Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu 8 days

From Cusco to Cusco

Peru
Luxury

Tour Description

Explore the stunning Sacred Valley of Incas, the heart of the Lares region and archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu on our 8 day adventure.

On this lodge to lodge Lares trek, departing from Cusco you will hike off the beaten path in the Lares region and get an insight into the traditional and authentic lives of local farmers and weavers and learn about life in remote andean villages. As you walk each day enjoy the beautiful mountain surrounds. In the evening, relax and enjoy the environment with local lodges with all the creature comforts and fantastic service.

There will also be time to see the treasures of the Sacred Valley including the lovely village of Pisaq, the colourful handicraft markets, witness Ollantaytambo fortress, as well as the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, also known as the 'Lost City of the Incas'.

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7 days will be spent on a Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure. This will see you walking ancient and remote trails, and observing the daily life of traditional Andean communities, and staying in comfortable community owned lodges at night.

This is an active tour, with hiking, walking and plenty of activity. Yet there is time to acclimatize, explore Cusco at leisure, comfortable lodge accomodation with space to relax, hot tubs, fire pits, local cuisine, and even herb-infused pillows at night

Gain insight into the fascinating and colourful culture of Peru as you travel through the beautiful Lares Valley, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, deep into the heart of the Incan empire...be wowed by the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.

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Day 1

Arrival Cusco

Upon arrival in to Cusco, you will be met & transferred to your hotel.
Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Incan remains.
Tonight a pre-tour meeting will be held.

NOTE: You may wish to add more nights pre-trek in Cusco to help with acclimatization
Overnight in Cusco

Day 2

Treasures of the Sacred Valley

Your journey begins from the busy streets of Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Your first step will be Chinchero, a small Andean village and Inca archaeological site. From there, choose an inspiring downhill hike from Chinchero to the town of Urquillos along historic Inca trails, or an afternoon exploring the circular agricultural terraces in Moray and natural salt mines in Maras

Day 3

Exploring Pisaq

Start your day with either an invigorating hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha, or a visit to the lively town and colorful artisan marketplace of Pisaq. Midday, both cultural explorers and hikers will reunite in the village of Viacha to learn about traditional Andean farming before a hike or drive to the Pisaq archaeological site for a guided tour.

Day 4

Into the heart of Lares

The day begins with a visit to the small town of Lamay followed by a scenic drive into the heart of the Lares Valley. Your first stop will be Ancasmarca for a guided tour of this seldom-visited archaeological site. Afterwards, choose a visit with the expert textile weavers in the remote village of Choquecancha or a hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where both groups meet again to spend the night.

Day 5

Exploring Huacahuasi

For a cultural morning experience, you will visit the village of Huacahuasi and learn more about its heritage and daily life of the locals. Afterwards, return to the lodge for a Peruvian cooking class with the lodge staff or take a short hike to the nearby waterfalls. Alternately, challenge yourself with an all-day hike from the community of Quiswarani to Quelquena along the â€˜Trail of 1,000 Lakesâ€™ for majestic views of the lakes, valleys, and mountains.

Day 6

The Road to Ollantaytambo

Begin the day with a scenic drive from Huacahuasi to the remote village of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka, or explore the village and nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka archaeological site. After lunch, choose to hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo or drive and spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo’s maze-like alleys and passageways.
Note: Afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Sacred Valley.

Day 7

Discovering Ollantaytambo

Begin your day with an optional early morning hike to the Inca storage houses high above the town for an impressive view of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial site. Afterwards, the entire group will meet at the entrance of the site for a guided tour before embarking on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Alternately, opt for an all-day hike from train marker KM 104 to the Machu Picchu Sun Gate on the classic Inca Trail (subject to additional cost).

Day 8

The Citadel of Machu Picchu Cusco

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking morning uphill bus ride, followed by a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. After the tour you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu (at an additional cost)*, the iconic mountain that looms overhead. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours).

*Note: Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability; please advise if you would like to include this experience when you confirm your reservation. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, Machu Picchu Mountain (the second peak within the sanctuary) is an alternate option

Tour ends in Cusco where an overnight will be required - ask us to add on a Cusco post trek package

Accommodation

Accommodation in superior hotels and lodges

Food

Breakfast daily and all meals while on the trek
Filtered/sparkling water, tea and coffee, juice and soft drinks provided at trekking lodges

Fees & Services

All transfers Cusco to Cusco on a shared basis
Guided walks and tours with professional English speaking guide
Guided visit of Machu Picchu Sanctuary (includes entrance and transport)
Train service to Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo.
International Flights, Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable), tips, travel insurance

Guided visit of Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Stay in lodges using some traditional Inca building techniques
7 days in the Lares & Sacred Valley region, hiking and learning about the local culture
Discover the ruins of the Inca Empire at Ollantaytambo.
Remote highland hiking trails with breathtaking views
Visit natural salt mines in Maras
Local village visit to Huacahuasi
Travel to Machu Picchu by train.