Experiences & Activities
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Peru
Staying at Zapo Lodge means experiencing the Sacred Valley in all its depth:
major archaeological sites, authentic human encounters, spectacular landscapes, and moments of true renewal.
In collaboration with our local partner agencies, we organize private or small-group experiences, including transportation and professional guides.
Excursions can be tailored to your pace and your desires.
Ollantaytambo – A Living Village & Inca Heritage
Recommended duration: half-day to full day
Ollantaytambo is one of the jewels of the Sacred Valley, both a still-inhabited Inca village and a major archaeological site.
Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site (ticketed):
a ceremonial fortress, temples, and monumental terraces offering exceptional insight into Inca engineering and spirituality.
Pinkuylluna Inca Site (free):
ancient Inca granaries located on the hillsides. The climb is steep but short (20 to 30 minutes) and offers a stunning view of the village and the fortress.
ALQA Museum:
a museum dedicated to Andean art and traditions, ideal for completing the visit.
Lunch:
our guides can recommend excellent restaurants for lunch on Ollantaytambo’s main square.
Lunch is not included in the tour.
Meeting the Last Inca Family – Departure from Ollantaytambo
Duration: full day
This deeply human experience leads to a meeting with the last Inca matriarch, over 100 years old, who lives in the Andean highlands.
After this moment of sharing and transmission, the day continues lower in the valley, where another family welcomes you into their home.
Program:
Traditional family lunch: pachamanca, a Peruvian specialty where food is cooked underground using hot stones placed on top.
Weaving demonstration, revealing the ancestral techniques used to create Andean textiles, still practiced today.
An authentic immersion focused on memory, culture, and the connection to Pachamama.
Moray & the Maras Salt Mines – Iconic Landscapes and a Culinary Experience
Duration: half-day or full day
Moray: impressive circular Inca terraces, likely used as an experimental agricultural laboratory.
Maras Salt Mines: thousands of salt pools worked for generations by local families, creating a unique landscape in the Sacred Valley.
Lunch included (depending on the package):
The famous “Mountain View Experience” picnic, featuring delicious dishes served in the heart of nature.
Enjoy a spectacular view over the Sacred Valley, surrounded by llamas you can feed, in a peaceful and unforgettable atmosphere.
Laguna de Huaypo – Nature, Calm, and Open Landscapes
Duration: half-day to full day
Laguna de Huaypo is a gentler, more contemplative alternative to high-mountain excursions.
Nestled in a peaceful, open environment, it offers beautiful views of the surrounding Andean peaks, often reflected in the calm waters of the lake.
Program:
Walk around the lagoon
Observation of local wildlife
Moments of relaxation and contemplation
Possibility to combine the visit with nearby sites (Moray, Maras)
Lunch:
Picnic organized in a natural setting
Pisac – Archaeology and Andean Panoramas
Duration: half-day to full day
The archaeological site of Pisac is renowned for the scale of its agricultural terraces, its temples, and its spectacular viewpoints over the Sacred Valley.
The visit offers a deeper understanding of Inca social and agricultural organization, while enjoying an exceptional natural setting.
Depending on the program, the discovery can be complemented with a visit to the village and its traditional craft market.
Machu Picchu – The Mythical Sanctuary
Option 1 – Full Day (Return in the Evening)
Departure around 6:00 a.m.
Scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (approx. 1h30), with beautiful views throughout the journey.
Bus ride to the Machu Picchu site (30 to 40 minutes).
Guided visit of the sanctuary, with the possibility to choose among the different official circuits available on site.
→ For more information and to select the most suitable itinerary, please inquire at the lodge reception.
Lunch not included: our guides can recommend several restaurants in Aguas Calientes.
Return around 5:00 p.m.
Option 2 – Inca Trail Trek
Duration: 4 to 5 days – Full board included
For an immersive and spiritual approach, the Inca Trail allows you to reach Machu Picchu entirely on foot, following the historic Inca paths.
This adventure crosses spectacular landscapes:
high mountain passes, valleys, Andean forests, and archaeological sites accessible only on foot.
The experience includes:
Certified official guide
Camping accommodation
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), depending on the itinerary
An intense and unforgettable experience, reserved for trekking enthusiasts and lovers of wide open spaces.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – The Andean Icon
Duration: full day
Altitude: up to approx. 5,000 m
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is one of Peru’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
Its multicolored mineral layers create a unique setting that has become an iconic symbol of the Cusco region.
Day itinerary:
Very early morning departure (around 4:00–5:00 a.m., depending on the season)
Drive through the Andean highlands (approx. 6 hours by bus)
Breakfast along the way
Hike of about 1h30 to 2h (depending on pace and conditions) to the viewpoint
Free time to enjoy the scenery and take photos
Lunch included after the hike
Return in the late afternoon
* This excursion takes place at high altitude. Good physical condition is recommended, as well as gradual acclimatization to the altitude (ideally after a few nights in the Sacred Valley).
Laguna Humantay – Lac glaciaire aux eaux turquoise
Duration: full day
Altitude: approximately 4,200 m
Laguna Humantay is one of the most spectacular lakes in the Peruvian Andes.
Nestled at the foot of a glacier, its intense turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the snow-capped peaks and the vast Andean landscapes that surround it.
Day itinerary:
Very early morning departure from Zapo Lodge
Scenic drive through Andean villages
Breakfast along the way
Arrival at the starting point of the hike
Ascent of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours (adaptable pace, horseback option available on site depending on availability)
Free time at the lake to enjoy the view and reflect in this place considered sacred
Lunch included after the hike
Return in the late afternoon
* This excursion takes place at high altitude. It is recommended after a few days of acclimatization in the Sacred Valley. A good level of physical fitness is advised.
