Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

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  The Sacred Valley

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  Machu Picchu at dawn

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  Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

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  Llama at Machu Picchu

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  Sacred Valley, Church Door

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  The Sacred Valley

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  Local girl with hand woven fabrics at Awana Kancha, Sacred Valley

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  Machu Picchu - view from top of Wayna Picchu

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  Machu Picchu - swirling mists

The undoubted highlight of any trip to Peru is a visit to the astonishing Inca citadel at Machu Picchu

The Sacred Valley was the heartland of the Inca Empire and is a short drive to the north of Cusco. From Pisac the Urubamba River has carved out a valley of exceptional natural beauty as it flows towards Machu Picchu in the west. This region contains some extremely important archaeological Incan sites and picturesque colonial towns.

The valley is a lovely place to acclimatise to the higher altitude and there is plenty to see and do here. Visits to the Inca remains at Pisac (on the hilltop) and the colonial village (on the valley floor) with its popular market are recommended. Other charming colonial villages to visit include Maras and Chinchero.

It is possible to cycle or go horse riding in the valley and, for the more adventurous, there is rock climbing and a zip line experience. However, for most, the sights to see are the remarkable Incan remains include the salt pans near Maras (still in use today), the bizarre agricultural experimentation centre at Moray and the most impressive temple and agricultural ruins at Ollantaytambo.

Jewel in the crown

But all of this is merely a ‘warm-up’ for the jewel in the crown: Machu Picchu. Now listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, it is what most people are here to see. There are only two ways to get to Machu Picchu: by train – or on foot as the Incas would have travelled.

Scenery on trek to Machu Picchu We can arrange a once-in-a-lifetime ‘luxury trek’ to the Citadel – a moderately challenging five-night trip staying in comfortable lodges in some remote and beautiful locations. Or relax in comfort aboard the Hiram Bingham train and admire the stunning scenery whilst sipping Pisco Sours and dining in style. Or do both: trek one way and train it back!

It is possible to see the Citadel itself on a day trip from either the Sacred Valley or from Cusco, but we recommend staying at least one night near Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise and morning light. We will make all the arrangements for you and provide you with your own private guide so that you can explore at your own pace and see those things that are of most interest to you.

This is one experience that you simply cannot miss. You have seen it in the pictures a thousand times, but there is nothing quite like actually arriving at Machu Picchu and seeing and feeling it for yourself. It has not been heralded as a Wonder of the World for nothing.

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