Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

The Best Outdoor Activities in The Sacred Valley

The Best Outdoor Activities in The Sacred Valley

4MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-09-07

If you’re a thrill seeker looking for some heart-pumping adventure, look no further than the Sacred Valley. This historical river valley is about 15km north of Cusco and should be on every adventure-lovers list when traveling to Peru. With glorious countryside and excellent outdoor activities, here is our pick for an adrenalin-filled adventure in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.  A visit to Peru gives chances to engage with locals in meaningful ways. In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you can gain more significant insights into the nation’s unique Inca past as you enjoy the many different adventure activities; here is our pick.

 

Peru is top of the list for adventure activities in South America. There are so many epic adventurous things to do in Peru you will have problems trying to narrow them down to fit into the timescale of your Peru adventure tours. From trekking the Lares trek to Machu Picchu to ziplining in the cloud forests, Peru´s Sacred Valley is an adrenaline-pumping ride and a half!

Hiking Trip

Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu will be on your bucket list if you plan a trip to Peru. The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America and one of the top five treks in the world. Be enthralled by stunning mountain scenery, mysterious cloud forests, jungle terrain and ancient Incan architecture. Walk in the footsteps of The Incas along this old Inca highway and reconnect with history and your senses along this magnificent route.

 

The Incas built nearly 40,000 thousand kilometers of trails to connect all parts of their territory that used to go from Ecuador to Chile. The Qapaq Ñan is the road network of which, The Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour is the most famous. Today thousands of people hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu each year making it one of the most iconic treks on the globe!

Runkurakay along The Inca Trail

Zip Lining

With no experience required, you can summit a picturesque mountain in the morning and zip back down in time for dinner. In the Sacred Valley, they use Ferrata (a path used to climb a mountain with a safety system permanently installed), allowing non-experienced climbers to pass through the mountain scenery with minimal equipment. Coming down is the fun part. Seven zip lines covering 2800 meters will give you the experience of flying through the stunning Sacred Valley. Stay several meters high in a completely transparent hotel while safely appreciating the breathtaking views of the magical Sacred Valley at the Sky lodge suites.

 

On a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco, you can find adrenalin-filled ziplines that allow you to view the Sacred Valley of The Incas from a new perspective. over the course of 6 lines, you can fly across the Sacred Valley and reach supersonic speeds before seeing the signal to brake from the other end. On each line, a guide sends and receives you, but otherwise you you are flying entirely alone as you move through the air.

Zipline Across The Sacred Valley

Mountain Biking

Experience the Sacred Valley at a slower pace with off-road mountain biking. Cycle your way through native plantations, spectacular Andean landscapes, high-elevation lakes, snow-capped peaks and traditional local villages. You’ll reach high altitudes, so prior acclimatization is a must, but every peddle will be worth seeing the Sacred Valley from a completely different perspective and with the wind in your hair.

 

A Sacred Valley Mountain Biking Tour, is an experience for all people who like cross-country on a bike. When you travel to Cusco Peru the sacred valley is just 1 hour away from action-packed adventures. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful Andean landscapes, and observe the local inhabitants farming their lands. Likewise, you will learn all about the culture of the people of the Sacred Valley for a cycle ride with a difference.

Mountain Biking near Piuray Lake

Trekking The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is blessed with numerous spectacular hiking trails. If you love hiking, llamas and mountain-top views, Huchuy Qosqo is for you. n ancient Incan archaeological site suspended on a cliff over the Sacred Valley. You’ll pass an array of local flora, and fauna en route, plus have the opportunity to see llamas in their natural habitat.  Or the Pumamarca Trek. Make this trek as hard or easy as you need. Weave your way through incredible Inca terrain, stop by a famous weaving community and rest at a picture-perfect picnic spot for lunch, and be sure to keep an eye out for all the unknown but impressive ruins hidden in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

 

If you’re looking for a spectacular day hike from Cusco, the Huchuy Qosqo trek should be top of your list! This trail brings you to the rarely visited Huchuy Qosqo ruins and features unbelievable views of snow-capped mountains far in the distance. The route covers 6 km / 10 miles with some ascents and descents along the way making it excellent for acclimatizing to the altitude on your Cusco tours and to prepare for a longer trek.

Huchuy Qosqo

White Water rafting

Get ready to paddle down the river. Start high in the Andean Mountain ranges along the Vilcanota River and encounter some spectacular scenery as the white waters plunge into the lush canyons of the upper Amazon. This country has some of the best white-water rivers in the world, and Cusco is most definitely the rafting capital of Peru. All the rain that falls on the high mountains of the Andes has to escape somewhere. And you can join it on its journey to the ocean, on the rivers of The Sacred Valley. 

 

Sacred Valley rafting tours usually feature Class II, Class III, and Class IV rapids, depending on the time of year. The Sacred Valley offers plenty of opportunities for whitewater rafting, combined with archaeological site visits, trekking tours, and biking. Cusco adventure tours are sure to be a highlight of your Peru vacation packages.

White Water Rafting

SUP (Stand-up Paddleboard)

The incredible and peaceful Andean scenery around Piuray lake is ideal for a yoga session on a paddle board in the middle of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Soak up the majesty of the Andes on the mirror-calm, crystal-clear waters of Piuray Lagoon, located at a breathtaking 3500m (11,269 feet) elevation! The lake is on the way to Chinchero from Cusco city. A unique and unforgettable experience in The Sacred Valley.

 

Stand Up Paddle in Cusco is quite possibly the highest SUP in the world! SUP in Peru is nothing new. 3000 years ago Peruvian fishermen were riding the waves on small reed tables known as “Caballos de Totora”. These were the origins of stand-up paddleboarding in Peru and in fact the whole world. Head out to Huaypo Lake on your Cusco tours and into the Sacred Valley!

SUP, Lake Piuray

 

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