Sacred Valley Casually II: A Guide to Mindful Exploration in Peru
For those looking to reconnect with themselves, clear their minds, or spark creativity, consider traveling to the Sacred Valley. Higher than in Colombia or Ecuador, the Peruvian Andes present a diverse and stunning landscape. Warmer than in Chile or Argentina, they allow you to enjoy the sun and greenery at altitudes of over 4,000 meters—all in your sneakers. If you're looking for things to do in Peru that combine exploration with moments of serenity, these experiences will reset your mind.
1. Sunrise at Machu Picchu: A Moment of Serenity
The early morning mist around the ancient ruins creates a peaceful, almost spiritual atmosphere. As the sun slowly rises, you can pause to breathe deeply, clear your mind, and meditate. The quiet of the moment, paired with the majestic view, makes it the perfect time to reflect and center yourself.
2. Hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
The hike to Inti Punku takes a few hours and rewards you with spectacular panoramic views along the way. Once at the top, the vastness of the Andes, combined with the satisfaction of your physical effort, naturally helps clear your mind. If you want, you can use these moments to expand your thoughts and gain fresh perspective and clarity on your short- and long-term objectives.
3. Ollantaytambo: Wander Through History
Ollantaytambo is a living Inca town, where ancient terraces, temples, and stonework create a perfect setting for quiet contemplation. Walk through its nicely restored ruins, visit the Temple of the Sun, and allow the peaceful energy of the place to guide your thoughts. The ancient structures harmonize with the natural landscape, making a stroll through Ollantaytambo one of the best things to do after Machu Picchu for anyone seeking inspiration.
4. Visit the Green Moray: The Inca’s Agricultural Lab
Moray is one of the most tranquil sites in the Sacred Valley, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Inca agricultural practices. The circular terraces are believed to have been used for experimenting with different altitudes for crop cultivation. As you walk around the concentric rings, the powerful visual experience invites you to reflect on the ingenuity of the Incas, and may inspire your own creativity.
5. Trek to Inca Waterfall in Jamilllaqta
The trek to the Inca Waterfall provides a refreshing escape into nature, combining both adventure and serenity. A short hike through a small forest leads to a stunning waterfall cascading down the mountainside. It’s an ideal spot to meditate, reflect, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the place. One of our clients, Jamil, told us the trek tops his list of things to do in Sacred Valley, Peru and so we arbitrarily named the place in honor of his name.
Yes, the picture above is a painting of the Himalayas. But we like it too much not to import it into our website, and it conveys the spirit of all mountains anyways. If the list of your things to do in Machu Picchu or Peru includes resetting or finding inspiration, then we recommend checking out some of the spots above. The Peruvian Andes is the kind of place where the only thing bigger than the view is the impression it leaves on you.
Picture: Painting by Nikolay Roerich, Remember (from the Country Series), 1924
