This is Your Sign to Travel to The Sacred Valley, Peru
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
