Destinations / Peru (Cusco & Sacred Valley)

Peru (Cusco & Sacred Valley)

1 itinerary · 0 open departures · 0 missions

Cusco and the Sacred Valley sit in the Peruvian Andes at elevations ranging from around 2,800 to 3,400 metres, forming the historic heartland of the Inca Empire. Cusco itself is a UNESCO World Heritage city layered with Inca stonework beneath Spanish colonial architecture, while the Sacred Valley — the fertile stretch of the Urubamba River between Pisac and Ollantaytambo — is dotted with ancient ruins, terraced hillsides, and traditional Quechua communities. The region is the primary gateway to Machu Picchu, drawing travellers from around the world to hike the Inca Trail, explore archaeological sites, and experience Andean culture firsthand. Beyond the iconic ruins, visitors come for high-altitude trekking, colourful local markets, and immersive encounters with one of South America's most enduring living cultures.

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£1,995 retail with Much Better Adventures → £607 self-launched

Peru (Cusco & Sacred Valley) · 9 days

Copycat

Self-Launched Hike, Cycle & Raft to Machu Picchu

A self-launched, do-it-yourself version of Much Better Adventures' 9-day multi-activity Andean trip: raft the Class II-IV rapids of the Rio Vilcanota, cycle the Quechua farmlands of the Sacred Valley, paddleboard Lake Huaypo, hike the one-day Royal Inca Trail from KM104 through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu, and trek the uncrowded Palcoyo rainbow mountains before a night under the Milky Way at Lake Pomacanchi. Instead of private transfers and a group guide, you'll use collectivos, local buses, the PeruRail/Inca Rail train and self-booked activity operators (all available via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct with Cusco-based outfitters). Budget guesthouses and a hostel/operator campsite replace the tour hotels. Costs are approximate backpacker/mid-budget rates in GBP and exclude international flights. You must book Machu Picchu permits and the KM104 Inca Trail entry yourself, well in advance.

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Travel Crew

~£607

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