The Sacred Valley and Lares Trek to Machu Picchu — a journey through the ancient history, living culture, and magnificent landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This “Inca Trail” is a more cultural and comfortable experience than the other Inca Trail.
Travelers who chose the less frequented path to Machu Picchu are rewarded with authentic, immersive, and exclusive experiences. Multi day lodge-to-lodge journeys that are designed to rejuvenate the soul. Expert guides will tailor your individual experience from a daily list of adventure activities and cultural exploration options. Then, as breathtaking sunsets paint the Andean sky at the end of each exciting day, you will settle into one of the Mountain Lodges of Peru to enjoy exceptional Peruvian cuisine and top-notch accommodations.
The jewel of South America, Peru will send your camera into overdrive with its jaw-dropping terrain, colourful markets, dense Amazon jungle, forgotten temples entangled in jungle vines, and massive archaeological complexes.
This is a sample itinerary and this amazing vacation to Peru can be tweaked to best suit your travel needs.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES. PRICES WILL CHANGE DEPENDING ON NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
DAY 1:ARRIVAL DAY CUSCO
Welcome to Cusco! Your vacation in Peru begins in Cusco – a colonial as well as an archaeological gem and at an elevation of 3300m, Cusco will literally take your breath away.
Location: El Mercado – one of our signature hotels located just 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main town square.
Meals: None however we recommend that you stay for dinner at ‘La Taberna’ in El Mercado, which offers Peruvian and other international cuisines in a cozy, elegant setting
Overnight: El Mercado
DAY 2: TREASURES OF THE SACRED VALLEY
Your journey begins from the busy streets of Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Your first step will be Chinchero, a small Andean village, an 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.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
Morning
All-Group Activity: Visit Chinchero.
Afternoon
/Cultural: A guided exploration of the Moray agricultural complex and the natural salt mines in Maras.
/Active: Hike from Chincheros to Urquillos
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (9,705’ / 2,958m)
Approximately 3 hours
DAY 3: 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 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 before a hike or drive to the Pisaq archaeological site for a guided tour.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
Morning
/ Cultural: Excursion to Pisaq for a guided tour and free time to explore its celebrated marketplace, followed a visit to the community of Viacha.
/ Semi-active: Bike ride from Lamay Lodge to Pisaq.(subject to additional cost)
Approximately 3 hours Easy to Moderate
/ Active: Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha.
Approximately 3 hours
Moderate
14,200’ / 4,328 m
Midday
/ All-Group Activity: Meet the Viacha locals and learn about their traditional Andean farming practices.
Afternoon
/All-Group Activity: Guided tour of the Pisaq archaeological site.
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (9,705’ / 2,958m)
DAY 4: INTO THE HEART OF LARES VALLEY
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 archeological 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.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
Morning
/ All-Group Activity: Explore the town of Lamay and visit the Ancasmarca archeological site.
Afternoon
/ Cultural: Visit to the remote village of Choquecancha where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers.
/ Active:
Option A: Hike from Quelquena to Huacahuasi
Approximately 2.5 hours
Easy to moderate
14,200’ / 4,328 m
Option B: Hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi
Approximately 4 hours
Moderate
13,838´ / 4,219m
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585’ / 3,835m)
DAY 5: EXPLORING HUACAHUASI
For a cultural morning experience, you will visit the village of Huacahuasi and learn more about the heritage and daily life of the locals. Afterward, return to the lodge for a Peruvian cooking class with the lodge staff or take a short hike to the nearby waterfalls. Alternately, challenge yourself with an all-day hike from the community of Quiswarani to Quelquena along the ‘Trail of 1,000 Lakes’ for majestic views of the lakes, valleys, and mountains.
Morning
/ Cultural: Visit the village of Huacahuasi followed by a cooking class and lunch at the lodge.
/ Active: Hike to the waterfalls near Huacahuasi and lunch at the lodge
Approximately 1.5 hours
Easy
All-day
/ Active: Hike from Quiswarani to Quelquena (lunch en route)
Approximately 6.5 hours
Challenging
14,505’ / 4,421 m
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585’ / 3,835m)
DAY 6: THE ROAD TO OLLANTAYTAMBO
Begin the day with a scenic drive from Huacahuasi to the remote village 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.
Note: Afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Sacred Valley.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
Morning
/ Cultural: Visit the village of Huilloc and the nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her blessings for the health of the community livestock. Drive from Marcacocha to Pumamarka for an all-group tour of the archaeological site and a picnic lunch.
/ Active Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka.
Approximately 3 hours
Moderate
Afternoon
/ Cultural: After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring this charming Sacred Valley town.
/ Active: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo.
Approximately 3 hours
Moderate
/ Optional All-Group Activity (late afternoon): Visit a locally-sourced Sacred Valley craft brewery (subject to an additional cost).
Overnight: Hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (9,284’ / 2,830 m)
DAY 7: DISCOVERING OLLANTAYTAMBO
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. Afterward, 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 at the base of Machu Picchu. 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).
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
Early morning
/ Active:
Option A:Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo.
Approximately 1.5 hours
Moderate
Option B: Hike up Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo.
Approximately 2.5 hours
Moderate to challenging
Morning
/ All-Group Cultural Activity: Guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site.
Afternoon
/ Train ride: Scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to the charming town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
Approximately 1.5 hours
All-day activity (subject to additional cost)
Note: This is a full-day hike that replaces the standard program day itinerary.
/ Active: Hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu
Approximately 6 hours
Moderate to challenging
Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel (6,232’ / 1,900m)
DAY 8: EXPLORING MACHU PICCHU
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking morning uphill bus ride, followed by a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. After the tour you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms overhead. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours).
*Note: Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability; please consult with your MLP Travel Specialist when you confirm your reservation. 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.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
Morning
/ All-Group Cultural Activity: Guided exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel (7,872’ / 2,400m)
Late morning
/ Cultural: Free time for further exploration
/ Active: Hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
8,924’ / 2,720 m- Approximately 2.5 hours
Moderate to Challenging
Overnight: El Mercado, Cusco
DAY 9: CUSCO DEPARTURE OR EXTEND
You will be transferred to the airport or extend your stay! There are so many more regions of Peru to explore including the Amazon, Arequipa, Huaraz, or Lake Titicaca. Or ask us about visiting Bolivia! Get in touch with us for suggestions info@finisterra.ca
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Morocco, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Responsibility of the traveller.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
El Mercado is a property located three and a half blocks from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the heart of picturesque Cusco. Formerly part of the city’s old farmer’s market, El Mercado’s 32 rooms and quaint atmosphere guarantee personal and friendly service, and will immediately immerse our guest in the cultural and historical traits of Cusco and Peru.
LAMAY LODGE – Our Lamay Lodge is an idyllic hideaway in the Sacred Valley town of the same name (9,721’/2,963m). Resplendent sun and green, flower-dotted gardens with picturesque pastoral views create a calming sensation that envelops you from the moment you arrive. The outdoor hot tub and firepit in the center garden are welcoming spaces to gather, as are the cozy indoor nooks.
HUACAHUASI LODGE – Our Huacahuasi Lodge, an imposing structure built on the mountainside adjacent to its namesake village, was designed to showcase dramatic views of the valley and beyond with its soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows (12,599’/3,840m). Each luxury guest room is equipped with a private outdoor jacuzzi for you to relax while you take in dramatic sunsets and star-filled evening skies.
AGUAS CALIENTES – INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO HOTEL
Popular with those heading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, the property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species – such as the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock – and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered.
A 25% non-refundable (unless cancelled by us) deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your place. Please contact info@finisterra.ca for more booking information, Terms & Conditions and an invoice.
Price is per person based on 2 travellers in twin / double accommodation and subject to change. Contact us for up to date pricing.
Credit Card: If you would like to pay by credit card, please contact info@finisterra.ca
Final Payment
Full payment is due 60 prior to departure
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
JOIN OUR FINISTERRA TRAVEL COMMUNITY
Stay up-to-date with us when you sign up for our newsletter.