Peru Trip – 2025 – The Sacred Valley

I spent five days of my Peru trip in the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley, located between Cusco in the South and Machu Picchu in the north, is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich Inca history. As the vital agricultural and strategic center for the Inca Empire, the region features impressive ruins like the fortress of Ollantaytambo and the terraces of Pisac and Moray, and most impressive of all, Machu Picchu. The valley is carved by the mighty Urubamba River and surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, offering breathtaking scenery, which I would see while hiking the Inca Trail. 

Peru – Day 5 – First Day in the Sacred Valley.

We started out in Cusco and drove a remote location in the valley to pick up our bikes and begin our cycling to our lunch destination – a private home in Maras. During the ride, we had to climb one big hill – and that is when we really felt the altitude. But we all did well. After lunch, we then hiked to the famous Maras Salt flats in the afternoon. The scenery was beautiful. Our hotel, tucked into the side of a mountain, was quite luxurious, with its own spa, which I would take advantage of. This is where we would stay for the next three nights.

Peru – Day 6 – Hiking Day in Sacred Valley – October 21st

After a quick drive to Ollantaytambo, a bustling town situated towards the northern end of the Sacred Valley, we visited the Inca temple there. After an orientation with our local guide “JJ”, who was born in  Ollantaytambo, we climbed the temple’s 200 stone steps, admiring the intricate stone work. 

Afterwards, we began our hike, starting with the narrow, well-worn cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo. We then followed a beautiful trail going uphill most of the way, winding alongside the Patacancha River with views of terraced mountainsides that were pre-Inca era. When we arrived at our secluded picnic spot, we enjoyed an amazing Peruvian lunch accompanied by Peruvian wine. 

Following lunch, we shuttled to Huilloc, a small Quechua weaving community. Huilloc offered the rare opportunity to observe authentic rural Andean life and learn a bit about their unique mountain culture. This village had no electricity until 15 years ago. Dinner this evening was at a secluded hacienda that had its own museum.

Peru- Day 7 – Biking and Hiking Day in Sacred Valley – October 22nd

I awoke this morning with a cute brown alpaca/lama on the porch of my “hut”.  I continue to get the two confused, which is evidently common. The larger stringy haired ones are the lamas. Lamas are larger and are utilized to carry things (pack animals).  The alpacas (the smaller and cute ones) are famous for their wool. And like sheep, they are part of the Andean diet. I would try some raw and cooked alpaca later on the trip.

Today our group cycled the Sacred Valley’s floor alongside potato, maize and quinoa fields. Our route followed the mighty Urubamba River, which flows the length of the valley, providing water and irrigation to local communities.  After 8 miles we took a break along the river. After another 6 miles we stopped at the small village of Lamay for a coffee break at a small cafe. Not only was the coffee good, the carrot cake was heavenly. We cycled another 7 miles to Hacienda Sarapampa for a delightful farm-to-table lunch experience. It was truly special. 

After lunch, we explored the hilltop ruins of ancient Pisac, site of the largest known Inca cemetery. Flanked by steep agricultural terraces, this site offered spectacular panoramic views of the Sacred Valley with great photo opportunities!

Peru – Day 8 – Hiking the Inca Trail – Oct. 24th

As I reflect on today’s adventure, I have to say that this 7-Mile hike with a 2,300 foot elevation gain at high altitude was one of the most demanding hikes I have taken. But it was so worth it.

After taking a 6 a.m. shuttle to the train station in Ollantaytambo, we participated in a procession that takes us to our train. After a one hour train ride, we arrive at the Kilometer 104 trailhead on the Inca Trail, where we started our 7-mile hike through the Cloud Forrest, going from 6,900 foot elevation to 9,200 foot elevation. 

The views were spectacular. We would eventually arrive at Huiñay Huayna, a terraced complex once used for religious ceremonies. Discovered in the 1940s – over 30 years after Machu Picchu, it was an impressive structure. 

As we continued our hike on this trail that literally hugs the mountain – and is sometimes built into the mountain, it is hard to imagine how the Incas built this amazing trail, which at the time was entirely covered with smooth stones.

When we finally arrive at the Gate of the Sun, or “Sun Gate”, Machu Picchu’s original entryway, we get our first glimpse of the “City in the Clouds” in the distance below us. We would hike another 45 minutes to get down to the actual city itself. 

Rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, this mystical city is home to many sacred temples and  buildings. We know that the great emperor Pachacutec created the wonder of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, we continued down until we reach the giant platform that overlooks the city. Here we took some photos before descending alongside the ruins to the main entrance, where a shuttle bus took us down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we would spend the first of two nights at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu.

Peru – Day 9 – Machu Picchu 

After an early breakfast I decided to take the orchid tour around the hotel grounds with a naturalist. I am glad I did.  I felt like I was in my own private Cloud Forrest in the jungle. 

Later in the morning, we headed up the zigzag road on a shuttle bus to the main attraction of this trip – Machu Picchu.  Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic symbols of the Inca civilization and a major archaeological site in the Americas. Built around 1450, it is believed to have served as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Regardless, because of the number of temples and altars, it was a holy site. At its height, over 800 people called it home. The site was abandoned in the mid-1500’s, likely during the Spanish conquest. Thank goodness the Spanish did not find this.

We had dinner at Indio feliz, a Peruvian restaurant with French influence. I would highly recommend this place. This is where I tried Alpaca Carpaccio and seared Alpaca. Both were delicious. For dessert I had Orange Pie. I had this the first time earlier this year in Greece. It was also quite delicious! 

Tomorrow we take a 1.5 hour train ride from Aguas Calientas back to Ollantaytambo, and then a 2-hour shuttle to Cusco – back to where we started our Backroads trip. So we are retracing our steps back – going from the northern area of the Sacred Valley back to the southern portion of the Sacred Valley. 

I was impressed by the town of Aguas Calientas. It has a robust food scene and quite a night life. This is quite impressive given the fact that it is two hours from the nearest road. There are no cars. And the buses that shuttle people from the town to Machu Picchu have to be shipped in on the train. So, to get to this town, you hike or take the train. A truly special place.