The Lares Experience: Cultural Hiking to Machu Picchu | Trip Itinerary

Follow this link for a Map of the Lares Route & Activities

Departure dates: These trips operate 8 to 12 x per month. Please consult us for current dates and availability to suit your proposed travel time period.

**We offer an optional shorter version with 2 days fewer activities & mountain lodge stays on select dates. Please follow this link to our Lares Experience: Short Version for details

Regular version itinerary:

Day 1:  Travel to Lima.  You will need to clear customs and immigration before exiting the airport.  Our local representative will meet you outside, and assist you (walking distance) to nearby Costa Sol Airport Hotel. Check-in for an overnight stay.

Day 2:  You will be met and assisted (walking distance) to the airport for your morning flights to Cusco.  (The cost of flights not included in trip cost, but will be arranged for you by Latin American Escapes). Recommended flights depart 9:30 AM, arriving Cusco 11:00 AM.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the El Mercado Hotel or similar.  You have some free time to rest and acclimatize to the 11,600' elevation.  Later this afternoon meet your guide for a private walking tour of Cusco, including visits to Cusco’s Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas, and Koricanch—“The Temple of the Sun”. This is a great introduction to Cusco and its easy walking routes, as well as great historical & cultural background of Peru and the Incan Empire. (B)

Day 3:  Today you’ll have a little more hiking as you explore the nearby Inca archaeological sites of the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. We’ll hike from Cusco to the first stop, then do some hiking between sites, with van support for the longer distances.  We’ve designed this day to give you gentle acclimatizing while enjoying some of the important Inca sites of the area. Return to Cusco for lunch on your own, with the remainder of the day free to enjoy Cusco. Depending on your interests, there are many fine museums, neighborhoods, markets, restaurants and local activities to enjoy. You’ll also have a scheduled orientation with your guide for the trekking portion of your trip, which begins the following day. (B)

Day 4:  Treasures of the Incas | Sacred Valley
After an early breakfast, your 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.

Group Activity: In the morning the whole group visits the archeological site of Chinchero.
Activity Menu (morning to noon)
Afternoon:
- Cultural activity: Guided tour of Moray Inca Agricultural site and the Salt Mines of Maras.
OR
- Hike: From Chinchero to Urquillos / Duration 3 hrs. / Easy to Moderate
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (el. 9,705’ – 2,958m.), located in the town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
(B, L, D)

Day 5:  Sacred Valley: Explore the Pisac Valley and Ruins.  
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, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at Lamay Lodge.

Activity Menu (morning to noon-select one):
- Cultural activity/morning: Excursion to Pisaq for a guided tour and free time to explore its celebrated marketplace followed a visit to the community of Viacha.
- Semi-Active/morning:  Scenic Bike up stream, along the Urubamba River from Lamay Lodge to Pisaq Town. (Subject to additional cost).
- Active/morning--Hike: From the local community of Amaru to the local community of Viacha / Duration 2.5-3 hrs. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,200´ - 4,328m.
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.
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (el. 9,705’ – 2,958m.), located in the town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. (B, BL, D)

Day 6:  Lares Valley/Inca Sites and Villages
Now that you have gotten a glimpse into this rich Andean tapestry, today you will have the opportunity to go even deeper with an exploration into the heart of the Lares Valley. A scenic drive into the mountains along the celebrated “Inca Weaver’s Trail” allows you to visit the unique and uncrowded archeological site of Ancasmarca to the hub-town of Lares. After lunch, you can choose between visiting the traditional and ancient weavers’ village of Choquecancha, or opt for hiking amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where you will spend the night.This lodge, which is run in joint venture with the local community and aims to protect the cultural heritage and the environment, provides an interesting insight into the evolving role of the original Andean people in both the culture and commerce of modern-day Cusco.

Group Activity (morning to noon): In the morning, explore the town of Lamay and visit the archeological site of Ancasmarca. 
Activity Menu (afternoon, after the group visit):
- Cultural activity: Visit the town of Choquecancha, meet with the local weavers and visit the old church.
OR
- Hike: From Quelquena to Huacahuasi / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Easy to moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 12,595´- 3,839 m.
OR
- Hike: From Cuncani to Huacahuasi / Duration 3.5-4 hrs. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 13,838´- 4,219m.
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585’ - 3,835m.), located in the local community of Huacahuasi, in the Lares Region. (B, L, D)

Day 7:  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. Alternately, 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.

Activity Menu (all day):
- Cultural activity: Visit the village of Huacahuasi followed by a cooking class and lunch at the lodge.
OR
- Hike: Hike to the waterfalls near Huacahuasi and lunch at the lodgel / Duration 1-2 hrs. / Easy.
OR
- Hike: From Quiswarani to Quelquena / Duration 6-7 hrs. / Challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,505´-4,421m.
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585’ – 3,835m.), located in the local community of Huacahuasi, in the Lares Region.  (B, L, D)

Day 8:  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.

Activity Menu (all day):
Cultural
- Morning:  Visit the village of Huilloc and nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor 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 picnic lunch.
-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. | Duration: Approximately 3 hours | Hiking level: Moderate

- Afternoon: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo. | Duration: Approximately 3 hours | Hiking level:  Moderate 

Optional All-Group Activity (late afternoon):  Visit a locally-sourced Sacred Valley craft brewery (subject to additional cost). The brewery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Overnight: Hotel in Ollantaytambo town –Kuychi Rumi Lodge or similar -(el. 9,284’ – 2,830m.), located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.  (B, L, D)

Day 9:   Sacred Valley of the Incas/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, followed by your first visit to Machu Picchu in the afternoon.  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).

Activity Menu (early morning, before the group activity):
- Hike: Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo / Duration 1-1.5 hrs. / Moderate.
OR
- Hike: Higher Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Moderate to challenging.

Group Activity: In the morning, after the optional early morning activities, explore the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, before boarding the train to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).

• Optional: Afternoon visit to the Machu Picchu citadel.

• Optional*: Hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Approximately 6 hours/moderate to challenging (Subject to additional cost).

*Note: Replaces the standard program day itinerary; this activity must be booked upon confirmation of your Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure departure date in order to secure the necessary permits.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes town (el. 6,232´-1,900m.), located in the base town of Machu Picchu  (B, L, D)

Day 10:   Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary and Return to Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, you will once again have to opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour of the citadel. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms over the citadel, or Machu Picchu Mountain** for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and a scenic sunset drive back 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

Group Activity: Early in the morning guided tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Activity Menu (late morning, after the group activity):
- Cultural activity: free time to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (el. 7,872´ - 2,400m.).
OR
- Hike: 10:00 AM Guided hike of Huayna Picchu Mountain / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 8924´ - 2,720m.. (B, L)

Note:  Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability and must be requested 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) permits will be secured instead.

Day 11:  Free time this morning in Cusco before your mid-afternoon flight to Lima, connecting to your international departures. You can also add extra days in Cusco and Peru, or continue with further explorations of South America.  (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; BL= Box Lunch; D=Dinner
 

The Lares Experience: Cultural Hiking to Machu Picchu//Short Version

Day 1:  Travel to Lima.  You will need to clear customs and immigration before exiting the airport.  Our local representative will meet you outside, and assist you (walking distance) to nearby Costa Sol Airport Hotel. Check-in for an overnight stay.

Day 2:  You will be met and assisted (walking distance) to the airport for your morning flights to Cusco.  (The cost of flights not included in trip cost, but will be arranged for you by Latin American Escapes). Recommended flights depart 9:30 AM, arriving Cusco 11:00 AM.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your select hotel, which is reserved for you for a two-night stay.  You have some free time to rest and acclimatize to the 11,600' elevation.  Later this afternoon meet your guide for a private walking tour of Cusco, including visits to Cusco’s Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas, and Koricanch—“The Temple of the Sun”.  This is a great introduction to Cusco and its easy walking routes, as well as great historical & cultural background of Peru and the Incan Empire. (B)

Day 3: Today is another acclimating day in the Cusco area. We've included a great hike/archaeology experience that has you hiking the local ruins near to Cusco. Explore the nearby Inca archaeological sites of the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Kenko and Tambomachay. We’ll start with an approximately 45 minute hike up to Sacsayhuaman to explore this vast site and learn about the cultural history.  Sacsayhuaman is the site of the yearly Inti Raymi Inca Festival. From here we’ll hike and/or transfer (the vehicle is always available) from site to site to complete all visits. Return to your Cusco hotel.

You can opt for other more cultural experiences--such as a visit to the nearby Chincheros-- for small additional cost. Consult our staff for oter options & costs.

We do recommend a half day morning tour with some level of activity; leaving you free in the afternoon to continue exploring the museums, plazas, markets, shops & restaurants of Cusco.
Tonight you'll have an early evening meeting with your guide and fellow travelers for your 5 day Lodge-to-Lodge journey, which begins the following day.  (B)

Day 4 – Sacred Valley:  Explore the Pisac Valley & Ruins
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 center followed by an exploration of 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 techniques. Afterwards, hike or drive to the Pisaq archaeological site for a guided tour, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at Lamay Lodge.

Activity Menu (morning to noon):
- Cultural activity/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 you will visit the town of Pisaq and explore the unique goods for sale in its famous artisan marketplace.
OR
- Active/morning--Hike: From the local community of Amaru to the local community of Viacha / Duration 2.5-3 hrs. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,200´ - 4,328m.
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.
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (el. 9,705’ – 2,958m.), located in the town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. (B, BL, D)

Day 5 – In 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.

Group Activity (morning to noon): In the morning, briefly explore the town of Lamay and visit the archeological site of Ancasmarca.  

Activity Menu (afternoon, after the group visit):
- Cultural activity: Visit to the remote village of Choquecancha where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers.

OR Active Activites:
- Hike: From Quelquena to Huacahuasi / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Easy to moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 12,595´- 3,839 m.
OR
- Hike: From Cuncani to Huacahuasi / Duration 3.5-4 hrs. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 13,838´- 4,219m.
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585’ - 3,835m.), located in the local community of Huacahuasi, in the Lares Region.(B, L, D)

Day 6 – The road to Ollantaytambo
Begin the day with a scenic drive to the community 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.

Activity Menu (all day):
- Cultural activities
Morning: Visit the village of Huilloc and nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor 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 picnic lunch.
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. | Duration: Approximately 3 hours | Hiking level: Moderate
- Afternoon: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo. | Duration: Approximately 3 hours | Hiking level:  Moderate 

Optional All-Group Activity (late afternoon):  Visit a locally-sourced Sacred Valley craft brewery (subject to additional cost). The brewery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Overnight: Hotel in Ollantaytambo town –Kuychi Rumi Lodge or similar -(el. 9,284’ – 2,830m.), located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.  (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Sacred Valley of the Incas/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, followed by your first visit to Machu Picchu in the afternoon.  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).

Activity Menu (early morning, before the group activity):
- Hike: Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo / Duration 1-1.5 hrs. / Moderate.
OR
- Hike: Higher Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Moderate to challenging.

Group Activity: In the morning, after the optional early morning activities, explore the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, before boarding the train to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).

• Optional: Afternoon visit to the Machu Picchu citadel.

• Optional*: Hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Approximately 6 hours/moderate to challenging (Subject to additional cost).

*Note: Replaces the standard program day itinerary; this activity must be booked upon confirmation of your Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure departure date in order to secure the necessary permits.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes town (el. 6,232´-1,900m.), located in the base town of Machu Picchu  (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary and Return to Cusco

After breakfast at the hotel, you will once again have to opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour of the citadel. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms over the citadel, or Machu Picchu Mountain** for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and a scenic sunset drive back 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

Group Activity: Early in the morning guided tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Activity Menu (late morning, after the group activity):
- Cultural activity: free time to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (el. 7,872´ - 2,400m.).
OR
- Hike: 10:00 AM Guided hike of Huayna Picchu Mountain / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 8924´ - 2,720m.. (B, L)

Note:  Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability and must be requested 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) permits will be secured instead.

Day 9:  Free time this morning in Cusco before your mid-afternoon flight to Lima, connecting to your international departures. You can also add extra days in Cusco and Peru, or continue with further explorations of South America.  (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; BL= Box Lunch; D=Dinner