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Under an hour’s drive from Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas sits at a much friendlier altitude (about 2,800 metres), making it a great alternative to kick off your acclimatisation process. The stunning natural setting of the valley - carved by the Urubamba river - is truly hard to rival, but it’s not all just pretty views: this spiritual place is home to countless Inca ruins and is testament to the mind-blowing engineering skills of the Inca civilisation. Marvel at the concentric terraces of Moray and the Maras salt pans or head to Ollantaytambo to check out the mountainside fortress with panoramic views of the valley for a real treat. Adventurers might like to try whitewater rafting or SUPing on an Andean lake, and, once you’re done, treat yourself to a cocktail and a luxurious spa treatment - the valley is the perfect spot for some R&R on your way to or from Machu Picchu.
Any direction you look, the views will be an absolute treat: terraces, the roaring river, green crop fields, and the majestic sacred mountains looking over you…
For a bit of down time away from it all, check out the many luxurious hotels that offer some seriously gasp-worthy experiences. How about spending the night in a glass capsule suspended on a cliffside?
Life here is pretty laid-back and quiet. Most hotels are scattered along one main road and many aren’t within walking distance of a main town, so if you’re looking for an exciting nightlife scene it might not be for you.