Activities
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the must-see destinations to visit Cusco. It is characterized by a friendly climate, beautiful scenery, picturesque villages, popular arts, colorful handicrafts and the warmth of its people, reflects the authenticity of Peru by which visitors travel thousands of kilometers to get to know. It is also an ideal place to practice adventure sports eco-friendly, such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and river rafting.
Hacienda Urubamba offers some activities that are included in their room rates as well as some additional once that will have to be booked and paid for separately.
Included Excursions
BIRD WATCHING
Walk early in the morning to take advantage of the optimum time for cloud-forest bird watching. Begin at a river observatory, with the possibility of sighting the sought-after torrent duck and the white-capped dipper.
Then proceed to a productive tanager feeding area, where silver-beaked, blue-necked, Fawn-breasted and Saffron-crowned tanagers can be found. Along the hotel’s pathways, be on the lookout for the cock-of-the-rock, the golden-headed quetzal and many of the 18 different hummingbirds identified on the grounds, including the booted racket-tail and the green-and-white hummingbirds, which are native to the area.
Duration: ¼ day
Difficulty level: I
Attractions: Birds / Photography
NATURE WALK
ORCHID TRAIL
Additional Excursions (not included in rate)
SPECTACLED BEAR PROJECT
The Inkaterra Association (ITA) and the Protected Natural Areas National Service (SERNANP) manage the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Spectacled Bear Project, an effort designed to recover bears that have been negatively affected by human impact and reintroduce them into their natural habitat.
Once common throughout the Andes, the spectacled bear is now critically endangered. Visits to the project are organized with advanced coordination to gain insight into the world of these large mammals (the only bear species in South America), and learn about the challenges they face to survive in today’s world. Donations to the project are welcome and will be duly acknowledged and certified.
Duration: ¼ day
Difficulty level: I
Attractions: Photography / Spectacled Bear Project
Recommended for Children
* Voluntary Contribution
SPECIALIZED WALK
Visit the historical citadel of Machu Picchu with a private guide, followed by an hour-trek up Wayna Picchu. The steep trail, overlooking Machu Picchu, clings to the side of the mountain, leading the adventurous traveler to a remote corner of this archaeological site. In addition to a magnificent bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu, the summit also offers a perfect vantage from which to take in the Vilcanota River, the mountain of Putukusi and the distant snow-capped Andean peaks.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty level: III
Attractions: Orchids / Market / Archaeological sites / Language / Photography
APU MACHU PICCHU
Hike the Machu Picchu mountain for two and a half hours from the archaeological site, and reach the Summit of Apu Machu Picchu.
This trail, accessed from the Reserve, joins parts of the Inca trail leading to the Sun Gate before climbing to the mountain’s highest point. From there, enjoy the view of soaring eagles as well as Machu Picchu, other significant ruins in the area, Putukusi, Wayna Picchu, Salkantay mountain and the Vilcanota River.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty level: III
Includes: Transfer by bus back and forth between Machu Picchu village and the Citadel of Machu Picchu; expert guide and entrance fees to the Citadel of Machu Picchu
Attractions: Orchids / Market / Archaeological sites / Language / Photography
MACHU PICCHU
Take a 30-minute bus transfer to the Historical Reserve of Machu Picchu. Your expert guide will lead a tour of the Reserve, providing geological and historical information on key areas of interest, including Intihuatana (the Sun Dial), the Sacred Plaza and the Temple of the Sun.
This is an opportunity to revel in the energy and atmosphere of one of the most significant and spectacular archaeological sites on the planet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Wayna Picchu and Intipunku (the Sun Gate), the entrance to the Machu Picchu Inca trail.
Duration: 1/2 day
Difficulty level: II
Includes: Transfer by bus back and forth between Machu Picchu village and the archaeological site of Machu Picchu; specialized guide and entrance fee to the Citadel of Machu Picchu
Attractions: Orchids / Archaeological sites / Market / Quechua / Photography
Recommended for Children
MANDOR
A two-hour walk along the Vilcanota River follows the railroad tracks into the Mandor Valley, inhabited by varied and fascinating birdlife, including cock-of-the-rock, speckle-faced parrots and green jays.
Relax and bathe under a secluded waterfall, before walking back to the hotel in the shadow of Machu Picchu.
Duration: ½ day
Difficulty level: II
Attractions: Birds / Insects / Orchids / Photography
MUSEUM – MARKET
Visit the open-air market at Machu Picchu Pueblo, filled with displays of local Andean curios and clothing, then make the 30-minute walk to the archaeological site bridge and the Manuel Chavez Ballón Museum, home to excellent displays, maps, and artifacts related to the archaeological site.
Duration: 1/2 day
Difficulty level: I
Attractions: Photography / Market