The Sacred Valley of the Incas unfolds between Cusco and Machu Picchu — a fertile river valley terraced by a civilisation that built in harmony with the mountains. Andean markets spill colour into colonial squares, salt pans cascade down the hillsides, and at every turn there are ruins that hint at the wonder still to come.
We use the valley as the perfect, gentler altitude to acclimatise before the climb to Machu Picchu, basing you in beautiful haciendas and weaving in the textiles, food and living culture of the Quechua people.
Trip highlights
Machu Picchu
The lost city of the Incas, reached by the spectacular train and best seen at first light before the day-trippers arrive.
Ollantaytambo & Pisac
Vast Inca terraces and ruins above traditional towns, with markets full of textiles and colour.
Maras & Moray
The dazzling white salt pans of Maras and the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, an Inca experiment in farming.
A sample journey
A starting point, never a script — every day flexes around how you like to travel.
- Days 1–2
Cusco & the valley
Arrive and descend into the Sacred Valley to acclimatise gently among ruins and markets.
- Day 3
Inca sites
Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray, with time in a weaving village to meet the people behind the textiles.
- Day 4
Machu Picchu
The scenic train to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of the citadel itself.
- Days 5–6
Cusco
Explore the Inca-and-colonial capital before flying onward — Lima, Lake Titicaca or the Amazon all beckon.
When to go
May – Sep
Dry season — clear skies, sunny days and the best conditions for Machu Picchu and walking. Peak months.
Apr & Oct
Shoulder months — greener landscapes and fewer crowds, with a chance of afternoon showers.
