Valle Sagrado

Frequently Asked Questions

• What airport do you fly into for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu?

  The primary gateway is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (CUZ), approximately 90 kilometers from Explora Valle Sagrado in the Sacred Valley. Cusco is served by direct flights from Lima (LIM), with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Most luxury lodges in the Sacred Valley, including Explora Valle Sagrado, arrange round-trip airport transfers from Cusco; transfers should be confirmed at the time of booking. The drive from Cusco Airport to the lodge takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours through the Andean highlands. Machu Picchu itself has no commercial airport; the standard access route is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

• What is the best time of year to visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu?

  The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are year-round destinations, with each season offering different conditions. May through October is the dry season, with clear skies, cooler temperatures, and the most stable weather for trekking and high-altitude explorations — this is peak season for both destinations. June through August sees the highest visitor demand; advance booking is strongly recommended. November through April is the wet season, with more rainfall but lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and generally lower rates at luxury lodges. Brief afternoon showers are common during this period but rarely disrupt full-day programs. Advance booking is recommended regardless of season, as capacity at luxury lodges is limited year-round.

• What is included in a Sacred Valley all-inclusive package?

  At Explora Valle Sagrado, the all-inclusive rate covers accommodation, all meals prepared with local Andean ingredients, non-alcoholic beverages, and more than 40 guided explorations each day. Access to the Pumacahua Spa and Bath House, saunas, steam baths, an outdoor swimming pool, and hot tubs is also included. Round-trip airport transfers from Cusco are arranged by Explora. A full-day visit to Machu Picchu can be arranged as an extension to any stay; applicable entry permit and train transport fees may apply separately.

• Do Sacred Valley lodges include airport transfers from Cusco?

  Most luxury all-inclusive lodges in Peru’s Sacred Valley, including Explora Valle Sagrado, arrange airport transfers from Cusco (CUZ). At Explora, transfers are organized by the lodge and should be confirmed at the time of booking. The drive from Cusco Airport to Explora Valle Sagrado takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours through the Andean highlands. Transfer inclusions and any associated costs vary by property; verify directly with your lodge at the time of reservation.

• How many nights should I plan for the Sacred Valley?

  Most travel specialists recommend a minimum of four to five nights in the Sacred Valley to experience a meaningful range of Inca sites and exploration zones. Explora recommends five nights as a minimum; additional nights allow time to acclimatize to the altitude, complete a full-day visit to Machu Picchu, and explore lesser known sites such as Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras salt mines. Travelers planning a Machu Picchu visit typically combine three to four nights in the Sacred Valley with a dedicated day trip or overnight in Aguas Calientes.

• What is the altitude of the Sacred Valley?

  Explora Valle Sagrado is situated at approximately 9,514 feet (2,900 meters) above sea level near the village of Urubamba. Cusco, the main gateway city, sits at approximately 11,200 feet (3,400 meters). Machu Picchu is considerably lower, at approximately 7,970 feet (2,430 meters). Altitude effects such as headache, fatigue, or shortness of breath are common for newly arrived visitors. Most guests acclimatize within one to two days; staying well-hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity on arrival, and limiting alcohol on the first evening are generally recommended.

• Can I visit Machu Picchu from Explora Valle Sagrado?

  Yes. Explora Valle Sagrado is an ideal base for a full-day visit to Machu Picchu. The standard route involves a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) followed by a short bus ride to the
  Machu Picchu entrance (approximately 30 minutes). Entry to Machu Picchu is controlled through a government permit system with daily visitor caps, timed entry windows, and phased ticket releases. During peak season — May through August — available slots regularly sell out within hours of release, and the most popular entry times (early morning) go first. Booking six to eight weeks ahead is standard for peak-season visits; last-minute access is not reliable. Explora’s planning team coordinates your entry permit, train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and guided site access as part of your stay — the logistics are handled in advance so guests arrive with confirmed access rather than contingency plans.

• Is it better to stay in the Sacred Valley or in Cusco for a Machu Picchu visit?

  The Sacred Valley offers a meaningful logistical advantage over Cusco for travelers prioritizing Machu Picchu access. The Ollantaytambo train station — the primary departure point for Aguas Calientes — is within the Sacred Valley, reducing morning travel time on the day of your Machu Picchu visit compared to departing from Cusco. Sacred Valley lodges also sit at a lower elevation than Cusco (approximately 9,500 feet vs. 11,200 feet), which benefits guests who are sensitive to altitude. Cusco provides more urban amenities and a wider range of restaurants and independent excursions. Travelers combining Machu Picchu access with sustained Andean exploration — including multiple Inca sites across the Sacred Valley — typically find an all-inclusive lodge in the Sacred Valley the more efficient and immersive base.

• Do Sacred Valley lodges include guided explorations in the rate?

  Inclusion policies vary by property. At Explora Valle Sagrado, more than 40 guided explorations are included in the all-inclusive rate, led by Explora’s own bilingual guides trained at the company’s in-house School of Guides. Explorations are customized each day to your interests and fitness level and cover sites across the Inca heartland, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, the Maras salt mines, and a full-day visit to Machu Picchu. Many Sacred Valley boutique hotels do not include guided excursions in their nightly rate — activities are typically booked separately through local operators. If guided access to archaeological sites is a priority, verify inclusions directly with your property at the time of booking.