Mountain Lodges of Peru Trek and Tour Lares Valley & onto Machu Picchu

Upper Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure - 5 Day Programme

The Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu—a journey through the ancient history, living culture, and magnificent landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Expert guides will tailor your individual experience from a daily list of adventure activities and cultural exploration options. Then, as breathtaking sunsets paint the Andean sky at the end of each exciting day, you will settle into our signature mountain lodges to enjoy exceptional Peruvian cuisine and top-notch accommodations. 

ITINERARY 

The day before the trek there is a briefing in a central location in Cusco for the group at 7pm for 45 minutes. It is recommend you arrive in Cusco at least 1-2  days prior to the departure date for altitude acclimatisation and to participate in the pre-trip briefing.

Day 1 - Exploring Pisaq 

Begin your journey from the busy streets of Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Start your day with either an invigorating hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha, or a visit to the Awanakancha textile centre followed by an exploration of the lively town and colourful artisan marketplace of Pisaq. Midday, both cultural explorers and hikers will reunite in the village of Viacha to learn about traditional Andean farming techniques. Afterwards, hike or drive to the Pisaq archaeological site for a guided tour, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at Lamay Lodge.

Day 1 - Activity options: 

• Cultural (morning): Excursion to Awanakancha for an introduction to traditional Andean textile weaving techniques and an up-close visit with some friendly llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, all camelids indigenous to both this region and other high-altitude regions throughout Peru. Next, visit the town of Pisaq for a brief tour and time exploring the unique goods for sale in its colourful artisan marketplace. 
• Active (morning): Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha. Approximately 3 hours. 
• All-Group Activity: Meet the Viacha locals and learn about their traditional Andean farming practices, followed by an optional hike (or drive) and guided exploration of the Pisaq archaeological site.

Day 2  - 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 archeological site. Afterwards, choose a visit with the expert textile weavers in a remote village 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 2 - Activity options: 

• All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Explore the town of Lamay and visit the Ancasmarca archaeological site. 
• Cultural (afternoon): Visit a remote village where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community. 
• Active (afternoon):
  Option A: Hike from Quelquena to Huacahuasi. Approximately 2.5 hours, easy to moderate.
  Option B: Hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi. Approximately 4 hours, moderate.

Day 3 - The Road to Ollantaytambo

Begin the day with a scenic drive from Huacahuasi to the remote village of Huilloq. From there, choose a morning hike from Huilloq to Pumamarka, or explore the village of Huilloq and nearby sheepherding community 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. Overnight in a hotel in Ollantaytambo. 

Day 3 - Activity options: 

• Cultural (morning): Visit the village of Huilloq and nearby sheepherding community to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honour Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her blessings for the health of the community livestock. Drive from Marcacocha to Pumamarka for an all-group tour of the archaeological site and lunch. 
• Cultural (afternoon): After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring this charming Sacred Valley town. 
• Active (morning): Hike from Huilloq to Pumamarka. Approximately 3 hours, 
  moderate. 
• Active (afternoon): Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo Approximately 3 hours, moderate 

Day 4 - 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. Midday, you will embark on a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to the charming town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu and enjoy a free afternoon (you can visit Machu Picchu at your leisure). Alternatively, 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). Overnight at a lodge in Aguas Calientes.

Day 4 - Activity options: 

• Active (early morning): Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo. Approximately 1.5 hours, moderate 
• All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo archeological site. 
• Optional: Afternoon visit to the Machu Picchu citadel. (subject to additional cost)
• Optional*: Hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Duration: Approximately 6 hours | Hiking Level: Moderate to challenging. (subject to availability and additional cost).

Day 5 - The Citadel of Machu Picchu

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skilful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Following a two-hour guided tour, you’ll have the option to hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain*, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that span from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). As night falls and you arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home. 

Day 5 - Activity options: 

• All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Guided exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Cultural (late morning): Free time for further exploration. 
• Active (late morning): Hike up Huayna Picchu (subject to availability and additional cost). Approximately 2.5 hours, moderate to challenging.
   

Upper Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure - 7-Day Programme

The Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu—a journey through the ancient history, living culture, and magnificent landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Expert guides will tailor your individual experience from a daily list of adventure activities and cultural exploration options. Then, as breathtaking sunsets paint the Andean sky at the end of each exciting day, you will settle into our signature mountain lodges to enjoy exceptional Peruvian cuisine and top-notch accommodations. 

ITINERARY 

The evening before your trip, meet your guide and fellow travellers for a general trip briefing (45 minutes) in a central location in Cusco at 7pm. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 1-2 days prior to the departure date for altitude acclimatisation and to participate in the pre-trip briefing. 

Day 1 - Treasures of the Sacred Valley

After an early breakfast, your MLP guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin your journey 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 stop 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. We overnight at Lamay Lodge.

Day 1 - Activity options: 

• All-Group Activity (morning): Visit to the historic village and archaeological site of Chinchero. 
• Cultural (afternoon): Guided exploration of the Moray agricultural complex and the natural salt mines in Maras. 
• Active: Hike from Chinchero to Urquillos. Approximately 3 hours, easy to Moderate (mostly downhill). 

Day 2 - 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 colourful 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, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at Lamay Lodge.

Day 2 - Activity options: 

• Cultural (morning): Excursion to Pisaq for a guided tour and free time to explore its celebrated marketplace followed a visit to the community of Viacha.
• Active (morning): Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha. Approximately 3 hours, moderate.
• All-Group Activity: Meet the Viacha locals and learn about their traditional Andean farming practices, followed by an optional hike (or vehicle transfer) and guided exploration of the archaeological site. 

Day 3 - 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 archeological site. Afterwards, choose a visit with the expert textile weavers in a remote village 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 at the lodge. 

Day 3 - Activity options: 

• All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Explore the town of Lamay and visit the Ancasmarca archaeological site. 
• Cultural (afternoon): Visit a remote village where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community. 
• Active (afternoon):
  Option A: Hike from Quelquena to Huacahuasi. Approximately 2.5 hours, easy to moderate.
  Option B: Hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi. Approximately 4 hours, moderate.

Day 4 - Exploring Huacahuasi 

For a cultural morning experience today, you will visit the village of Huacahuasi and learn more about its heritage and a villager’s typical daily activities. The expert weavers and farmers will share their stories, each depicted in artful textiles full of traditional Inca symbols and imagery. Afterwards, return to the lodge for a Peruvian cooking class with the lodge staff. Alternatively, you can take a short hike to the waterfalls near Huacahuasi or challenge yourself with an all-day hike from the community of Quiswarani to Quelquena along the ‘Trail of 1,000 Lakes.’ Although a strenuous hike over high-mountain passes, you will be rewarded with majestic views of the lakes, valleys, and mountains, as well as the multiple herds of alpacas and llamas grazing along the route. We Overnight at Huacahuasi Lodge.

Day 4 - Activity options

• Cultural: Visit the village of Huacahuasi followed by a cooking class and lunch at the lodge. 
• Active: 

Option A: Hike to the waterfalls near Huacahuasi and lunch at the lodge. Approximately 1.5 hours, easy. 

Option B: Hike from Quiswarani to Cuncani (box lunch). Approximately 6.5 hours, challenging.

Day 5 - 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 of Huilloc and nearby sheepherding community 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. We overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Note: Afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Sacred Valley. 

Day 5 - Activity options

• Cultural (morning): Visit the village of Huilloc and nearby sheepherding community to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honour Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her blessings for the health of the community livestock. Drive from Marcacocha to Pumamarka for an all-group tour of the archaeological site and lunch. 
• Cultural (afternoon): After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring this charming Sacred Valley town. 
• Active (morning): Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka. Approximately 3 hours
  moderate. 
• Active (afternoon): Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo Approximately 3 hours, moderate. 

Day 6 - 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. Midday, you will embark on a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to the charming town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu and enjoy a free afternoon. Alternatively, 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). We overnight at a lodge in Aguas Calientes.

Day 6 - Activity options:

• Active (early morning): Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo. Approximately 1.5 hours. 
• All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo archeological site. 
• Optional: Afternoon visit to the Machu Picchu citadel. (subject to additional cost) 
• Optional*: Hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Duration: Approximately 6
  hours | Hiking Level: Moderate to challenging. (subject to availability and additional cost)

Day 7 - The Citadel of Machu Picchu

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skilful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Following a two-hour guided tour, you’ll have the option to hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain*, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that span from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). 

Day 7 - Activity options:

• All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Guided exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel (7,872’ / 2,400m). 
• Cultural (late morning): Free time for further exploration. 
• Active (late morning): Hike up Huayna Picchu (subject to availability and additional cost). Approximately 2.5 hours, moderate to challenging.