Lares Adventure
Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru
A slow hike to Machu Picchu
The Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu offers the perfect combination of traditional adventure travel and cultural immersion. Your experience on our, 5- or 7-day, lodge-to-lodge journey will alternate between an exploration of the astounding natural scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and an intimate look at Andean culture, both in busy towns and in the most-remote of mountain hamlets.
Daily expeditions will lead you along seldom-travelled highland trails surrounded by exquisite snow-capped peaks, past roving herds of llamas and alpacas, around impossibly hued turquoise lakes, and through graceful waterfalls.
Your destinations will include fascinating archaeological sites, thought-provoking agricultural and commercial Andean cooperatives, and bustling towns and markets showcasing the flavours of the region as well as the wares of its skilled artisans. Most importantly, you will travel to hidden communities unchanged for centuries for a unique up-close visit with the local people.
Expert guides tailor the experience with an offer of à la carte activities and daily cultural encounters. At each day’s sunset, settle into deluxe mountain lodges run in partnership with local communities, to prepare for a new day of multi-activity adventure and exploration.
You will love
- Escaping the crowds
- Small, escorted group
- Magnificent landscapes
- Meet traditional Peruvian people
- Dine & sleep in trail side lodges
- Adventure in style & comfort
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
5 (or 7) UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | Cusco to Sacred Valley
Depart Cusco to the Sacred Valley. Option to visit the celebrated market at Pisac or take a moderate hike in the hills and mountains over the Sacred Valley.
DAY 2 | Huacahuasi
Go deeper into the heart of the Lares region. After lunch, choose between visiting a traditional weaver’s village or a scenic drive and a moderate/strenuous hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks of the remote village of Huacahuasi.
DAY 3 | Ollantaytambo
Morning visit with the community of Huacahuasi to learn about their heritage and daily life. Then embark on a spectacular hike from the lodge to the adjacent valley leading to the ancient town of Ollantaytambo.
DAY 4 | Machu Picchu
Early morning short hike to Inca storage structures high above Ollantaytambo for magnificent views of the town and the temple and enjoy a guided tour of the fortess before taking the train to Machu Picchu town.
DAY 5 | Cusco
At dawn, begin your visit to Machu Picchu. 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. Afternoon travel to Cusco by train and private coach.
DAY 6-7 | Huacahuasi (optional)
The optional 7-day itinerary works on a similar framework but provides more time to explore the Sacred Valley and the village of Huacahuasi.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
A selection of th finest safari camps
NEED TO KNOW
Start: Cusco, Peru
|
Finish: Cusco, Peru
Easy to moderate walking
Minimum 4, maximum 18 guests
Multiple dates available – operates March to December
Single supplement may apply
Flights and insurance on request
Terms and conditions apply – please request a copy of our booking form for all details.
Price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control
Please contact us for dates, prices and further details
The most delicious meal I had in Peru was on the Lares trek - a traditional Andean feast called a ‘Pachamanca’. Using locally sourced produce, the meal is cooked over the course of several hours in the ground, covered with hot stones and soil. The end product delicious and earthy in every way. A treat when wandering high up in the mountains on the trek, meeting and learning how the locals have survived here for centuries.
Julie McIntosh, Founder of The Classic Safari Company
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh