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From Machu Picchu to Maras:
Epic Hikes in the Sacred Valley

From 2 hours treks to 4 days adventures, six of our favorite hikes in the region.

Nestled between Cusco and the majestic peaks of the Andes, the Peruvian Sacred Valley is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Once the heartland of the mighty Incan Empire, the valley is scattered with ancient archaeological sites, picturesque villages, and breathtaking mountain vistas. For centuries, the Incan people carved an extensive network of trails through these mountains, connecting essential cities and settlements. Today, these same trails—many still intact—draw hikers from around the world, offering a unique blend of adventure, history, and cultural immersion.

Whether looking for a short, scenic hike that takes just a few hours or an epic, multi-day journey through remote Andean landscapes, this region has something for everyone. The valley’s well-known trails, like the Inca Trail, are now complemented by lesser-explored routes that offer the tranquility of untouched wilderness. It’s a hiker’s paradise where seasoned adventurers and casual trekkers can find their perfect challenge.

Our Favorite Hikes in the Sacred Valley

 

Ollantaytambo Ruins

 

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Ollantaytambo Town

Duration: 1-2 hours

 

Nestled between Cusco and the majestic peaks of the Andes, the Peruvian Sacred Valley is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Once the heartland of the mighty Incan Empire, the valley is scattered with ancient archaeological sites, picturesque villages, and breathtaking mountain vistas. For centuries, the Incan people carved an extensive network of trails through these mountains, connecting essential cities and settlements. Today, these same trails—many still intact—draw hikers from around the world, offering a unique blend of adventure, history, and cultural immersion.

 
Salinas de Maras and Moray

 

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Maras or Moray

Duration: 4-6 hours

 

This hike combines two fascinating sites—the Maras salt mines and the Moray agricultural terraces. Starting from either village, the trail meanders through rural landscapes with expansive views of the valley. Maras is known for its terraced salt pans, still harvested by local families today, while Moray’s circular terraces are believed to have been an Incan agricultural laboratory. This trek offers a unique glimpse into ancient farming techniques still relevant to the region.

Hikes in the Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley Peru, 2024 edition
Pisac Ruins

 

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Ollantaytambo Town

Duration: 2-4 hours

 

Starting from the town of Pisac, this hike takes you up to a hilltop fortress that overlooks the Sacred Valley. The ruins at Pisac are renowned for their impressive terraces, residential complexes, and ceremonial structures. As you ascend, you’ll pass by agricultural terraces that are still in use today, and once at the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the valley below. The site is less crowded than Machu Picchu but equally captivating.

 
Huchuy Qosqo Trek

 

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Starting Point: Near Chinchero

Duration: 1-2 days

 

This lesser-known trek offers a more tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience compared to other Sacred Valley hikes. Hikers pass through remote villages, lush valleys, and high mountain passes before arriving at the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, which sit perched above the Sacred Valley. The ruins themselves, once a royal estate of the Inca, are peaceful and rarely visited, making this trek ideal for those looking for solitude amidst stunning scenery.

Lares Trek

 

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Starting Point: Lares

Duration: 2-4 days

 

The Lares Trek is a culturally rich and less-crowded alternative to the Inca Trail. Starting from the village of Lares, the trek passes through high Andean valleys, remote indigenous communities, and hot springs. Along the way, hikers will have the opportunity to meet local weavers and farmers who maintain traditional Quechua lifestyles. This trek offers a deep cultural connection to the land and the beauty of high-altitude mountain scenery and snow-capped peaks.

 
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

 

Difficulty: Challenging 

Starting Point:Km 82 (along the railway to Aguas Calientes)

Duration: 4 days

 

The Inca Trail is perhaps the most famous trek in South America, and for good reason. Over four days, hikers traverse mountain passes, subtropical jungle, and Incan ruins before arriving at the legendary site of Machu Picchu at sunrise. This challenging trek requires endurance and preparation, but it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as hikers follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas. It’s a pilgrimage through history, culminating in one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.

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