Adventure Activities in Sacred Valley, Peru

Peru’s Sacred Valley is a spectacularly beautiful area between Cusco and the ancient lost city of Machu Picchu. The area was home to the Inca people, and the Valley’s two main towns, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, retain much of their Inca heritage.

Aside from history and culture, the area is becoming a hot spot for adventure travel and offers visitors a range of activities to raise their adrenaline. Here are three great adventure experiences available in Peru’s Sacred Valley:

White Water Rafting

The Urubamba River flows through the Sacred Valley and even around the Machu Picchu site. There are some great one-day excursions from Cusco that allow travelers to experience the thrill and power of the river, with the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Green Peru offers a single-day white water experience for $65, and travelers only need to bring towels and dry clothing. Price includes lunch, an English-speaking guide, and transportation to and from Cusco hotels.

On/Off-Road Motorcycle Tour

This one-day tour, also leaving and returning to Cusco, visits all the key areas in the Sacred Valley, and the motorcycles, which go both on- and off-road, allow travelers to visit some of the more remote sites not accessible by bus or car.

The bikes also allow riders to take in the breathtaking mountain views as they ride on the well-paved roads. Cusco Moto offers one-day Sacred Valley on/off-road guided motorcycle tours, and the tour includes a bike, helmet, safety gear, and fuel.

Zipline and Flying Fox

Only 15 minutes from Machu Picchu, the Cola de Mono Canopy experience is South America’s highest zipline is almost 500 feet off the ground, with riders hitting speeds of up to 40 MPH. The longest run is about a quarter of a mile long, and there are six different lines to ride.

The adventure takes about two hours and includes orientation and all safety equipment. In addition to the ziplines, there’s a frightening vertical ladder that climbs up the side of a mountain reaching almost 500 feet above the river.

Where to Stay

Many travelers stay in Cusco, and all the tours and adventure activities cater to Cusco-based travelers with hotel pick-up and drop-off. Staying in Cusco is recommended, but for travelers who have already done the Cusco experience, there are some amazing hotels in the Sacred Valley area.

• El Albergue is a hotel in Ollantaytambo, located at the train station. The small (16 rooms) hotel is popular and well-liked by travelers. [Check Rates and Availability]
• The Sol Y Luna Lodge is another lodge within close proximity. It’s quite luxurious and offers incredible gourmet food. The hotel also has its own stable of Peruvian Paso horses, a special breed known for their smooth walk. [Check Rates and Availability]

Peru’s Sacred Valley has a lot to offer from whitewater rafting, on/off-road motorcycle tours, ziplines, and flying foxes, along with luxurious accommodations. It’s one of Peru’s most fabulous destinations.

Take some time out and explore this incredible region. You won’t be disappointed. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers an experience that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Sacred Valley Adventure Travel and Tour Packages

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Also read:

• Machu Picchu Is The World’s No. 1 Landmark
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• World’s Top 15 Best Destinations For Backpackers