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Discover the Sacred Valley & Lares Region

Region de Cusco, Peru

Starting From

$3,995/person

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Book this tour through our partner: MT Sobek

Just north of Cusco lies a little-traveled region of tranquil lakes and rugged peaks, where farmers have grown crops for centuries and gently herded llamas through lush green valleys. Discover the traditional Andean way of life trekking through the villages and landscapes of Lares, on this remarkable journey that offers a modern twist on the classic Sacred Valley tour. Marvel at Pisac's ancient ruins, see the well-preserved Inca town of Ollantaytambo, and end your Peru adventure with a visit to iconic, mysterious Machu Picchu — the Lost City of the Incas.

Itinerary

Arrive in Cusco

Meet your trip leader in Cusco and transfer to your hotel. Once the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, today Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its ruins and vibrant beauty. Explore the city or relax and acclimate to the altitude. Meet at 6pm for a group briefing at El Mercado Hotel in the historical center of Cusco.

Discover Treasures of the Sacred Valley

Begin your adventure with a journey from the urban setting of Cusco into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Explore the archeological site of Chinchero, where colonial buildings rest atop Inca foundations. Afterwards, take an easy starter hike to Urquillos, or continue on to visit the natural Inca salt mines of Maras and the astonishing circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an Inca laboratory dedicated to the study of foreign plant species.

Explore the Archaeological Complex Pisac

In the morning, opt for one of three choices: visit the famous market at Pisac and check out its unique array of products; take an invigorating morning hike surrounded by amazing views of the Andes Mountains; or bike along the Urubamba River from Lamay to Pisac. Afterwards, meet up with the rest of the group in the isolated community of Viacha and enjoy a traditional "Pachamanca" meal cooked under hot stones. Then, take an afternoon excursion to the fascinating archaeological complex at Pisac, which has some of the finest Inca stonework in existence.

Visit Inca Sites & Villages in the Lares Valley

Explore the town of Lamay, then take a scenic drive into the mountains along the celebrated "Inca Weaver's Trail" and visit the unique and uncrowded archeological site of Ancasmarca. After lunch, visit 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. The lodge provides an interesting insight into the evolving role of the original Andean people in both the culture and commerce of modern-day Cusco.

Experience the Heritage of Huacahuasi

You have two choices today: Walk through the village of Huacahuasi and learn more about its heritage and daily activities, with a possible visit to a farmer's home. Then, take a Peruvian cooking class and test your skills during lunch with the rest of the group. Or, for those who want to go deeper into these remote mountains, challenge yourself with a strenuous, all-day hike from the community of Quiswarani onto the "Trail of 1,000 Lakes," enjoying the area's majestic beauty and the company of herds of alpacas and llamas.

Explore Ollantaytambo & Hike Ancient Inca Trails

Set out on whatever adventure you choose this morning: Embark on a challenging but spectacular 7-hour hike through varied terrain and over a mountain pass. Or, learn more about the heritage and day-to-day activities of the Huacahuasi community, followed by a barbecue lunch. Then, in the afternoon, meander the charming, maze-like streets of Ollantaytambo or go mountain biking and visit an artisanal brewery. You may also opt for a morning hike, then meet up with the second group for lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo.

Discover Inca sites at Ollantaytambo

Start your day with an optional hike to Inca storage structures high above Ollantaytambo for magnificent views of the town and the main archeological site across the valley. Afterwards, take a morning tour of the temple at Ollantytambo, regarded by the Incas as one of their most important ceremonial centers, and get a sense of its mystical history — a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu. Around noon, embark on a scenic train ride along the famous Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Journey to Machu Picchu

At dawn, begin your journey to Machu Picchu with a short and rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the "Sanctuary" (as locals refer to it), the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with light. Prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. Hike, if you choose, to Huayna Picchu, the iconic towering mountain often seen in photographs, for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.

Depart from Cusco

Explore Cusco on your own this morning. Bid "adios" to your traveling companions before your afternoon flight to Lima and connecting flight home.

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Starting From

$3,995/person

Book Now

Details

Duration

9 Days

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Ends

Cusco, Peru

Group Size

4-16

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