From the Sacred Valley to the Atacama with Explora

Most people assume Machu Picchu is the highest point of a trip to Peru. It isn’t. At around 8,000 feet, it sits lower than the Sacred Valley, and well below Cusco at 11,400. That one detail changes how the whole trip should be built.

I recently sat down with Wendy Zapelli of Explora and Explora Lodges, and one pairing stayed with me: Explora Sacred Valley in Peru and Explora Atacama in northern Chile. Together, they make a 13-day journey through living Andean culture, Incan history, and some of the clearest night skies on Earth, with every meal, transfer, and guided exploration included. Here’s how I’d plan it.

Peru: Explora Sacred Valley

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DAYS 1–2  ·  STRAIGHT TO THE VALLEY

Fly via Lima to Cusco, where Explora meets you for the drive into the Sacred Valley. Skip Cusco for now. The lodge sits lower, at about 9,000 feet, so your body can adjust gradually. We recommend at least three nights here, but ideally four.

DAYS 3–4  ·  THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

Some 20 archaeological sites lie within 45 minutes of the lodge. Walk among the hand-worked salt pans of Maras, or spend a morning with a highland community where traditional dress and weaving are simply part of everyday life.

DAY 5  ·  MACHU PICCHU

A full day at the citadel, by train along the Urubamba River, or on foot for strong walkers.

DAY 6  ·  CUSCO

Now head up to Cusco, where five days in the valley make the altitude far easier to enjoy. A guided day of the Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha and the artisan workshops of San Blas closes out Peru.

Chile: Explora Atacama

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DAYS 7–8  ·  INTO THE DESERT

Overnight in Santiago, then fly north to Calama for the drive to San Pedro de Atacama. You’ll arrive already acclimatized, a real advantage when some explorations climb to 14,000 feet.

DAYS 9–11  ·  THE LAND OF VOLCANOES

Explore the salt flats and high-altitude lagoons, ride one of the horses Explora breeds itself, or hike a volcano if you’re feeling ambitious. Evenings belong to the lodge’s private observatory, the only one in the Atacama, and for many guests, the highlight of the trip.

DAYS 12–13  ·  HOMEWARD

Fly to Santiago for your overnight connection home.

How an Explora stay works

Nothing is pre-booked. Each evening, you choose tomorrow’s exploration with your guides, from an easy hour-long walk to a summit hike, so everyone in your group can travel at their own pace.

If Peru and Chile are on your list, I’d love to help you plan this one around your pace and exactly who you’re traveling with - contact Darby’s Destinations for your customized trip to Peru and Chile.