Women in tradtional peru outfit greeting travelers as they enter the scared valley next to the stone walls and flowers all around
Couple on mountain bikes looking out into the distance overlooking a small lake on a warm sunny day next ti the mounatins
closeup of hands of woman weaving on sacred valley & lares adventure to machu picchu land tour
areil landscape views of machu picchu mountains on a bright sunny day
Hikers looking out into the views of machu picchu as the guide points out for all travelers
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South America Peru Land Tour

Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu

The Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu is a private-lodge-based trip in the famed Sacred Valley and remote region of Lares, Peru, culminating in Machu Picchu. This 5- or 7-day trip offers a-la-carte daily options for each traveler to choose their own adventure: from hiking to cultural activities and getting to know the local Peruvians. The shorter 5-day route is especially popular as a trip extension for a Galapagos cruise; many travelers combine these two experiences due to the regularity of flights between Ecuador and Peru.

Ideal for multigenerational families and travelers who like to trek but want cultural village visits too, the Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure is an option that can suit many traveler styles. The itinerary focuses on remote regional exploration into wilderness and culturally rich villages. Visit the celebrated Inca Weaver’s Trail, take a cooking class, tour museums and archeological sites far from crowds, and hike up mountain passes topping 14,600 feet if you wish. Hiking options are offered each day, but are totally optional and vary from easy to moderate to strenuous. Your Machu Picchu visit caps off the journey, with added-cost tickets to hike the towering Huayna Picchu if you wish.

Accommodations are at two private remote lodges comprising the Lares Region collection of Mountain Lodges of Peru, as well as boutique hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Inkaterra Machu Pichu Pueblo Hotel), at the base of Machu Picchu.

Choose your Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure each day, including options to customize for your own private small group adventure, and opt for a trip of 5 days or 7 days. The full 7-day itinerary truly explores the region in depth. See also the 5-day alternative adventure, which spends one less night at each of the Sacred Valley and Lares-region lodges.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Machu Picchu tours, Peru tours and Peru travel.



Itinerary

7-Day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu Itinerary

The 7-day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu is a lodge-based trip in the famed Sacred Valley and remote region of Lares, Peru, culminating in Machu Picchu. The trip offers a-la-carte daily options for each traveler to choose their own adventure, from hiking and biking to cultural activities and getting to know the local Peruvians.

Route map of 5- and 7-day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu, operating round-trip from Cusco, Peru, with visits to Pisaq, Huacahuasi, Ollantaytambo and the ancient Inca citadel.
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Day 1
Treasures of the Sacred Valley, Peru

After an early breakfast, be picked up by a guide and driver from the hotel in Cusco. Leave the busy streets of Cusco and arrive in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks. The first stop is Chinchero, a small Andean village and 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.

Cultural Option

Guided exploration of the Moray agricultural complex and the natural salt mines of Maras.

Active Option

Hike from Chinchero to Urquillos for approximately 3 hours on a trail that is considered easy to moderate and mostly downhill.

Accommodations

Lamay Lodge (9,705 feet)

Meals

lunch (box lunch en route) and dinner

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Day 2
Explore Pisaq

After an early breakfast, start today with either an invigorating hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha, or visit the charming town and colorful artisan marketplace of Pisaq. Midday, both cultural explorers and hikers will reunite to enjoy exclusive access to the remote community of Viacha to learn about traditional Andean farming. Afterwards, either hike or drive to the Pisaq archaeological site for a guided tour, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at Lamay Lodge.

Cultural options

Visit the town of Pisaq for a guided tour and free time to explore its celebrated marketplace, followed by a visit to the community of Viacha.

Active option

Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha, which takes approximately 3 hours and is a moderate hike over a mountain pass with an elevation of 14,200 feet.

Accommodations

Lamay Lodge (9,705 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Into the Heart of Lares

Begin today with a visit to the small town of Lamay followed by a scenic drive into the heart of the Lares Valley. The first stop will be Ancasmarca for a guided tour of this seldom-visited archeological site. Afterwards, choose to visit the expert textile weavers in the remote village of Choquecancha, or hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where both groups meet again to spend the night.

Cultural Option

Visit the remote village of Choquecancha, meet locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers.

Active Options

There are two hiking options today: Either hike from Quelqena to Huacahuasi, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, is easy to moderate and includes a mountain pass at an elevation of 14,200 feet; or hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi, which takes approximately 4 hours, is a moderate hike and includes a mountain pass at an elevation of 13,838 feet.

Accommodations

Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Explore Huacahuasi

For a cultural morning experience, visit the village of Huacahuasi and learn more about its heritage and a villager’s typical daily activities. Listen as expert weavers and farmers share their stories, each depicted in artful textiles full of traditional Inca symbols and imagery. Afterwards, return to the lodge for a Peruvian cooking class with the lodge staff. Alternately, take a short hike to the waterfalls near Huacahuasi. Or take the challenge of an all-day hike from the community of Quiswarani to Quelquena along the Trail of 1,000 Lakes. After a strenuous hike over high-mountain passes, the reward is majestic views of the lakes, valleys and mountains, as well as the multiple herds of alpacas and llamas grazing along the route.

Cultural Option

Explore the village of Huacahuasi, followed by a cooking class and lunch at the lodge.

Active Options

There are two hiking options today: Either hike to the waterfalls near Huacahuasi, which takes approximately 1.5 hours and is easy, then lunch at the lodge; or hike from Quiswarani to Quelquena, which takes approximately 6.5 hours, is challenging and includes mountain passes at an elevation of 14,505 feet, with lunch en route.

Accommodations

Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
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 town’s maze-like alleys and passageways.

Cultural option

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. After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring this charming Sacred Valley town.

Active options

There are morning and afternoon active options: In the morning, hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka on a moderate Inca trail for approximately 3 hours. In the afternoon, hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately 3 hours and is a moderate hike. Note that afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Sacred Valley.

Accommodations

Kuychi Rumi Hotel (9,284 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Discovering Ollantaytambo

Begin the 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 meets at the entrance of the site for a guided tour before embarking on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, followed by the first visit to Machu Picchu in the afternoon (added cost) or time at leisure. 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 availability and added cost).

Standard Day Active Options

There is one hiking option today, when following the standard program: Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately 1.5 hours and is a moderate hike.

Full-Day Inca Trail Hike Option 

The alternative itinerary option today is to replace all above activities with a full-day hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Pichu. This hike takes approximately 6 hours, is moderate to challenging and is subject to availability and additional cost; it replaces the standard day itinerary and must be booked upon confirmation of your departure date in order to secure necessary permits.

Accommodations

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (6,232 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
The Citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru

After breakfast at the hotel, the journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking uphill bus ride. Enjoy an opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour of the citadel. After the tour, there’s free time to explore, including time to hike up Huayna Picchu (or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on permit availability; both options at added cost). Huayna Picchu is the iconic mountain that looms over the citadel, with dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit, enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before the scenic 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, arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, and recall the feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after the return journey home.

Active Option

Hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, is moderate to challenging and includes a mountain pass at an elevation of 8,924 feet. Note that entrance to time Huayna Picchu is 10:00am or 10:30am and requires permits, which are subject to availability and should be confirmed during your trip 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, at added cost.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

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.

5-Day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu Itinerary

The 5-day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu is a lodge-based trip in the famed Sacred Valley and remote region of Lares, Peru, culminating in Machu Picchu. The trip offers a-la-carte daily options for each traveler to choose their own adventure, from hiking and biking to cultural activities and getting to know the local Peruvians.

Route map of 5- and 7-day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu, operating round-trip from Cusco, Peru, with visits to Pisaq, Huacahuasi, Ollantaytambo and the ancient Inca citadel.
Read More
Day 1
Explore Pisaq, Peru

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 with either an invigorating hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha or 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 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, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at Lamay Lodge.

Cultural Option

There are two cultural option stops today: Visit 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 have time to explore the unique goods for sale in its colorful artisan marketplace.

Active Option

Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha, which takes approximately 3 hours and is a moderate hike over a mountain pass with an elevation of 14,200 feet.

Accommodations

Lamay Lodge (9,705 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 2
Into the Heart of Lares

Begin today with a visit to the small town of Lamay followed by a scenic drive into the heart of the Lares Valley. The first stop will be Ancasmarca for a guided tour of this seldom-visited archeological site. Afterwards, choose to visit the expert textile weavers in the remote village of Choquecancha, or hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where both groups meet again to spend the night.

Cultural Option

Visit the remote village of Choquecancha, meet locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers.

Active Options

There are two hiking options today: Either hike from Quelqena to Huacahuasi, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, is easy to moderate and includes a mountain pass at an elevation of 14,200 feet, or hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi, which takes approximately 4 hours, is a moderate hike and includes a mountain pass at an elevation of 13,838 feet.

Accommodations

Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
The Road to Ollantaytambo

Begin the day with a scenic drive to the community of Huilloc. Choose a morning hike from the village of Huilloc to the historic ruins of Pumamarka, or an extended visit to Huilloc and the nearby archaeological site of Marcacocha before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka ruins. After lunch, choose to hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo or drive and spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo town’s maze-like alleys and passageways.

Cultural Options

There are morning and afternoon cultural options: In the morning, 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. After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring this charming Sacred Valley town.

Active Options

There are morning and afternoon active options: In the morning, hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka on a moderate Inca trail for approximately 3 hours. In the afternoon, hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately 3 hours and is a moderate hike. Note that afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Sacred Valley.

Accommodations

Kuychi Rumi Hotel (9,284 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
Discovering Ollantaytambo

Begin the 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 meets at the entrance of the site for a guided tour before embarking on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, followed by the first visit to Machu Picchu in the afternoon (added cost) or time at leisure. 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 availability and added cost).

Standard Day Active Options

There is one hiking option today, when following the standard program: Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately 1.5 hours and is a moderate hike.

Full-Day Inca Trail Hike Option 

The alternative itinerary option today is to replace all above activities with a full-day hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Pichu. This hike takes approximately 6 hours, is moderate to challenging and is subject to availability and additional cost; it replaces the standard day itinerary and must be booked upon confirmation of your departure date in order to secure necessary permits.

Accommodations

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (6,232 feet)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
The Citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru

After breakfast at the hotel, the journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking uphill bus ride. Enjoy an opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour of the citadel. After the tour, there’s free time to explore, including time to hike up Huayna Picchu (or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on permit availability; both options at added cost). Huayna Picchu is the iconic mountain that looms over the citadel, with dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit, enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before the scenic 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, arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, and recall the feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after the return journey home.

Active Options

Hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, is moderate to challenging and includes a mountain pass at an elevation of 8,924 feet. Note that entrance to time Huayna Picchu is 10:00am or 10:30am and requires permits, which are subject to availability and added cost, and should be confirmed during your trip 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, at added cost.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

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; 4 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 5-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 5-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 4. 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.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Details

High Season rates apply April 1-October 31 and December 15-31. Low Season rates apply March 1-31 and November 1-December 14.

2024 High Season
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From $2800USD
Per Person
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2024 Low Season
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From $2100USD
Per Person
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2025 High Season
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From $3100USD
Per Person
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2025 Low Season
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From $2300USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About the Lodges & Hotels on Your Itinerary

Lodge
Mountain Lodges of Peru - Lares Region

Mountain Lodges of Peru operates two lodges in the Lares region and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. These remote outposts sit at 9,705 and 12,585 feet in elevation.

Lodge
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

At the luxury Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in lovely Aguas Calientes you are only minutes away by bus from Machu Picchu, the premier archeological adventure of the Inca Empire.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Lis Larson • December 22nd, 2016
Expert Review: Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu

AdventureSmith's Lis reviews her experience on the 7-day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu. Read on for her expert review and photos.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Amazing Trip Filled with Experiences & Now, Memories"

This was an amazing trip filled with experiences and now, memories. AdventureSmith was helpful, professional and experienced every step of the way. If we ever take an "adventure trip" again, AdventureSmith will be my first contact to make. Thank you for....everything!!

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"A Great Trip All Around"

The guides were excellent, particularly the chief guide, Wilder, and the lodges were classy and comfortable. We enjoyed staying away from the tourists (other than at Machu Picchu). The food was great as well. Logistics were handled well. It was a good group. We all got along well. There were people our age (me and my daughter’s ages) which helped. No one was impatient with anyone else. The group was supportive. It was a great trip all around. The handling of logistics was impressive.

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"Absolutely Loved"

I absolutely loved so many things about this trip. I loved the itinerary so so much...Machu Picchu has always been on our bucket list! I loved that we really got to learn about and spend time with local people. I thought the choice of partners with Mountain Lodges of Peru was exceptional. I loved that I could be active every day and sleep in a very nice bed at night! I would do another Adventure Smith trip in a heartbeat.

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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Land Tour

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4 - 8 Day Cruise
Aqua Nera Amazon River Cruise

Cruise along three powerful Amazon tributaries: the Marañón, Ucayali and Pacaya Rivers aboard the Aqua Nera Amazon River Boat. Exciting jungle walks, piranha fishing and skiff rides are the best ways to explore the Peruvian Amazon jungle.

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From $4725USD
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5 Day Land Tour
Peru Amazon Adventure

Combine your Peru travels with an extension to the Amazon. Visit Lake Sandoval and Tambopata while staying at the famed Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica lodge. Birds, primates, extraordinary landscapes and breathtaking scenery await.

From $795USD
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11 Day Land Tour
Peru Highlights

On this 11-day Peru Highlights tour, visit Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, Machu Picchu and more. Stay in upscale hotels, meet the people and traditions, delight your palate, embrace nature and discover Peru.

From $3855USD
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Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu

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