continue our hike downhill toward our private campsite at Chamana. Before finally reaching the Valley floor, we will take a detour to explore Wayna Q’ente and Machu Q’ente, two majestic Inca sites recently restored by the Ministry of Culture which showcase some of the finest Inca terracing and landscaping in the region. Our hike ends at the valley floor where we will be picked up and transported to Ollantaytambo in time to catch the afternoon train to Machu Picchu.
April - December
5 days / 4 nights
From
$ 1290
/ Per PersonHIKING & TREKKING
the great inca trail - from chavín to huánuco pampaEmbark on a journey through time as you explore one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Inca trail that connected Cusco, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Inca Empire, with Tomebamba, her northern sister city that is modern-day Cuenca, Ecuador. Explore over 70 km. of the main artery of the greatest road network in Pre-Columbian Latin America, speckled with archaeological sites in the remote landscapes of Northern Peru’s Central Andes. We’ll begin with a visit to Chavín de Huantar, a mysterious temple where ancient religious ceremonies took place over 3,000 years ago. We will immerse in diverse natural landscapes, crossing the Continental Divide and trek across two departments: Ancash and Huánuco, experiencing amazing vistas along the journey. On our last day we’ll arrive at Huánuco Pampa, the largest Inca administrative center outside the department of Cusco where we’ll marvel at feats of engineering achieved by a civilization whose abilities with stonecutting and placement remain unmatched to this day. This amazing trek will challenge, delight, and inspire you.
April - October
6 days / 5 nights
From
$ 1700
/ Per Person