Autor: Natura Vive

When travelers begin researching luxury experiential hospitality in Cusco, the search almost always leads to a single, iconic destination: Natura Vive. Hanging dramatically over the Urubamba River in Pachar, these cliffside sanctuaries have redefined South American travel, moving hospitality off the valley floor and directly into the clouds.

However, once you decide to step off the traditional tourist path, you are faced with a pivotal choice. Natura Vive offers two distinct high-altitude luxury concepts: the world-famous Skylodge Adventure Suites and the serene Starlodge Adventure Suites.

Planning your first journey to the Peruvian Andes is an exhilarating milestone. Most travelers land in the imperial city of Cusco expecting a straightforward itinerary: spend a few days touring colonial plazas, take a train ride through the mountains, and snap a classic photo at Machu Picchu.

Planning a trip to the high Andes of Peru is one of the most thrilling travel experiences on Earth. From walking the ancient cobblestone streets of Cusco and exploring the agricultural terraces of the Sacred Valley to taking on world-class mountain adventures, this region offers an extraordinary mix of history, culture, and high-altitude excitement.

However, preparing for this journey presents a unique logistical challenge: the Andean climate is famous for dramatic shifts.

When affluent couples from North America and Europe begin designing a journey to South America, their initial vision often looks similar: a colonial boutique hotel in Cusco’s historic center, a scenic train ride through the Andes, and a guided morning walking tour of Machu Picchu. While undeniably classic, this traditional luxury playbook misses a profound shift happening in modern high-end travel.

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.