Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco
You'll arrive in Cusco and check into your hotel to start adjusting to the 3,400-meter altitude. This is a good day to take things slow and let your body acclimate before the trek. Feel free to wander around the historic center if you're feeling up to it, or stay at the hotel and rest. Either way, you want to be ready for what's ahead.
Optional Activities
- Explore Cusco's historic center
- Day 2
Sacred Valley
Start in the Sacred Valley with Chinchero, where you'll see an important Inca site alongside a colonial church and watch local artisans work with natural dyes on traditional looms. From there, head to Moray to check out the circular agricultural terraces that are unlike anything else in the area. Then you'll drive to the Maras salt mines where thousands of pools are still in use for harvesting salt. You'll get back to Cusco by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Chinchero archaeological complex
- Tour colonial church at Chinchero
- Attend traditional weaving demonstration with local artisans
- Explore Moray archaeological site with circular terraces
- Visit Maras salt mines
Landmarks/POIs Chinchero Moray Maras Salt Mines - Day 3
Pumahuanca to Puyoc
The Lares Trek starts from Pumahuanca village with a steady climb through green valleys, and you'll cover about 14 km while gaining roughly 1,150 meters in elevation. Along the way, you'll visit the Inca site of Pumahuanca and learn about the native plants and wildlife in the region. Trek toward the remote campsite at Puyoc, which sits at 4,100 meters. Keep your eyes open for Andean wildlife like viscachas and foxes on this less-traveled route.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Snack (Afternoon snack), Dinner
Included Activities
- Ascent through Sacred Valley valleys
- Visit Inca site of Pumahuanca
- Trek to Puyoc campsite (approximately 14 km)
Landmarks/POIs Pumahuanca Inca Site - Day 4
Puyoc to Cuncani
Head up to the pass near Puyoc in about 2 hours, then descend roughly 13 km toward Cuncani village. You'll pass mountain lakes including Yanacocha and get views of snow-capped peaks throughout the descent. As you go lower, you'll notice locals wearing traditional red clothing and can pick up some Quechua phrases from your guide. It's a good day for connecting with the communities you pass through.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Snack (Afternoon snack), Dinner
Included Activities
- Ascent to Puyoc pass
- Trek downhill to Cuncani village (approximately 13 km)
- Pass Yanacocha lake
- Cultural interaction with local communities
Landmarks/POIs Yanacocha Lake - Day 5
Cuncani to Aguas Calientes
Spend time in Cuncani experiencing daily life and talking with locals through your guide. You'll hike about 6 km through agricultural villages where you can see Andean parrots and crops of quinoa and tarwi. Later, reach the hot springs at Lares for a soak with mountain views before heading by private vehicle to the Sacred Valley. From there, you'll board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Snack (Afternoon snack), Dinner
Included Activities
- Cultural immersion experience in Cuncani
- Hike through agricultural villages (approximately 6 km)
- Soak in hot springs of Lares
- Train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Landmarks/POIs Lares Hot Springs - Day 6
Machu Picchu
Grab an early breakfast, then take a morning bus to Machu Picchu for an in-depth guided tour of the Inca citadel. You'll learn about its history and walk through temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures. If you have extra tickets, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Return to Aguas Calientes to rest and have lunch. By afternoon, catch a train back to Ollantaytambo and then a private van to Cusco.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu Inca citadel
- Explore temples and ceremonial areas
- Train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Optional Activities
- Explore Huayna Picchu Mountain (additional ticket required, must book in advance)
- Explore Machu Picchu Mountain (additional ticket required, must book in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu - Day 7
Departure from Cusco
You have a free morning in Cusco to relax or explore the city however you'd like. Depending on your flight time, you'll transfer to the airport for your journey to Lima.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Cusco at leisure
