Sacred Valley – 13°20.30’S – 72°02.52’W

Tucked away on an old corn plantation in one of the most remote farms of the Urubamba (Sacred) Valley, explora is debuting its new Valle Sagrado. At 9,514 feet/2,900 meters, it is sheltered and surrounded by mighty mountains that were once home to the mighty Inca Empire.

The hotel is drenched in that ancient history. Indeed, during the entire design and construction process, ongoing archeological studies revealed many vestigial Inca remains, causing explora’s team to change the design several times. They recovered worn-out Inca platforms, dug up walls with more than 500 years of history and are still working on the restoration of the The Pumacahua Bath House, a large colonial house built in the 17th century, which belonged to one of Peru’s Independence heroes, the Inca Mateo Pumacahua. This house will become a premier spa with the massages rooms, hot tubs, sauna and pool with space for yoga.

With Valle Sagrado as a base, guests can bike through Quechua communities and farmlands, and follow Urubamba River among cornfields, old haciendas and manors from the 19th and 20th centuries. Or, trek the farmlands of Chinchero to reach the ruins of the Huchuy Qosqo Palaces. In typical fashion, explora has crafted a total of 27 excursions by foot, bike and van that help guests discover all aspects of this stellar region. When you leave explora Valle Sagrado, you will feel well acquainted with the region, its landmarks and its people.

For a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of this fascinating region of Peru in depth, featuring explora Valle Sagrado, consider our 20-day Luxury Peru Adventure for Hikers.