See & Do
There are a number of beautiful trails for hiking right outside the front door of The Source Peru retreat center. You are only limited by the amount of time and energy you have to spend in the mountains! There are also opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking, zip-lining, white water rafting, bungee jumping, a via ferrata, camping, trekking, climbing, quad and moto rentals...the list is endless!
The convenient location in the heart of the Sacred Valley grants easy access to a number of well-known archaeological and sacred sites including Cusco’s Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha and other sites, the Pisaq archaeological sites and market, the Moray site and Maras salt pans, the Lares hot springs, the Ollantaytambo archaeological sites, and of course the world renowned Machu Picchu.
Farther afield are incredible places like Manú National Park, Lake Titicaca, Madre de Dios, Marcavalle and more!
Machu Picchu
The crown jewel in any trip to Peru, The Lost City of the Incas is easily reached from The Source by trekking (via the Inca trail or Salkantay) or by train. Machu Picchu is a cultural and historical UNESCO World Heritage Site and Peru's most visited attraction. UNESCO describes Machu Picchu as "an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization."
Salineras de Maras
Maras is a beautiful little town that maintains some of its architectural colonial charm. You can see amazing facades made of thin stone, lintels with sculptures in bas-relief. The Salineras is a vast salt mine set in a breathtaking little valley in the Andean
mountains. The landscape with its hundreds of salt pools is otherworldly and it’s
something you’re not likely to see every day.
Moray Archaeological Complex
At the Moray Archaeological Complex, located in the altiplano above Urubamba, you can explore circular agricultural terraces with a complex system of irrigation. These terraces served as a natural green house to grow an extraordinary variety of crops at an altitude that they would typically only grow in the tropical Andes. It has also been suggested that they had a cosmological meaning.
Ankasmarka Archaeological Zone
Located near Calca in the Sacred Valley, this rarely-visited archeological site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Hundreds of Qullqas, thought to have been used for food storage, scatter the steep landscape.
Horseback Riding
The highly-revered Gran Alazan Ranch is located just 10min away in the pueblo of Huaran. The horses at Gran Alazan are
beautifully cared for, noble, highly-trained, responsive and suitable for riders of all levels
of experience.
Pitusiray Hike
Care to meet the majestic mountains that watch over The Source? A number of local trails in varying levels of difficulty will take you there. Stunning valley views and interesting changes in terrain will accompany you on this memorable day trek.
Trekking
There are countless opportunities for epic treks in and around the Sacred Valley region, including the Lares Trek, Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek and lesser-known Choquequirao Trek. Further afield lies the spectacular Ausangate Trek. Each can be catered for length, comfort and degree of effort.
Pisaq Archaeological Site
High above the village stands the largest fortress city of the Incas and one of the largest of ancient America. It is a stupendous complex of the finest Incan stonework, all guarded by walls, gates, and towers. Inside, there are many attendant buildings; baths and storehouses; exceptional flights of terracing; and an array of tombs. The site features examples of almost every aspect of Incan architecture, with religious, administrative and residential constructions.
Ollantaytambo Ruins
Ollantaytambo stands out as one of the most ingenious examples of Incan constructions and is quite literally a living ancient town. In contrast to similar urban sites that were “abandoned” after the Spanish conquest, Ollantaytambo has been continuously inhabited since its Inca construction. Water flows through original street canals just as it has for centuries. Some buildings have been
modified and now appear colonial, but the design of Ollantaytambo remains at large unchanged.
Sacsayhuaman
This incredible Incan architectural complex, located north of the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, is accessible on foot, by taxi or as part of a city tour. It is a must-see when in Cusco as its massive megalithic stone walls are a testament to the incredible Incan architecture and masonry. The massive stones, many of which weigh up to 200 tonnes, are so closely spaced that you cannot fit a piece of paper between them.
Paragliding Sacred Valley
Personalized Paragliding adventures around the Sacred Valley. Incredible mountain views as you sail through the sky in the care of your experienced professional pilot. The entire air journey lasts approximately between 10 - 30 minutes, this service includes a GOPRO video (Full HD).
Rainbow Mountains
Just 3 hours' drive from Cusco lies the incredible Vinicunca - a beautiful rainbow mountain in the Vilcanota range. The coloured stripes are caused by minerals like iron, magnesium and sulfur in the earth. Usually offered as a day trip from Cusco, the Rainbow Mountain trail hike takes 2-3 hours each way but is well worth the effort!
Mountain Biking Urubamba
This bike tour follows a lovely, easy road, running between the mountains along the opposite side of the Urubamba River to the main highway in the Sacred Valley. This route is almost free from any vehicles, therefore perfect for mountain biking, passes through some spectacular scenery and offers brilliant mountain views. Suits every kind of rider, and especially for those who are not advanced but still would like to experience a mountain bike adventure in the Sacred Valley.
Awanacancha
This cooperative-run center allows you to interact and learn about a variety of llamas and alpacas, tour a highly informative museum/diorama, and learn how the gorgeous Peruvian fabrics are hand-woven. The cooperative also has a store with
fair trade products made by its members – the prices may be a bit higher than the local markets, but you are guaranteed excellent quality and your money goes directly to the artist.
Museo Inkariy
Curious to explore the history of the peoples of Peru? Why not visit the nearby Museo
Inkariy which chronologically explores the Pre-Incan and Incan civilizations through a
variety of media and dioramas. This trip can easily be done in 1.5-2.5hrs, depending on
how much time you wish to spend at the museo.