VA L L E S AGR A DO e x p l o r a t ions
explora Valle Sagrado І Trekkings HIKES Our hikes are designed for travelers with different interests and abilities. They vary in length and difficulty. They take place between 9,186 and 15,419 f.a.s.l, this is why so some of them require prior acclimatization. We always recommend to discuss the exploration with one of our guides to make sure that it suits your preferences. The extent of these explorations does not include transfer times. Easy T1 Salineras Duration: 2h 45min Distance: 6.5 km / 4.1 mi 3.371 m.a.s.l / 11.059 f.a.s.l Gain:162 m / 532 ft Loss: 681 m / 2.234 ft Description: Hiking begins visiting the colonial downtown of Maras. After crossing the village, the trail descends among potato fields to the community s salt mines. * Not recommended for travelers with fear of heights. T2 T3 Ollantaytambo Duration: 3h Distance: 4.7 km / 2.9 mi 2.885 m.a.s.l / 9.465 f.a.s.l Gain:177 m / 581 ft Loss: 146 m / 479 ft Description: The walk takes us 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, we climb to the archaeological site to see its terraces, the ceremonial center and the Royal Building. Racchi Duration: 2h 25min Distance: 6.1 km / 3.8 mi 3.733 m.a.s.l / 12.247 f.a.s.l Gain: 63 m / 207 ft Loss: 287 m / 942 ft Description: The walk carries you through orchards and communities to familiarize yourself with the rural landscape and its culture. This exploration takes place at a mean height and offers panoramic views to the Sacred Valley and its snowed capped peaks. It provides a good chance for acclimatization and to understand the area s geography. T4 T5 Huertos de Yucay Duration: 2h 30min Distance: 5.7 km / 3.6 mi 3.022 m.a.s.l / 9.914 f.a.s.l Gain: 216 m / 709 ft Loss: 202 m / 663 ft Description: The exploration begins at Yucay, the former residence of the prominent Inca rulers Tupac Ina Yupanqui, Huaynacapac and Sayritupac, and abundant crop fields. The trail takes you to the area s platforms and crop fields. Chinchero Duration: 3h 30min Distance: 5.1 km / 3.2 mi 3.883 m.a.s.l / 12.739 f.a.s.l : Gain: 267 m / 876 ft Loss: 234 m / 768 ft Description: The walk starts in a livestock community. After leaving the village behind, we reach a lagoon surrounded by mountains. This is a remarkable place to take photographs. We walk around part of the lake s shoreline to ascend through farmer s paths up to the hills, where we get a panoramic view of the farmlands. From there, we walk down to the archaeological complex of Chinchero. This exploration allows us to appreciate the identity of Cusco s architecture, which merges Inca and colonial elements.
explora Valle Sagrado І Trekkings T6 Pumamarca Duration: 3h 30min Distance: 6.1 km / 3.8 mi 3.427 m.a.s.l / 11.243 f.a.s.l Gain: 651 m / 2.136 ft Loss: 214 m / 702 ft Description: This exploration is an opportunity to discover one of the area s most puzzling and isolated Inca remains. The walk takes us through the Patacancha valley, with views to the homonymous river. Hiking begins in Ollantaytambo, steadily ascending through a verdant trail along local farm houses and orchards. The Pumamarca remains pose a conundrum to archeologists and explorers: their origins and functions are still unknown. Additionally and since construction techniques somewhat differ from the Inca tradition, it was presumably built in an earlier period. T8 Colores de Huaypo Duration: 5h 30min Distance: 13 km / 8.1 mi 3.751 m.a.s.l / 12.306 f.a.s.l Gain: 238 m / 781 ft Loss: 424 m / 1.391 ft Description: During this exploration, we can get to know the daily life of local communities: shepherds, farmers plowing or collecting potatoes, mules loaded with products, small adobe villages and families engaged in small husbandry. Between November and May, the landscape is lush green and humid, while from June to October the setting features are ochre, red and yellow. Lunch is served beside a lagoon and the last span of the route takes us to at an altitude from where a broad 360 panoramic view can be enjoyed. T10 Pisac Trails Duration: 6h Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi 3.871 m.a.s.l/ 12.700 f.a.s.l Gain: 191 m / 627 ft Loss: 1.013 m / 3.324 ft Description: During the morning there will be sights towards the mountain range and walks through potato fields, to then descend and cross pampas where shepherds look after their herds. We will rest for a lunch break and in the afternoon, descend from the mountains to the remains of Pisac. We will use one of our alternative routes to access the back of the remains, which provides for a unique view. This exploration is recommended for every traveler wishing to enjoy an altitude landscape that calls for contemplation. T7 La Verónica Duration: 3h Distance: 5.3 km / 3.3 mi 4.418 m.a.s.l / 14.494 f.a.s.l Gain: 164 m / 538 ft Loss: 680 m / 2.231 ft Description: This hiking at a high altitude takes us through a private reserve aimed at preserving highland forests and endangered birds. Depending on the season, we can enjoy two different experiences. In the dry season, the snow-capped Verónica hill and the mountains surrounding it are the main attractions. During the rainy season, views may be are obstructed by clouds, but then the ground steals the limelight: moss cushions; lichens and mushrooms covering the hills slopes shine bright due to the moisture. T9 Moray Duration: 6h 45min Distance: 14.3 km / 8.9 mi 3.732 m.a.s.l / 12.244 f.a.s.l Gain: 170 m / 558 ft Loss: 1.047 m / 3.435 ft Description: The trail begins at a farming community located amidst hills and goes down to the Inca remains of Moray, from where it continues to the colonial town of Maras. We see a piece of history in every corner. Afterwards, the trail descends to the bottom of the Sacred Valley and goes through the salt mines. The track crosses barley and potato fields and other crops. T11 Cinco Lagunas Duration: 4h 30min Distance: 9.6 km / 6 mi 4.357 m.a.s.l / 14.294 f.a.s.l Gain: 432 m / 1.417 ft Loss: 435 m / 1.427 ft Description: This walk begins at an isolated community in the heights of the Andes, at over 13,123 f.a.s.l. From there, the trail goes up to a broad pass from where to observe the breathtaking snow capped Sawasiray and other snowcapped peaks. A gentle descent takes us through a ravine with plenty llama and alpaca herds, passing beside several lagoons that reflect the large snowcapped peak in the background and the yellow-colored mountains.
explora Valle Sagrado І Trekkings Medium T12 T13 Amaru Duration: 5h Distance: 11 km / 6.9 mi 4.242 m.a.s.l / 13.917 f.a.s.l Gain: 584 m / 1.916 ft Loss: 575 m / 1.887 ft Description: In the first part of this exploration, travelers walk over tracks only used by llama and alpaca shepherds. We will move between two lagoons at more than 13,123 f.a.s.l. During the second part and following watercourses, they will explore the mountain slopes with breathtaking views to the valley and stroll freely through farmland, corrals and houses of farm communities to reach a colonial adobe church. Lloclla Duration: 5h Distance: 10.6 km / 6.6 mi 4.396 m.a.s.l / 14.422 f.a.s.l Gain: 432 m / 1.417 ft Loss: 583 m / 1.913 ft Description: This mountain walk follows tracks used by local shepherds among lagoons serving as water deposits to sustain the area s rural lifestyle between the valleys of Lamay and Pisac. Old mountain trails, mild slopes, views, and people, among others, invite travelers to relax, walk calmly, breathe deeply and enjoy different perspectives and colors. Advanced T14 T15 Tastayoc Duration: 6h 30min Distance: 12.4 km / 7.71 mi Altitud: max. 4.687 m.a.s.l / 15.377 f.a.s.l Gain: 892 m / 2.927 ft Loss: 1.085 m / 3.560 ft Description: This is the highestaltitude exploration we offer in the Sacred Valley. It begins at 13,024 f.a.s.l and gradually climbs up to 15,419 f.a.s.l through a pastureland highly isolated from the rest of the valley. The trail includes several lagoons, some with turquoise waters due to thawing, and others with transparent waters, allowing travelers to learn about high-mountain water ecosystems. This exploration requires prior acclimatization. Huchuy Qosco Duration: 8h Distance: 17.5 km / 10.9 mi 4.335 m.a.s.l / 14.222 f.a.s.l Gain: 789 m / 2.589 ft Loss: 1.589 m / 5.213 ft Description: This exploration offers breathtaking views to lagoons at different altitudes, to the farmlands of Chinchero and to the valleys. To reach the remains of the Huchuy Qosqo Palaces, it goes down an Inca trail. Once in the remains, you cannot miss lying down in the gardens, taking a rest and enjoying the view towards Sacred Valley. This exploration requires prior acclimatization. T16 Expert T17 Saqsaywaman y Cusco Duration: 6h 30min Distance: 14.5 km / 9 mi 4.281 m.a.s.l / 14.045 f.a.s.l Gain: 630 m / 2.067 ft Loss: 968 m / 3.176 ft Description: The trail crosses the mountains that separate the Sacred Valley from Cusco and reaches the Town Square of the Inca s imperial city. This road simulates the journey followed by the Incas and Spanish conquerors more than 500 years ago. Before completing the exploration, there is a guided tour to the huge walls of the Saqsaywaman and its archaeological and ceremonial centers. Recommended for travelers in good physical shape. This exploration requires prior acclimatization. Incañan Duration: 8h Distance: 17.8 km / 11 mi 4.611 m.a.s.l / 15.127 f.a.s.l Gain: 1.129 m / 3.704 ft Loss: 1.497 m / 4.911 ft Description: This is the most physically-demanding exploration and the one with the most spectacular landscapes. It crosses the Urubamba mountain chain from north to south, over a trail that goes along the second highest peak in the region, the Sawasiray, with 19,088 f.a.s.l. This exploration requires prior acclimatization.
explora Valle Sagrado І Biking BIKING explora offers the unique opportunity to bike ride along the Sacred Valley landscapes. We provide the equipment to ensure our travelers comfort and safety during the explorations. The use of helmets is mandatory as is also the use of sunglasses, sunscreen and appropriate footwear. Easy B1 Urubamba River Duration: 3h Distance: 32.4 km / 20.1 mi 2.996 m.a.s.l / 9.829 f.a.s.l Gain: 858 m / 2.815 ft Loss: 928 m / 3.044 ft Description: 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 sports challenge. Medium B2 B3 Cuesta del Sapo Duration: 3h Distance: 19.3 km / 12 mi 3.510 m.a.s.l/ 11.515 f.a.s.l Gain: 153 m / 535 ft Loss: 858 m / 2.815 ft Description: From the heights of the Sacred Valley s slopes we descend over a track in good conditions. The road to the bottom of the valley offers very interesting views to the mountains and the Urubamba River. Once downhill, we will continue bordering the river through an area of cornfields and orchards and densely packed Inca terraces. Qenqo Duration: 6h 30min Distance: 54.5 km / 33.9 mi 4.130 m.a.s.l / 13.549 f.a.s.l Gain: 997 m / 3.271 ft Loss: 2.209 m / 7.247 ft Description: The exploration begins in the heights of the pampas and then descends over a vehicle road among Quechua communities and farmlands with views to the Sacred Valley and Pisac. In the afternoon, the ride goes follows the south side of the Urubamba river among cornfields, old haciendas and manors from the 19th and 20th century. B4 B5 Inca tracks Duration: 6h 10min Distance: 24.7 km / 15.3 mi 4.263 m.a.s.l / 13.986 f.a.s.l Gain: 845 m / 2.772 ft Loss: 1.445 m / 4.741 ft Description: During the morning, this exploration considers a 6 km walk over a mountain trail with 360º views to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The descent is through potato plantations and pampas where shepherds tend their animals. In the afternoon, biking starts on the heights of the pampas, then going down through Quechua communities and farmlands, with views to the Sacred Valley and Pisac. Advanced Huaypo Views Duration: 7h Distance: 36.5 km / 22.7 mi 3.710 m.a.s.l / 12.171 f.a.s.l Gain: 735 m / 2.411 ft Loss: 1.557 m / 5.108 ft Description: This exploration crosses the farmlands of Chinchero, visiting vegetable gardens, small farms and villages that shape this landscape. It takes the traveler to the remains of the Moray experimental crop center, the colonial town of Maras and its Inca salt-mines, to finalize with a technical descent through narrow routes to the Urubamba River. This exploration is recommended for travelers in good physical conditions, experienced in mountain biking and with prior acclimatization.
explora Valle Sagrado І Overland OVERLAND In the Sacred Valley, we use this means of transport to further explore the legacy of the Incas in the area. In order, to meet the wonders of this valley, we combine the van with hiking. We believe it is necessary to leave the van to truly know. Easy O1 Cusco Duration: 11h 30min 3.700 m.a.s.l / 12.139 f.a.s.l Description: This exploration shows the best of Cusco in one day. We will descend from the fortress of Saqsaywaman down to the temple of Corincancha, on which the Santo Domingo convent was built, crossing the alleys of the colonial quarter of San Blas. Finally, we reach the main square to have lunch. In the afternoon, the traveler can continue walking through Cusco with one of our guides or on his/her own. The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, the San Pedro Market, some Art Galleries or the hundreds of souvenirs stores are some of the options we recommend. O2 O3 Valle de la Papa Duration: 9h 4.050 m.a.s.l / 13.287 f.a.s.l Description: This exploration takes the traveler to one of the most fertile areas in the Sacred Valley. The journey begins towards the Quinsacocha lagoon, a sublime site that features the typical Cusco puna landscape. Going downhill, we will cross the el Valle de la Papa and next, visit the Quechua community of Chahuaytire, a place with an ancient textile tradition where we will learn about natural dying and back strap loom techniques. The trip ends with a visit to the stunning archaeological center of Pisac, a city built on a mountain with hundreds of remarkable hanging farm terraces on its slopes. Maras Duration: 10 h 30 min 3.860 m.a.s.l / 12.664 f.a.s.l Description: This route first takes us to Ollantaytambo, also known as the living Inca city. From there, we will travel to the archaeological site of Moray, a laboratory of experimental farming where different microclimates are used to grow crops. From there, the trip continues to Maras and a large lagoon, an ideal place to take a stroll and have lunch, to then follow to the town of Chinchero. The road crosses several fields where we will see farmers working or looking after their animals.
explora Valle Sagrado І Overland O4 Machu Picchu Duration: 11 h 2.450 m.a.s.l / 8,083 f.a.s.l Description: In this full-day expedition, we travel to the famous historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive architectural feats of the Inca civilization and a wonder of the world.this version of the expedition to Machu Picchu takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It does not include the trek to Inti Punku. This version of the expedition to Machu Picchu takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It does not include the trek to Inti Punku. Our itinerary begins at 09:00, heading from the Hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station, located about 45 minutes from explora. At 10:30 we take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. We arrive at 12:10 and take a bus to Machu Picchu. The entrance to the sanctuary itself is scheduled for around 13:30. We walk through this magical place for approximately three hours. Around 17:00, we leave Machu Picchu and head to the station to take the train back. Upon arrival at 21:00, we are greeted with a delicious dinner. We bring a light lunch to eat while we are there. O5 Machu Picchu - Inti Punku Duration: 11 h 2.450 m.a.s.l / 8,083 f.a.s.l Description: In this full day exploration, we travel to the famous historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive architectural feats of the Inca civilization and a wonder of the world. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, we hike to the Puerta del Sol or Inti Punku, the gateway through which all the travelers that hike the Inca Trail enter. This point offers a different location from where to admire the sanctuary. Our itinerary begins at 07:30, heading from the Hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station, located about 45 minutes from explora. At 08:50 we take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. We arrive at the station at 10:30 and head to the bus that will take us to Machu Picchu. We enter the Sanctuary at 11:30. From there, we begin our walk towards Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol, the ancient checkpoint to enter the citadel and the beginning of the Inca Trail from Machu Picchu. This trek is a 1.5 km climb at a leisurely pace and the difficulty level is very low. From Puerta de Sol, we have a unique view of the whole sanctuary. We highly recommend it to all our guests. After completing the trek around 14:30, we begin our tour of Machu Picchu s most emblematic landmarks. We bring a light lunch to eat while we are there. *Subject to availability. Our exploration to Machu Picchu combines explora services with thirdparty services due to site restrictions. You must have confirmed with our reservation team at least 50 days prior to the stay. The schedules and duration times are estimated and may vary depending on the number of people on each route. * The timing and lenght of explorations are approximate.