You know how when you find an incredible place, you’re like, “do I want to share this, or do I want to keep this special just for me?” That’s kind of how I feel every time I travel.
Let’s Travel to The Sacred Valley, Peru.
The thing with The Sacred Valley in Peru is that this place has been on the map for DECADES, thanks to its proximity to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. That being said, it’s not exactly a secret.
Which is why I have no problem bringing retreat groups of my own, or writing about it for all my daydreaming virtual travelers reading the blog.
Sacred Valley in Peru
The first time I went to Peru was in 2019. It was actually my first time in South America altogether! Which is crazy to think about now that I live half of the year in Nicaragua
Yes, I know this is Central America….but I really didn’t come to this side of the world at all for my first decade of traveling, because it was too close to home. And because it had the word ‘America’ in it. Crazy, I know.
The first time I went to Peru, I fell in love. I immediately extended my two-week trip, to nine weeks, and STILL didn’t want to leave when the time finally came. And, if I didn’t have to teach a retreat in Morocco, I absolutely would’ve stayed longer.
I spent the most time in the Sacred Valley, because, well, how could I not? The beauty, the people, the farms, the food. I was captivated, to say the least.
I’ve never experienced nature like this before. Truly. The mountains come ALIVE in a way where their spirit is nearly tangible. Trying to put it into words is just falling flat, so I’ll have to let the photos do the talking for me.
Getting to Cusco
Cusco is the jumping off point for the Sacred Valley. But there are no international flights in or out of Cusco. This means you cannot fly from the United States, nor any country, directly into Cusco.
The only way to get into Peru from international air is through Lima. Good news is that Lima to Cusco is only about 45 minutes to an hour by air.
There are long, 24-hour buses too. But I wouldn’t recommend it. Not only does 24 hours on a bus sound like hell. But it’s really not that cheap, AND it can be quite dangerous going through certain areas.
How to Get to The Sacred Valley
You can access the Sacred Valley from Cusco pretty easily by taxi (about $3-$35), or bus (about $3-$5). The Sacred Valley is HUGE, so it really depends where you’re going to give you a time estimate.
If you’re going from Cusco to Pisac (a popular hotspot for spiritual tourists), then it’s about 90 minutes by car. If you’re going to Urubumba, then it’s about 2 hours by car.
What to do in The Sacred Valley
Well, this list might go on forever. But for the sake of time, I’ll hit the hot spots. I’ve always booked tours with Killa Expeditions, and the owner has become a dear friend over the years. Highly recommend their services.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world, and the main hot spot of Peru. You can easily access this incredible site by train (you arrive into Aguas Calientes), or foot (this is a long, 3 – 7 day trek). When you’re coming to Peru, try to coordinate your visit in the dry season, as the rainy season can make your trek a lot less pleasant. If you have to come in the rainy season, then take the train to and from Machu Picchu, as opposed to walking.
Pisac:
This is a haven for spiritual seekers and backpackers. Not only is the town cute, safe, and full of delicious restaurants and cute shops- but the Pisac Ruins are also a breathtaking hike and view that you won’t want to miss.
Maras:
If you want to know what it looks like to walk on the moon, this is your spot. But for real, these salt mines are such a trip to see! It can be crowded with tourists, so try to go early. Also, don’t miss out on the salty snacks (the chocolate is to die for) on your way out.
Moray:
This is a place you can hit with Maras in a quick day trip. These Incan ruins are BREATHTAKING. Make sure to bring a guide so you can learn all about the meaning, structure, and belief behind it.
Ollantaytambo:
Another famous Incan archeological area that you’ll want to have a guide for so you can learn the ins and outs of the culture. You can find the Ollantaytambo ruins here, which are stunning.
Urubumba:
Perhaps my favorite town, with the most stunning market you’ve ever seen! This was my FAVORITE place to grocery shop, and certainly made “errands” a whole lot more fun that they feel at home.
Hiking:
I know it’s called The Sacred VALLEY, but don’t let that words fool you. You’re still at 9,000 ft (roughly 2,900 m) elevation. And, let me tell you, the mountains are MAGIC here. You’ll want to run around them ALL, chasing waterfalls, rivers, and glaciers galore.
Eating:
Pisac and Urubumba were my two favorite places to eat out, because they have a variety of vegan (or vegan friendly) cafes. If you’re not vegan, then you’re probably going to fall in love with the ceviche, or maybe you’ll go out on a limb, and try their favorite delicacy: guinea pig. Either way, the food is FRESH, delicious, and homegrown EVERYWHERE you go.
Shopping:
All of the Incan Ruins have little shops set up outside with all the alpaca wool products you could ever dream of. Major towns have a great variety of others goods as well from crystal, jewelry, wood carvings, furniture, and beyond.
Yoga and Ceremony:
There is a A LOT of spiritual tourism in Peru in general. And definitely a ton in The Sacred Valley. Most major towns will have a variety of yoga, ceremonies, ecstatic dance, and community gatherings to choose from. If you choose to partake in a psychedelic ceremony like San Pedro or Ayahuasca, please do so with discretion and safety.
Sacred Valley Hotels
Once you’ve arrived in Cusco, and you’re ready to venture to the Sacred Valley, you’ll find there’s a ton of places to stay. I always stay in an Airbnb that has a kitchen (I love to cook!), or I stay at Samadhi Sacred Valley, which is truly like staying in a dream resort.
Samadhi Sacred Valley
Samadhi Sacrey Valley is geared towards retreats (yoga, meditation, and plant medicine). However, when scheduling allows, they’re also open to individual bookings. The best way to find out is to contact them directly.
I highly recommend staying in one of the private suites (I love the Earth room), or in the Root Chakra Bungalow. The private suites have better Wifi, if you’re working while you travel. But the Root Chakra has arguably the best view.
If you choose to stay in an Airbnb, I’d recommend looking around Pisac, Urubumba, or Huycho. This entire region has the Urubumba River running through it, as well as train stations, buses, archaeological sites, and an easy pathway for a complete Sacred Valley tour.
While the Ollyantambo ruins are incredible, and definitely a must-see when you’re in the Sacred Valley- I still prefer the Pisac and Urubumba side of the Valley when it comes to hotels and lodging. Remember, Inca ruins are everywhere! And it’s really easy to explore the Sacred Valley wherever you decide to stay.
When it comes to Airbnbs, make sure to check in with their amenities. You’ll want to make sure you have hot water (it gets really cold there), as well as filtered drinking water. Read reviews to see how far you are from town, as many places with breathtaking views really aren’t close to much- which means you’ll either need to rent a car or motorbike to get around. Otherwise, you’re relying on taxis- which can definitely add up.
What is the Altitude of Sacred Valley, Peru?
As you know, the city of Cusco has an altitude of over 11,00 ft. When you think of the Sacred Valley, you assume that it’s lower, because it’s a…valley! While the Sacred Valley certainly has a lower altitude than Cusco, it’s still boasting over 9,000 ft in elevation.
When you’re visiting the Sacred Valley, you might feel altitude sickness, headache, nausea, or lightheadedness. There are plenty of pharmacies around to take altitude medicine, or you can also bring it from home, as well. When it comes time to explore, the last thing you want to feel is BAD. So make sure you’re proactive about any altitude symptoms that may arise.
The Sacred Valley, Peru is truly one of my favorite places in the entire world. I really think I’ll continue to hold annual retreats here until the end of time.
See for yourself. Come with me!
xx,
K
