Explora Sacred Valley

To allow your body to adapt to altitude, we will transfer you directly from arrival at the Cuzco airport (3,400 m.a.s.l) to the Sacred Valley (2,800 m.a.s.l.) This is much lower than Cuzco, but still higher than Machu Picchu which is 2,400 m.a.s.l. 

We recommend you spend this afternoon staying hydrated, relaxing and eating very light food. Altitude can slow digestion and dehydration can occur.

Please do avoid being overly active this afternoon as it is likely you will feel the effects of altitude.

Please Note: This is a suggested itinerary, you can choose what excursions you would like to do. 

Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu at an altitude of 600 meters (2.000 feet) below the ancient Inca capital city, explora Valle Sagrado offers visitors an in-depth exploration experience from a base hotel immersed in the history of the Incas. 

explora Valle Sagrado was designed as a headquarter from where to explore a remote and great destination: Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Traveling through archaeological Inca sites, following the course of the Urubamba River by bike, visiting Machu Picchu or arriving at a glacier nearby Cusco are some of the explorations carefully designed by explora for its travelers. 

Through more than 40 options to explore, either walking, by van or riding a bike, our travelers discover from traditional villages still untouched by globalization to perfectly preserved ancient traces and lost lagoons in the Andean pampa. 

Our explorations take travelers through the colonial history of Cusco and the architectural magnificence of the Incas in Machu Picchu, isolated villages, archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero and Pisac, to Andean pampas and mountains or Apus, considered by locals as guardians of people and nature.

Inclusions:
- Accommodation in explora Sacred valley Urubamba  
- Transfers to and from Cuzco airport
- All meals and drinks
- Menu of more than 40 exploration routes
- Entrance fees to National Parks

Day 1: Arrival into Cuzco and settle into explora Sacred Valley Urubamba 

Upon arrival at Cuzco airport, the explora hotel representative will meet you and escort you to the scared valley and your hotel. Once there, settle into your new luxury surroundings and enjoy your first dinner. Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, owner of the sixth best restaurant in the world –according to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 ranking– has recently designed the new menu for explora Valle Sagrado. A total gastronomic renovation, both in our restaurant and in the explorations, using Andean ingredients from the simplest to the most elaborate that result in preparations with an identity that honors Andean cooking. 

Experience world-class service at Explora Valle Sagrado. Set within the Sacred Valley in Urubamba, Explora Valle Sagrado offers all-inclusive accommodation only 41 km from Cusco. Free WiFI access is available in common areas.

Guests at Explora Valle Sagrado can enjoy all-inclusive programs including meals, beverages, transportation and a choice of more than 40 exclusive guided excursions, which include bike-rides, hikes and overland explorations.

explora Valle Sagrado features 50 rooms designed for maximum silence and privacy to ensure a deep rest after a long day of exploration. All our hotel rooms have views to the corn plantations and mountains surrounding the valley. In order to withdraw from everyday life, daily activities must be left behind. Thus, our rooms are not equipped with Wi-Fi, television or minibars. 

The gastronomic experience in explora Valle Sagrado was developed exclusively by the renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, owner of the sixth best restaurant in the world, according to The World’s Best Restaurants 2019 ranking.

Our cuisine is inspired by the Andes and its diversity of products, ingredients and traditions. Through it, we want each of our travelers to deeply connect with the territory we inhabit and live a unique gastronomic experience in the Valley.

Additionally, the property boasts a panoramic terrace, a shared lounge with a fireplace, a library and a gift shop.

Wake up surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Sacred valley. Today is yours to select from a large range of excursions provided by Explora, There are plenty of options to choose from! 

Most popular excursion would be the the full-day expedition of Machu Picchu. We'll 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. The itinerary begins early in the morning towards the Ollantaytambo rail station, located 45 minutes away from explora, where we take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. From there, we take a bus to Machu Picchu. 

Well known as ‘The Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu was built around 1450, but abandoned 100 years later at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. In 1911 Hiram Bingham, an American historian discovered its existence with its classic Inca style. The main buildings of Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows, are located in the Sacred District of Machu Picchu.

We have about three hours to explore this magical site. Once we are done, we'll leave Machu Picchu to the station and take the train back. We return to the hotel for dinner. We will bring a light lunch to eat while we are there.

Today is another day to explore this beautiful landscape. You may want to relax int he morning and enjoy the spa amenities at explora. Pumacahua Bath House is a colonial house from the seventeenth century located on one side of the hotel’s corn terraces. Rescued by our restoration and archeology team, it contains the hotel’ Spa where our guests enjoy massages, the swimming pool and saunas. 

You may choose to visit the village of Chinchero. Located just 1 hour away from explora, between Urubamba and Cuzco, the village of Chinchero (3762 masl) is believed to be the birthplace of the Sacred Valley’s textile craftsmanship, as well as a hub for local trade. This exploration takes travellers through the colonial streets of Chinchero by foot, visiting the village’s adobe church and discovering the unique murals preserved within.

You may also decide to visit the remarkable ruins of Pisac, as well as it's colorful crafts market, the village of Pisac bears witness to the accomplishments and mysteries of the Inca civilization. This exploration allows travellers to discover, by foot, this key enclave of the Sacred Valley, showing an integral vision of the Inca cosmovision.

Those wanting more adventure, you may decide on a bike ride along the Urubamba River. 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.

On your last day here, you may want to choose one last half day exploration such as a walk around Ollantaytambo. 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 archaelogical site to see its terraces, the ceremonial center and the Royal Building. or a self guided walk around Caminata Urquillos. This is 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.

You will then be transferred back to Cuzco airport for your onward flight.