11 Best Sacred Valley Hikes in Peru (Awesome Day Hikes)
The Sacred Valley in Peru is located just north of the Imperial City of Cusco. Only less than an hour away, the Sacred Valley feels like stepping back in time.
The Sacred Valley is known for its sprawling Archaeological Parks with Inca ruins and natural beauty. Home to the Urubamba River, the fertile Urubamba River Valley is picture-perfect with towering snowcapped mountains, streams, waterfalls, and alpine lakes. There is so much beauty, making the Sacred Valley home to epic hiking trails.
The most famous trek in Cusco is the Classic Inca Trail which departs from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. However, there are plenty of awesome day hikes in the Sacred Valley that are overlooked.
As the Sacred Valley is also called the Sacred Valley of the Incas, many of these day hikes include stops at little-visited Inca ruins. In this list find hikes to waterfalls, mountain lakes, and tiny villages.
This hiking guide includes an overview of the incredible hikes in the Sacred Valley. In this guide find what to pack on day hikes and useful safety tips.
These are my favorite day hikes in the Sacred Valley Peru.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, be mindful of constantly changing trail conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley
- What to Pack for Hiking in the Sacred Valley
- Safety Tips for Hiking in Peru’s Sacred Valley
- Conclusion | 11 Best Sacred Valley Day Hikes
11 Best Sacred Valley Hikes
Here are 11 of the best Sacred Valley hikes and the village in the Sacred Valley to access the trailhead.
- Kinsa Cocha Lakes | Pisac
- Chinchero to Urquillos Hike | Chinchero
- Saywa Archaeological Park | Urubamba
- Huchuy Qosqo | Lamay or Chinchero
- Maras Salt Mines | Media Luna (Urubamba)
- Maras to Moray | Media Luna (Urubamba)
- Ñaupa Iglesia | Pachar
- Perolniyoc Waterfall & Raqaypata Ruins | Pachar
- Pumamarca Ruins | Ollantaytambo
- Inti Punku Ollantaytambo | Ollantaytambo
- Short Inca Trail | Ollantaytambo
All of these Sacred Valley hikes are day hikes and can be completed in one day! The hiking trails alone make the Sacred Valley worth a visit!
1 | Kinsa Cocha Lakes
The Kinsa Cocha hike is a stunning natural area located above Pisac village that is home to three scenic alpine lakes. Kinsaqocha translates to three lakes in the Indigenous language of Quechua. Visitors can visit and hike the area around the main lake, Kinsaqocha.
The Kinsa Cocha area is one of the best things to do in Pisac for nature lovers.
The alpine lakes are surrounded by the beautiful Andes Mountains. The land is part of the Paru Paru community and they charge a small fee to access the lakes. The community also has beautiful weavers who sell local handicrafts near the entrance gate.
➜ Kinsa Cocha Pisac Entrance Fee: 3 PEN (75¢ USD)
The lakes are deep in the mountains, so the altitude here is much higher than Pisac. The Kinsa Cocha Lakes elevation starts at around 13,125 ft. (over 4,000 m).
The Kinsa Cocha hike isn’t a direct hiking circuit, but there is a defined trail to enjoy the mountains. The dramatic mountains are the perfect backdrop and showcase alpacas grazing along the lakeshore. Most hikers spend a few hours wandering around Kinsa Cocha and arrive via taxi. This makes Kinsa Cocha a nice half-day trip from Pisac village.
Some hikers may wish to hike uphill to see distant views of Azul Cocha and possibly Puma Cocha. However, it is possible to prearrange a taxi to stop at Azulqocha as well.
How to Get to Kinsa Cocha Pisac
The Kinsa Cocha Lakes are about a 45-minute taxi ride from Pisac Peru. The road is a bumpy mountain road, so it’s best to have a taxi take you to the trailhead where it typically waits for around three hours.
Many of the Pisac accommodations will help arrange a reliable and verified taxi to Kinsa Cocha. If visiting Pisac as a day trip from Cusco, there is not enough time to visit the Pisasc ruins, market, and hike Kinsa Cocha.
For this reason, it’s best to spend at least one night in Pisac.
🚕 Kinsa Cocha Taxi Logistics | Average Fare: 150 PEN for roundtrip fare / up to 5 people can share a taxi
As tourism is rising in this area there are new offerings of Kinsa Cocha homestay possibilities.
Quick Hiking Stats for Kinsa Cocha Hike Day Hike
➤ Difficulty: Moderate, but casual. Altitude is the biggest challenge
➤ LoopTrail: The Kinsa Cocha hike has a loop trail around Kinsaqocha Lake and footpaths to view the lakes
➤ Distance: Varies, but the loop around the main lake of Kinsacocha is under 2 miles
➤ Duration: 3 hours (but can vary due to taxi drivers)
➤ Permit Required: No, but there is a Kinsa Cocha entrance fee of 3 Soles
➤ Guide Required: No
2 | Chinchero to Urquillos Hike
The Chinchero to Urquillos trail is a nice half-day hike from the Chinchero Archaeological Park. It’s best to visit the site of Chinchero without a tour to complete this Sacred Valley hike. Chinchero is included as part of the Cusco Tourist ticket, so you’ll need to purchase either the partial or complete tourist ticket.
It’s best to hike from Chinchero to Urquillos as the trail is completely downhill with a steady descent.
The trailhead for Urquillos is found near the end of the Chinchero Inca terraces close to Waka Chincana. The trail is well-marked with an official red and white signboard labeled “Camino Inca Urquillos.” There is an information board as well.
The Chinchero to Urquillos hike is part of the ancient Inca road system. The downhill trail continues past waterfalls, has tons of incredible viewpoints of the Sacred Valley, and twists through a scenic forest.
There is an option to visit the Poc Poc waterfall, just be mindful that sometimes the trail can be muddy, especially during the rainy season. This trail is also notorious for mudslides, so always be mindful of trail conditions and respect travel advisories.
The trail follows along Inca water canals and meanders right past the main Plaza of Urquillos. After Urquillos, follow along the main car road all the way to the outskirts of Huayllabamba. Cross the Urubamba River where it’s possible to catch a collectivo for any of the villages in the Sacred Valley.
Quick Hiking Stats for Chinchero to Urquillos
➤ Difficulty: Moderate
➤ Point to Point Trail: Chinchero Archaeological Park to Urquillos Village
➤ Distance: 6 miles (9.75 Km)
➤ Average Duration: 2 – 3 hours
➤ Permit Required: No, but the Chinchero ruins are part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket, so you’ll need the entrance ticket to access the trailhead
➤ Guide Required: No
➤ Chinchero to Urquillos Tour Options: This guided hiking tour from Cusco focuses on the Inca Trail hike to Poc Poc Waterfall
3 | Saywa Mountain Urubamba
Saywa is one of the best Sacred Valley hikes found in the overlooked village of Urubamba.
The climb up Saywa Mountain is steep with an ascent of over 3,000 feet. As the trail twists up the mountainside, it boasts some of the best views of the entire Sacred Valley.
On top of Saywa are peculiar two pillars (sukankas). These two pillars are said to be Inca ruins that are possible astronomy markers, however, some theorists say that the pillars are actually Pre-Inca in origin.
The view from the Saywa Sukankas offers 360° views. The towering Chicon mountain sits in the distant backdrop.
The trail to Saywa is narrow and there are newer blazes (red and white rectangles) that have been added for assistance.
Quick Hiking Stats for Saywa Mountain | Saywas Sukankas
➤ Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging due to the steep ascent
➤ Loop Trail: Accessible from Urubamba Plaza de Armas
➤ Distance: 6.5 miles round-trip (10.5 Km)
➤ Average Duration: 5 – 7 hours
➤ Permit Required: No and the ruins are free to visit
➤ Guide Required: No
4 | Huchuy Qosqo Trek from Lamay
Huchuy Qosqo translates to “Little Cusco” and was the palace grounds of the powerful Inca Emperor Viracocha. The Huchuy Qosqo trek is an awesome Sacred Valley hike that sees few visitors.
The Huchuy Qosqo ruins require a small fee to enter, but there are far fewer tourists here than the more popular Inca ruins in Peru. On-site find Inca terraces, a ceremonial fountain, impressive buildings, and a grand entrance gate.
Huchuy Qosqo Admission Fee | S/ 20 ($5.35 USD)
The ruins sit at the top of the hill and have multiple trail routes that lead to the Archaeological Park.
For day hikers the two best options are: Chinchero ➜ Huchuy Qosqo ➜ Lamay or the out-and-back trail from Lamay.
Those starting from Chinchero can follow an Old Inca Trail near Laguna Piuray to reach the Huchuy Qosqo ruins. After exploring the site, follow the steep downhill trail down to Lamay village.
The Lamay out-and-back trail is challenging for its steep and narrow trails.
Past the Grand Entrance Gate of Huchuy Qosqo, there is an option to hike to the outskirts of the small community of Puca Marca. This trail option follows a stream, has a unique Inca doorway, and a small waterfall. This little trail section is one of my favorites in the Sacred Valley.
Quick Hiking Stats for Huchuy Qosqo Trek
➤ Difficulty: Moderately Difficult for the steep trail
➤ Point to Point or Out & Back Trail: Huchuy Qosqo can be an out-and-back trail from Lamay or a point-to-point trail from various locations
➤ Distance: Varies via trail
- Lamay Trail | Out & Back Trail | 7 miles round trip (11.25 Km)
- Chinchero Trail to Lamay | Point to Point Trail | 9.5 miles (15.25 Km)
- Puca Marca Add-On | 3.5 miles round-trip from Huchuy Qosqo (5.75 Km)
➤ Average Duration: 6 – 9 hours depending on the trail and route
➤ Permit Required: No, but Huchuy Qosqo has an entrance fee
➤ Guide Required: No, the Huchuy Qosqo Trek can be hiked independently or with a guided tour.
➤ Huchuy Qosqo Tour Options: Full Day Huchuy Qosqo Guided Trek Option. It’s also popular to combine the Huchuy Cusco Trek with Machu Picchu as a multi-day trek.
5 | Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Salt Mines are interesting salt ponds found in the Sacred Valley. It’s easy to hike to the Salt Mines of Mara from the village of Media Luna. The village of Media Luna is located just down the road from Urubamba.
The trailhead for the Maras Salt Flats begins next to the Restaurant Tunupa in Media Luna. Cross the Urubamba River via the large bridge and head towards the small pueblo of Pichingoto. There are a few scattered trail markers, but the trail is fairly straightforward.
To reach the back entrance at the Maras Salt Mines follow the steep uphill trail. As you climb up the walkway, get those first glimpses of the Sacred Valley Salt Mines.
Continue to the back entrance and pay the entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines. It’s best to carry small bills or exact change to ensure a quick entrance.
Maras Salt Flats Entrance Fee | 10 PEN ($2.75 USD)
Be mindful that it is no longer possible to walk down next to the salt ponds due to pollution.
Quick Hiking Stats for Maras Salt Mines
➤ Difficulty: Easy – Moderate (steep uphill)
➤ Out & Back Trail: Media Luna to the Maras Salt Mines
➤ Average Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip (4 Km)
➤ Average Duration: 2 – 3 hours depending on how long you visit the Maras Salt Mines
➤ Permit Required: No, but there is an entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines
➤ Guide Required: No
➤ Maras Salt Mines Hiking Tours: This local tour visits the Salt Mines and offers a chance to hike to a nearby village.
6 | Maras Salt Mines to Moray Inca Ruins
One of the best Sacred Valley hikes is combining the Maras Salt Mines with the Moray Inca Ruins.
Once at the Maras Salt Mines, walk out the front entrance and head towards Maras village. The trail from the salt mines to Maras is not well-marked but is quite easy to follow with an offline map.
Walk through town and head towards the restaurant complex that houses Mama Mecha. Near here you’ll be able to see the official trailhead from Maras to the Moray Inca ruins. This section of the trail is marked with red and white arrows.
The hiking trail from Maras to Moray is a mostly flat path with a gradual ascent. In the distance, it’s possible to spot the Paqalla Moqo ruins. Stop and visit or continue along on the main trail. The path eventually leads to the main entrance gate of Moray Archaeological Park.
The Moray Inca ruins are included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket. In order to access this Sacred Valley attraction you’ll need the full or partial Cuscou Tourist Ticket.
Quick Stats for Maras to Moray Hike
➤ Difficulty: Moderate
➤ Point to Point Trail: Starts in Media Luna and finishes at the Moray Archaeological Park
➤ Distance: 7 miles (11.25 Km)
➤ Duration: 3 – 6 hours depending on how long you visit each site
➤ Permit Required: No, but there are two separate entrance fees for both the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Inca Ruins
➤ Guide Required: No
➤ Maras and Moray Tour Options: If looking for a different way to visit both these places in the Sacred Valley, check out this bike tour. Another popular way to visit is via an ATV Tour
7 | Ñaupa Iglesia
Ñaupa Iglesia is a unique Inca site that is built into a large cave and is free to visit.
In Pachar, cross the Urubamba River and head towards the right. The path to Ñaupa Iglesia follows alongside the road and runs parallel to the railroad tracks. Be mindful that the railroad tracks are still active, so don’t walk on the actual tracks.
Eventually, cross the tracks to see Ñaupa Iglesia built seamlessly into a large cave. Ñaupa Iglesia is a complete mystery. Even the name is a mixture of both Quechua and Spanish languages. Ñaupa Iglesia translates to “Old Church.”
The most peculiar things here are the intricately chiseled black altar and the perfect square carved into the wall. Some people say that Ñaupa Iglesia is a portal to another dimension.
The cave doesn’t take long to explore and there are a few ruins outside of the cave. The site is surrounded by Inca terraces.
Ñaupa Iglesia is a fantastic hike in the Sacred Valley that can be combined with the Perolniyoc Waterfall. These attractions in the Sacred Valley are accessible from the small village of Pachar, which is close to Ollantaytambo.
If looking to visit Ollantaytambo before or after Ñaupa Iglesia, it’s possible to walk this Inca Road that connects Pachar and Ollantaytambo.
Quick Hiking Stats for Ñaupa Iglesia | Choquequilla
➤ Difficulty: Easy
➤ Out & Back Trail: Starts and Ends in Pachar
➤ Distance: 3 miles roundtrip (5 Km)
➤ Duration: 2-3 hours
➤ Permit Required: No
➤ Guide Required: No
8 | Perolniyoc Waterfall
Perolniyoc Waterfall is an awesome hike that can be combined with Ñaupa Iglesia. If visiting Ñaupa Iglesia and hiking to the top of Perolniyoc Waterfalls, this will be a full-day hike.
Alternatively, if looking to save time, the trailhead starts from the village of Soqma. From Ñaupa Iglesia, follow the railroad tracks for about 40 minutes before arriving at Soqma.
In Soqma, walk through the village to reach the trailhead up to Perolniyoc Waterfall. From Soqma, the trail ascent is well over 3,350 feet. The waterfall is surrounded by a lovely green forest. This is a great place to rest and then continue uphill to the Inca ruins at the top of the falls.
This area is the Raqaypata Archaeological Park and is free to visit.
The Raqaypata Archaeological Park is built on top of the cliff of the Perolniyoc Waterfall at an altitude of almost 12,000 feet. Due to the altitude, this area offers some of the best views of the Sacred Valley.
Quick Hiking Stats for Perolniyoc Waterfall from Soqma
➤ Difficulty: Moderately Challenging due to the ascent and altitude
➤ Out & Back Trail: Starts and Ends in Soqma
➤ Distance: 4.25 miles (7 Km)
Note, If walking from Pachar, plan on adding an extra 3 miles each way or 6 miles for the day (9.75 Km) and at least an additional 3 hours
➤ Duration: 4 – 5 hours with stops at Perolynioc Waterfall and Raqaypata ruins
➤ Permit Required: No
➤ Guide Required: No
➤ Perolniyoc Waterfall Tour Option: Full-Day Guided Tour to Perolniyoc Waterfall and the Ruins
9 | Pumamarca Ruins
The Pumamarca ruins are a fantastic half-day hike in the Sacred Valley. Reach the trailhead from one of the most picturesque South American villages, Ollantaytambo.
The trailhead to Pumamarca is a breeze to walk to from the main Plaza de Armas in Ollantaytambo Peru. Exit the plaza and follow along the scenic Patacancha River
Follow the trail until you reach a road. Cross the road and look for the yellow house, which is the official trailhead to the Pumamarca ruins. The trail starts with views of impressive Inca terraces. The trail to Pumamarca is incredibly scenic with views of the entire Patacancha Valley below.
The Pumamarca trail twists through a small forest and then opens up and follows part of the Old Inca water canals. The hiking path ends at the Pumamarca ruins.
The Pumamarca Archaeological Park has a small entrance fee that helps support the nearby communities.
Pumamaraca Archaeological Site Entrance Fee: 10 PEN ($2.75 USD)
It is said that Pumamarca was built by the Wari Civilization, a Pre- Inca civilization. The Incas acquired this place, which explains the fusion of two different building techniques. Pumamarca is said to be built to resemble the sacred animal of the Puma.
Quick Hiking Stats for Pumamarca Hike
➤ Difficulty: Moderate
➤ Out & Back Trail: Starts and ends in Ollantaytambo village
➤ Distance: 8.5 miles round-trip (13.75 Km)
➤ Duration: +/- 5 hours
➤ Permit Required: No, but the Pumamarca entrance ticket is 10 Soles ($2.75 USD)
➤ Guide Required: No
➤ Pumamarca Tour Option: Full-Day Private Pumamarca Hike
10 | Inti Punku Ollantaytambo
The incredible Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo, or Inti Punku, is hands down one of my favorite Sacred Valley hikes.
The trail crosses the Inka bridge over the Urubamba River and follows the Old Inca Quarry trails. As the trail climbs up the hill, you witness the stone quarries that were used to build some of the most memorable Inca sites in Peru.
The views along the Inca Quarry Trail are stunning, and Apu Veronica is the perfect backdrop. The trail twists up the mountainside and there is another small set of ruins. Finally, the lone Sun Gate appears, one gate that looks so next to the mighty Andes.
The Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, in Ollantaytambo, has no entrance fee. Please note that the Machu Picchu Sun Gate is completely different from the Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo.
Quick Stats for Hiking the Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo
➤ Difficulty: Difficult and Challenging due to the elevation
➤ Out & Back Trail: Ollantaytambo Peru
➤ Distance: 10.5 miles round-trip (17 Km)
➤ Duration: 7-9 hours
➤ Permit Required: No
➤ Guide Required: No
➤ Inti Punku Tour: Full Day Inti Punku Hike or try a unique multi-day trek along the Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
11 | Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The most popular Trek in Cusco is the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Classic Inca Trail is typically 4 days, but if you don’t have time on your Cusco itinerary, there is a great one-day Short Inca Trail tour.
The Short Inca Trail starts at the 104 Km marker on the Inca Trail and enters Machu Picchu from the Machu Picchu Sun Gate. The Short Inca Trail is becoming more and more popular. Since this full-day hike follows the official Inca Trail, a guide and a permit are required.
Although the hiking aspect is one day, most Short Inca Trail Tours are 2 days. This allows ample time to visit Machu Picchu.
The guides lead you through the most famous landmark in Peru, Machu Picchu. Depending on the tour, it’s possible to stay in Aguas Calientes or head back to the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
There are plenty of things to do in Aguas Calientes besides Machu Picchu.
Quick Stats for Hiking Short Inca Trail
➤ Difficulty: Moderate
➤ Point to Point Trail: KM 104 to Inti Punku Machu Picchu
➤ Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 Km)
➤ Duration: +/- 6 hours of hiking
➤ Permit Required: Yes, only 500 per day are issued for the Inca Trail
➤ Guide Required: Yes
➤ Short Inca Trail Tours: This is a highly-rated 2-Day Short Inca Trail Hiking Tour
What to Pack for Hiking in the Sacred Valley
When heading out on a day trek, it’s essential to carry the proper hiking gear. While all of these Sacred Valley hikes are day hikes, it’s important to never be under-prepared. Never underestimate the power of the mountains.
Never leave for ANY hike without a well-stocked first-aid kit, a few emergency blankets, a headlamp, a whistle, offline maps downloaded, power banks for electronics, and a reliable water filter. A lightweight refillable water bottle is essential. These items were always in my daypack in Peru.
Make sure to carry plenty of food and water. Day hikers should have at least 2 Liters of water and a water filter. This is a nice extra collapsible water bottle to cut back on plastic use. Chocolate and nuts are easy to find in any marketplace. Cocoa leaves can be chewed to help relieve altitude sickness.
For day hikes in Peru, I carried my Osprey Daylite backpack with the Daylite Plus offering a little more room. However, if you have lots of layers, an Osprey Kyte 36 L is a good backpack option.
For trekking in the Andes, it’s super important to dress in layers. A lightweight rain jacket is a good idea. Sometimes, I carried an extra pair of Smartwool Hiking Socks. At the top of the mountains, I would typically wear a fleece or jacket, especially while I was resting or snacking.
Good hiking shoes with ankle support are one of the most important things to wear. I swear by Salomon’s hiking boots. I also really love these supportive TX4 Approach Shoes by La Sportiva (but may not offer enough ankle support for some).
Trekking poles come in handy not only for hiking but also to help ward off aggressive dogs.
For more ideas on clothing options in the Andes, here’s my Peru packing list. I utilized this extensive packing list while trekking near Cusco and beyond. This packing list was used for my treks through the Colca Canyon, the Ausangate Trek, and the Choquequirao ruins.
Safety Tips for Hiking in Peru’s Sacred Valley
The most important thing when hiking in the Sacred Valley is to be prepared and safe. Here are some useful safety tips to follow when planning for any of these Sacred Valley hikes.
Altitude Sickness & Acclimation in Cusco Region
It’s so important to not underestimate the power of the Andes Mountains and the altitude in Cusco. The Sacred Valley is at a lower altitude than Cusco(11,152 feet), but that doesn’t mean you still can’t get altitude sickness.
The Sacred Valley is typically around 9,000 to 10,000 feet altitude between the main villages. Ollantaytambo village is at an elevation of 9,160 ft. at one end of the Sacred Valley and Pisac village is 9,751 feet at the opposite end of the Valley.
The most important thing when trekking in the Andes Mountains is to be properly acclimated. Altitude sickness can be deadly.
If planning on attempting any of these Sacred Valley hikes, spend at least a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley acclimating. Don’t arrive at Cusco or Urubamba with the intent to hike immediately. Rest a few days to see how your body acclimates to the altitude.
This Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary is a great place to start planning a trip to Peru.
Tips for Altitude Sickness in the Cusco Region
In Peru, altitude sickness is known as “Soroche,” which may come in handy if heading to a local pharmacy or “Botica.” Altitude sickness symptoms may be mild to rather extreme. Altitude sickness symptoms can vary per person. Typical symptoms of altitude sickness can include dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, shortness of breath, nausea, and in extreme cases, death.
Altitude sickness can be treated with the local remedy of coca leaves. Coca leaves can be found at all of the Cusco and Sacred Valley markets. To use, either, chew coca leaves, steep them in tea, or pick up altitude sickness pills over the counter from the pharmacy.
Be mindful that in the Sacred Valley, there are no major hospitals. All of the major medical facilities are found in Cusco.
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
When is the Best Time to Trek in Cusco Peru?
Cusco has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry. Usually, the best months for hiking in the Cusco region are during the dry season. The dry season in Cusco typically runs between the months of May to October.
With the dry season, water can be more scarce, and oftentimes the locals do controlled burns. The controlled burns cause the air quality to be significantly worse and sometimes these fires can spread beyond containment.
Throughout the rainy season in Cusco, many of the hiking trails can be extremely muddy and not as enjoyable. Stone pathways are slippery and dangerous. Also, the saturated Earth is more susceptible to dangerous landslides and rockslides. The famous Inca Trail closes down in February.
No matter the season, at these high altitudes, the weather in the Andes Mountains can be wild, volatile, and can change in an instant. In one hour, it’s possible to cycle through every single season in the mountains. Plan, prepare, and pack accordingly.
Trekking Tours vs. Independently Hiking in Cusco Region
Except for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, all of the Sacred Valley hikes can be done independently, without a tour. The Andes Mountains are dynamic, so always respect the power of the mountains and keep in mind your physical abilities and limitations.
The unpredictability of the weather and landscape is always a risk. Additionally, add on the extreme altitude of the Cusco region. These risks make the Andes Mountains not a great or ideal place for “first-time hikers” to go out and explore on their own. Even experienced hikers should never hike alone.
Booking an organized tour allows hikers more peace of mind, support, and oftentimes assistance with providing essential gear and assisting carrying gear. Tours also get you directly to the trailhead. Please support companies that treat Porters with respect and kindness and handlers that treat their animals well.
Hiking independently is incredibly rewarding, but always come with risks.
Never Hike Alone
The Andes Mountains can be extremely remote, isolated, and dynamic. Even experienced hikers should avoid venturing out into the mountains alone, especially on multi-day Cusco treks. Besides things like drastic changes in weather and unpredictable landscapes, simple injuries can be life-threatening.
Day hikes should be taken just as seriously as a multiday trek.
Sadly, hikers go missing each year in Peru. Make sure to be properly prepared, hike with a group or tour group, let friends and family know your planned trekking route, stay on the trails, and carry the proper gear.
☛ If seeking a hiking buddy, put out a request in the useful Hike Club Cusco Facebook Group, which also has an engaging community with up-to-date trail information
Leave No Trace
Always respect the mountains by following a “leave no trace” philosophy. This means packing out everything you bring, staying on the designated trails, and carrying out or burying all natural human waste.
The mountains in Peru offer so much healing and beauty, we should respect Mother Nature by leaving her better than we found her.
Conclusion | 11 Best Sacred Valley Day Hikes
In short, these are some of the most epic and best Sacred Valley hikes. These hikes can be completed in one day and start in the Sacred Valley of Peru. These Sacred Valley hikes lead to overlooked Inca ruins, and beautiful lakes, and twist through the incredible Andes Mountains.
One of the most important factors when it comes to hiking in Peru is to be properly acclimated. Additionally, never hike alone and carry the proper gear. When it comes to hiking in the Cusco region, safety is the most crucial aspect.
Have you done any of these top-rated Sacred Valley hikes? I hope this Sacred Valley hiking guide was helpful! Are there any updates I should know about on any of these Sacred Valley trails? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
