Urubamba, Sacred Valley

Peru’s Most Peaceful Escape

There are places you visit in Peru, and then there are places that quietly stay with you.

Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley, is one of those places.

This is where many Peruvians go to disconnect, to step away from the noise and pace of daily life and settle into something slower, quieter, and deeply restorative. The valley is known for its beautiful cabins tucked into the mountains and open landscapes, places where you wake up to crisp air and fall asleep under a sky full of stars.

We spent three days and two nights here with close friends of ours who come often. For them, this is their happy place. And after experiencing it ourselves, it is easy to understand why.

We had just come from a very full stretch of travel in Chile, and this stop in the Sacred Valley felt intentional…a pause, a moment to reset before returning home to Florida.

A Day by the Water

Lake Piuray and the Art of Slowing Down

Our first day was spent at Piuray Adventure Center, along the shores of Piuray Lake.

It was one of those days that unfolds naturally, without needing much structure. The children ran freely from one activity to the next: kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing boats, trying their hand at archery. There was space for them to explore and be active, and just as importantly, space for us to slow down.

We sat on petates (straw mats), drank muña tea, and simply took it all in.

July in the Sacred Valley is what I would call perfect sweater weather. The kind where it’s crisp (somewhere in the 60s) but the sun keeps you warm enough that you’re never actually cold. The kind of weather that makes you want to stay outside all day.

Lunch was a traditional Peruvian arroz con pollo with huancaína sauce…comforting, familiar, and somehow even better with that view.

And then there were the animals.

There was an alpaca, a donkey… and a baby donkey.

And that was it. That became the main attraction.

One of my favorite moments was also watching the children paint their own Toritos de Pucará. These small ceramic bulls, traditionally placed on rooftops in pairs, are meant to bring protection and good fortune. I have a pair in my home in the United States, and seeing my children connect with that tradition felt especially meaningful.

A small tip for parents: bring a change of clothes. Between water, mud, and general childhood enthusiasm, they will absolutely get messy…and tired in the best possible way.

Evenings in the Valley

Quiet, Stars, and Simple Moments

That night, back at our cabin, everything slowed even further.

There was no city noise….no traffic, no background hum, just the stillness of the valley. We sat outside with a glass of wine, shared a simple barbecue, and looked up at a sky completely filled with stars.

You could hear animals in the distance, the occasional rustle of nature, and nothing else.

If you have spent time in Lima, you understand how rare that kind of silence is. It almost feels unfamiliar at first, and then you realize how much you needed it.

If you are visiting in July, it gets cold at night. Most homes and cabins do not have central heating (at best, you may have a space heater) so the temperature drops quickly once the sun is gone.

A small but very important tip: bring warm pajamas, especially for the kids. Fleece pajamas make a big difference. It is one of those things you don’t think about until bedtime, and then suddenly it matters.

Into the Mountains

Hiking with Llamas and a Few Life Lessons

The following morning, we set out early for one of the most memorable experiences of the trip: the Llama Pack Project.

This is not just an activity, it is eco-tourism done thoughtfully. The llamas are guided up the mountains to graze, helping maintain the land naturally, while also creating meaningful work for local Indigenous communities.

The hike is about four kilometers up and four kilometers down. And the way up is not easy.

We started off cold, layered, and feeling very confident. By the time we reached the top, we were sweating, carrying multiple jackets, and rethinking every packing decision we had made.

If you are doing this with children, there are a few things I would absolutely recommend:

Wear proper hiking shoes
Bring walking sticks if you can
Pack light
Bring a compact jacket you can easily fit into a backpack

Because you will end up carrying your children’s layers as well, whether you planned to or not.

A Meal from the Earth

Tradition, Simplicity, and Letting Kids Be Part of It

At the top, we prepared a traditional Andean meal using an earth oven.

Potatoes, corn, and fava beans were placed underground with heated stones and cooked slowly. It is similar to a pachamanca, but simpler.

The children helped with everything: digging, placing the food, uncovering it, and it became one of those moments that felt meaningful without being forced.

We sat together eating while llamas grazed nearby, surrounded by mountains and stillness.

Before leaving, we participated in a coca leaf ceremony, each of us taking three leaves, making a quiet wish or prayer, and leaving them behind as an offering.

A Celebration in the Valley

Food, Family, and Peruvian Independence Month

After the hike, we made our way to Restaurante Tunupa.

We happened to be there on July 28th, Peru’s Independence Day…but in Peru, it is not just a day. It is an entire month of celebration.

Throughout July, you will see Peruvian flags everywhere. Every home, every building, it is part of the culture. While it may not always be strictly enforced as a law, it is very much an understood tradition that people follow.

There are folkloric dances in the streets, music, food, and constant activity. It is vibrant and alive. You feel it as you move through towns, as if the entire country is celebrating together.

The food at the restaurant is a traditional criollo buffet, and it was excellent, but what stood out most was the atmosphere.

Outside, there was a large green area where the children could run freely, along with a small protected lake where they immediately began throwing stones to see who could get the most skips.

At this point in the day, they were dirty, happy, and completely entertained… which, as any parent knows, is the goal.

An Evening of Creativity

Ceramics, Laughter, and Letting Go of the Plan

That evening, we visited Ramos Kintu Ceramic School for a ceramic workshop.

The children designed and painted their own pieces, completely focused and proud of what they were creating. There is something about giving them space to make something with their hands that feels grounding, especially after a full day outdoors.

We had every intention of returning the next day to pick up our ceramic masterpieces.

We did not.

Early flight, tired kids, and one of those classic travel moments where the plan sounds great… until it doesn’t happen.

So yes, that was a fail.

But we have the pictures and memories, and honestly, that is what matters most.

What to Pack

Real Tips After Going There With Kids

If you are planning a trip to Urubamba with children around July, there are a few things I would absolutely bring.

Sun protection is essential. Even when it feels cool, the sun is strong.

A good sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

Layers are everything.

Cotton t-shirt
Lightweight sweater
Compact puffer jacket
Fleece/warm pajamas

You will wear all of them at some point.

For clothing:

Lightweight cargo pants are ideal
I would skip shorts due to sun exposure and being in nature

For footwear:

Good walking or hiking shoes
Flip-flops for later

Bring a comfortable backpack, and pack light. Things get bulky quickly, especially when you start carrying everyone’s jackets.

For the llama hike:

Bring snacks, especially for picky eaters
Consider giving older children a camera
Be aware that groups may split depending on pace and age
Walking/trekking poles definitely helped!

At Piuray, food is available, but depending on your setup, you may want to bring extras if you have specific needs.

The Kind of Place You Return To

Why Urubamba Stayed With Us

Urubamba was exactly what we needed.

After a fast-paced stretch of travel, it gave us space to slow down. It gave the children freedom to run, explore, and be outside. It gave us quiet moments, shared meals, and time together without a schedule.

It was the perfect way to end our summer travels before heading home.

It is not a place defined by a list of things to see, but by how it makes you feel while you are there.

And it is, without question, a place I would return to… next time, for longer.

Looking Ahead

A Journey to One of My Favorite Places

Next, I will be sharing about one of my favorite trips we have ever taken: Rapa Nui, AKA Easter Island. A place that stays with you in an entirely different way.

Thank you for reading.