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Sacred Valley Istock 621252270
Sacred Valley Istock 621252270
The enchanting ancient home of the Incas

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Inhabited some 1,000 years ago, the Urubamba Valley, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, follows the Urubamba River 100 kilometres from the Inca ruins of Pisac to the incomparable Machu Picchu. Inhabited some 1,000 years ago, the Urubamba Valley, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, follows the Urubamba River 100 kilometres from the Inca ruins of Pisac to the incomparable Machu Picchu.
Why the Sacred Valley?
Experts believe the Incas moved to this region of Peru because the lower altitude of the valley was more suitable for agriculture than at higher elevations in the Andes Mountains. The conquered land was divided between the emperor, the religious community and the farmers, likely explaining the prevalence of royal and religious ruins today.

Machu Picchu may steal the show, but the Sacred Valley is its own sight to behold – filled with fortresses, observatories, temples and other mysterious structures. Follow an expert guide on foot or horseback along the intricate networks of Inca trails that wind through the hills and link small towns like Pisac and Urubamba. After hiking up to Machu Picchu, depart aboard the Hiram Bingham train, which trundles through the Sacred Valley yielding excellent views in comfort.
  • Breathtaking mountain views.
  • Centuries of history evident in architecture and ruins.
  • Fascinating cultural context.
  • Expert local guides for hiking or horse riding.
  • Luxury train journey through the Sacred Valley.
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Luxury travel experiences you won't find anywhere else
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Best Places to Stay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Hero Image Swimming Pool Sol Y Luna Sacred Valley Of The Incas
Hero Image Swimming Pool Sol Y Luna Sacred Valley Of The Incas
Sol y Luna

In the Sacred Valley, with the Andes Mountains dominating the skyline, the beautiful gardens of Sol y Luna exquisitely complement the hotel’s stone casitas (“little houses”). It’s a truly magical location; the backdrop is enhanced by the orientation of the terraces and the careful planting of indigenous flowers.

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Hero Image Exterior Of Property Tambo Del Inka Sacred Valley Of The Incas
Hero Image Exterior Of Property Tambo Del Inka Sacred Valley Of The Incas
Tambo del Inka

Part of The Luxury Collection, the Tambo del Inka Resort and Spa is an impressive property with striking pavilion-like buildings inspired by the stone walls found at ancient Inca sites. Great effort has gone into making this the base camp of choice, in all senses, for Machu Picchu.

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Hero Image Swimming Pool Explora Valle Sagrado Sacred Valley Of The Incas
Hero Image Swimming Pool Explora Valle Sagrado Sacred Valley Of The Incas
Explora Valle Sagrado

We love the stylish almost Scandinavian low-rise design of this lodge, with its wooden walkways and unvarnished wooden interiors. If you are the kind of guest motivated by excellent design and the chance to engage in an active holiday, this is the place for you.

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Latin America Peru Sacred Valley Belmond Rio Sagrado Rsg Acc Ext 03 Resize
Latin America Peru Sacred Valley Belmond Rio Sagrado Rsg Acc Ext 03 Resize
Belmond Rio Sagrado

In a lush and peaceful riverside setting, Belmond Rio Sagrado is a perfect place to relax while discovering the ancient sites, cultural fascination and many outdoor activities of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It also has its own train station from which you can travel in style to Machu Picchu.

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Latin America Peru Sacred Valley Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Crop
Latin America Peru Sacred Valley Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Crop
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

With a breathtaking location on a terrace overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this luxury hacienda and cluster of gorgeous casitas is sympathetically designed to blend in both culturally and aesthetically. From here, you can venture out to ancient sites, vibrant local communities, and places of pristine beauty.

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Sky Pods In Ther Sacred Valley Peru
Sky Pods In Ther Sacred Valley Peru
Skylodge Adventures

The phrase ‘once in a lifetime’ is thrown around quite freely, but we won’t hesitate to use it when describing a night at Peru’s Sky Lodge, the world’s first and only hanging hotel. Ascend some 1,300 feet up the side of a granite mountain in the Sacred Valley and spend the night in a transparent pod suspended on the mountainside. There’s no one else but you, the stars and the condors who occasionally fly by.

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We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.

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Experience Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in unmatched privacy. From timeless rituals and private terraces to gourmet train journeys, at Journeysmiths we craft encounters with Peru’s icons, your way.

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