Lose yourself along empty mountain trails, witness breathtaking scenery, and discover the traditional and ancient heritage of local people throughout the incredible Lares Trek. One of Peru’s ultimate travel experiences, the Lares Trek – in the Andes’ Lares Valley – can be broken up with your choice of additional excursions, community visits, and encounters with nature. You’ll either camp under the stars or stay in remote mountain lodges (or both) and, as well as discovering Machu Picchu on a private guided tour, get a glimpse of both Lima and ancient Cusco on either side of your 4 days’ hiking, too.
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Upon arrival at Lima International Airport you’ll be met by an Atelier representative who will assist you. Before hotel check-in, get a snapshot of life in Lima and enjoy dramatic coastal views from upmarket San Isidro and Miraflores Districts. For those who want to skip Lima, we can arrange a brief stay at one of the Lima Airport’s hotels with local assistance for your one-hour flight to Cusco.
Your first full day of this exciting tour takes you to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, for some of the most iconic wonders in South America. You’ll fly to Cusco from Lima, and after checking into your boutique Cusco hotel the rest of the day is left at leisure. Enjoy the restaurants, boutiques, and many cultural highlights of Cusco your own way. You can explore Sacsayhuaman Fortress, visit the Qorikancha Temple (the most important of its kind in the Inca Empire), or lose yourself around the atmospheric – and historic – streets of Downtown Cusco.
Day 3 of your adventure in Peru is an exciting one, as you make for the trailhead and unforgettable Lares Trek through the Andes Mountains. 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.
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.
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.
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). Optional 1: Afternoon visit to the Machu Picchu citadel. Optional 2: Hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. (Subject to availability and additional cost)
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. *Entrance time - Huayna Picchu: 10:30am *Note: Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability; please consult with your MLP travel specialist when you confirm your reservation. **Note: 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.
As your trip comes to a close, you may have chance to enjoy the cobbled streets, plazas, Cathedral and atmosphere of historic Cusco at leisure before transferring to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima and home, full of priceless memories of Peru.
