Visit Machu Picchu And The Sacred Valley In Peru For Interesting Discoveries
We were excited to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Peru. After our Galapagos cruise in Ecuador, we flew to Peru and explored the area around Cusco. We had a great Peru trip planned with Tully Luxury Travel.
One day we enjoyed an interesting trip to Machu Picchu. And then explored these fascinating ruins for a close-up view.
Another day we visited multiple sites around the Sacred Valley. Our stunning first view of the Sacred Valley excited us to explore more. As we explored, we got such amazing views of the mountains and valleys. The started with the Ollantaytambo Archeological Site and got our first view of the terrace approach used in many Incan sites. From there we got a close of view of salt mining at the Maras Salt Flats. Our day in the Sacred Valley finished with a view of the agricultural terraces at Moray.
A relaxing stay at the Belmond Rio Sagrado was the perfect base to explore the Sacred Valley. Each stop in the Sacred Valley gave us another glimpse into the amazing achievements of the Incas.
Exciting Travel To Machu Picchu
Our guide Jimmy picked us up from the Belmond Rio Sagrado resort for the short ride to Ollantaytambo where we began our trip to Machu Picchu. While many people hiked into Machu Picchu, we booked a more luxurious combination of trains and buses to the entrance point for Machu Picchu.
Our train trip to Aguas Calientes below Machu Picchu was aboard the Peru Rail Vistadome panoramic train. We had assigned seats in a train car with big windows. At an assigned time, we walked to the car at that back of the train with an outdoor platform for better viewing opportunities. It reminded us of the great panoramic views we got on the Rovos Rail train in Africa. We were served a Pisco Sour and entertained by dancing and music while we enjoyed amazing views of the passing scenery.
When we arrived in Aguas Calientes, we walked through the large market to the buses. It was an exciting trip along the twisty switchback roads to the top entrance for Machu Pichuu. We expected small jitney-type buses so were surprised when we boarded full sized comfortable coach buses. The route up was a wild ride with great views over the valley on the way up and back down.
After we visited Machu Picchu, we took a different train back to our resort. The Hiram Bingham train at Machu Picchu offered a more luxury experience. We waited in the dedicated lounge before we boarded. And enjoyed a nice dinner during our train travel back to the Belmond Rio Sagrado.
Travel to reach Machu Picchu added interesting sights on our visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Panoramic Views Of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an Incan UNESCO site in the high Andes Mountains in Peru (altitude 2,430 meters or 7,972 feet). This historic settlement was set in an incredible setting and was on the travel wish list for so many people. The archaeological monument of “La Ciudadela” (the Citadel) was abandoned by the Incas when they were conquered by the Spanish in the sixteenth century.
Tourist admission time gated by the Peru government which hoped to reduce the tourist impact on the site. Tickets were purchased for one of three distinct circuits around the Machu Picchu site at a specific time slot. We had tickets for the Classic Circuit (#2). As we walked around the site we crossed different circuit routes.
With our required guide, we entered the gate and began the climb to the highest panoramic viewpoint. We stopped regularly on the way up and got different perspectives on this amazing site. And adjusted a little to the altitude!
Machu Picchu was truly an amazing sight from above. We got a great view of the immensity of the achievement in building this complex. And appreciated the beautiful setting for this jewel. We were so glad we planned a trip and visited Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Wandering For Close Up Views Of Machu Picchu
After we climbed up, we began the slow trek down. Jimmy explained so much as we explored Machu Picchu close up. We got a better view of the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of Three Windows.
We marvelled at the architectural skill of the Inca civilization. Stone block carvings were precise and fit together without mortar. The design and placement created durable buildings that survived centuries of natural wear and were resilient in this earthquake-prone location. We were amazed at how much of this site still remained.
From the lower level, we got a good view of the agricultural terraces that went up the hills. And a good look at the mountains surrounding the site.
While we waited for our bus for the return trip, we enjoyed a tasty luxury stop at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at the entrance to Machu Picchu. A snack with champagne held us over before we enjoyed dinner on the Hiram Bingham train back.
We enjoyed spending time exploring the fascinating ruins on our visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo On A Visit To Machu Picchu And The Sacred Valley
On a day touring around the Sacred Valley, we started in the small town of Ollantaytambo. We walked along the narrow alleys of this small town in the valley. On the building roofs we saw the ceramic bulls that represented protection, happiness and fertility.
We saw the colourful streamers across the alleys in the colours of the rainbow. In Peru, the rainbow (known as Kuychi to the Incans) showed the unity of diverse peoples, connectivity to divinity and the natural riches in the Andes and the fertile valleys.
From the town, we got glimpses of the Ollantaytambo Archeological Site. But we were glad we started with a walk around town on this stop on our visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Exploring The Ollantaytambo Archeological Site
From the lower level, we stopped and we learned about the Ollantaytambo Archeological Site that towered above the town. Ollantaytambo was a main access point to the Sacred Valley and was thus a strategic military point in the Incan defence against the Spanish. The ruins were spread over 17 terraces that climbed high over the town and led to a fortress. Our guide Jimmy pointed out what remained of the Sun Gate and various areas around the site. High on one end we saw the remains of a pre-Incan sector.
As we walked around the lower levels we got a close up look at what remained of the fountains and ceremonial bathing areas. We again marvelled at the structural design of Incan buildings and walls.
We were glad we visited the interesting Ollantaytambo Archeological Site on our visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. It was fascinating to get more insight into this gateway to Machu Picchu.
Discovering The Maras Salt Flats
Our next stop when visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley gave us a very different perspective. We drove in high above the Maras Salt Flats and got a comprehensive view from above. This UNESCO site contained about 4,500 salt beds on stepped terraces in the middle slope of the Qaqawiñay mountain.
On our travels, we visited many salt farms located at sea level that harvested sea water. This site uniquely harvested salty water from deep in the hills. It was a practice done for ages.
We drove down to the site and then walked for a closer look at the salt flats. It was not harvest time and most of the salt flats were empty. But we got a great understanding of what the salt production would yield. We saw the trickle from the stream that brought the salty water from inside the rocks.
Our visit to the Maras Salt Flats gave us another interesting view of the practices of the ancient civilizations in Peru. It was well worth a stop on our travels around the Sacred Valley.
A Glimpse Of The Moray Agricultural Terraces
We had one final stop on our travels around the Sacred Valley, This was our highest altitude stop at over 3,500m (11,500 ft).
We stood above the Moray Agricultural Terraces and looked down at the concentric circular terraces that descended to a natural valley. Each terrace was supported by a retaining wall built with the now-understood process with stones and no mortar. Canals were carved into the walls for irrigation. It was said that this site was used for agricultural experiments to test the success of farming different crops at different altitudes.
From Moray we travelled a short distance for our unique lunch stop at the Unu Restaurante. The table was filled with a wide array of dishes which we ate family style. The fish was cooked in salt and remained moist and flakey. We remembered this tasty treat from our travels in Malta. We loved the chance to try more local treats when we traveled around Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
A Relaxing Retreat In The Sacred Valley
We stayed deep in the Sacred Valley for two nights at the Belmond Rio Sagrado. This was another of the great resort stays that were just not long enough on this trip. We had so many adventures planned for our visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. So we really did not get to enjoy everything this resort offered. Although we did pre-book a short massage at the spa which we definitely enjoyed.
We had a lovely large suite with an outdoor terrace. Our room overlooked the fire pit and the river. The onsite restaurant offered a great selection for meals. And there were local tasting menus too.
The morning treat was always the llama feeding. A baby llama was the crowd favourite. It was so fun to help with this daily task.
We enjoyed a relaxing if short break at the Belmonde resort on our busy travels around Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
A Great Trip To Visit Machu Picchu And The Sacred Valley In Peru
We were delighted when we finally explored Machu Picchu and took it off our travel wish list. But we were so happy we added in more time and enjoyed some Incan sites around the Sacred Valley too.
Our choice of the Vistadome train during the day ensured we had great scenic views and the Hiram Bingham train back at night provided a delicious dinner experience. At that time of year, the Hiram Bingham train stopped right at our Belmond Rio Sagrado hotel when it returned at night. So our hotel choice was perfect!
When we left the Sacred Valley, we moved to Cusco for a few days. And discovered even more Incan history.
Did you visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Peru? Did it meet all your expectations?
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The Vistadome and Hiram Bingham trains sound like a smart choice—I’m curious why you went that route instead of hiking Machu Picchu? It seems like so many people focus on the classic trek.
I loved that you included Maras Salt Flats in your itinerary. Most people skip it, but the engineering behind those terraces is as clever as anything at the main sites. The fact that they’re tapping salty water from inside the mountain rather than the sea is such a different approach. Did you visit during harvest season at all, or was it the off-season like when you were there?
We did not have enough time to do the full hike. And it may have been a bit too physically challenging for us. We were glad our guide put together such a great few days to see more of the treats in the Sacred Valley. We went to Maras in off season so the salt flats were mostly dry.
That makes total sense—a good guide really does change the game when you’re working with time or energy constraints. The Sacred Valley has so much beyond just the main hikes, so you didn’t miss out at all. Off-season at Maras is actually interesting because you see the terraces differently—I imagine it gives you a better sense of the actual engineering and structure rather than just the visual of the pools filled with water. Did your guide mention how the locals manage the salt extraction year-round? I’m always fascinated by how these systems have stayed functional for centuries. And honestly, the fact that you got to see more variety across the region probably gave you a more complete picture of how everything connects—the agriculture, the water systems, the settlements. Sounds like you made the most of your time there.
We had a great guide who really wanted to show us his country. So we were happy with all the great spots we got to see that many miss when they just plan Machu Picchu and Cusco. It was indeed fascinating to understand that so many of the practices have been done for so long. A great trip!
Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley have been on my bucket list for years! The mountain scenery looks absolutely incredible, and I’d love to combine Machu Picchu with Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray. The panoramic train journey looks like such a beautiful way to experience even more of the scenery along the way. What an amazing trip!
We booked Machu Picchu a few times and cancelled. So we really wanted to make this trip special. We were glad we got to see such variety in the Sacred Valley on this trip. Also spent time around Cusco (which will come in a separate blog post).
I’m so jealous – Machu Picchu is top of my bucket list and I will probably take the train too!
It was great to finally get to Machu Picchu after planning and missing a few times.
The Vistadome panoramic train sounds like such a great experience!
The trains were a relaxing way before and after our hike around Machu Picchu.
Oh wow! It looks like you had perfect weather for your entire trip! I’ve seen so many photos of people who make it up to Machu Picchu and it’s super cloudy or grey and rainy and it definitely changes the whole experience!
I love that you chose to take the trains and share that with us. I’ve always loved train travel and that’s not something I hear about often when reading about people visiting Peru, so I’m glad to hear that’s an option.
We were indeed blessed with great weather. We loved exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in different ways.
Thank you for a great detailed post! If you don’t mind me asking, how did you cope with the altitude and how much minimum walking can you get away with? I have never been to South America, but I have many customers who want to visit Macchu Picchu, and I have always wondered how much walking one has to do.
We did ok with altitude. Drank the local tea, kept hydrated, no alchohol and lots of sleep. The walking at Machu Picchu was well within our limits – easy to walk slow. But it does mean some stairs. We are glad we did not hike there and were able to relax on the bus and train back.
Such a detailed post about the Sacred Valley! I honestly can’t remember the last time I read about it in depth, it’s usually all about Machu Picchu, which is a little sad. So it was really refreshing to discover more about the Sacred Valley through your post. Thank you for sharing!
We were very happy we planned the extra days and had a good guide to take us around to other great sites in the Sacred Valley. We also spent time in Cusco (in another post).
What a wonderful experience. I have friends finally getting this off their bucket list soon. They are so looking forward to this and I will share with them your post.
Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley was on our travel wish list for some time. We were so happy we finally got to see it.
This sounds like a wonderful trip, and a great alternative for visiting Machu Picchu without hiking. The llamas at the resort look like a fun way to start the day too.
Our whole visit to this part of Peru was great.
This destination is on my bucket list but I have a dodgy knee. I worry about a blowout on the hike so I couldn’t complete it. Taking the train sounds like a good alternative. I need to research the prices.
We figured we could not do the hike and by planning it the way we did we saw so much more of the Sacred Valley than we might have done if we hiked. There are reasonably priced train options using the local Peru railway.
This sounds like a wayyyyy more leisurely way to explore the valley than hiking the Inca Trail. I’d like to go back and visit Machu Picchu again your way. I was too busy gasping for breath on the trail to really enjoy the ruins once we got there. I was overheated, dehydrated, and that’s all I can really remember haha
We did love the way we chose to explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. I know that hiking for us would have taken much of the enjoyment out.
Every aspect looks amazing. It’s definitely been on my bucket list and my list just expanded with all the good places you added! How far in advance did you plan the trip?
We started planning a year in advance. Used Tully Luxury Travel to get a great guide and book the whole trip in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Was much better than the cruise extension that we considered with Silversea Cruises after our Galapagos cruise.
This is literally my dream destination! Cannot wait to see it with my own eyes one day, hopefully. In the meantime it was great to read your guide 🙂 Great tips!
I hope our travel post will help you with planning a visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. It took awhile for us to get there but definitely worth having on your travel wish list.