Deep in the Sacred Valley north of Cusco, the Lares Valley offers an authentic slice of Peruvian life where herds of alpacas and llamas roam amidst Inca ruins, breathtaking mountain scenery and traditional weaving communities. For walkers, the 7 Day Lares Adventure offers a wonderful alternative to the Inca Trail, a unique lodge-to-lodge journey to Machu Picchu. Each day, choose from a range of guided activities from walking, biking and scenic drives to visits to remote Inca ruins and mountain villages. Best of all no camping but instead comfortable lodges replete with jacuzzis, delicious cuisine and roaring fires!
Please note that a shorter 5 day option is also available – please contact us for further details.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the traditional weaving communities of the Lares Valley
Enjoy delicious cuisine including a Pachamanca Inca meal
Hike to remote Inca ruins well off the beaten path
Overnight in luxurious mountain lodges
Marvel at the breathtaking site of Machu Picchu
What’s included
Shared small group guided walk
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury mountain lodge accommodation
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is a fixed departure itinerary.Please contact us for dates, departures and availability.
6
Nights
Price Guide
From $3875 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Start
Cusco
Day 1
treasures of the 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 bustling streets of Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks, colourful market towns and fascinating ruins. 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
Day 2
exploring pisac
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 of Pisac which hosts a bustling market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Viacha to learn about traditional Andean farming techniques before a hike or a drive takes you on to the wonderful Inca ruins of Pisac perched in the hills above the town. What better way to finish the day than with a traditional Pachamanca pit-bake dinner back at Lamay Lodge.
Day 3
into the lares valley
Today you head into the heart of the Lares Valley to visit the remote archaeological sites of Ancasmarca. After lunch, enjoy a visit to a traditional weaver’s village, a scenic drive or a moderate/strenuous hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi and Huacawasi Lodge.
Day 4
exploring huacahuasi
Today, you visit the village of Huacahuasi and learn more about its traditional heritage through its weavers and farmers who will share their stories and fascinating textiles which reveal a host of 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 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.
Day 5
huilloc to ollantaytambo
After breakfast, you travel to the remote village of Huilloc. From here, an ancient trail leads sown down to the Inca site of Pumamarca or alternatively, spend the morning exploring the village and weaving community – with luck you may even arrive on a market day. In the afternoon, regroup at Pumamarca where you may like to continue along the spectacular path as it winds down to Ollantaytambo or simply drive the route and spend the rest of the day exploring the maze-like alleys, passageways and wonderful Inca architecture of this magnificent fortress town.
Day 6
discovering ollantaytambo
In the morning, enjoy an optional hike above Ollantaytambo for magnificent views before you meet the rest of the group for a guided tour of Ollantaytambo fortress, a site never conquered by the Spanish. After lunch, take the train through the dizzying Vilcabamba Mountains to reach Aguas Calientes, perched beneath the magical site of Machu Picchu for dinner and overnight. Alternatively, why not opt for the wonderful 1 Day Inca Trail and disembark the train at km104 for a 6-hour hike to reach Machu Picchu via the iconic Sun Gate (subject to additional cost).
Day 7
inca wonders: Machu Picchu & Cusco
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning rollicking uphill bus ride to reach the citadel. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), marvel at the imposing architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, the royal Inca residences and surrounding terraces. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have time at leisure to explore the site and perhaps hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain (not for the faint-hearted!) for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit, enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before you return to Cusco by road and rail with memories and magical moments that will linger long after your journey home.
Note: Final night in Cusco not included
Day 8
End of arrangements
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $3875 per person
When to travel
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The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season from April to November when there are bright sunny days and an average temperature of around 20° though dropping to just above zero at night due to the altitude. The Amazon is hot and sticky all year round though marginally more oppressive and wet between the months December and March.
Coastal areas (Lima, Paracas, Nazca): Warm and dry. Average temperatures: Highs around 80°F (27°C), lows around 68°F (20°C). Andes Mountains (Cusco, Machu Picchu): Rainy season. Average temperatures: Highs around 65°F (18°C), lows around 46°F (8°C). Amazon Rainforest (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado): Rainy season with high humidity. Average temperatures: Highs around 88°F (31°C), lows around 72°F (22°C).
Coastal areas: Warm and dry. Average temperatures: Highs around 81°F (27°C), lows around 69°F (21°C). Andes Mountains: Rainy season continues. Average temperatures: Highs around 65°F (18°C), lows around 46°F (8°C). Amazon Rainforest: Rainy season with high humidity. Average temperatures: Highs around 88°F (31°C), lows around 72°F (22°C).
Coastal areas: Warm and dry. Average temperatures: Highs around 81°F (27°C), lows around 70°F (21°C). Andes Mountains: Rainy season begins to taper off. Average temperatures: Highs around 66°F (19°C), lows around 46°F (8°C). Amazon Rainforest: Rainy season continues. Average temperatures: Highs around 87°F (31°C), lows around 72°F (22°C).
Coastal areas: Pleasant and dry. Average temperatures: Highs around 78°F (26°C), lows around 68°F (20°C). Andes Mountains: Transition to dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 67°F (19°C), lows around 42°F (6°C). Amazon Rainforest: Transition to dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 87°F (31°C), lows around 72°F (22°C).
Coastal areas: Pleasant with occasional fog. Average temperatures: Highs around 74°F (23°C), lows around 65°F (18°C). Andes Mountains: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 67°F (19°C), lows around 37°F (3°C). Amazon Rainforest: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 87°F (31°C), lows around 72°F (22°C).
Coastal areas: Cooler with fog. Average temperatures: Highs around 70°F (21°C), lows around 63°F (17°C). Andes Mountains: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 66°F (19°C), lows around 32°F (0°C). Amazon Rainforest: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 86°F (30°C), lows around 71°F (22°C).
Coastal areas: Cooler with fog. Average temperatures: Highs around 67°F (19°C), lows around 60°F (16°C). Andes Mountains: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 67°F (19°C), lows around 32°F (0°C). Amazon Rainforest: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 87°F (31°C), lows around 70°F (21°C).
Coastal areas: Cooler with fog. Average temperatures: Highs around 66°F (19°C), lows around 59°F (15°C). Andes Mountains: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 68°F (20°C), lows around 35°F (2°C). Amazon Rainforest: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 89°F (32°C), lows around 70°F (21°C).
Coastal areas: Cooler with less fog. Average temperatures: Highs around 67°F (19°C), lows around 59°F (15°C). Andes Mountains: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 68°F (20°C), lows around 37°F (3°C). Amazon Rainforest: Transition to rainy season. Average temperatures: Highs around 90°F (32°C), lows around 70°F (21°C).
Coastal areas: Warmer and pleasant. Average temperatures: Highs around 69°F (21°C), lows around 61°F (16°C). Andes Mountains: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 68°F (20°C), lows around 41°F (5°C). Amazon Rainforest: Rainy season begins. Average temperatures: Highs around 89°F (32°C), lows around 70°F (21°C).
Coastal areas: Warm and pleasant. Average temperatures: Highs around 72°F (22°C), lows around 64°F (18°C). Andes Mountains: Dry season. Average temperatures: Highs around 68°F (20°C), lows around 43°F (6°C). Amazon Rainforest: Rainy season. Average temperatures: Highs around 88°F (31°C), lows around 70°F (21°C).
Coastal areas: Warm and pleasant. Average temperatures: Highs around 75°F (24°C), lows around 66°F (19°C). Andes Mountains: Rainy season. Average temperatures: Highs around 66°F (19°C), lows around 45°F (7°C). Amazon Rainforest: Rainy season. Average temperatures: Highs around 87°F (31°C), lows around 71°F (22°C).
Add on’s
A short flight from Cusco, Peru’s Amazon basin would combine beautifully with the Andean highlands and offer a completely different side of Peru. There are several lodges sheltered along the Madre de Dios River or for the ultimate Amazon experience, why not fly to Iquitos and embark on a classic riverboat cruise into the emerald wonderland of the Pacaya Samiria National Park. Alternatively why not take the Titicaca Train or, better still, the Belmond Andean Explorer to Puno and spend a few days enjoying some R&R around Lake Titicaca. After hiking the Inca trails of the Sacred Valley, Titilaka would be the perfect spot to wind down!
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