The eight best experiences on a luxury tour through The Sacred Valley, Peru

Where is the Sacred Valley?

Located in the province of Urubamba, Peru’s Sacred Valley is easily accessible from the nearby city of Cusco – situated just 15 kilometres northeast of the former Inca capital. Enveloped by towering Andean peaks, the Sacred Valley can be reached either by road or by train.

Nourished by the Urubamba River, it stretches from the countless hillside terraces of Pisac to the megalithic structures of Ollantaytambo. After weaving its way through the picturesque villages dotted throughout the southern highlands, the route will lead you up towards its crowning glory – the floating castle of Machu Picchu.

What is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

Peru’s Sacred Valley was originally inhabited by small Andean communities before the conquest of the Inca Empire (predominantly during the rule of Emperor Pachacutec, who lived from 1438 to 1471). After that, the Incas began to build everything from terraces to temples until they expanded into sprawling cities and towns such as Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. One of the reasons why the Sacred Valley was so valued, was because it was made up of an extensive territory that was ideal for agriculture – perfect for growing corn, potatoes, quinoa, and coca leaf (which was considered to be sacred). The surrounding landscape was also believed to be sacred, with the Vilcanota River being seen as a representation of the Milky Way and the Salkantay and Veronica mountains being seen as gods. Such places are still considered sacred by the inhabitants of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Today, agriculture continues to be an important part of the lives of the people who live here, but the Sacred Valley is also visited by travelers from around the globe; each seeking to learn more about the history and beauty of this breathtaking place.

What is the altitude of the Sacred Valley?

The Sacred Valley has varied levels of elevation with Andean towns located at different altitudes. For example, Pisac is located at 2,972 masl while Chinchero lies at a higher 3,762 masl. At whichever altitude you’d like to explore, we’ll design a bespoke trip completely tailored to your wishes (and height preferences). Whether you’re breathing in spectacular views of snow-capped Pitusiray, worshipped by the Inca as a mountain god, at Huchuy Qosqo or weaving your way through the remains of Chachabamba along the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a luxury trip to Peru’s Sacred Valley will take you to new heights. Between mountains, cloud forests, and sky.

1. Tour Machu Picchu with Dr. Decoster, Incan expert and Professor of Anthropology

We’ll start with the obvious. Shrouded in mist—and mystery—the UNESCO-inscribed fortress dates way back to the 15th century and in 2007 earned its well-deserved place on the New Seven Wonders of the World list. Alongside one of our most passionate guides, and Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Jean-Jacques Decoster, you’ll uncover the ancient ruins and complex history of the Inca Empire in a way few people have experienced. This is your chance to ask Dr. Decoster anything and everything about Machu Picchu (and its lesser-known neighbor, Huayna Picchu), so don’t be shy. 

Read more: After exploring Peru’s iconic ruins, cross over to Iguaçu Falls on this landscape-loving tour of Brazil and Peru.

2. Discover what makes the salt-crusted ponds of Maras so colorful

Cascading down a hillside 40km north of Cusco is one of Peru’s lesser-known, but spectacular sites. Think an Indonesian rice terrace but in the form of salt. Farmed and left by the Incas many moons ago, most of the 5,000 salt ponds in Maras have now been allocated to local families who continue to nurture, harvest and sell the salt on. With a local guide, you’ll discover the role of evaporation in the harvesting process and why some crystals appear white, some pink and some orange. A photographer’s dream, sit high above the trickling pools and listen on as the wind carries water from terrace to terrace. 

Read more: A short drive later and you’ll stumble upon the hypnotic, circular Incan terraces of Moray.

3. Meet Peru’s potato whisperer: Manuel Choqque

Today we’ll arrange a visit to a native potato farm in the Andean Highlands of Chinchero. Keep reading; it’s more exciting than it sounds. A fourth-generation potato farmer, and award-winning agricultural producer, Manuel Choqque will lead you around his fruitful farm, teaching you everything there is to know about Peruvian agriculture. Find some multiple deformed tubers, a twisted potato indigenous to the area, and Manuel will slice it up to reveal a spectrum of violet and golden hues inside – perfect for that Instagram shot. 

Read more: After some time in the field, taste Choqque’s renowned Oca tuber wines; Misky Oca.

4. Get a glimpse into one of the country’s oldest, most sacred traditions

An Andean tradition dating back hundreds of years; today you’ll give thanks to ‘Pachamama’ in a special Pago a la Tierra ceremony. In Incan mythology, Pachamama, or Mother Earth to you and I, is the fertility goddess and is said to bring rain, harvest land for farmers, cause earthquakes and ultimately control life on earth. So, led by a local shamam, you’ll get an insight into the ancient tradition, offering grains, fruit and coca leaves to Pachamama.

Read more: Head out on a guided hike through the Inca ruins of Chachabamba, taking in all the valley views.

5. Feast on a Peruvian meal at Ani’s house in Urubamba

Tonight, you’ll travel to a hidden villa deep in the Sacred Valley for an utterly exclusive and authentic dinner with one of our good friends, Ani Corpancho. Having lived and thrived in the Sacred Valley her whole life, you’ll get the chance to quiz Ani on all things Peru, as she whips up tasty Incan dishes using local ingredients. Lying next to the Urubamba River, as the foodie fumes waft through the villa, sit back and admire the breathtaking view of Pitusiray Sacred Mountain before tucking in. A true feast for all the senses. 

Read more: Before leaving the Sacred Valley, take a private tasting tour of Destilerias Andinas pisco distillery.

6. Feel at one with nature at Sol y Luna Hotel

Leading in the fight for sustainability and eco-initiatives, Sol y Luna in Urubamba is one of our favorite hotels in Peru. Framed by tropical, glowing gardens and rising Andean peaks, the cozy casitas at Sol y Luna are the perfect place to rest up and lay back after a day exploring the valley with a guide. In the pool, listen to hummingbirds sing, bumblebees buzz and birds flap above you before visiting their on-site school, built in 2010 in a bid to give back to the children of the Sacred Valley.

Read more: It’s not just Sol y Luna that’s on our list of top luxury hotels in Peru. Check out the other nine here. 

7. Bicycle through the Urubamba Valley to Huaypo’s blue lagoon

Beginning at Chinchero and ending at the waters of Lake Huaypo, with a private guide you’ll head out for a three-hour bike ride through Urubamba Valley. As you ride through breathtaking landscapes filled with cornfields, potato farms and majestic mountains, you’ll soon wind up at Huaypo Lake. Upon arriving at the gorgeous lagoon perched on the Andean peaks, you’ll feel as though you’ve reached paradise; so sit back, relax and watch the reflection of mountains in the piercing blue water. 

Read more: Just say the word and upon your arrival at Huaypo Lake, we’ll set up a private camping experience on the waters edge.

8. Get your taste buds tingling with Michelin-starred chef, Virgilio Martinez

We’ve teamed up with our good friend, and Michelin-starred chef, Virgilio Martínez to bring you a gourmet tour of the Sacred Valley. Owner of the fifth-best restaurant in the world, we hope you’ll trust our judgment on this one. From the marinating of raw fish for ceviche to the baking of bread in hot stone ovens, you’ll learn just how Peru’s traditional Andean dishes have become so popular by the side of a gastronomy expert – something many only dream of. Next up on the menu; a seven-course degustation at Virgilio’s new Mil restaurant in Moray and an exclusive tour led by Virgilio himself around his fascinating research center next door, Mater Iniciativa.

Read more: As part of our Peru Tasting Notes itinerary, next on the menu is a traditional cooking class in Cusco.