Explora Valle Sagrado – Peru
Surrounded by Andean peaks, ancient Inca terraces, and some of Peru’s most extraordinary landscapes, Explora Valle Sagrado is designed to connect you with nature and the rich local culture. It is also perfectly located for exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu, and a wealth of other historic sites. It blends local materials with contemporary architecture – making it feel part of the landscape, and delivers refined luxury, superlative guiding and cultural immersion, all things for which the Explora brand is synonymous.
Spend your days on remote mountain trails, visiting ancient Inca ruins, and your evenings dining on exceptional local cuisine and some of the continent’s finest wines.
At A Glance
Luxury Lodge
Why We Love It:
For its cool design and authentic, immersive experiences.Style:
Contemporary hacienda luxe.Location:
High in the Urubamba range, between Pisac and Ollantaytambo – a 90 minute transfer from Cusco airport.Rooms:
50 chic rooms and suites with views over plantations and mountains.Swimming:
An outdoor heated pool in the Pumacahua Bath House Spa.Children:
Families are made very welcome here.Accessibility:
One of the rooms is adapted for guests with limited mobility.Price:
Available on requestrooms
The rooms and suites are all understated luxury, and very spacious. With honey coloured wood panels, large picture windows looking out over corn fields and the sacred valley, they are luxurious sanctuaries. They can all fit in an extra bed or cot for a child, and each bathroom has a jetted bathtub, ideal after a long day’s hike.
food
Described as a culinary journey through the Peruvian Andes and the Sacred Valley, the food here is a delicious mix of traditional recipes and contemporary cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients and herbs. Full day excursions are sent off with beautifully prepared picnics, eaten in dramatic settings or archaeological sites. And naturally, the lodge has a very impressive wine cellar.
activities
At just under 3,000m above sea level, Explora Valle Sagrado is an ideal location for acclimatising before visiting Cusco or Machu Picchu, that both sit at a higher altitude. The lodge is also well located for visiting many of the other historic sites in the region, with many excursions exploring beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. There are more than 35 activities and itineraries from which to choose, all of which are tailor made to suit fitness levels and interests.
There are guided treks through archaeological sites; excursions following the footsteps of the Incas, on two feet or on a mountain bike; walks through remote communities, and whitewater rafting down the swirling Urubamba River. And for some not so high-octane activities, then the beautifully restored 17th century Pumacahua House, is home to the Spa, where you can enjoy some of the best massages we’ve come across, or a gentle hot tub session looking up to the mountains.
family
For families who love adventure, active travel and culture, the all-inclusive nature and immersive experiences here make it an ideal place to stay. The vast choice of activities can be tailor made to suit individual families, although we’d recommend the lodge for those with older children.
sustainability
Fully carbon neutral, the lodge is a certified B Corp property. Built using local materials and blending in with its natural surroundings, it has low energy and waste management systems in place. There’s also a strong focus on working with the local community to preserve the area’s culture, flora and fauna.
Location
Explora Valle Sagrado
High in the Urubamba range, between Pisac and Ollantaytambo – a 90 minute transfer from Cusco airport.
