Day 1: Exploring Pisaq
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.
DAY 1 ACTIVITY OPTIONS:
• Cultural (morning): 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 exploring the unique goods for sale in its colorful artisan marketplace
• Active (morning): Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha.
- Approximately 3 hours
- Moderate
- Max. elevation: 14,200’ / 4,328 m)
• All-Group Activity: Meet the Viacha locals and learn about their traditional Andean farming practices, followed by an optional hike (or drive) and guided exploration of the Pisaq archaeological site
Day 2: Into the Heart of Lares
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 a remote village 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.
DAY 2 ACTIVITY OPTIONS:
• All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Explore the town of Lamay and visit the Ancasmarca archaeological site.
• Cultural (afternoon): Visit a remote village where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers.
• Active (afternoon):
Option A: Hike from Quelquena to Huacahuasi.
- Approximately 2.5 hours
- Easy to Moderate
- Max. elevation: 14,200’ / 4,328 m
Option B: Hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi.
- Approximately 4 hours
- Moderate
- Max. elevation: 13,838’ / 4,219 m
Day 3: 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 of Huilloc and nearby sheepherding community 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
DAY 3 ACTIVITY OPTIONS:
• Cultural (morning): Visit the village of Huilloc and nearby sheepherding community 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 lunch.
• Cultural (afternoon): After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring this charming Sacred Valley town.
• Active (morning): Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka.
- Approximately 3 hours
- Moderate
• Active (afternoon): Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo
- Approximately 3 hours
- Moderate
Day 4: 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. Midday, you will embark on a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to the charming town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu and enjoy a free afternoon. Alternatively, 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).
DAY 4 ACTIVITY OPTIONS:
• Active (early morning): Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo.
- Approximately 1.5 hours
- Moderate
All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo archeological site.
• Optional: Afternoon visit to the Machu Picchu citadel. (subject to additional cost)
• Optional*: Hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Duration: Approximately 6 hours | Hiking Level: Moderate to challenging. (subject to availability and additional cost)
* Note: Replaces the standard program day itinerary; this activity must be booked upon confirmation of your Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure departure date in order to secure the necessary permits.
Day 5: The Citadel of Machu Picchu
After breakfast at the hotel, your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking uphill bus ride. After a two-hour guided tour of the citadel, you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna 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.
*Note: Tickets for Huayna Picchu Mt. (8,924’ / 2,720m) may be available subject to additional cost. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, you may opt for a hike up Machu Picchu Mt. (10,112 / 3,082m), located next to the Machu Picchu Citadel on the southern side. Please consult with your MLP Travel Specialist for detailed information.
DAY 5 ACTIVITY OPTIONS:
• All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Guided exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel (7,872’ / 2,400m).
• Cultural (late morning): Free time for further exploration.
• Active (late morning): Hike up Huayna Picchu (subject to availability and additional cost).
- Approximately 2.5 hours
- Moderate to Challenging
- Max. elevation: 8,924’ / 2,700 m
