Like falling in love or the size of the ocean, the magic of Peru’s Sacred Valley is one of those things that’s hard to understand until you’ve experienced it yourself.
The region is home to Machu Picchu (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World!) and holds a mystical cultural legacy that spans centuries since before the age of the Incas.
Still, we can’t help but notice that many who visit Peru for adventure travel (or wellness travel!) leave skeptical… and come back transformed.
So, if you’re not sure whether visiting the Sacred Valley of Peru is worth it, stick around. We’re doing our best to explain the unexplainable… One insight at a time!
Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about wellness travel & adventure travel in Peru…
When we say few places lend themselves so naturally to adventure travel, rejuvenation, and spiritual discovery as Peru’s Sacred Valley, we’re speaking from experience!
If you’re new around here, welcome! We’re The Travel Yogi, the original yoga adventure company. Every single month, we send multiple yoga-teacher-led adventure groups abroad. We oversee the agenda from afar while locals guide daily activities.
That means we get a TON of notes from travelers and yogis before, during, and after adventures across 6 continents!
And this is the sort of thing people say about Peru:
“Visiting the Sacred Valley in Peru always looked interesting, but it never felt like a must-do bucket list item for me UNTIL this trip with The Travel Yogi.”
– Kilty, yoga teacher
Well, that pretty much sums it up. Just trust us (and Kilty!) and you’ll understand when you get there!
…Kidding, of course! You deserve more insight than that before you choose Peru as your next adventure and wellness travel destination.
Here are our 5 things you might not know about Peru’s Sacred Valley… In other words, our 5 best attempts to explain what makes this region FEEL so magical.
1. Machu Picchu really looks (and feels!) different in person
You’ve seen stunning photos of Machu Picchu and the region that surrounds it – Peru’s Sacred Valley.
But you’re also skeptical of over-hyped tourist attractions, so you can’t help but wonder if Machu Picchu is really worth a visit.
Well… Here are a few words travelers and yoga teachers have used to describe their visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley:
- “Profound”
- “Magical”
- “Awe”
- “Gratitude”
- “Powerful”
As beautiful as the ancient sites and dramatic mountains may be, the magic of the sacred valley goes beyond the visual. It’s something you FEEL. Here’s Kilty again:
“The connection to the land is strong, and it holds a powerful presence that no picture can convey. Walking through the lands of the Inca, seeing the construction of cities from massive boulders, and knowing the resources were entirely from nature or hand makes it so clear why this place is one of the natural wonders of the world.”
2. Machu Picchu is just the beginning.
The Sacred Valley is a fertile enclave surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Andes, so it’s no wonder it’s been a hub of civilization since about 500 CE.
The Incan Empire came onto the scene during the 1400s, altering the landscape with impressive cities, temples, fortresses, and terraces for agriculture, many of which survive to this day.
The Peru Yoga Adventure itinerary includes visits to…
- Machu Picchu (the iconic citadel)
- Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna (stunning stops along the Inca Trail)
- Pumamarca (an ancient fortress)
- Ollantaytambo (a modern town interwoven with ancient ruins)
- Moray (mysterious circular terraces)
- Maras Salt Works (an ingenious ancient salt mine)
Many of those locations are off the beaten path, which gives you time to soak in the awe and revel in questions lost to time.
3. Ancient Andean cultural roots are alive & well.
Today, the Sacred Valley of Peru is home to the Quechua people: a diverse group of indigenous cultures descended from the Inca, Huanca, and other ancient South American civilizations.
Quechua culture is far too rich to explain in a short blog, but the way ancient roots and modern life are woven together is… to quote yoga teacher Jenn… “wonderful.”
She goes on to say:
“We spent a day high in the beautiful Andes mountains with the people who have lived there for hundreds of years. They introduced us to the traditional farming techniques that they still use and we got to help them plow and harvest the food that we later ate together as a delicious lunch. They are kind, warm hearted people and stunning musicians.”
On the Peru Yoga Adventure, you’ll be guided by indigenous tour guides and have the chance to immerse yourself in other transformative cultural experiences… like healing sound baths, a Despacho ceremony, and the grounding simplicity of walking the ancient trails that still link villages.
You’ll be blown away by the kind spirit and generosity of your guides… especially when it comes to sharing their (seemingly) endless knowledge and wisdom!
4. You’ll find comfort in harmony with nature.
Did you know there’s a hotel just outside the gates of Machu Picchu?
The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is cozy, intimate, and blends beautifully with the landscape (no attempts to upstage the main attraction)!
Most importantly, staying at the hotel gives you the unique experience of connecting with Machu Picchu at sunset and sunrise, when crowds are sparse and you can practically feel the stories in the citadel’s ancient stone walls.
On the Peru Yoga Adventure, you’ll spend one night just outside Machu Picchu at the Belmond. For the rest of your trip, you’ll stay close to nature in eco-boutique glamping accommodations.
That means climate-friendly bungalow-like safari tents, yoga on the terrace, and meals starring fresh, local produce. You’ll rest easy in the valley’s embrace, knowing you’re supporting the local community and environment.
5. The Sacred Valley will bring you closer to yourself… and something greater.
We’re coming full-circle to something intangible, but this is (arguably!) the most transformative aspect of Peru’s Sacred Valley.
The ancient sites, the deep-rooted culture, the fertile earth, and the soaring mountains come together to make the Sacred Valley a place of deep exploration. Whether you’re moving and breathing on your yoga mat or hiking ancient paths through the hills, you’ll find yourself journeying deep into yourself.
Some travelers say they can sense the spirit of Pachamama, the Andean Earth mother goddess. Whatever it is… you’ll know it when you feel it, and you’ll return home with a full heart and a serene mind.
Enlightening adventure, grounding yoga, and Machu Picchu await…
Ready to experience a soul-level shift in Peru’s Sacred Valley, discover what you feel as you watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu, and absorb ancient wisdom that can’t be expressed in words?
Whether you’re seeking adventure travel in Peru or wellness travel in Peru… You’ll discover an experience much greater than the sum of its parts!
Your Peru Yoga Adventure is calling…