Classic Sacred Valley Expedition

The Heart of the Inca Empire

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and profound history of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This bespoke private expedition is designed with ultimate flexibility in mind: whether you are staying in the high altitude of Cusco or relaxing in a boutique lodge down in the Valley, your private driver and expert guide will seamlessly begin your journey from your doorstep.

Accompanied by the notoriously mild and friendly weather of the Valley, you will explore the region's most spectacular architectural and agricultural triumphs. Witness thousands of gleaming salt pools terraced into the mountainside at Maras, decode the ancient agricultural experiments at the circular terraces of Moray, and step back in time in Ollantaytambo—a living Inca town dominated by a colossal stone fortress. This is a journey through a living museum, paced entirely to your desires.

Expedition Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

The Living Museum Route

Average Altitude: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft

1. Tailored Departure

Your private driver and guide will greet you at the lobby of your chosen hotel (either in Cusco or the Sacred Valley). As we drive towards the valley, you will be surrounded by spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and endless patchwork fields, setting the tone for an unforgettable day.

2. The Andean Town of Maras & Salt Mines

We first arrive at the charming, narrow streets of Maras, known for its adobe buildings and historic church. Just outside the town lies a surreal sight: thousands of terraced salt pools (Salineras) cascading down the canyon. Your guide will explain the fascinating process of collecting the salt, the different varieties harvested, and their unique beneficial properties.

3. Moray's Agricultural Laboratory

A short scenic drive takes us to Moray. Here, the Incas carved massive, perfect circles into the earth. Your historian guide will reveal how these terraces created microclimates—with significant temperature differences between the top and bottom—allowing the Incas to experiment with and acclimatize crops from across the empire.

4. Exclusive Andean Lunch

To break up the day, we will stop at one of the finest countryside restaurants in the Sacred Valley. Here, you will enjoy a delicious, included lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the rich culinary heritage of the Andes.

5. The Fortress of Ollantaytambo

In the afternoon, we explore the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo. You will walk through trademark stone streets that are too narrow for cars, observing centuries-old adobe architecture. We will then ascend the imposing archaeological complex that watches over the town, admiring the colossal stone monoliths and learning about its strategic and religious significance.

6. Seamless Return

As the late afternoon sun paints the valley in golden hues, your private driver will escort you safely back to your hotel, leaving you to relax and reflect on a magnificent day.

Inclusions & Prices