Machu Picchu Women's Lares Lodge Trek
8 days
From $ 3499
Duration8 days

This eight-day odyssey carries you from Andes mountain passes to ancient Inca marvels, including Machu Picchu. For travelers and history buffs who want an active experience—and hikers who want an authentic experience of Peruvian history and culture—this trip begins in the ancient city of Cusco, with labyrinthine Inca stonework almost everywhere you turn. We step into the past, exploring the Sun Temple, the Plaza des Armas and the Inca Museum, while a bean-to-bar chocolate workshop gives us the flavor of contemporary Peru. Then we journey into the Andes and the heart of the fallen Inca Empire. Hikes grant us heart-pounding views of two snow-capped giants, Ausangate and Salcantay, both with summits over 20,000 feet. Lodge stays and village visits connect us with the soul of the Lares region, legendary for the exquisite artistry of the local women’s weaving. We connect deeply with this little-known destination that typical tourists never see. Our journey reaches its zenith as we enter the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Time forgot this place, but you never will.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 8 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: Arrive Cusco
Welcome to Peru! After flying into Cusco, our transfer takes us to our boutique hotel just blocks from the Plaza des Armas. This afternoon we explore by foot the Koricancha Sun Temple and the Inca Museum. Enjoy a light dinner on your own this evening. All meals are on your own today.
Day 2: Explore archaeological sites near Cusco City.
This morning we’re off to visit some very well preserved archaeological sites of the Incan civilization. Our guide shares with us what archaeologists believe were the practices and traditions of the Incas. With this information, we glean a better understanding of their lives. After our visit to Sacsayhuaman, we hike down to Pachapapa for lunch. This afternoon, we visit the chocolate museum for the "Beans to Bar" workshop where we learn to prepare chocolate beverages and more. We end the day with dinner at one of Cusco’s premier restaurants. Overnight at El Retablo B&B. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Enter the Sacred Valley from a vantage point that few others have.
Today’s special Pachamanca lunch will be enjoyed by all in the village of Viacha. Dinner and lodging at the Lamay Lodge. 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: 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 6: Travel from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.
After breakfast, our day begins with a short hike to the Pinkuylluna Ruins—structures that the Incas once used for storage. At the site, we have magnificent views of the town of Ollantaytambo. We have a guided tour of the fortress, an excellent example of Inca architecture and the perfect preview for our next destination, Machu Picchu. Midday, we embark on a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes, a vibrant town below the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Full day exploration of Machu Picchu.
Very early this morning, we head up to Machu Picchu for a full day of exploration. Several options await us: 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). As a group, we tour the grounds with our guide who shares theories about the structures and their importance to the Incas. Our lodging is at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel for a second night. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Departure day
Bags are packed and ready before heading down to breakfast this morning. We catch the morning train back to Cusco and arrive in time for late afternoon flights home. Breakfast included.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Accommodations in hotels and mountain lodges as noted on itinerary (based on double occupancy)
  • 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 entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
  • Accommodation

    Boutique hotel, 2 nights, lodges, 3 nights, luxury hotel, 2 nights

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