Machu Picchu Lodge Trek – Sacred Valley & Lares
10 days
From $ 4999
Duration10 days
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  • Etepia
  • Machu Picchu Lodge Trek – Sacred Valley & Lares

Choose the activity level that’s right for you as we trace ancient footsteps on this 10-day journey to Machu Picchu. This trip takes us truly off the beaten path, from the most iconic Inca sites of the Sacred Valley to the best trails of the lesser known Lares region. We begin with a visit to Tipon and Pikillacta near Cusco to explore elaborate ancient archaeological sites. We visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, an impressive, well-preserved archaeological site dating back to the 15th century. From the Sacred Valley, our journey takes us into the high Andes of Lares for more discoveries. Activity options on most days of our trip range from relaxed cultural exploration to challenging high altitude hikes over remote passes in the snow-capped Andes. Arriving finally at Machu Picchu, we spend two days exploring the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. As we tour the grounds, our guides will share theories about each structure and its importance to the Incas. We depart having followed in the footsteps of fascinating ancient peoples. Also see our 10-day Machu Picchu lodge trek over the Salkantay route. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Machu Picchu Family Adventure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Light
  • Ages: 18+
Machu Picchu Women's Lares Lodge Trek - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: After arriving in Cusco, visit impressive archaeological sites.
Our trip begins today in Cusco, Peru (11,250'). Upon arrival in Cusco, we will be met by our local guide at our centrally located hotel where we'll have a brief orientation meeting. We have most of the morning to relax and acclimatize before setting out on a tour to the archaeological sites of Tipon and Pikillacta. Tipon has numerous impressive terraces that are still being used today. It is one of the most elaborate examples of agricultural terracing created by the Incas. Pikillacta provides an excellent blueprint of an ancient pre-Incan city that had a population estimated in the thousands. Dinner included.
Meals: D
Day 2: Today's adventure begins in Chinchero in the Sacred Valley.
After breakfast we make our way to the colorful town of Chinchero with its colonial buildings, cobbled streets and beautiful churches. Tonight we spend our first night at Lamay Lodge (9649'). All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Discover the wonders of Pisac.
Today’s special Pachamanca lunch will be enjoyed by all in the village of Viacha. Tonight we return back to our lodging. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Explore ancient farming areas and cross the Lares Pass.
Today's journey begins with an hour's transfer to Ancasmarca, where we explore an old Inca site that features a variety of ancient food storages, dwellings and farming areas. After today’s activities, we end at Huacawasi Lodge. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Explore Huacawasi, high mountain passes and amazing vistas.
Today we immerse ourselves in this remote area. Lodging tonight is at Haucawasi. All meals included.
Feel free to take the afternoon to enjoy personal hot tubs, curl up with a good book, or take a cooking class with the lodge chef.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Pass through traditional villages full of culture and beauty.
This morning prepare your luggage before heading out on your excursion. Tonight’s lodging is in Ollantaytambo. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Travel from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.
After breakfast we begin with a visit to the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, an impressive, well-preserved archaeological site dating from the late 15th century. In fact, it has some of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in South America. Ollantaytambo was the estate of Emperor Pachacutec who conquered the region and who, most archaeologists now believe, is the reason Machu Picchu was built. Later this morning we board our train for a 1.5-hour ride to the small town of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu and enjoy a boxed lunch along the way. After checking into our hotel, we enjoy an afternoon visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Begin the day with an early morning tour of the sacred city.
This morning we head back up to Machu Picchu for another full day of exploration. After more site visits, we have several options: a hike to the dramatic viewpoint of Intipunku (the Sun's Gateway), an easy walk to an ancient Inca drawbridge, a more vigorous hike to the Temple of the Moon, or an ascent up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, based on permit availability. The option to return to the hotel for a massage or souvenir shopping is possible too. Our lodging is at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel for a second night. All meals included.
Hiking: Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike may be unguided and is steep with some exposure. Permits are limited. An alternative optional hike may be available if Huayna Picchu permits cannot be obtained.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Journey back to Cusco with the afternoon free to tour this city.
We board the train back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon. After checking into our hotel, the afternoon is free to explore the city of Cusco or shop for any last-minute souvenirs. Tonight we'll toast to new friendships and exchange stories from our week of hiking in the beautiful Andes. Overnight in Cusco. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Meals: D
Day 10: Depart for home.
After breakfast, we head to the airport for our departing flights. Trip members can opt to return to Lima for connecting flights home or extend their travels in Peru. Breakfast included.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Accommodations in hotels and mountain lodges as noted on itinerary
  • meals as noted on the daily itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides
  • full baggage support/transfer while trekking (you carry only your daypack)
  • all ground transportation within Peru as noted, airport transfers and rail tickets to/from Machu Picchu
  • all sightseeing excursions as noted including permits for entrance to Machu Picchu and optional unguided hikes

  • Accommodation

    Hotels, 5 nights, Mountain lodges, 4 nights

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