For decades, the Sacred Valley of the Incas was treated as a mere waiting room for Machu Picchu—a scenic valley to drive through on the way to the famous train station at Ollantaytambo. However, global travel priorities have shifted dramatically. Today’s discerning explorers realize that this fertile, high-altitude sanctuary holds the true heart, soul, and living culture of the Incan Empire.
Stretching along the Urubamba River beneath towering Andean peaks (Apus), the Sacred Valley offers ideal lower altitudes, pristine microclimates, ancestral engineering marvels, and world-class luxury adventures. If you want to experience Peru beyond the crowded postcard spots, here are the 10 best things to do in the Sacred Valley that will turn a simple vacation into an unforgettable journey.
1. Sleep Hanging Off a Cliff at Skylodge Adventure Suites
If you want to completely redefine your concept of hospitality, Natura Vive’s Skylodge Adventure Suites is the undisputed crown jewel of Sacred Valley experiences. Perched an astonishing 400 meters (1,200 feet) above the valley floor in Pachar, these transparent, aerospace-grade hanging pods offer a 300-degree view of the Andean canyon.
Reaching your suite is half the magic: you ascend the granite cliff via a secure Via Ferrata (iron climbing path) or hike a dramatic mountain trail. At the top, you are treated to a four-course gourmet dinner paired with fine wine, served inside your glass capsule under a blanket of shooting stars. For travelers who crave high-octane adventure balanced with luxury isolation, sleeping in the clouds is an absolute bucket-list priority.
2. Soak in Cliffside Hot Tubs at Starlodge Adventure Suites
For those who prefer deep physical restoration and high-altitude wellness over extreme verticality, Starlodge Adventure Suites offers a serene retreat on the very same mountain face. Situated lower on the cliff, Starlodge combines rustic wooden design with maximum comfort.
The undeniable highlight here is the collection of outdoor cliffside hot tubs. Heated to perfection and sitting on open platforms above the valley floor, these tubs allow you to soak while crisp mountain air brushes your face. In Andean mythology, water (Unu) is a sacred cleansing element. Soaking under the Milky Way with zero light pollution, while the river roars below, provides a level of peace no traditional hotel spa could ever duplicate.
3. Explore the Living Incan Town of Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is not just a archaeological park; it is the only remaining town from the Incan era where locals still live in original 15th-century stone dwellings (canchas). Wandering its narrow stone alleys feels like stepping directly backward through time.
Dominating the town is the massive Ollantaytambo Fortress, a staggering array of terraced stonework where Incan forces won a rare, historic victory over Spanish conquistadors. Climb the stone steps to the unfinished Temple of the Sun at the top for an incredible view of the converging valleys.
4. Fly Across the Canyon on a 7-Cable Zipline
For travelers looking for an extra surge of adrenaline, soaring across the Sacred Valley floor is unmatched. Located at the Natura Vive base, our Zipline Circuit features 7 high-flying cables ranging from 150 to 700 meters, totaling nearly 3,000 meters of aerial flight.
Stepping off the cliff platform and gliding high above the trees gives you the exact perspective of an Andean condor. It serves as the ultimate high-energy descent after climbing the Via Ferrata or staying overnight in our cliffside suites.
5. Decode the Incan Agricultural Laboratory at Moray
From above, Moray looks like a giant, alien amphitheater etched into a high plateau. In reality, it was one of the most sophisticated agricultural research stations of the ancient world.
The Incas built these concentric circular terraces to create artificial microclimates. The depth, design, and orientation to the sun produce a temperature differential of up to 15°C (27°F) between the top and bottom rings. This allowed ancient agronomists to hybridize wild crops—including hundreds of varieties of potatoes and maize—adapting them to survive different ecological zones across the empire.
6. Marvel at the White Geometry of Maras Salt Mines
Located just a short distance from Moray, the Salineras de Maras present one of the most visually stunning landscapes in South America. Thousands of terraced, snow-white salt pans step down a narrow canyon, fed by a single subterranean warm spring carrying high concentrations of salt.
Local families have hand-harvested salt here using ancient evaporation techniques since pre-Incan times. Today, you can observe the intricate water-channeling system from panoramic viewpoints and buy artisanal Sal de Maras—pink mountain salt prized by top international chefs.
7. Discover the Textile Arts and Ruins of Pisac
The village of Pisac offers a double delight for cultural enthusiasts:
- The Pisac Ruins: Sprawled dramatically along a razor-thin ridge high above the town, this complex rivals Machu Picchu in stonework precision. It includes ancient residential quarters, military barracks, ceremonial temples, and terraces clinging to sheer drops.
- The Traditional Market: On the valley floor, Pisac’s central square fills with local artisans selling hand-woven alpaca garments, intricate silver jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and traditional musical instruments.
8. Savor High-Altitude Andean Gastronomy
The Sacred Valley has rapidly transformed into South America’s premier epicenter for agricultural fine dining. Because the valley yields incredible native ingredients— heirloom corn, high-altitude tubers, medicinal herbs, and fresh river trout—world-renowned chefs have set up culinary centers here.
Dining in the valley is a lesson in biodiversity. Whether you are sampling native potato varieties cooked in an earth oven (Pachamanca) or experiencing multi-course tasting menus inspired by local ecosystems, your palate will experience the rich heritage of the Andes.
9. Hike to the Emerald Waters of Laguna Killarumiyoc or Chinchero
For avid hikers, the Sacred Valley offers endless trails that bypass the crowded tourist routes. A visit to Chinchero—famous for its colonial church built over Incan palace walls and its vibrant women’s weaving cooperatives—serves as the gateway to ancient Incan trails (Qhapaq Ñan).
Hiking from the heights of Chinchero down through the canyon to Urquillos takes you past hidden waterfalls, ancient stone steps, and quiet agricultural fields where life moves at the same tranquil pace it has for centuries.
10. Star-Gaze the Southern Skies in Absolute Silence
Because the Sacred Valley is shielded from urban light pollution by massive granite mountain walls, its night skies are remarkably clear—especially during the dry winter months from May to September.
In Andean cosmology, the Incas did not just connect bright stars to form constellations; they recognized «dark constellations»—the dark dust clouds within the Milky Way, such as the Yacana (Llama) and the Amaru (Serpent). Sitting quietly at night in the valley, watching the Milky Way stretch from peak to peak, offers a profound spiritual grounding that stays with you forever.
Comparative guide to key Sacred Valley experiences
| Experience | Ideal For | Key Highlight | Best Time of Day |
| Skylodge Suites | Thrill-seekers, luxury lovers | 400m high glass pod overnight stay | Sunset & Overnight |
| Starlodge Hot Tubs | Wellness travelers, couples | Cliffside wooden hot tubs | Late Afternoon / Night |
| Ollantaytambo | History buffs, photographers | Living Incan town & stone fortress | Early Morning |
| Moray & Maras | Culture enthusiasts, photographers | Concentric terraces & pink salt pans | Mid-Day |
| Zipline Circuit | Active travelers, families | 3,000m of soaring canyon flight | Morning |
How to plan Your Sacred Valley Itinerary
To get the most out of your time in the Sacred Valley, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Start Here First (Altitude Strategy): Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), whereas the Sacred Valley averages 2,800 meters (9,180 feet). Heading directly from the Cusco airport to the Sacred Valley helps your body acclimatize smoothly, preventing altitude sickness.
- Book Unique Stays Early: Bucket-list accommodations like Natura Vive’s Skylodge and Starlodge operate with strict capacity limits to guarantee safety, quiet, and exclusivity. Spaces sell out 6 to 12 months in advance.
- Pack for Two Climates: Days in the valley are sunny, warm, and clear, while nights drop quickly toward freezing. Bring light, breathable layers for hiking during the day and warm fleece or down jackets for the evening.
Elevate your Journey Beyond the Standard path
Machu Picchu will always hold its place in history, but the true magic of Peru lies in the vibrant, quiet, and thrilling spaces that surround it. The Sacred Valley is not a place to pass through—it is a destination to be felt, climbed, and lived.
Whether you are walking through the living stone streets of Ollantaytambo, soaking in a hot tub on a granite wall, or sleeping in a glass capsule hanging directly over the abyss, stepping off the beaten path will yield the greatest rewards of your journey.
Ready to experience the ultimate Sacred Valley adventure? Secure your place in the sky, climb the cliff face, or relax in our cliffside hot tubs. Visit the official Natura Vive Web to check live availability and reserve your escape today.
