Peru Highlands
A Lodge to Lodge Adventure: Cusco, Lares, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for Leslie Rhodes
Majestic archaeological sites lead to remote and uncrowded trails taking travelers through mountains and valleys, abounding in natural beauty and dotted with Andean communities, where the locals are master weavers and their traditions are still firmly rooted in ancient Incan culture. Expert guides tailor the experience with an offer of à la carte activities and daily cultural encounters.
At each day’s sunset, settle into deluxe mountain lodges run in partnership with local communities, to prepare for a new day of multi-activity adventure and exploration.
SUMMARY
Day 1: Fri, Jul 3 ::: Cusco Arrival
Day 2: Sat, Jul 4 ::: Cusco Exploration
Day 3-4: Sun-Mon, Jul 5-6 ::: Lares and the Lamay Lodge
Days 5-6: Tue-Wed, Jul 7-8 ::: Lares and Huacahuasi Lodge
Day 7: Thu, Jul 9 ::: Sacred Valley
Day 8: Fri, Jul 10 ::: Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
Day 9: Sat, Jul 11 ::: MACHU PICCHU - sacred valley
Day 10: Sun, Jul 12 ::: depart sacred valley for cusco and lima
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
Meals:
none
Cusco Arrival
Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Spend the rest of the evening connecting with the group or retire early.
Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.
Day 2
Weather permitting, we will workout surrounded by the ancient walls of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals:
B | L | D
City and Ruins Tour in Cusco
After breakfast and a relaxing group flow, we explore the ancient city of Cusco as a group. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers us to a late lunch and an afternoon at leisure before we reconvene for a pre-dinner mat session.
Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.
DAY 3-4
The kindness of the locals is ever more vibrant than their attire.
Meals:
B | L | D
Lares: Pisaq Town | Viacha
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 before a hike or drive to the Pisaq archaeological site for a guided tour.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
In the morning
/ Cultural: Excursion to Awanakancha for an introduction to traditional Andean textile weaving techniques and an up-close visit with some friendly llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, all camelids indigenous to both this region and other high-altitude regions throughout Peru. Next, visit the town of Pisaq for a brief tour and time explore the unique goods for sale in its colorful artisan marketplace.
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)
/ Active: Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha.
Day 4-6
The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
Meals:
B | L | D
Lares Region: Inca Sites and Villages
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
In the morning
/ All-Group Activity: Explore the town of Lamay and visit the archeological site of Ancasmarca.
In the 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 7
Enjoy the warm waters of the outdoor hot tub each night at the lodges.
Meals:
B | L | D
Sacred Valley of the Incas | Hiking Among Authentic Inca Trails
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 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 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 additional cost).
Overnight: Kuychi Rumi Lodge (9,284’ / 2,830m)
DAY 8
Reaching the Citadel of Machu Picchu will leave us awe inspired.
Meals:
B | L | D
Sacred Valley of the Incas | 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. 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 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
Late morning
/ All-Group Cultural Activity: Guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site.
Afternoon
/ 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 9
Connection is the root of all travel.
Meals:
B | L | D
Machu Picchu | The Sanctuary
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.
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
Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.
DAY 10
Depart the Sacred Valley for Cusco and flight to Lima
After breakfast and a final yoga session, we transfer to the Cusco airport for our departing flight to Lima. Our time in Peru will leave your rooted to your inner self, fellow travelers and a deeper wellness practices.
PRICE: $4250 PER PERSON
BASED ON DOUBLE ACCOMMODATIONS Nights 3-8,
Single Accommodations Nights 1-2 & 9
Please note: We will do our best to match you with a roommate of the same gender nights 3-8, however, if we are unable to do so, a single supplement of $863 will be due before travel. If you prefer a guaranteed private room throughout your trip, the additional cost is $1725.
Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: April 3, 2020
Payment plan available, please inquire
AcCommodations
El Mercado
Cusco
El Mercado is a 4-star 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.
Mountain Lodges
Lamay + Huacahuasi
Accommodations along the Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure are located both in remote places as well as in traditional towns, yet always surrounded by stunning sceneries and local living culture. As a reference, all the lodges are comparable to a 4-5 star property. The following information might be useful for additional things to expect. If you have any questions about the accommodations, please contact your Travel Specialist.
Complimentary internet is available in every room.
Each room has a safety deposit box.
Some lodges have Jacuzzis.
Massage service.
Toilet equipped with hair-dryers and full amenities.
There are 110V compatible sockets in the lodges (220V is the official voltage).
K’Uychi Rumi Lodge
Sacred Valley
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes
K’uychi Rumi offers an exclusive lodging alternative for your stay in Peru. It consists of seven luxurious and individually designed rustic Andean lodges surrounded by beautiful gardens and native fruit orchards. The property is nestled at the foot of some of the most picturesque mountain peaks in all of Peru and is within short distance from the Urubamba River.
We are located outside the quaint town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We are one hour away from the historic and world famous city of Cusco. We are half an hour away from the train station to the unforgettable one-hour scenic ride to Machu Picchu. Other nearby historical sites and cities include Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, Paucartambo, and Manu National Park.
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.
After exploring the Historic Sanctuary and in-house excursions, guests can enjoy the Unu Spa, which combines the classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Natural products are derived from local botanical extracts (mint, eucalyptus and orchids), thus providing a pleasing spiritual, sensual and soothing experience. The first-class restaurant features stunning views of Vilcanota River, and shares the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Included:
All transportation services mentioned in the detailed itineraries
Daily activities “a-la-carte” (Daily choice of hikes, soft adventure or cultural activities)
Entrance fees to tourist and archaeological sites (Includes half day entrance to Machu Picchu)
Ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain (subject to availability)
Lodges / hotels as detailed
All meals as detailed
Services of professional guides (Excluding moments in the program which are labeled on your own)
Not Include:
International flights
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses
Activities not mentioned in itinerary
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Alcoholic beverages