Discover: Sacred Valley of the Incas

Discover: Sacred Valley of the Incas A Peruvian Journey From Urubamba to Machu Picchu

¡Bienvenido a Perú!

A country of rich culture, vibrant colors, plentiful nature and ancient Incan cities; Peru is just the place to get a taste of the splendor of South America.

Our adventure begins in Urubamba, a little town in the Sacred Valley region of southeastern Peru, outside of Cusco city. Nestled between the Urubamba range and the Urubamba River, the natural wonders of the valley are easy to come by!

A bright pop of color on every corner!

Take a walk on the bustling city streets of Urubamba.

We arrive at Llama Pack Backpackers in Urubamba and begin our two day orientation!

Fun with the tribe!

Welcome to the Pacific Discovery family!

Urubamba offers a beautiful introduction to Peruvian life!

Alexander walks into town.

We break up into small groups and find the Peruvian eats Urubamba has to offer!

After exploring the city streets, we meet back up in the plaza.

¿Cómo se llama?

one week with

The Llama Pack Project

The Llama Pack Project works to recover traditional uses and breeding of carrier llamas as a tool for sustainable rural development and conservation of mountain ecosystems in the highlands surrounding the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Kira aids the locals in outfitting the llamas for the trek ahead!

We begin our trek with 30 llamas in company- a 6 mile journey up to the high-Andean community of Canchacancha.

Pure breed llamas have almost disappeared, instead families own small llamas mixed with alpacas that have poor fiber and meat quality and are not able to carry a significant load.

We head up the mountain to Canchacancha.

The project works with twenty different families from high-Andean communities.

Currently llama breeding is practiced mainly by the most impoverished families of high-Andean communities which do not have an economical use for them due to their lack of knowledge and systemized breeding.

During the Inca Empire, llamas were considered sacred and were fundamental to their economy- owning them was a symbol of privilege.

We begin our sustainable project with the Llama Pack Project- a reservoir for conserving natural spring water in the llama park.

The project works alongside local llama breeders and community leaders to carryout a long-term and sustainable vision within the area.

The dirt is cleared away to make room for the reservoir.

After the hole is dug out, we begin laying out the stones that were gathered from around the park.

The cement is mixed and carried over to the hole where we begin adding water to the mixture.

We gather to discuss the impact of our service project.

We pitch our tents among the llamas and high mountains.

Camping out at the project site calls for sunset jam sessions and soaking in the natural beauty of the Andes.

"The most beautiful things in life are not things. They're people and places, and memories, and pictures. They're feelings and moments and smiles and laughter."

Thank you, Llama Pack Project!

From camping under the starry skies above the Andes, we take a day trip down the Sacred Valley to explore the diverse historic landmarks found here.

Maras Salt Pans - Salinas de Maras

The Inca's built these salt pools in the early 1400's, utilizing a natural, mineral-rich stream of water from the area to harvest salt across nearly 3,000 active and salty pools.

There is said to be around 5,000 salty pools in total on this stretch of Peruvian mountainside in the Sacred Valley.

Colors of the historic town of Ollantaytambo.

This historic city is known for its ancient Incan ruins and narrow cobblestone streets that have withstood the test of time since the 13th century.

The view from the Sun Temple on the hillside. From here we can see the Inca quarry from which the massive stones were found and carried to construct the temples in Ollantaytambo.

Ancient Incan city planning at its finest!

Scholars believe that this area marks the legendary place where the original Incas first emerged in Peru.

We drive into the mountains and prepare to bike down into the jungle.

We try organic coffee and local cacao from the rainforest!

the wonder of the

Inca Jungle Trail

We begin our adventure on the Inca Jungle Trail.

Good friends and a great hike through the jungle!

Hiking along the Urubamba River.

Trails and Tunnels

Follow the train tracks to Macchu Picchu!

Making our way to Aguas Calientes!

Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel built in the 15th century set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley.

Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Huayna Picchu "Young Peak" rises behind the "Lost City of the Incas."

The trail up to the temples and terraces at the peak of Huayna Picchu.

The climb up is steep, but the view is worth it!

"The best view comes after the hardest climb."

An unforgettable view of Machu Picchu from the peak!

All aboard the train back to Ollantaytambo!

Fun and unforgettable sights on the train!

From the Sacred Valley, we travel to historic Cusco! A vibrant city full of lights, parades, cafés and busy plazas.

Take a walk through a local market in the heart of Cusco.

Old, empty cobblestone streets lead towards the Plaza de Armas.

The sun sets on the plaza.

Fireworks over the Plaza de Armas.

After a week of spanish classes and city exploration in Cusco, we are headed to Lake Titicaca for an immersive homestay experience on the Caparica Peninsula of Peru!

¡Hasta Luego!

Until Next Time!

About This Trip

Pacific Discovery

Mac Elliott Media

Created By

Macala Elliott

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Credits:

Mac Elliott Media