Lares Adventure

We recommend visiting the San Pedro Markets for souvenirs and local snacks, walking around the main square and exploring the many shops and restaurants in the Cuzco.  

Top things to do in Cuzco: 

1. Visit Plaza de Armas
2. Explore San Pedro Market
3. Visit Cusco Cathedral
4. Visit Qurikancha Museum
5. Explore San Blas neighborhood
6. Go to Museums and art Galleries
7. Try Peruvian food & traditional drinks

Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco is a converted 17th-century mansion located in Cuzco’s centre, a few steps away from Cuzco Main Square and La Merced Church. It offers colonial-style accommodation and free WiFi. 

Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol Cuzco ’s Paprika Cuzco Restaurant serves breakfast buffet and international dishes with a blend of traditional Peruvian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Walak bar serves drinks and snacks.

San Pedro Train Station is nearby and other close by attractions include the Central Market, Cathedral of Cuzco, and Inka Museum.

The Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu is a journey through the ancient history, living culture and magnificent landscape of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Expert guides will tailor your individual experience with a choice of adventure activities and cultural encounters. Then, as breathtaking sunsets paint the Andean sky, you will settle into deluxe mountain lodges to prepare for the next day.

DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS | 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 Viachand 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. Or a visit to the Awanakancha textile center followed by an exploration of the lively town and colorful artisan marketplace of Pisaq. 

By 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. 

The Lamay Lodge is an idyllic hideaway in the Sacred Valley town of the same name 2,963m.a.s.l. Resplendent sun and green, flower-dotted gardens with picturesque pastoral views create a calming sensation that envelops you from the moment you arrive. 

The outdoor hot tub and fire pit in the center garden are welcoming spaces to gather, as are the cozy indoor nooks.

DAY 2: LARES REGION | INCA SITES AND VILLAGES

Today 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 archaeological site. Afterwards, choose a visit with the expert textile weavers in the remote village of Choquecancha where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers. Or a hike (approximately 2.5 hours easy to moderate) amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where both groups meet again to spend the night. 

The Huacahuasi Lodge is an imposing structure built on the mountain side adjacent to its namesake village, was designed to showcase dramatic views of the valley and beyond with its soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows 3,840m. Each luxury guest room is equipped with a private outdoor jacuzzi for you to relax while you take in dramatic sunsets and star-filled evening skies.

DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS | EXPEDITION TO OLLANTAYTAMBO

Begin the day with a scenic drive to the community of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka (approximately 3 hours and moderate), or explore 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. 

Before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka archaeological site. After lunch, choose to hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo (approximately 3 hours and moderate) or drive and spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo’s maze-like alleys and passageways. 

This hotel is included in your Lare Adventure Package.

DAY 4 : DISCOVERING OLLANTAYTAMBO

Begin your day with an optional early morning hike (approximately 1.5 hours Moderate) to the Inca storage houses high above the town for an impressive view of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial site. One of the best examples of Inca architecture and revel in its mystical history…a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu

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. This train will provide views along the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes, a bustling town below the Machu Picchu Sanctuary followed by your first visit to Machu Picchu in the afternoon. 

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). 

A 4-minute walk from Machu Picchu train station, this posh village-style hotel is set in 5 hectares of gardens, 4 km from the Temple of the Moon and 9 km from Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel.

The luxe rooms offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screens, as well as iPod docks, safes and minibars. Lavish suites and villas have features such as terraces, plunge pools and fireplaces. Room service is offered. Villas add 24/7 butler service.

Breakfast, dinner and train transfers are complimentary. Amenities include a refined, glass-walled restaurant/bar with views of the Urubamba River, a thatched cafe overlooking the Vilcanota River and a posh spa.

Included services:

• Welcome tea
• Welcome Gift
• Personalized welcome
• Check-in 1 pm / Check-out 10 am
• Buffet breakfast 
• Dinner "A la carte"
• Tea Time
• Pisco Sour
• Cocktail Hour
• Turn down service
• Internet
• In house excursions (request tours times on arrival)
• Luggage reception to and from the train station

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU | THE SANCTUARY
At dawn, begin your visit to Machu Picchu with a rollicking uphill bus ride.You will have a two-hour guided tour of the citadel. As you enter the Sanctuary, the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with resplendent light. Prepare to be awed by the skillful architecture of the many Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. Take a moment to quietly sit and listen to the wind…or to meditate and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Let your imagination soar as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins.

After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms over the citadel, or Machu 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.

Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability*