Three challenges take adventurers up to 15,400 feet in the Peruvian Andes, with special rewards for finishers

Explora, a collection of award-winning lodges focused on deep exploration of remote regions in South America is taking hikers, their pulse rates, and their sense of accomplishment higher with three new Milestone Challenges set amid the wonderous beauty and rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Offered for 2025 and exclusive to Explora Valle Sagrado, the expedition lodge nestled amid traditional villages in the Andean Highlands, each of the three Challenges is designed for travelers who want to test their endurance and mark new milestones.

Spending time in pristine nature, exploring and enjoying the company of like-minded travelers, is the foundation of Explora’s DNA. According to Sebastian Correa, Vice President of Explorations, Explora’s travelers spend an average of 4 to 5.5 hours outdoors per day amid remote regions of beauty and preserved nature throughout South America. “Explora guests can immerse themselves in our destinations with bespoke, custom-tailored explorations crafted by our guides for all activity levels. The new Milestone Challenge is ideal for travelers who want to push their endurance.”

Designed for different athletic goals and abilities, Explora Valle Sagrado’s three Hiking Challenges require several hours and plenty of persistence to scale thousands of feet of elevation gain in the Andes. But there are rewards, too, with those who complete at least two Milestone Challenges during their stay being eligible to enjoy benefits such as a private lesson from the lodge’s Bar team on mixing and drinking a proper Pisco Sour, credit for a wellness experience at the onsite Pumacahua Bath House; or a gift from lodge’s retail offerings. Milestone-achieving hikers will also be honored with a certificate of completion, and they can look forward to being celebrated on Explora’s social media, should they desire.

Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Challenges

Ranked by level of difficulty, the three guided Milestone Challenges of Explora Valle Sagrado include:

5 Lagunas Exploration (Beginner) – Peer into the Andean way of life through the agricultural traditions of the region on this nearly 6-mile-long Hiking Challenge. The hike aims high from the start, departing from an isolated community and traveling up to a broad pass that looks out onto shimmering, snow-capped peaks, including Sawasiray (19,087 feet), one of the highest mountains in the Peruvian Andes. The descent is equally stunning, proceeding through a ravine that hosts llama and alpaca herds and passing lagoons whose calm waters reflect dazzling yellow mountains. Along the way, local farmers and community members often reach out to enlighten hikers on farming techniques, including the cultivation of potatoes that are vital to the Andean diet. Fully guided, the 5 Lagunas Exploration rises gradually in elevation from 13,500 to 14,295 feet for a gain of 1,417 feet over about 4.5 hours of light walking.

Tastayoc Exploration (Intermediate) – Step high up right from the start of this full-day Hiking Challenge, with trails running through pastureland isolated from the valley and passing lagoons that are either clear as glass or painted turquoise from thawing snow to reveal secrets of high-mountain water ecosystems. Crossing the Andes from east to west, hikers will notice the contrast between the lush, humid eastern slopes and the drier, more arid west. Changes in vegetation and climate will be apparent as the hike gradually ascends to 15,377 feet for an elevation gain of 2,927 feet, with sweeping views of the valley waiting at the top.  A 6.5 hours of guided hiking altogether.

Pachatusan Exploration (Advanced) – Scale the heights of the Andes in full view of Cerro Pachatusan, revered by the Inca as the protector of the world. Proceeding through agricultural and livestock areas, the route is designed to open the eyes of participants to breathtaking scenery and cultural history, including the town of Pukara, whose ancient archaeological site dates from 1800 BC, as well as Tipón, where incredible Incan hydraulic engineering designed for agriculture is still in use today. Look for broad perspectives on the Cusco Valley from 13,711 feet and a total elevation gain of 4,409 feet over 8 hours of guided hiking.

Exploration Everywhere

Whatever the destination, explorations are always at the heart of every Explora experience. Explora Valle Sagrado offers dozens of guide-led experiences for travelers to soak up the beauty and culture of the Valley of the Incas and the Andes around it via hike, bike, overland van, high-mountain ascent, and more.

After a day of adventure, guests can cool down, chill out, and get excited for tomorrow while enjoying a range of on-site diversions. Those include massages at Pumacahua Bath House, a preserved colonial house opposite the main hotel; relaxing on chaise lounges by the outdoor swimming pool; savoring locally inspired, world-class cuisine created from diverse Andean ingredients by renowned Chef Virgilio Martínez; and enjoying the Explora Bar to sip cocktails and a curated selection of wines reflecting the wine culture of the Andes.

Each of 44 standard guest rooms and 6 suites at Explora Valle Sagrado is designed to take advantage of the silence and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape, with breathtaking views of the Andes from every accommodation.