Hike with Llamas in The Sacred Valley of the Incas

This full-day hiking experience connects the village of Lamay with Pisac, crossing the highlands of the Sacred Valley of the Incas accompanied by cargo llamas and local muleteers. This route follows ancestral paths still used by Andean communities, offering a slower, deeper, and more meaningful way to explore the landscape while supporting local livelihoods and the reintroduction of llamas into the Andean ecosystem.

The presence of llamas transforms this hike into a cultural and ecological journey, rooted in ancient traditions and responsible tourism.

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Departure from Lamay and Transfer to the Highlands

The day begins in the village of Lamay, where we meet our guide and prepare for the journey. From there, we drive to the Sapacto sector, a highland community located above Lamay. This transfer allows us to reach remote areas of the Sacred Valley, far from busy trails and mass tourism.

Upon arrival, we meet the local muleteers and their llamas, who will accompany us throughout the hike. The llamas are carefully loaded with food and equipment, just as they have been for centuries, reconnecting us with traditional Andean ways of travel.

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Beginning the Hike with Llamas

From Sapacto, we begin walking along gentle highland trails that connect Lamay with Pisac. The pace of the hike is naturally relaxed, guided by the rhythm of the llamas and the vast open landscapes around us.

Traveling with llamas allows for a more mindful experience, creating moments to observe, listen, and truly connect with the environment. Our guide will share stories about the historical role of llamas in Andean society, from transportation and agriculture to spiritual symbolism.

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High-Andean Ecosystems and Scenic Views

The route crosses a variety of high-altitude ecosystems, including potato fields, wetlands, and open grasslands. These areas are home to native plant species and wildlife, including alpacas, llamas, and a wide range of birdlife, both native and migratory.

Throughout the hike, we enjoy impressive views of the Apus, or sacred mountains, such as Pitusiray, Sahuasiray, and Chicon. These peaks hold deep spiritual meaning in Andean culture and continue to be honored by local communities as protectors of the land.

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Encounters with Local Communities

Along the trail, we may meet shepherds and farmers tending their animals or fields, offering a glimpse into daily life in the highlands of the Sacred Valley. These encounters highlight the living culture that still thrives in these remote areas.

By hiking with llamas and local muleteers, this experience directly contributes to fair local employment, supporting families who preserve ancestral knowledge and traditional practices.

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A Cultural Way to Travel

Llamas have been essential to Andean life for thousands of years, serving as pack animals and symbols of harmony between humans and nature. Including them in this hike is part of La Base Lamay’s commitment to regenerative tourism, helping restore the presence of llamas in areas where they were gradually replaced by modern transport.

This approach allows travelers to experience the Sacred Valley in a way that is respectful, sustainable, and deeply connected to local traditions.

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Approaching the Pisac Valley

As we move closer to Pisac, the landscape begins to shift. The wide highlands gradually give way to cultivated slopes and impressive Inca agricultural terraces, revealing the remarkable engineering skills of ancient civilizations.

From elevated viewpoints, we enjoy panoramic views of the Pisac Valley, where the contrast between mountains, terraces, and river creates one of the most iconic landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

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Descent Toward Pisac

The final section of the hike leads us downhill toward Pisac, following ancient trails that historically connected highland communities with the valley floor. This descent offers a deeper understanding of the region’s geography and the strategic importance of Pisac within the Inca Empire.

At the end of the hike, transportation will be waiting to take us back to our hotel or onward to our next destination.​​​