Upper Sacred Valley Lodge Getaway
Explore the Sacred Valley Beyond the Usual Sights
The Sacred Valley is often presented as a string of famous archaeological sites between Cusco and Machu Picchu. But to experience it properly, you need to slow down and get beyond the main attractions.
This three-day journey takes a more immersive approach, combining ancient Inca sites, quiet mountain trails, traditional communities, and some of the valley’s most remarkable landscapes—all while using a comfortable lodge as your base.
Your introduction to the valley begins at Chinchero, where Inca foundations and colonial history converge in a highland village surrounded by broad mountain vistas. From here, you can follow an old Inca trail downhill toward Urquillos, walking through a landscape that has changed remarkably little over the centuries. Or choose a cultural afternoon among the extraordinary terraces of Moray and the salt ponds of Maras, where centuries-old agricultural and salt-producing traditions remain part of everyday life.
The following day brings you to Pisaq, one of the Sacred Valley’s most rewarding places to explore. Rather than simply arriving by vehicle and touring the ruins, you can hike into the archaeological complex from below or follow the Urubamba River by bicycle. Those looking for a slower pace can wander through Pisaq’s streets and artisan market. Whatever your choice, the day comes together back at the lodge over a traditional Pachamanca lunch, prepared using an ancient Andean method of cooking food underground.
The final day leads deeper into the valley and into the remarkable town of Ollantaytambo. Its massive Inca fortress rises dramatically above a settlement whose original street plan is still remarkably intact. After exploring the archaeological site with your guide, you can take time to discover the town on foot or climb toward the Pinkuylluna storehouses for a different perspective, with the mountains and Urubamba Valley spreading out below.
Throughout the journey, the choice of activities allows you to shape each day around your interests and energy level. Hike historic trails, cycle through the valley, explore ancient ruins, or simply take time to absorb the atmosphere of its villages and markets. Between excursions, Lamay Lodge provides a comfortable retreat in the mountains, giving you the opportunity to experience the Sacred Valley not as a hurried stop on a larger itinerary, but as a destination in its own right.
Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.
DAY 0: EVENING BRIEFING IN CUSCO
Trip briefing in the evening: meet your guide and fellow travelers for some pre-trip details and Q&A’s.
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
DAY 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SACRED VALLEY
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to the Sacred Valley for a visit to Chinchero, a small Andean village and Inca archaeological site thought to be the country residence of Inca emperor Tupac Yupanqui. From there, choose an inspiring downhill hike from Chinchero to the town of Urquillos along historic Inca trails, or an afternoon exploring Moray and natural salt mines in Maras.
Morning pick-up at hotel and drive into the Sacred Valley
Visit and lunch in Chinchero
Afternoon hike or visit to Moray and Maras
Late afternoon arrival at lodge and dinner in the evening
CULTURAL
Visit Moray and Maras
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (9,705’/2,958m)
Meals: L, D
Day 1 afternoon activity options:
ACTIVE
Hike from Chinchero—Urquillos
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
DAY 2 EXPLORING PISAQ
Today you will have multiple ways to explore Pisaq. Start the day with an invigorating hike to the Pisaq archaeological site or a bike ride along the Urubamba river ex. For a more cultural experience, take a scenic drive to the town square and meander through its charming streets and colorful artisan marketplace. Afterwards, everyone will reunite for a traditional Pachamanca lunch back at the lodge and a relaxing afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast at lodge
Morning activity
Mid-afternoon return to lodge for a traditional Pachamanca lunch and relaxation
Light dinner in the evening
Day 2 activity options:
ACTIVE
Hike
Lamay—Pisaq archaeological site
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Mountain bike ride
Lamay—Pisaq (town)
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
CULTURAL
Half-day excursion to the town of Pisaq
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (9,705’/2,958m)
DAY 3 OLLANTAYTAMBO
The day begins with a guided tour of the impressive Ollantaytambo Inca fortress. After lunch, explore the town’s charming maze-like streets and alleys or, for a more active afternoon, hike to the Pinkuylluna Inca storage houses high above the town for panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley. Late afternoon/early evening return to Cusco.
Breakfast at lodge, followed by a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo
Morning guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site
Lunch in town
Explore Ollantaytambo or hike to Pinkuylluna
Evening return to Cusco; drop-off at hotel
Day 3 activity option:
Ollantaytambo – Pinkuylluna
Duration: Approximately 1 – 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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