Descending to the Sacred Valley – a suitable route for all hikers!

Apus Peru > Destination Guides > Descending to the Sacred Valley – a suitable route for all hikers!

As I have the opportunity to do some of the treks that Apus Peru offer, I can only be inspired every time I go on one. Every day hike that is available offers something different, new views of the surrounding mountains of the Cusco region and always an experience to be shared.

Photos and words tell only half of the story – you have to go there to really understand!

Last week I had the pleasure to accompany a group of keen and able trekkers on a stunning route through to the Sacred Valley.  It took approximately 4 hours to cover the 7kms (about 4.5 miles) of traverse down into a lush valley of trees and farms from the Inca market town of Chinchero to Urquillos in the Sacred Valley. We started from 3600m and ended down by the Urubamba river by the small town of Urquillos at 2900m.

We started by descending from some awesome Inca terraces at Chincheros.

photo 1

We then headed on down an ancient Inca trail that skirted some small streams and miniature waterfalls

photo 2

About 30 minutes in, the valley opened out and we were left with jaw-dropping views of the way down to the Sacred Valley

photo 3

On the way down we encountered a little forest and took shelter for a bit of a picnic

photo 4

At the bottom where we ended our trek we found the quaint town of Urquillos. I think most gave it a mark of 10/10

photo 5

Simply put, this is a great little intro to the Andes and an adequate warm up hike for those going on to do the 4 day Inca Trail, Salkantay or similar.

To book this trek or similar 1 day hikes within close reach of Cusco, please see our  Sacred Valley tours here

 

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What our clients are saying about us

@apusperu
Apus Peru Adventure Trekking Specialists
  • Trade busy roads for ancient trails and discover the authentic spirit of the Andes. 🏔️ ❤️ #apusperu #larestrek #andesmountains
  • Did you know Ollantaytambo has incredible Inca ruins you can explore for free? 🏔️

While the main archaeological site requires a ticket, the town itself is filled with fascinating Inca terraces, ancient streets, and hidden corners where you can experience the history and magic of this living Inca town. ✨

A perfect stop to enjoy the beauty of the Sacred Valley without spending a fortune. 🌿

#apusperu #ollantaytambo #perutravel
  • A few more moments from Qoyllur Rit’i, one of Peru’s most fascinating cultural and spiritual gatherings. 🇵🇪

Thanks to @ys.wander and our guide Marco for the amazing photos 🤩

#apusperu #peruwonders #discoversouthamerica
  • Our group at Qoyllur Rit’i, one of the most important pilgrimages in the Peruvian Andes. Every year, thousands of people gather high in the mountains to celebrate a unique blend of Indigenous Andean traditions and Catholic faith, surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes. An unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience. ✨🏔️

Thanks to our amazing guide Marco and @ys.wander for the photos 💚😊

#apusperu #qoylloriti #peruadventure
  • #apusperu #machupicchuperu #worldwonders
  • The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the biggest highlights for trekkers in Peru! Since permits sell out quickly, we highly recommend booking this trek well in advance. Feel free to reach out to us – we’d be happy to help you secure your spot or find a great alternative trek if availability is limited.

Thanks to Ofelia for the beautiful photos!

#apusperu #incatrail #machupichu
  • A journey through Peru starts with its flavors. And there’s no better place to taste them than Lima. 🍋🐟

#foodtourism #apusperu #limaperu
  • #apusperu #andesmountains #cuscoperu #discoverperu #perutravel
  • Want to experience the real traditions of the Andes? Join our Hands-on Weaving Tour and learn how local artisans transform natural wool into beautiful textiles using techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Meet the weavers, discover the stories behind their craft, and try your hand at weaving yourself.

#apusperu #localculture #andeanmountains
Trade busy roads for ancient trails and discover the authentic spirit of the Andes. 🏔️ ❤️ #apusperu #larestrek #andesmountains
Trade busy roads for ancient trails and discover the authentic spirit of the Andes. 🏔️ ❤️ #apusperu #larestrek #andesmountains
Trade busy roads for ancient trails and discover the authentic spirit of the Andes. 🏔️ ❤️ #apusperu #larestrek #andesmountains
Trade busy roads for ancient trails and discover the authentic spirit of the Andes. 🏔️ ❤️ #apusperu #larestrek #andesmountains
1 week ago
11
View on Instagram |
1/9
Did you know Ollantaytambo has incredible Inca ruins you can explore for free? 🏔️

While the main archaeological site requires a ticket, the town itself is filled with fascinating Inca terraces, ancient streets, and hidden corners where you can experience the history and magic of this living Inca town. ✨

A perfect stop to enjoy the beauty of the Sacred Valley without spending a fortune. 🌿

#apusperu #ollantaytambo #perutravel
Did you know Ollantaytambo has incredible Inca ruins you can explore for free? 🏔️

While the main archaeological site requires a ticket, the town itself is filled with fascinating Inca terraces, ancient streets, and hidden corners where you can experience the history and magic of this living Inca town. ✨

A perfect stop to enjoy the beauty of the Sacred Valley without spending a fortune. 🌿

#apusperu #ollantaytambo #perutravel
Did you know Ollantaytambo has incredible Inca ruins you can explore for free? 🏔️

While the main archaeological site requires a ticket, the town itself is filled with fascinating Inca terraces, ancient streets, and hidden corners where you can experience the history and magic of this living Inca town. ✨

A perfect stop to enjoy the beauty of the Sacred Valley without spending a fortune. 🌿

#apusperu #ollantaytambo #perutravel
Did you know Ollantaytambo has incredible Inca ruins you can explore for free? 🏔️ While the main archaeological site requires a ticket, the town itself is filled with fascinating Inca terraces, ancient streets, and hidden corners where you can experience the history and magic of this living Inca town. ✨ A perfect stop to enjoy the beauty of the Sacred Valley without spending a fortune. 🌿 #apusperu #ollantaytambo #perutravel
3 weeks ago
15
View on Instagram |
2/9
A few more moments from Qoyllur Rit’i, one of Peru’s most fascinating cultural and spiritual gatherings. 🇵🇪

Thanks to @ys.wander and our guide Marco for the amazing photos 🤩

#apusperu #peruwonders #discoversouthamerica
A few more moments from Qoyllur Rit’i, one of Peru’s most fascinating cultural and spiritual gatherings. 🇵🇪

Thanks to @ys.wander and our guide Marco for the amazing photos 🤩

#apusperu #peruwonders #discoversouthamerica
A few more moments from Qoyllur Rit’i, one of Peru’s most fascinating cultural and spiritual gatherings. 🇵🇪

Thanks to @ys.wander and our guide Marco for the amazing photos 🤩

#apusperu #peruwonders #discoversouthamerica
A few more moments from Qoyllur Rit’i, one of Peru’s most fascinating cultural and spiritual gatherings. 🇵🇪 Thanks to @ys.wander and our guide Marco for the amazing photos 🤩 #apusperu #peruwonders #discoversouthamerica
1 month ago
11
View on Instagram |
3/9
Our group at Qoyllur Rit’i, one of the most important pilgrimages in the Peruvian Andes. Every year, thousands of people gather high in the mountains to celebrate a unique blend of Indigenous Andean traditions and Catholic faith, surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes. An unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience. ✨🏔️

Thanks to our amazing guide Marco and @ys.wander for the photos 💚😊

#apusperu #qoylloriti #peruadventure
Our group at Qoyllur Rit’i, one of the most important pilgrimages in the Peruvian Andes. Every year, thousands of people gather high in the mountains to celebrate a unique blend of Indigenous Andean traditions and Catholic faith, surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes. An unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience. ✨🏔️

Thanks to our amazing guide Marco and @ys.wander for the photos 💚😊

#apusperu #qoylloriti #peruadventure
Our group at Qoyllur Rit’i, one of the most important pilgrimages in the Peruvian Andes. Every year, thousands of people gather high in the mountains to celebrate a unique blend of Indigenous Andean traditions and Catholic faith, surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes. An unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience. ✨🏔️

Thanks to our amazing guide Marco and @ys.wander for the photos 💚😊

#apusperu #qoylloriti #peruadventure
Our group at Qoyllur Rit’i, one of the most important pilgrimages in the Peruvian Andes. Every year, thousands of people gather high in the mountains to celebrate a unique blend of Indigenous Andean traditions and Catholic faith, surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes. An unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience. ✨🏔️ Thanks to our amazing guide Marco and @ys.wander for the photos 💚😊 #apusperu #qoylloriti #peruadventure
1 month ago
22
View on Instagram |
4/9
#apusperu #machupicchuperu #worldwonders
#apusperu #machupicchuperu #worldwonders
#apusperu #machupicchuperu #worldwonders
2 months ago
17
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the biggest highlights for trekkers in Peru! Since permits sell out quickly, we highly recommend booking this trek well in advance. Feel free to reach out to us – we’d be happy to help you secure your spot or find a great alternative trek if availability is limited.

Thanks to Ofelia for the beautiful photos!

#apusperu #incatrail #machupichu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the biggest highlights for trekkers in Peru! Since permits sell out quickly, we highly recommend booking this trek well in advance. Feel free to reach out to us – we’d be happy to help you secure your spot or find a great alternative trek if availability is limited.

Thanks to Ofelia for the beautiful photos!

#apusperu #incatrail #machupichu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the biggest highlights for trekkers in Peru! Since permits sell out quickly, we highly recommend booking this trek well in advance. Feel free to reach out to us – we’d be happy to help you secure your spot or find a great alternative trek if availability is limited. Thanks to Ofelia for the beautiful photos! #apusperu #incatrail #machupichu
2 months ago
12
View on Instagram |
6/9
A journey through Peru starts with its flavors. And there’s no better place to taste them than Lima. 🍋🐟

#foodtourism #apusperu #limaperu
A journey through Peru starts with its flavors. And there’s no better place to taste them than Lima. 🍋🐟

#foodtourism #apusperu #limaperu
A journey through Peru starts with its flavors. And there’s no better place to taste them than Lima. 🍋🐟

#foodtourism #apusperu #limaperu
A journey through Peru starts with its flavors. And there’s no better place to taste them than Lima. 🍋🐟

#foodtourism #apusperu #limaperu
A journey through Peru starts with its flavors. And there’s no better place to taste them than Lima. 🍋🐟

#foodtourism #apusperu #limaperu
A journey through Peru starts with its flavors. And there’s no better place to taste them than Lima. 🍋🐟 #foodtourism #apusperu #limaperu
2 months ago
6
View on Instagram |
7/9
#apusperu #andesmountains #cuscoperu #discoverperu #perutravel
2 months ago
15
View on Instagram |
8/9
Want to experience the real traditions of the Andes? Join our Hands-on Weaving Tour and learn how local artisans transform natural wool into beautiful textiles using techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Meet the weavers, discover the stories behind their craft, and try your hand at weaving yourself.

#apusperu #localculture #andeanmountains
Want to experience the real traditions of the Andes? Join our Hands-on Weaving Tour and learn how local artisans transform natural wool into beautiful textiles using techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Meet the weavers, discover the stories behind their craft, and try your hand at weaving yourself.

#apusperu #localculture #andeanmountains
Want to experience the real traditions of the Andes? Join our Hands-on Weaving Tour and learn how local artisans transform natural wool into beautiful textiles using techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Meet the weavers, discover the stories behind their craft, and try your hand at weaving yourself.

#apusperu #localculture #andeanmountains
Want to experience the real traditions of the Andes? Join our Hands-on Weaving Tour and learn how local artisans transform natural wool into beautiful textiles using techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Meet the weavers, discover the stories behind their craft, and try your hand at weaving yourself. #apusperu #localculture #andeanmountains
2 months ago
10
View on Instagram |
9/9

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