Plan exploreInca Trail to Machu Picchu
What to do in the sacred valley
What 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
ancascocha trek & the short inca trailNational Geographic Magazine has rated this Inca Trail alternative trek as one of the top hikes in the world! This Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail is truly the road less traveled by, for those who crave time away from crowds, amidst the beauty of nature. The journey begins at the Parpishu Footbridge and ascends amidst the dramatic backdrop of Mts. Salkantay and Verónica. Crossing through rugged terrain, remote mountain communities, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems for around 37 km (23 mi), the trek culminates at the village of Camicancha, near Km 77 on the railroad tracks to Machu Picchu. On day 4, we will board the train to Km 104 to walk along the pathway that covers the final stretch of the Inca Trail, where you will have a taste of the famous longer Inca Trail hike, and the thrill of entering Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. On our last day of the Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail, we will spend time exploring Machu Picchu, one of the ancient wonders of the world.
March - December
5 days / 4 nights
From
$ 1290
/ Per PersonHIKING&TREKKING
choquequirao to machu picchuThe Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek perfectly combines remote high-mountain hiking with archaeological exploration. The sheer diversity of terrain you will experience on this route will provide a feast for your eyes, and the remoteness and rarefied atmospheres will nourish your soul. You’ll see fantastic rock formations, deep, colorful canyons, flutes of glacial ice, and nebulous cloud forests during this incredible seven-day trek, culminating with a visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The route starts at the famous citadel of Choquequirao, passes through the Apurimac Canyon and the Cordillera Vilcabamba, and finally reaches the ancient complex of Machu Picchu. We invite you to check out the full Choquequirao to Machu Picchu itinerary for a preview of the incredible discoveries you’ll make along the way. Don’t forget to check our tips on the left-hand side of the page. They will advise you on how to prepare for this intense, life-elevating experience. See you on the trail!
March - October
7 days / 6 nights
From
$ 1650
/ Per Person