Inside Quebrada Yanahuara, following a small stream that descends from the glaciers and crosses an ancient forest, we will find tremendous biodiversity with native trees over 200 years old. After leaving the gorge we will visit Enisfera, a private reserve that preserves hummingbirds, where we will observe these beautiful birds, which are characteristic of the valley.
Inside Quebrada Yanahuara, following a small stream that descends from the glaciers and crosses an ancient forest, we will find tremendous biodiversity with native trees over 200 years old. After leaving the gorge we will visit Enisfera, a private reserve that preserves hummingbirds, where we will observe these beautiful birds, which are characteristic of the valley.
244 m
801 ft
-244 m
-801 ft
3357 m
11014 ft
3197 m
19489 ft
Elevation Profile
Salapunku
Quechua
Hike
Moderate
Full-day
There is a stretch of the Inca road between the valley and the Urubamba Canyon that used to connect the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu. As we hike along it, we will observe the imposing rapids of the Urubamba River and the hanging glaciers of the Apu Verónica or Wakaywillca. As we approach the beginning of the canyon, we will visit Salapunku, an enigmatic archaeological center that probably belonged to the Royal Panaka of the Inca Pachacuteq.
There is a stretch of the Inca road between the valley and the Urubamba Canyon that used to connect the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu. As we hike along it, we will observe the imposing rapids of the Urubamba River and the hanging glaciers of the Apu Verónica or Wakaywillca. As we approach the beginning of the canyon, we will visit Salapunku, an enigmatic archaeological center that probably belonged to the Royal Panaka of the Inca Pachacuteq.
481 m
1578 ft
-578 m
-1896 ft
2852 m
9357 ft
2624 m
8609 ft
Elevation Profile
Between Mountains
Quechua
Combination
Moderate
Full-day
From the heights of the slopes of Sacred Valley we will descend by bicycle on a track in good condition. The journey offers...
From the heights of the slopes of Sacred Valley we will descend by bicycle on a track in good condition. The journey offers very interesting views towards the mountains and the Urubamba river. Once the descent is finished, we will continue along a land parallel to the river, an area full of orchards and cornfields, as well as a great density of Inca terrace. We continue walking through Ollantaytambo, ascending a path with vegetation next to houses and orchards. The Pumamarca remains pose a conundrum to archeologists and explorers: their origins and functions are still unknown.
814 m
2.671 ft
-1.072 m
-3.517 ft
3.510 m
11.516 ft
2.811 m
9.222 ft
Elevation Profile
Silvayoc
Quechua
Self Guided
Easy
Half-day
The hike visits archaeological sites with great historical value helping us connect with those who once inhabited the Sacred Valley.
Explora’s plot is located in Urubamba, considered Peru’s archaeological capital. This 32-hectare area –encompassing four ancient properties– includes archaeological evidence that proves occupation since pre-Incan times. The hike visits archaeological sites with great historical value helping us connect with those who once inhabited the Sacred Valley.
28 m
99 ft
-28 m
-99 ft
2.939 m
9.642 ft
2.914 m
9.560 ft
Elevation Profile
Huayabamba
Quechua
Self Guided
Easy
Half-day
Riding a bicycle through the explora’s surroundings is a good option for getting to know Urquillos, as well as getting to Huayllamba...
Riding a bicycle through the Explora’s surroundings is a good option for getting to know Urquillos, as well as getting to Huayllamba by following the course of the Urubamba River. This tour shows the farming nature of the area and the contrasts between one locality and the other.
267 m
876 ft
-275 m
-902 ft
2.969 m
9.741 ft
2.867 m
9.406 ft
Elevation Profile
Urquillos
Quechua
Self Guided
Easy
Half-day
A good way to get to know the surroundings of Explora Valle Sagrado and the community of Urquillos, a hike where the active use of...
A good way to get to know the surroundings of Explora Valle Sagrado and the community of Urquillos, a hike where the active use of irrigation channels for local farming can be observed, where the quiet way of life and work prevailing in this area of the Sacred Valley is maintained.
72 m
236 ft
-71 m
-233 ft
2.951 m
9.682 ft
2.904 m
9.528 ft
Elevation Profile
La Capilla
Quechua
Self Guided
Easy
Half-day
This hike up to the chapel located on the hillside behind the hotel offers views of the valley, cornfields and mountains. The chapel...
This hike up to the chapel located on the hillside behind the hotel offers views of the valley, cornfields and mountains. The chapel is a sample of the religious syncretism of this area where Catholicism and local traditions converge.
143 m
469 ft
-143 m
-469 ft
2.948 m
9.672 ft
2.891 m
9.485 ft
Elevation Profile
Ayni
Quechua
Overland
Easy
Full-day
We will visit the community of Huayllafara in the valley of Lamay, stopping along the way for a briefing on existing conservation projects...
We will visit the community of Huayllafara in the valley of Lamay, stopping along the way for a briefing on existing conservation projects and then reaching the hike’s starting point. Once in the community, we will take part in farm work –based on the Andean calendar– learning about different local plants and crops. We will also get to know farming tools and techniques passed down through generations. Lunch will be prepared by community members using local produce.
Valle Sur
Quechua
Overland
Easy
Full-day
We will explore the Spanish influence through art and the religious syncretism that the cultural encounter fostered. We begin with a visit to the first of the three Canicunca churches, before walking to the Huaro church and then heading to the Andahuaylillas church, where we will visit the choir and the museum. We will end with lunch in a wetland accompanied by native birds.
We will explore the Spanish influence through art and the religious syncretism that the cultural encounter fostered. We begin with a visit to the first of the three Canicunca churches, before walking to the Huaro church and then heading to the Andahuaylillas church, where we will visit the choir and the museum. We will end with lunch in a wetland accompanied by native birds.
Machu-Picchu
Quechua
Overland
Easy
Full-day
We explore the famous historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive architectural expressions of the Inca civilization.
We explore the famous historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive architectural expressions of the Inca civilization. We leave the hotel towards the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes to ascend to Machu Picchu by bus. We explore this magical place for approximately three hours. This version does not include the hike to Puerta del Sol or Inti Punku. Once we’ve visited the sanctuary, we leave Machu Picchu and head towards the station to take the train back.
*This exploration combines Explora services with third-party services, meaning it must be confirmed with our booking team at least 50 days before the visit. It has an additional cost of USD $400 for adults and USD $350 for children (up to 11 years). The exploration to Machu Picchu is provided through the rail company Perú Rail in the “Vistadome” or “Expedition” modality, depending on availability. The entrance to Machu Picchu must be at 11am.
To make your reservation, contact us by email at reserve@explora.com or phone us at +56 2 2395 2800.
Arin
Quechua
Hike
Easy
Half-day
Our hike begins in Huarán, on a narrow path that runs along an irrigation channel and different crops, with views of the valley and its ravines...
Our hike begins in Huarán, on a narrow path that runs along an irrigation channel and different crops, with views of the valley and its ravines; among them, that of Urquillos. We continue skirting the channel through forests of eucalyptus and smallholdings, until we come to a path by which we descend. Finally, we reach the community of Arín. We return to Explora by van.
* Not recommended for travelers with fear of heights.
332 m
1.089 ft
-529 m
-1.736 ft
3.253 m
10.673 ft
3.038 m
9.967 ft
Elevation Profile
Moray Avalanche
Quechua
Combination
Moderate
Full-day
Our exploration begins with a hike through a community located in the hills, and descends to the Inca ruins of Moray, a special site...
Our exploration begins with a hike through a community located in the hills, and descends to the Inca ruins of Moray, a special site that was used as an agricultural research center. Afterwards, we continue on bicycle, from the top of the slopes of the valley we descend on a wide path kept in good condition. The journey offers interesting views towards the mountains and the Urubamba river. Once the descent is finished, we continue along land parallel to the river, an area full of orchards and cornfields, as well as a great density of Inca terraces.
239 m
782 ft
-1.160 m
-3.806 ft
3.732 m
12.244 ft
2.811 m
9.222 ft
Elevation Profile
Cuesta del Sapo
Quechua
Bike
Moderate
Half-day
From the heights of the Sacred Valley’s slopes we descend over a track in good conditions. The road offers very interesting views to the mountains...
From the heights of the Sacred Valley’s slopes we descend over a track in good conditions. The road 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.
163 m
535 ft
-858 m
-2.815 ft
3.505 m
11.499 ft
2.811 m
9.222 ft
Elevation Profile
Rio Urubamba
Quechua
Bike
Easy
Half-day
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 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.
858 m
2.815 ft
-928 m
-3.045 ft
2.996 m
9.829 ft
2.811 m
9.222 ft
Elevation Profile
Pumatambo
Quechua
Hike
Moderate
Full-day
The first part of the exploration is right through the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. Then, we ascend to the archaeological site to...
The first part of the exploration is right through the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. Then, we ascend to the archaeological site to get to know its terraces, the ceremonial center and the Royal House. The second part is a hike through the Patacancha valley, ascending progressively along a path to the vestiges of Pumamarca, one of the most enigmatic archaeological sites in the region.