Included
All transportation services for the duration of the standard detailed itineraries; daily “a-la-carte” activities (guests choose from a daily list of active and cultural options.); entrance fees to archaeological sites, including one half-day visit to Machu Picchu and other points of interest; 6 nights of accommodations in lodges and affiliate hotels; all meals and beverages including soft drinks and a house selection of beer, wine, and spirits (at Lamay and Huacahuasi Lodges only); fully guided bilingual activities and excursions, except for scheduled times marked as leisure; all gratuities for staff, excluding guides (to be determined at guests’ discretion); wireless internet access (WiFi) at all lodges.
Exclusions
Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain and/or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability); massage service; bottled water and sports drinks (in order to reduce plastic waste on the trail and at the lodges, a refillable water bottle is provided to each guest at the pre-trip briefing and the highest-quality filtered water is available at all of lodges); local taxes (18% IGV) on meals and lodging applicable to Peruvians, foreign residents, and tourists traveling in Peru for 60+ days; insurance of any kind (proof of medical insurance is required; see Travel Insurance note below).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 30 days – 25% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 7-day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu begins and ends in Cusco, Peru (CUZ). We highly recommend arriving 2 days prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues, and to help with the acclimatization process. Plan flights to arrive to Cusco at minimum the day before your trip begins. The trip ends between 7:00 and 8:00pm in Cusco on the final day of the itinerary. We recommend overnighting in Cusco before departing. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
The 7-day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu is full of optional activities including easy to challenging hikes and cultural visits, all based in the high Andes mountains of Peru. Travelers are encouraged to prepare by exercising regularly and having a healthy, balanced diet prior to the trip. We recommend that guests spend at least two nights in Cusco prior to departing on the trek, which helps with acclimating to the altitude and also provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cusco.
Full-day Inca Trail Hike Optional Activity
This one-day hike along Peru’s Classic Inca Trail starts at KM 104 and ends at the ruins of Machu Picchu via the citadel’s iconic Sun Gate. It takes approximately 6 hours and is considered moderate to challenging. The hike replaces the standard route offered on Day 6. Because only 250 permits are issued per day, it is required that interested guests sign up for this added-cost activity during booking.
The day begins with an early morning breakfast before taking a 30-minute transfer to Ollantaytambo to embark on the train to KM 104. Begin hiking by crossing the Chachabamba Bridge ascending to Wiñay Wayna, an archaeological complex featuring ancient houses, fountains and agricultural terraces overlooking the Urubamba River. Continue on to the Sun Gate for the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Enjoy spectacular views while descending along the perimeter of the citadel to catch the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes and finally to arrive at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Please note that hikers will not explore the citadel until the group visit the following day.
Additional costs for this option include transfer from the hotel in the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station; services of an experienced trail guide; snacks and box lunch; train ticket from Ollantaytambo station to KM 104; trail permit to hike the one-day classic Inca Trail route from KM 104 to Machu Picchu; bus ticket from the Machu Picchu citadel to Aguas Calientes.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select rooms free of charge. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
Children under 12 years old will be granted a 50% discount of the official standard rate depending on the program when sharing the room with the parent. Children from 12 to 16 years old will be granted a 25% discount of the official rate depending on the program when sharing the room with the parent. Maximum two children per room. The discount does not apply in to single room requests, or when one parent is sharing a room with one child. When one parent is sharing a room with two children, only one child will receive a discount. In the case of children staying in a single room, the full adult rate and single supplement will apply. Children under 8 years old (10 years old for trekking) are not recommended for this trip.
Travel Insurance
This trip requires proof of insurance coverage as a minimum for Medical Emergency Treatment and Evacuation; please be sure that your policy includes Adventure Travel Activities or similar when purchasing. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park or UNESCO regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.
