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Offering the perfect combination of cultural immersion and adventure travel, the 5-day Sacred Valley / Lares Valley to Machu Picchu Tour will introduce you to some of the best settings in Peru. On this tour, you will travel from lodge to lodge as you explore the amazing natural landscape of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and get a close look at Andean culture in the most remote mountain villages. This tour’s daily expeditions will take you along less-traveled mountain trails bordered by exquisite snowcapped peaks. You will pass by roving herds of llamas and alpacas, as well as turquoise lakes and towering waterfalls. Your excursions will include visits to fascinating archaeological sites, agricultural Andean cooperatives and bustling markets that offer the flavors of the region and the handicrafts of skilled artisans (keep in mind that expert guides are also able to adapt to your preferences by providing “à la carte” experiences and daily cultural meetings. At night, you will stay in comfortable mountain retreats associated with local communities. In short, this is a chance to experience the best of Peru …but without the hassle!
“We loved the time at the lodge in Cuyabeno. It was so genuine and natural there and the crew was so knowledgable and helpful. Thank you so much for the recommendation of the real Amazonia-experience.”
AM: Throughout this region, city squares and markets are generally the main centers of activity, and none is more alive than the famous Pisaq market. A morning visit to this market will allow you to discover the unique variety of area products and to sample the rich culture of the Peruvian Andes. Travelers looking for inspiration from nature can also go on an invigorating morning walk while surrounded by incredible views of the Andean mountains that have historically protected this magnificent valley.
PM: Later, you will be able to enjoy exclusive access to the isolated village of Viacha, where you will learn about the artisan potato farming there and enjoy a traditional “Pachamanca” meal cooked beneath red-hot stones.
Accommodations: Lamay Lodge, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
AM: This morning, you will have a chance to delve deeper into the heart of Lares Valley by going on a beautiful journey in the mountains along the famous Camino del Tejedor de los Incas (“Path of the Inca Weavers”). This route will also allow you to visit the unique and uninhabited Ancasmarca archaeological site in the town of Lares.
PM: After lunch, you can choose between visiting the traditional weavers' village of Choquecancha or taking an excursion to see turquoise-blue lakes and the high peaks of the remote village of Huacahuasi. There, your group will spend the night at the Huacahuasi Lodge, which is managed jointly by the local community and has as one of its objectives the protection of local cultural heritage and the environment.
Accommodations: Huacahuasi Lodge
AM: This morning, the Huacahuasi community will be spotlighted, as you will have a chance to learn about the people’s heritage and their day-to-day activities. You can also choose from several exploring options. You can go on a spectacular hike along a high mountain pass leading to the ancient city of Ollantaytambo; go on a quiet walk from Lares, crossing an impressive Inca trail to the local community of Totora; or see more of the Sacred Valley by returning to visit an ethnographic museum that chronicles the histories of the rich Peruvian civilizations of the past.
PM: Afterwards, you will enjoy a lunch in the countryside near the Urubamba River while en route to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will be able to explore its narrow maze-like streets.
Note: This afternoon, you can also go on an optional 2-hour bicycle tour (extra cost), returning to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, from Urubamba to Pachar. This activity has an easy-to-moderate level of difficulty. Later, you can enjoy a visit to a craft brewery that uses local products. (The brewery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Accommodations: Hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
AM: At dawn, we will go on a short (optional) hike to an Inca temple, fortress and age-old storage structures. The Ollantaytambo temple was originally a royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacútec, and later became an Inca fortress against the Spanish conquerors, though the Incas always considered it one of their most important ceremonial centers. As your guide leads you on this morning tour of the temple and explains the strategic planning of its architecture, you will gain a deeper idea of the mystical history of this site, which is a perfect introduction to the wonders of Machu Picchu. We will also walk to the Pinkuylluna storage site on the mountain, above Ollantaytambo.
PM: Around noon, we will embark on a striking journey along the famous Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town situated below Machu Picchu. The charm of this town is that it started as a small train stop and became a vibrant tourism setting, though still divided by train tracks.
Accommodations: Hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, at the base Machu Picchu
AM/PM: At dawn, we will begin making our way to Machu Picchu with a short uphill bus ride. Upon entering the “Sanctuary” (as the locals call it), you should be able to witness the morning sun rising over the emblematic Puerta del Sol (“The Sun Door”), illuminating the structures and terraces. While in the citadel, you will be able to appreciate the imposing and skillfully designed architecture of the guard tower, the Temple of the Sun and the royal residences of the Incas. Take a moment to sit quietly, listening to the whisper of the wind, or simply meditate and absorb the mystical energy that envelops this place. Your imagination will spin as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins.
If you want, you can go on a hike to Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain that’s often seen as the backdrop of Machu Picchu. Its breathtaking views stretch from the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon rainforest. On Huayna Picchu, you will be moved by a sense of peace, which will endure even when you return to the lights and bustle of the city of Cusco.
Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco
| Room | Double |
| 5 Days | US$ 2,400 PP |
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“The trip to the Galapagos was really fantastic! Although it was quite short, the trip itinerary made time for us to do quite a lot of things. Everything went very smoothly, too.”
