Best Day Hikes In The Sacred Valley

Dreaming of a trip to Peru? Perhaps you envision yourself embarking on thrilling adventures, immersing yourself in breathtaking natural landscapes, delving into the rich cultural heritage, or perhaps you crave a harmonious blend of all these elements. Our team of dedicated local specialists is ready and eager to assist you in crafting the perfect and unforgettable travel experience tailored to your desires. We understand that every traveler has unique preferences, and we are committed to creating a personalized itinerary that exceeds your expectations.

Unveiling the Highlights

• Imagine yourself exploring a majestic Inca fortress, strategically perched atop a spectacular waterfall, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape.
• Picture yourself hiking through ancient terraces, marveling at the ingenuity of the Inca civilization, while enjoying sweeping views of the picturesque Sacred Valley stretching out before you.
• Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch from a truly unique vantage point, overlooking the charming town of Ollantaytambo, soaking in the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.
• After a long and rewarding day of hiking, treat yourself to a soothing soak in the revitalizing Lares Hot Springs, allowing your muscles to relax and your spirit to rejuvenate.
• Engage in captivating conversations with local farmers, gaining invaluable insights into a traditional way of life that has remained largely unchanged since the time of the Inca empire, connecting with the authentic heart of Peru.

Choosing the Perfect Hike for You

For those fortunate enough to have a few extra days to dedicate to exploration, the Sacred Valley presents a remarkable selection of stunning day hikes, each offering its own unique charm and appeal. The very best of these hikes provide travelers with the opportunity to explore fascinating ancient Inca ruins, venture into remote mountain communities, and immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes, all while ensuring they return to the comfort of their hotel in time for a delicious and well-deserved dinner.

While the Sacred Valley is replete with exceptional hiking trails, a select few stand out as truly exceptional, particularly those located near the enchanting village of Ollantaytambo. This village is a highlight in its own right, brimming with history and culture, making it the perfect base from which to embark on a series of unforgettable day hikes and further exploration of the region. The strategic location of Ollantaytambo offers easy access to a variety of trails, catering to different skill levels and interests.

For those adventurous souls interested in experiencing an alternative Inca Trail trek, it is possible to connect a few of these captivating day hikes together, creating a remarkable multi-day trekking adventure that will ultimately lead you to the magnificent Machu Picchu. This option provides a unique and less crowded way to reach the iconic Inca citadel, offering a more immersive and authentic experience.

While some of these hikes can certainly be undertaken independently, we strongly recommend enlisting the services of a knowledgeable local guide. These guides possess an intimate understanding of the terrain, ensuring you stay on the correct path. They can also provide invaluable insights into the local culture and customs, introduce you to hidden gems within the communities, and ensure that your hiking experience is both seamless, safe, and deeply enriching.

(Please note: All hiking times provided are estimates and may vary depending on your individual fitness level, your acclimatization to the altitude, and your specific starting point.)

#1 Exploring the Cusco Ruins

This remarkable day hike embarks on its journey just above the vibrant city of Cusco, at the magnificent ruins of Sacsayhuaman. This impressive complex of ancient stone ramparts commands panoramic views of the city sprawling below, offering a breathtaking introduction to the region’s rich history. From this vantage point, you will embark on a captivating hike, traversing a network of ruins – smaller and often lesser-known sites – that will lead you away from the bustling crowds, allowing you to fully appreciate the remarkable Inca heritage that permeates Peru. These hidden gems include the intriguing Tambo Machay and the mystical Temple of the Moon, each holding its own unique story to tell. This thoughtfully curated hiking tour often includes a delightful picnic lunch, allowing you to savor the flavors of Peru amidst the ancient surroundings, as well as a knowledgeable guide who can expertly unravel the history and significance of each ruin. Sacsayhuaman, itself, served as the backdrop for a fierce and pivotal battle in Inca history, but today, it stands as a ceremonial ground for sacred events, such as the vibrant Inti Raymi and the Warachikuy festivals, showcasing the enduring cultural significance of this site.

#2 Hiking from Chinchero to Urquillos

For those who find particular enjoyment in walking downhill, rather than enduring the uphill climb, the hike from Chinchero to Urquillos presents an exceptional and rewarding option. Begin by arranging transportation to take you to the picturesque town of Chinchero, a destination that boasts breathtaking mountain views and is renowned for its rich weaving traditions, a testament to the artistic skills of the local artisans. From Chinchero, embark on a descent into the heart of the Sacred Valley, following well-worn Inca trails that whisper tales of ancient civilizations. Your journey culminates in the charming colonial village of Urquillos, a place where time seems to stand still. From Urquillos, you have the option of arranging transportation back to Cusco, allowing you to reflect on the day’s adventures, or you can choose to continue your exploration further down the Sacred Valley, discovering more of its hidden treasures.

#3 Discovering Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco)

Prepare to be captivated by epic views, immerse yourself in a truly rural setting, encounter quaint villages, observe local people tending to their crops, traverse a stunning canyon, and explore two remarkable Inca ruins – all within the span of a single, unforgettable day hike. As Steve Wilson, one of our esteemed local specialists, eloquently put it, “This is the best day walk I’ve ever done in Peru,” a testament to the exceptional quality of this experience.

Located at an impressive altitude of 3,600 meters, Huchuy Qosqo, meaning “Little Cusco,” is a sprawling archaeological site that is accessible only by foot, adding to its mystique and allure. The site commands sweeping views over the entire Sacred Valley, offering a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscapes. After a scenic one-hour drive from Cusco, the hike commences from the charming village of Patabamba and leads upwards towards the ruins, before descending a series of switchbacks that ultimately lead to Lamay, the end point of your hike. Along the way, you will ascend over the challenging Apacheta Pass, reaching a height of 4,200 meters. Although the hike from Patabamba to Lamay is longer, we highly recommend this route due to its more gradual ascent, allowing for safer acclimatization to the altitude. Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to access the ruins, but the historical and cultural significance of the site makes it well worth the investment.

If you have the luxury of more time, this remarkable route can be transformed into a 2-day hike, with an overnight stay at a local homestay along the way. This option is highly recommended as it provides a deeper immersion into the local culture and allows you to connect with the community on a more personal level.

#4 Trekking from Moray to Maras

Nestled between the bustling city of Cusco and the lush Urubamba River Valley lies a breathtaking plateau, offering expansive views, intriguing ruins, and fantastic hiking opportunities that are sure to delight any outdoor enthusiast. One particularly captivating option is to embark on a hike from the fascinating Moray Crop Circles to the remarkable salt mines of Maras. Along the way, you will be treated to expansive and unforgettable views of the Sacred Valley, stretching out before you in all its glory. This hike combines natural beauty with visits to two of Peru’s most unique and culturally significant sites. At the end of your day’s adventure, you have the option of spending the night in the quaint and charming village of Ollantaytambo, immersing yourself in its relaxed atmosphere, or you can arrange transportation to return back to Cusco, allowing you to reflect on the day’s discoveries.

#5 Exploring Ñaupa Iglesia

The intriguing Ñaupa Iglesia sits at the culmination of a short, but steep and highly rewarding hike near the town of Ollantaytambo. This unique site is an ancient Incan temple, skillfully carved directly into the rock face above a steep and dramatic gorge. While the roof of the temple has been lost to the passage of time, it remains a peaceful and atmospheric place, imbued with a sense of history and mystery, and adorned with interesting carvings that hint at its past. Be mindful of the presence of bats within the temple. To reach the starting point of the hike, it is recommended to hire a taxi to drive you to the base of the trail, a short distance from Ollantaytambo. Once the taxi drops you off, the hike itself should take approximately 20-30 minutes, ascending a steep series of terraces, rewarding you with unparalleled views and a glimpse into the Incan past.

#6 Discovering Pelroyniyoc Waterfall & Ruins

The Pelroyniyoc ruins are spectacularly perched atop a dramatic cliff, with a cascading waterfall flowing powerfully below, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty and grandeur. To reach this remarkable destination, arrange for a taxi from Ollantaytambo to the village of Socma, where your steep but rewarding hike will commence. Socma, itself, offers a valuable perspective on rural life in the Sacred Valley, allowing you to witness the traditions and customs that have endured for generations. Above the falls, you will find a few remote communities that will occasionally welcome travelers into their homes, offering a glimpse into their daily lives, particularly if you arrive accompanied by a local guide and a warm, welcoming smile.

The hike both starts and ends in the village of Socma, which is approximately a 45-minute taxi ride from the town of Ollantaytambo.

#7 Exploring Pumamarca Ruins

The Pumamarca ruins represent an ancient Incan fortress, strategically situated high on a ridgeline, commanding sweeping views that overlook the entire Sacred Valley. Though perhaps not as ornate as some other Incan sites, the ruins are nonetheless fascinating to explore, offering a tangible connection to the past, and they provide a truly exceptional spot for a memorable picnic lunch. The ruins can be reached by undertaking a 2-3 hour hike from Ollantaytambo, traversing through beautifully terraced countryside, offering glimpses into the agricultural ingenuity of the Inca civilization. For those seeking a shorter trip, it is also possible to take a taxi to a nearby village, walk the last mile to the ruins, and then hike back down to Ollantaytambo, offering a flexible option to suit different preferences and fitness levels.

#8 Discovering Chacan Cave

For those travelers seeking to explore the natural wonders that surround the historic city of Cuzco, the invigorating hike up to the Chacan Cave presents an excellent and rewarding option. If the weather is favorable, be sure to bring a bathing suit, as you may have the opportunity to cool off beneath the refreshing waters of the nearby falls. For those with ample time, consider extending your walk to include a visit to the intriguing tunnels of Cusiyuchayoc (approximately 1 hour away) and the mystical Temple of the Moon before returning to Cuzco (a 20-minute taxi ride or a 1.5-2 hour walk). This popular combination of sites creates a fun and fulfilling full-day trip from Cusco, and can be easily arranged with local tour operators, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

#9 Hiking the Royal Inca Trail (104 KM) to Machu Picchu

This remarkable hike follows the final day of the world-renowned Inca Trail, ultimately concluding at the majestic Machu Picchu. If you find yourself short on time but still yearning to experience the historical route that the Inca civilization once traversed, this is an exceptional way to do so. You will have the opportunity to pass through the sacred Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku, from where you can descend into the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Along your journey, you will be treated to spectacular views of the sprawling Sacred Valley and will traverse through one of the most beautiful and well-preserved sections of the entire Inca Trail.

To embark on this adventure, you will need to take an early-morning train from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo and disembark at Kilometer 104, the designated access point to the trailhead. It is important to remember that you must possess a valid permit and have a qualified guide arranged in advance to participate in this trek. It is often advisable to have your luggage sent ahead to Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu, where you will likely be staying overnight after completing your invigorating hike.

Ready to Begin Planning Your Trip of a Lifetime?

We encourage you to connect with a knowledgeable and experienced specialist in Peru who can assist you in organizing your dream trip, tailored to your specific interests and preferences. Let us help you create an unforgettable journey through this remarkable country.