Peru: Discovering the Lares Region

9 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.8/5 Excellent
64 reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Just north of Cusco lies a little-traveled region of tranquil lakes and rugged peaks, where farmers grow crops as they have for centuries and children in brightly colored ponchos herd llamas through lush green valleys. Join us on treks through the villages and landscapes of Lares, where you’ll discover traditional Andean life by day and stay in stylish, comfo...
From$3,595
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • A completely new program, this is a true Andes high altitude experience in one of the most spectacular and remote regions of Peru
    • The locals are the closest living descendants of the Incas, often still wearing traditional dress
    • On-trail accommodations are new luxury lodges, and as a bonus this itinerary includes both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

What's this trip about?

    Just north of Cusco lies a little-traveled region of tranquil lakes and rugged peaks, where farmers grow crops as they have for centuries and children in brightly colored ponchos herd llamas through lush green valleys. Join us on treks through the villages and landscapes of Lares, where you’ll discover traditional Andean life by day and stay in stylish, comfortable lodges at night. You’ll also see the best of the Sacred Valley, from the ancient ruins at Pisac to fascinating Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town with some of South America’s oldest occupied dwellings. End your adventure with a visit to iconic, mysterious Machu Picchu. It’s a remarkable journey back in time, and a whole new way to experience the land of the Incas.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCusco
End CityCusco

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Trains & Rail

Trip includes

    • Expert leadership
    • Accommodations as noted in itinerary (or similar)
    • Meals as noted in the itinerary
    • Airport transfers
    • Sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
    • Ground transportation
    • Additional guides and porters where necessary
    • Tips for lodge, hotel, or camp staff
    • Entrance fees and permits, unless noted separately in costs (note some permits and fees are non-refundable and due at time of booking)
    • Basic medical and evacuation insurance

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco

Accommodation: Palacio del Inka-Cusco

Arrive in Cusco, Peru. You will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your luxury hotel—the ideal spot to relax and get used to the high altitude before your trek. Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empir...

Day 2: Discover treasures of the Sacred Valley

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lamay Lodge

Begin your adventure with a journey from the urban setting of Cusco into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields and surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Explore the archeological sit...

Day 3: Explore the archaeological complex Pisac

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lamay Lodge

The town square is often the center of activity throughout this region, but so too is the town market, and none is more alive than the famous market at Pisac. A morning visit to check out its ...

Day 4: Visit Inca sites and villages in the Lares Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Huacahuasi Lodge

Now that you have gotten a glimpse into this rich Andean tapestry, today you will have the opportunity to go even deeper with an exploration into the heart of the Lares Valley. A scenic d...

Day 5: Explore Huacahuasi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Huacahuasi Lodge

If you’re in the mood for a cultural experience today, you can walk through the village of Huacahuasi and learn more about its heritage and daily activities, with a possible visit to a fa...

Day 6: Enjoy an expedition to Ollantaytambo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel

Spend some time in the morning learning more about the heritage and day-to-day activities of the Huacahuasi community. Then, you can choose to embark on a spectacular hike through varied...

Day 7: Discover Inca sites at Ollantaytambo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

From its beginnings as the royal estate of Inca-Emperor Pachacutec, to a stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors for Manco Inca Yupanqui, the temple at Ollantaytam...

Day 8: Journey to Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Palacio del Inka-Cusco

At dawn, you begin your journey to Machu Picchu with a short and rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the “Sanctuary” (as locals refer to it), the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun ...

Day 9: Depart from Cusco

Meals: Breakfast

This morning is free to explore Cusco. Bid “adios” to your traveling companions before your afternoon flight to Lima and connecting flight home.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,595
Price per day$399
Single supplement (single occupancy)$1,100
Last Updated: 9/25/2018

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. If you are traveling solo and prefer single accommodations, the listed Single Supplement applies. If you’re traveling solo but wish to share accommodations with another traveler, we’ll try our best to find you a roommate (same gender only). If no roommate can be found, the single fee will only be applied at the hotels in Cusco.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek).

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
61
Great
0
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
3
Write a Review

Other MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) Reviews

T

Tish

Aug 2023

Written on

Recommend Japan hikes but not with Mt Sobek

First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfor...

A

Anne

Dec 2019

MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) Company Reviewsby MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

Spectacular scenery

Spectacular scenery, great hiking, and fascinating conversations with...

A

Andrea

Dec 2019

MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) Company Reviewsby MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

Truly enjoyable

Thanks to MT Sobek this trip was seamless and truly enjoyable. The accommodations, logistics, and guides were all excellent. I always felt safe, cared for, and well ...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare
    • Meals not noted on itinerary
    • Insurance other than basic medical and evacuation insurance
    • Optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff
    • Excess baggage charges
    • Airport taxes (international—varies by location)
    • Cost of medical immunizations
    • Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodation

Huacahuasi Lodge — Community of Huacahuasi in the Lares Region

This lodge, set high on a hillside above the village of Huacahuasi, boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. In the ancient Quechua language, the name of this community means “House of Spirits or Sacred Objects,” whereby spirits can also be interpreted as physical phenomena including waterfalls, mountains, or man-made shrines. The atmosphere of this lodge reflects the spirit of the mountains and the history of the region, and integrates local building styles with a modern decor. The main entrance hall is centered around the “tree of life,” a large Quenua tree, a typical plant of the region. Since the area is well known for its weavers, the public areas of the lodge display local weavings as well as paintings and Andean crafts. The dining and bar areas are illuminated by large windows overlooking the village and access valley. Guest rooms have radiant heating, private bathrooms, balconies with its own jacuzzi, and all amenities.  Upon arrival, the guests are greeted with hot or cold drinks and hot towel to freshen up.

 

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel — Aguas Calientes

A luxury boutique hotel just steps from the train, but a secluded natural paradise. Located in the small town of Aguas Calientes on the banks of the Urubamba River, the Pueblo Hotel was rated by Travel + Leisure readers  as a top 500 hotel of the world in 2006. Rustic elegance distinguishes the private bungalows, each with its own fireplace, and the lush gardens are home to orchids, exotic birds and other flora and fauna. Check out this fantastic video introducing Inkaterra

 

Lamay Lodge — Lamay town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Lamay lodge is situated at the edge of the quaint village of Lamay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, just an hour away from the city of Cusco. Its architecture follows the design of a traditional Spanish colonial hacienda, but with updated lines and sophisticated details. The lobby and lounge areas feature comfortable couches and chairs facing the garden, and the restaurant and bar, framed by tall windows and ceilings, are decorated with rural motifs and crafts. As in a traditional hacienda, a large garden is the center of activities and an excellent place to sit and read or take pictures. The use of local materials, like wood, stone, and adobe, as well as hand-woven rugs and decorative lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere—an ideal place to relax at the end of the hiking day. Guest rooms open up to views of surrounding peaks, and are decorated with warm colors that complement the wood and stone walls. A large Jacuzzi can be found in the garden amid the flowerbeds. From the lodge, guests can walk and explore the village and meet the local people who still wear traditional clothing.

 

Pakaritampu Hotel

Hotel Pakaritampu is located in the city of Ollantaytambo, in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It offers comfortable lodging and the sort of hospitality the Peruvian people are known for. The hotel is built on a large lot with ample green areas.

 

Palacio del Inka-Cusco — Cusco

Housed in a 500-year old mansion, the exquisite Palacio del Inka is located in the historic center of Cusco. Just a five-minute walk from the main square and less than a mile from museums, markets, and restaurants, Palacio del Inka puts the best of Cusco at your fingertips. The rooms are beautifully appointed, decorated with Peruvian art, handcrafted furnishings and modern conveniences and comforts such as LED TV, high-speed Internet access, and Starwood Hotels' signature Luxury Collection beds—among the most comfortable you'll ever sleep in. If you have time, enjoy a relaxing day at the spa, which offers idigenous treatments and a therapy pool.

Transportation & flights

Air Travel Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact the airlines directly, either by phone or the Internet. In addition, many travelers elect to use their “frequent flyer” miles when traveling with us. But please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets. We need to verify your arrival and departure schedule and ensure we have enough participants to operate the trip.
Cancellation policy

In the event of a guest’s cancellation MLP requires notification of cancellations in writing, by email or fax and the

following cancellation fees apply:

  • Up to 60 days prior to trip start date: US$ 400.00 is not refundable.
  • If 59 - 30 days prior to trip start date: 50% of the total trip cost.
  • If 29 - 0 days prior to trip start date: 100% of the total trip cost.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 Breakfast,7 Lunches and 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
mtsobe-PerDisMou

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!