Man & child stand atop a grassy field overlooking a large crater with grassy circles in Sacred Valley, Peru.
Rectangular Explora Sacred Valley Lodge in earth tones beside tall peaks & corn fields with purple flowers.
4 Explora Sacred Valley travelers in bright clothes stand atop an outcrop looking down onto Machu Picchu on a hazy day in Peru.
Explora Peru Sacred Valley travelers stand in a mountainside town listening to a guide explain their surroundings.
2 young, adult Explora Peru Sacred Valley travelers stand among terraced square salt mines.
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South America Peru Land Tour

Explora Sacred Valley

Explora Sacred Valley is a lodge-based trip from a thoughtfully placed property in Urquillos, Peru. From this central location in the Sacred Valley, explore nearby Cusco, the highlights of Valle Sagrado and Machu Picchu. Select from a daily menu of over 40 hikes, bike rides, high mountain ascents, overland travel and combinations to experience this incredible area of cultural and geologic wonders. With a bilingual guide, or on your own, get outside on half- or full-day activities that range from easy to moderate, advanced and event expert, ensuring options for everyone.

Soak in the highlights of these world-renowned attractions, away from the crowds and with an attentive guide. Experience the colonial history of Cusco; the architectural magnificence of the Incas in Machu Picchu; isolated villages; archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero and Pisac; Andean pampas, and mountains or Apus, considered by locals as guardians of people and nature. While a 4-day itinerary exists (inquire for pricing), we recommend a longer 5-, 6- or 7-day stay to maximize your experience.

Home base is Explora Sacred Valley Lodge, a 50-room property tucked in a valley among tall peaks, on a working corn farm. This premium, high-end, all-inclusive lodge is designed for guests who insist on luxury but really want to put on those hiking boots and go out and explore. Enjoy staying at an altitude lower than Cusco, with plenty of opportunities for acclimation activities. Following a complete day of exploring the surrounding areas, return to this haven for rest and relaxation with an onsite restaurant, welcoming common areas and an onsite spa housed in a colonial home.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Peru tours, Peru travel and other best Machu Picchu tours.



Itinerary

Explora Sacred Valley Itinerary

The Explora Sacred Valley adventure is a lodge-based customizable experience that begins and ends at the airport in Cusco.

Route map of Explora Sacred Valley showing the lodge's location in Urquillos, Peru & 4 surrounding shaded zones of exploration with elevations.
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Day 1
Arrive Explora Sacred Valley, Peru

Staff will greet you at the airport or select local hotels to take you on the 1.5-hour journey from Cusco to Urquillos. Lunch is not included.

Accommodations

Explora Sacred Valley Lodge

Meals

dinner

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Days 2 - 4/5/6
Explore Cusco, Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley of the Incas

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 zoneseach reaching new heightsfor 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.

Accommodations

Explora Sacred Valley Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5/6/7
Depart Urquillos, Peru

This choose-your-own-adventure time in the Sacred Valley of the Incas has come to an end, but you will take your Explora Sacred Valley experience with you for a lifetime. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your included transfer takes you to the airport, or to the next leg of your adventure.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Transfer from and to Cusco airport or select local hotels on a preset schedule; accommodations and guided explorations; all meals, plus snacks and open bar; bike riding gear and trekking poles; tickets to nature reserves and Machu Picchu entrance; WiFi in common areas.

Exclusions

International airfare, insurance of any kind, discretionary gratuities, spa or massage service, laundry, premium wines or other items of a personal nature such as phone calls; peak season/holiday surcharges (please contact AdventureSmith for details).

Payment & Cancellation

Low & High Season: Jan 2-Dec 20, 2024
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 30 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 30 days – full refund
29 to 15 days – 50% of total trip cost
14 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Peak Season: Dec 21, 2024-Jan 1, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 60 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Peak Season cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 60 days – full refund
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Explora Sacred Valley adventure begins and ends in Cusco, Peru (CUZ). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Cusco in time for the 11:00am scheduled pick-up. Plan flights to depart Cusco anytime on the final day, as airport drop-off is scheduled according to your flight (please note: flights departing after 5:00pm enable a final half-day exploration from the lodge). Hotel drop-off is available at 10:00am, 12:30pm or 3:00pm on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities cover Machu Picchu and all areas in the Sacred Valley, either by bike, foot or van. Prior biking experience is not required. Hikes range from easy to expert mountain ascents. A bilingual English or Spanish guide will accompany each small group. Provided gear includes walking sticks and leg protectors for hikes, and helmet, bike and water bottle for two-wheeled excursions.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a higher, single rate in select rooms upon availability. The single rate varies with season, room selection and number of nights; inquire for pricing.

Christmas
& New Year programs have minimum stays of 5 days.
Peak Season programs have minimum stays of 5 days.

Families & Children

There are additional beds for children 3 to 11 when sharing their parent’s room. Maximum one extra bed per room and two children per adult. Children under the age of 3 are complimentary when sharing room with their parents. Please inquire for special rates for children ages 3-17 years old accompanying their parents, which are subject to availability. Rates for children aged 3-17 traveling with their parents are not valid during High Season and Peak Season.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Details

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change. Please contact AdventureSmith for the most up-to-date pricing.

2024-25 Season:
Low: Jan 2-Apr 30, 2024; Nov 1-Dec 20, 2024
High: May 1-Oct 31, 2024
Peak: Dec 21, 2024-Jan 1, 2025

 

2024-25 Low Season
Explora Sacred Valley Lodge
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From $2946USD
Per Person
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2024-25 High Season
Explora Sacred Valley Lodge
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From $3402USD
Per Person
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2024-25 Peak Season
Explora Sacred Valley Lodge
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From $3896USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About The Lodge on Your Itinerary

Lodge
Explora Sacred Valley Lodge

Book your stay at Explora Sacred Valley Lodge for a high-end property that's steeped in its surroundings, with a choose-your-own-adventure program. The Sacred Valley is a huge outdoor playground and host to incredible cultural heritage and world-renowned cuisine.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Arielle Lightcap • May 12th, 2023
Expert Review: Explora Sacred Valley

Our expert shares her journey at this iconic lodge. Find tips for choosing your room, activities and one big thing you need to know about visiting Machu Picchu from Explora.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Taken Care of from Beginning to End"

Very well taken care of from beginning to end. Thoughtful service and considerate people. Explora Lodge, Sacred Valley, was extraordinary in every way.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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