The Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu

Note

The night prior to your departure at 7:00 pm, you will meet your guide and fellow travellers for an approximate 45 minute general trip briefing and Q&A.

5 Days/ 4 Nights

Day 1 : Cuzco > Pisac, Sacred Valley > Lamay

Begin your journey from the busy streets of Cuzco (3400 m) to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Start your day with a choice of a cultural activity or hike. 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 Pisac archaeological site for a guided tour, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at your lodge in Lamay (2958 m).

Activity Options:
Active: Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate; Maximum Elevation: 4328 metres
Cultural: 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 Pisac for a brief tour and time exploring the unique goods for sale in its colourful artisan marketplace.

Day 2 : Lamay > Lares Valley

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 cultural activity or a hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi (3835 m), where both groups meet again to spend the night.

Activity Options:
Active, Option A: Hike from Quelquena to Huacahuasi
Trekking Time: Approximately 2.5 hours;
Hiking Level: Moderate; Maximum Elevation: 4328 metres
Active, Option B: Hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi
Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate; Maximum Elevation: 4219 metres
Cultural: Visit a remote village where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers

Day 3 : Lares Valley > Ollantaytambo

Begin the day with a scenic drive from Huacahuasi to the remote village of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike or a cultural activity before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka archaeological site. After lunch, choose a hike or drive to Ollantaytambo (2830 m), a charming Sacred Valley town and spend the afternoon exploring its maze-like alleys and passageways. Afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Ollantaytambo.

Activity Options:
Active, Morning: Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate
Active, Afternoon: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate
Cultural: Explore 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

Day 4 : Ollantaytambo > Aguas Calientes

Begin your day with an optional hike. Afterwards, the entire group will meet at the entrance of the Ollantaytambo archaeological 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 (1900 m) 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 an additional cost).

Activity Options:
Active, Early Morning: Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain to the Inca storage houses high above Ollantaytambo for an impressive view of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial site
Trekking Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate

Day 5 : Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu Sanctuary > Cuzco

Your journey to Machu Picchu (2400 m) begins with a morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour, learning about the history, re-discovery and inhabitants of this incredible site.

After your visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and then a vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cuzco (approximately 1.5 hours) where you will arrive at approximately 7:00 pm.

7 Days/ 6 Nights

Day 1 : Cuzco > Sacred Valley > Lamay

Begin your journey from the busy streets of Cuzco (3400 m) 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 enjoy your choice of a cultural activity or hike before arriving at your lodge in Lamay (2958 m).

Activity Options:
Active: An inspiring downhill hike from Chinchero to the town of Urquillos along historic Inca trails
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Hiking Level: Easy to moderate
Cultural: Guided exploration of the Moray agricultural complex and the natural salt mines in Maras

Day 2 : Lamay > Pisac, Sacred Valley

Start your day with a cultural visit or hike. 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 Pisac archaeological site for a guided tour, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at your lodge.

Activity Options:
Active: Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha;
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate; Maximum Elevation: 4328 metres
Cultural: Excursion to the lively town of Pisac for a guided tour and free time to explore its celebrated colourful artisan marketplace

Day 3 : Pisac, Sacred Valley > Lares Valley

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 cultural visit or a hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi (3835 m), where both groups meet again to spend the night.

Activity Options:
Active, Option A: Hike from Quelquena to Huacahuasi
Trekking Time: Approximately 2.5 hours;
Hiking Level: Moderate; Maximum Elevation: 4328 metres
Active, Option B: Hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi
Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours;
Hiking Level: Moderate; Maximum Elevation: 4219 metres
Cultural: Visit a remote village where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers

Day 4 : Lares Valley > 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 challenging 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.

Activity Options:
Active, Option A: Hike to the waterfalls near Huacahuasi with lunch at your lodge
Trekking Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Hiking Level: Easy
Active, Option B: Hike from Quiswarani to Quelquena with a box lunch
Trekking Time: Approximately 6.5 hours
Hiking Level: Challenging; Maximum Elevation: 4421 metres
Cultural: Visit the village of Huacahuasi followed by a cooking class and lunch at your lodge

Day 5 : Huacahuasi > Ollantaytambo

Begin the day with a scenic drive from Huacahuasi to the remote village of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike or a cultural activity before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka archaeological site. After lunch, choose a hike or drive to Ollantaytambo (2830 m), a charming Sacred Valley town and spend the afternoon exploring its maze-like alleys and passageways. Afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Ollantaytambo.

Activity Options:
Active, Morning: Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate
Active, Afternoon: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate
Cultural: Explore 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

Day 6 : Ollantaytambo > Aguas Calientes

Begin your day with an optional hike. Afterwards, the entire group will meet at the entrance of the Ollantaytambo archaeological sitesite for a guided tour. Midday, you will embark on a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to the charming town of Aguas Calientes (1900 m) 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 an additional cost).

Activity Options:
Active, Early Morning: Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain to the Inca storage houses high above Ollantaytambo for an impressive view of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial site
Trekking Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate

Day 6 : Machu Picchu Sanctuary > Cuzco

Your journey to Machu Picchu (2400 m) begins with a 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. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour, learning about the history, re-discovery and inhabitants of this incredible site.

After your visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and then a vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cuzco (approximately 1.5 hours) where you will arrive at approximately 7:00 pm.