During your days in Cusco, Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoy a menu of over 40 explorations to choose from. Every evening, sit down with your guide to select the next day’s explorations. Choose between hikes, bike rides, high mountain ascents and overland travel to discover the unique landscapes and ancient culture of the region. Each day, head out in a small group with a bilingual guide. Explore four different zones—each reaching new heights—for the Urubamba River, the valley’s vertical infrastructure, seasonal and harvest-time specialties, and towering peaks. Following is a sample of explorations; ask your Adventure Specialist for the full list.
Featured Hiking Explorations
Ollantaytambo
This easy, half-day, 3-mile hike in the Quechua zone takes about 3 hours. Hike through the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo. The trail passes through the old main gate and over cobblestone streets framed by narrow water channels. After visiting the village, climb to the archaeological site to see its terraces, the ceremonial center and the Royal Building.
5 Lagunas
This moderate, full-day, 6-mile hike in the Puna zone takes about 4.5 hours. Begin at an isolated community in the heights of the Andes. From there, the trail goes up to a broad pass from where to observe the snowcapped Sawasiray and other snowcapped peaks. Descend through a ravine with llama and alpaca herds, passing beside several lagoons that reflect the large snowcapped peaks in the background and the yellow-colored mountains.
Incañan
This expert, full-day, 11-mile hike in the Puna zone takes about 8 hours and is the most physically demanding exploration and the one with the most spectacular landscapes. Cross the Urubamba mountain chain from north to south, over a trail that goes along the second highest peak in the region, the Sawasiray, at 19,088 ft.
Featured Biking Explorations
Río Urubamba
This easy, half-day, 20-mile bike ride in the Quechua zone takes about 3 hours. The road used for this exploration goes down the south side of the Urubamba River, a quiet area of cornfields, old haciendas and manors from the 19th and 20th centuries. This bike ride is recommended for families wishing to take a long walk or for those who want to take on a sport.
Huaypo Views
This advanced, full-day, 23-mile bike ride in the Suni zone takes about 7 hours. This exploration crosses the farmlands of Chinchero, visiting vegetable gardens, small farms and villages. Bike to the remains of the Moray experimental crop center, the colonial town of Maras and its Inca salt-mines. End with a descent to the Urubamba River. This exploration is recommended for travelers in good physical condition and experienced in mountain biking.
Qenqo
This expert, full-day, 34-mile bike ride in the Puna zone takes about 6.5 hours and is subject to availability. Begin in the heights of the pampas and then descend–over a vehicle road–among Quechua communities and farmlands with views to the Sacred Valley and Pisac. In the afternoon, ride along the south side of the Urubamba river among cornfields, old haciendas and manors from the 19th and 20th century.
Featured High Mountain Explorations
Chicón
This expert, full-day, 10-mile high-mountain experience in the Janca zone takes about 13 hours. Reach the community of Cuncani after a 3-hour drive. Hiking upslope, pass by a shepherds’ estancia. Follow a trail used by the community for livestock and farming activities. Reach the Chicón glacier and continue hiking through ice and snow; after the pass, enjoy an amazing view of the Sacred Valley and the Maras plateau. Descend crossing a Queuñas forest.
Pitusiray
This expert, full-day, 10-mile high-mountain experience in the Janca zone takes about 10 hours. Take a van to the upper part of Calca city. The hike begins with a sloped ascent following a well-marked winding trail. Pass by lagoons and rocky areas that require escalating skills to reach the summit. Get a broad view of the Sacred Valley and most of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
Featured Overland Explorations
Machu Picchu
This easy, full-day overland exploration in the Quechua zone takes about 12 hours. Explore the famous historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive architectural expressions of the Inca civilization. Leave the hotel towards the train station in Ollantaytambo. Take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes to ascend to Machu Picchu by bus. Explore this magical place for approximately 3 hours. This version does not include the hike to Puerta del Sol or Inti Punku. After visiting the sanctuary, leave Machu Picchu and head towards the station to take the train back.
Cusco
This easy, full-day overland exploration in the Suni zone takes about 10 hours and shows the best of Cusco in 1 day. Descend from the fortress of Saqsaywaman, crossing the alleys of the colonial quarter of San Blas to the main square. After lunch, continue walking through Cusco with one of the guides or on your 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 recommended options but note that tickets to evening attractions are not included.
Pisac
This easy, half-day overland exploration in the Suni zone takes about 4.5 hours and allows you to discover, by foot, this key enclave of the Sacred Valley, showing an integral vision of the Inca cosmovision. 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.
