Exceptional Luxury Lares 7 Day Lodge-to-Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu

4-star Ramada Airport Hotel

Strategically located in the heart of Jorge Chavez International Airport,  Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel is Perfect for those in transit who will enjoy the services and amenities with the tranquility of walking to or from your flight in a few minutes. Indoor pool and free Wi-Fi.

Luxury 5-star Palacio Nazarenas

The Palacio Nazarenas Hotel is located in a tranquil plaza behind Cusco’s main square. This former palace and convent emerged from years of restoration to become one of the city’s most exclusive hotels.

Step past walls of Inca stones and into a cloistered courtyard with an ancient fountain at its heart. Then be surprised as contemporary Cusco comes to the fore: a fabulous spa, the city’s first outdoor pool and stylish restaurants serving cutting-edge local cuisine.

This intimate urban retreat has just 55 suites, each enriched with oxygen and with its own private bar where guests can create drinks accented with fresh ingredients grown at and around the hotel.

Junior Suites

Junior Suites are located in both the ancient part of the hotel and the new section – close to the pool.

A choice of bedding includes one king or two twin poster beds. Suite amenities include complimentary full buffet breakfast or are room only – depending on the rate plan selected.

Also included are complimentary wireless

Internet access, butler service, widescreen LED satellite TV with premium channels, CD and DVD players, iPhone and iPad for guest use, iPod dock, personal safe large enough for a notebook PC and a well-stocked mini-bar.

The sumptuous marble bathroom is equipped with a separate bath and shower, dual washbasins and luxurious bath amenities.

Other Suites Available:

Suites – The Suites provide the utmost comfort while reflecting the authentic charm of Belmond Palacio Nazarenas.

Grand Master Suites – The grand Master Suites offer guests two luxurious Master Suites. Each has a spacious bathroom with underfloor heating and Peruvian travertine marble décor.

Palacio Suite – This beautiful Suite is located in the ancient part of the hotel. It is ideal for longer stays in Cusco or for those who enjoy the luxury of space.

Nazarenas Suite – This elegant master suite boasts an original, handcrafted ceiling, whose colours have inspired the entire palette of the hotel. The authentic charm and exclusivity of the Suite make for an irresistible combination.

All Suites are enriched with oxygen to help combat altitude sickness. You may also choose to have your room delicately scented with healing essential aromas of Andean flowers and herbs.

Private Afternoon Cusco City Tour

The Private Half-Day Cusco City Tour Visits all of the Principal Inca & Colonial Attractions in Cusco.

Tambomachay – This was an Inca sanctuary dedicated to water, a place reserved for Inca Royalty.

Puca Pucara – This is an Inca archaeological site located again on a hill and is thought to be a military position and an administrative center.

Qenko – A sanctuary dedicated to the adoration of animals, which consists of ruins formed by a rocky site with stairs in a zigzag formation, and a main building similar to a circular amphitheater where 19 window sills are located as seats.

Sacsayhuamán – Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of 20,000 men to build the foundations, transport of materials, carve and set stones.

Cusco Cathedral – One of the finest Colonial Cathedrals in the Americas.

Coricancha – Originally named Inti Qancha (Temple of the Sun) was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God.

After an early breakfast, we depart Cusco for the village of Chinchero, where we stop for a brief visit of the Inca archeological site and the 16th century colonial church. Then, we will have a short drive to the small community of Taucca, where we say goodbye to the group doing the Huchuyqosqo hike. Another 30-minute drive takes us to the start of our day’s tour.

We first visit Moray (11,646’/3,550m), an unusual site set on a high plateau with several enormous terraced circular depressions that the Incas may have used as agricultural laboratories. We hike for about two hours along a gentle trail with views of snow-capped peaks and terraced hillsides toward the small, charming town of Maras (11,023’/3,360m).

After a brief visit of the town, with its eclectic mix of building styles dating from the pre-Columbian and colonial times, we hike for another 40 minutes to the nearby terraced salt evaporation ponds, called Las Salineras. Since pre-Incan times, salt has been gathered in Maras by evaporating salty water from a local subterranean stream. The effect of sunlight reflecting from the complex maze of ponds is quite stunning.

After our visit, we follow a downhill trail to the Urubamba River (9,186’/2,800m) where a van will be waiting to take us to Lamay. We will have dinner and spend the night at Lamay Lodge.

After an early breakfast, we depart Cusco for the Urubamba Valley, the “Sacred Valley of the Incas.” We drive past Pisac and turn off the main road at Qoya (9,514’/2,900m), with its charming colonial church. After about a 1-hour drive (the last section on a dirt road), we reach the AyarCancha community where we start hiking at an elevation of 12,830 feet (3,850m).

The trail winds uphill for two hours to Challwaccasa Pass (13,943’/4,250m), which grants us great views of the peaks of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges and, in the distance, the giant snow-capped peaks of Ausangate and Salcantay. We then head downhill to the community of Viacha (12,950’/3,950m), where we enjoy a gourmet lunch.

After a well-earned rest, we join a restored Inca trail that leads to the stunning archaeological site of Pisac (10,826’ / 3200m), which dominates the valley below. The lower slopes of the surrounding mountains feature impressive agricultural terraces and irrigation systems dating from Inca times. After exploring the ruins we continue downhill for an hour to the picturesque village of Pisac (9,750’/2,972m), well known for its colorful handicraft market.

Lamay Lodge

Our vehicle will be waiting to take us to the town of Lamay (9,649’/2,941m), where we have dinner and spend the night at the comfortable Lamay lodge.

Total hiking time: 6 hours (including lunch)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

In the event that a guest does not feel like hiking or prefers an easier hike for their first day of trekking, we suggest the following alternative:

If guests would like to take it easy on their first day, they can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relaxing morning at the Lamay Lodge. In The early afternoon, a private van takes us to join the group of trekkers for lunch at Viacha community, this exquisite meal should not be missed! If after lunch guests are feeling active they may join the other trekkers for the hike downhill towards Pisaq archeological site.

Pisac Inca Ruins

Pisac is a bustling colonial village at the base of a spectacular Inca fortress perched on a mountain.

Its pull is universal and recent years have seen an influx of expats and new age followers in search of an Andean Shangri-la. Located just 33km northeast of Cuzco by a paved road, it’s the most convenient starting point to the Sacred Valley.

The ruins are separated along the ridge into four groups: Pisac, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa, and Kinchiracay. The Intihuatana group includes the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an Intihuatana, a volcanic outcrop carved into a “hitching post for the Sun” (or Inti).

With military, religious, and agricultural structures, the site served at least a triple purpose. Researchers believe that Pisac defended the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley, while Choquequirao defended the western entrance, and the fortress at Ollantaytambo the northern. Inca Pisac controlled a route which connected the Inca Empire with the border of the rain forest.

A one-hour drive brings us to Ancasmarca (13,267’/4,044m), where we explore an old Inca site that features a variety of ancient food warehouses, dwellings, and farming areas. Its location was strategic since it connected the higher part of the Sacred Valley with the cloud forest communities of Lares.

Heading over the Lares Pass (14,501’/4,420m), we arrive at Cuncani (12,742’/3,884m), the starting point of our hike. Walking uphill for about two hours, we pass farmhouses and fields. The local inhabitants, descendants of the Incas, have maintained their traditional way of life, growing an amazing variety of potatoes nearly year-round and using their llamas as transportation and alpacas as food and clothing. Reaching Cruzccasa Pass (13,740’/4,188m), we enjoy an impressive view of Veronica peak, then have an hour’s descent to our picnic lunch spot. Another hour’s hike brings us to Huacawasi Lodge (12,579’/3,835m).

In the late afternoon, we have an opportunity to experience a unique cultural encounter with the local community. We will have dinner and sleep at Huacawasi Lodge.

A great day awaits us as we hike one of the most beautiful trails in the Cusco region!

We depart Lamay early in the morning and take a scenic two-hour drive toward Lares, the region north of the Sacred Valley. Leaving the main road, we soon arrive at the quaint village of Quiswaran (12,562’/3,829m), where we begin our hike.

Our trail heads westward up a small valley dotted with lakes and herds of grazing alpacas, then narrows into a series of switchbacks to Abra Huchuyccasa pass (14,481’/4,414m), which we reach after three hours. From the pass we have the most amazing views of distant mountain ranges and stunning turquoise lakes, whose brilliant hues are the result of bronze metal elements in their icy waters.

Descending slightly, we continue hiking another hour toward our second pass of the day at Phoñoccasa (14,393’/4,387m). From here we descend to Qeywaqocha Lake for a leisurely lunch, then end our hike at the village of Qelqena (11,965’/3,647m).

Along the way enjoy spotting native bird species, including Andean geese, ducks, and plovers. Our vehicle meets us at the trailhead for the drive to the famous weavers’ village of Huacawasi (12,579’/3,835m).

Dinner and overnight at Huacawasi Lodge.

Total hiking time: 8 hours (including lunch)

Huacawasi is a famous weavers’ village, where the men still wear traditional colorful ponchos and women’s attire includes wide handmade skirts and decorated hats.

Our hike starts right from Huacawasi Lodge, and as we walk through the village we are immersed in scenes of community life, including women working on looms and children heading to school. The wide and easy trail takes us uphill for 2.5 hours to the top of Ipsaycocha Pass (14,757’/4,499m) where we enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As we hike, we often meet locals traveling from village to village with their goods and herds of animals. We descend gently for about 40 minutes to Lake Ipsaycocha where we may have the chance to see condors circling effortlessly in the sky while enjoying our lunch.

We continue our descent for 2.5 hours to the village of Patacancha (12,624’/3,848m) where high quality weavings are also produced. Our vehicle will meet us here to take us to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo (9,160’/2,792m) in the Sacred Valley. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Total hiking time: 6.5 hours (including lunch)

After our three-day hike, we can enjoy a more relaxing day by having a leisurely breakfast and visiting Ollantaytambo, which has an impressive archaeological site and a well-preserved Inca town structure.

This was the estate of Emperor Pachacutec who conquered the region, building the town and the ceremonial center.

Ollantaytambo dates from the late 15th century and has some of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in South America.

Late morning we board the First Class Vistadome train for the 1.5 hour ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town, where we arrive in time for lunch. Optional visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary in the afternoon hours when we can enjoy the site with less visitors. Dinner and overnight at Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel.

The Vistadome Train Service

This train ride into the spectacular land of the Inca is highlighted by amazing views of valleys, Inca farming terraces, snow capped mountains, and sub-tropical jungle.

After arriving in Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus will transport you to this mysterious town known as Machu Picchu.

The Vistadome service has large panoramic windows and additional windows in the roof allowing you to enjoy the mountain scenery.

A small meal and hot drink are included with the Vistadome service.

There is also a table in front of you and posh leather seats which are very comfortable with plenty of leg room.

The Vistadome also has air-conditioning and heating, leather seats that adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the entire trip, and a traditional show as well as a fashion show to keep you entertained – as if the amazing scenery isn’t enough.

This service allows the visitor to be immersed and feel the Andean culture through its landscapes, music, dance and food carefully prepared with local ingredients.

Luxury 5* Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Breakfast | A la Carte Dinner | Orchid, Hummingbird, and Nature Tours Included

Inkaterra’s vacation paradise and luxury boutique Hotel, a pueblo of luxurious whitewashed bungalow nestles into terraced hills. Spa services use sublime natural essences, and a first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River.

The train station is only steps away but Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel exists in a world apart. An intimate 85-cottage luxury Hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded 12 acres of exquisite beauty, where guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one or two-story whitewashed casitas.

Pueblo Hotel includes several services in their prices being:

• Your choice of 6 tours Detailed below
• A la carte Dinner
• Welcome gift
• Tea Time
• Happy Hour
• Breakfast

Optional Tours – All Included

Birds (2 Hours)

Walk early in the morning to take advantage of the optimum time for cloud-forest bird watching. Begin at a river observatory, with the possibility of sighting the sought-after torrent duck and the white-capped dipper. Then proceed to a productive tanager feeding area, where silver-beaked, blue-necked, fawn-breasted and saffron-crowned tanagers can be found. Along the hotel’s pathways, be on the lookout for the cock-of-the-rock, the golden-headed quetzal and many of the 18 different hummingbirds identified on the grounds, including the booted racket-tail and the green- and-white hummingbirds, which are native to the area.

Orchids (2 Hours)

Walk through the orchid garden to observe some of the hotel’s 372 different native orchids in bloom. Discover this extraordinary plant family, which has captured the human imagination for centuries. From the largest orchid flower in the world – the Phragmipedium caudatum, to tiny flowering specimens properly appreciated only through a magnifying glass, there are orchids to amaze both the newly inquisitive and the expert, including species new to science which have been discovered on the hotel grounds.

Nature Walk (2 Hours)

Walk along the hotel’s trails, and discover the fascinating yet fragile ecosystem of the Machu Picchu cloud forest, and learn about its many indigenous plants and animals. The Nature Walk offers guests a glimpse of cloud forest flora: ferns, bromeliads and orchids and fauna -an interesting variety of birds; as well as an introduction to the Vilcanota river system, the Observatory, the tea garden and house.

Tea Plantation (2 Hours)

Visit our organic tea (Camellia Sinensis) plantation and tea house to discover the wonders of the traditional tea making process. Take part as the freshly picked leaves are pressed over wooden blocks and finally seal your own tea bag.  A glass of fresh iced-tea is included.

Twilight Walk (2 Hours)

This early evening walk is designed to connect on a spiritual level with the environment and the historical energy of the Machu Picchu area. With special attention placed on nature’s core elements, the walk pauses at the Rocotal Observatory to appreciate an enchanting waterfall and sacred pre-Inca pictographs.

Spectacled Bear Project (2 Hours)

The Inka Terra Association (ITA) and the Peruvian National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) manage the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Spectacled Bear Project, an effort designed to recover bears that have been negatively affected by human impact, and reintroduce them into their natural habitat. Donations are appreciated.

Revisit Machu Picchu

Today you will enjoy further Private Guided Tours of Machu Picchu.

You may start at Dawn or as you wish. All tours are included and you are only limited by your time and energy.

The Sun Gate (2 Hours)

Inti Punku the Sun Gate marks the entrance to Machu Picchu.

It is a one hour uphill hike to the southeast of the Sanctuary, climbing more than 300 meters. The hike is on the original Inca trail and is paved with Inca stones. There is a spectacular view from the gate!

Additional Tours Available

Apu Machu Picchu (4 to 5 Hours Roundtrip)

The hike to the summit of Apu Machu Picchu is 2 ½ hours and can be quite steep in places.

This is a breathtaking hike, lot of orchids along the way, birds in the bushy areas, and with every stop the view is gets better and better. The climb is 600 meters uphill, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

*** Access to Apu Machu Picchu is controlled by special tickets which need to be purchased in advance by us. Access is 07:00 – 11:00.  Please ask to have these tickets included in your tour if desired***

Inka Bridge (Bridge 1 Hour Round Trip)

This hike is to the south west of Machu Picchu, a nice original trail that overlooks the Aobamba valley and the Hydro-electric plant.

This Inca Bridge is a part of a mountain trail that heads west from Machu Picchu. The trail is a stone path, part of which is cut into a cliff face.  A twenty-foot gap was left in this section of the carved cliff face, over a 1,900 feet drop that could be bridged with two tree trunks. When the tree trunks were removed then the trail became impassable to outsiders. The path is narrow and paved with original Inca stones.

Huayna Picchu (3 – 4 Hours)

Huayna Picchu is the mountain you see behind Machu Picchu. Towering above the north end of Machu Picchu this steep mountain is often seen in the backdrop to the classic photos of the ruins.

The mountain is steep, but stone steps are laid along most of the way and where the mountain is steeper you will find steel cables used as handrails. For fit people it is not a difficult climb.

Very Limited Access!

Only 400 people are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day.  You have to sign in at the entrance gate. The first 200 tickets are available for the 8:00am hike. The second 200 are available at 10:00am.

***We need to buy these special tickets in advance to be sure you will have space for this hike***

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (2 – 3 Hours)

The ‘Holy Grail’ for lovers of Inca monuments, the enigmatic lost city of Machu Picchu is the most famous archaeological site in all of South America and possibly the world.

The spectacular collection of temples, terraced hills and plazas was the mountain-top citadel of the Inca under Pachacutec and Tupac Yupanqui, until the coming of the Europeans with Pizarro.

It may have the most familiar name, but Machu Picchu has refused to reveal many of its mysteries, including the secrets of its construction, function, and demise. The overgrown ruins were discovered by US historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, and the quality of the stonework hints that it was an extremely important ceremonial site.

The remains are thought to date from around 1450, built at the height of the Inca Empire, and as they escaped being plundered by the Spanish they include semi-intact icons and shrines that were defaced or removed at other sites.

Entering the site, a set of steps leads to the ruined Temple of the Sun and a series of altars and niches.  Highlights include the remains of ceremonial baths, the Sacred Plaza with its tremendous view across the Urubamba River valley, a rare shrine to the sun, and a labyrinth of passageways and cells.

Luxury Hiram Bingham Train

From Machu Picchu

The Hiram Bingham is an exclusive Luxury Orient Express service operated by Peru Rail, all service inclusive where you will enjoy a full day of unforgettable experiences.

The Service Includes:

• Champagne Reception
• Brunch and dinner on board.
• Exclusive Bus return to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour in the citadel.
• Gourmet Dinner & Small Show are included on the return journey.

Observation Car: At the back of the Hiram Bingham is the Observation car, offering a space in which to truly appreciate the stunning Peruvian landscape.

Carriages: The carriages are luxurious with elegant decoration in the style of the 1920′s Pullman trains. Each of the four carriages has been furnished in polished wood and brass, with large chairs and plenty of space.