Experiential tourism at the house of the Lares – Cusco, Peru
EXPERIENCE
Day 1: Cusco – Pisaq Lares
Our day begins with a bus route along the Urubamba River, which means “the sacred river.” We cross several cities and towns that have preserved the traces of a prosperous imperial past, to reach the impressive Inca site of Pisaq (3400m/ 11154.86 ft): terraces, fountains, neighborhoods, observatories and the largest cemetery in the region (almost 10,000 people buried). A beautiful complex from which the Incas controlled and dominated the Sacred Valley. This city is embedded between the high peaks of the Urubamba Mountain range. Then we go down to the town of Pisaq by car. Transfer to the valley of Lares (3500m), 3 hours by car.
Overnight near natural hot springs (37 °C /98.6 °F) Provide a swimsuit to swim and relax in the pools.
It’s included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner
Local House
Private vehicle
Day 2: Lares – Rosaspata – Cochayoc
After a good breakfast, we load llamas and horses to start this new stage. We descend along the Lares Valley that leads to the Amazon Rainforest. The path in balcony offers a superb view of the river below. Our day continues with a climb to the village of Rosas Pata, a small village overlooking the Rio Lares valley. By a beautiful path in balcony, we go back up as far as the valley of Cochayoc where is the village of the same name meaning “the village which has a lake” in Quechua language. Most of its inhabitants are shepherds. This is an opportunity for us to approach herds of llamas, alpacas and sheep. This is where we meet our guests of the day. We spend the end of the day with them to learn more about their customs.
It’s included
Local English-speaking guide.
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner
Local House
Distance covered 16 km
Day 3: Cochayoc – Challwacocha
In the morning, weather permitting, we will have a wonderful view of the Terijuay mountain range and the Yanacocha lagoon. We walk in the pastures of Cochayoc at Cuypan Pass (4550m). We continue our way to the place called Pisaq before climbing to the pass of the same name. The climb is a little difficult but the view is worth it. We stop near a lagoon to set up the camp. From there we see several snow-capped peaks. We settle in the house of a new family for the night. The community of Challhuachoca remained very difficult for a very long time and still today, the inhabitants communicate with the valley by radio!
It’s included
Local English-speaking guide.
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner
Local House
Distance covered 16 km
Day 4: Challwacocha Patacancha
We continue our adventure in the Patacancha Valley. Once arrived at the village. Installation in the last of our local houses. With this family, we will finally discover the mysteries of these shepherds / master weavers who live in the Lares Valley.
It’s included
Local English-speaking guide.
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea time and dinner
Local House
Distance covered 12 km
Day 5: Patacancha – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After we say goodbye to the community, we have our last day of walking on the site of Pumamarca. We visit this ancient village and its magnificent terraces then we continue our descent to Ollantaytambo following an old irrigation canal.
Ollantaytambo is a 15th century village that has remained almost unchanged since its creation. After the visit, we climb on a train taking a mythical railway line snaking in the sacred valley dominated by the pristine summit of Veronique (5820m). After the tour you will have lunch in the town of Ollantaytambo and after board the Expedition train departing at 15:20 that will take you to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival you will have the evening free to explore Aguas Calientes on your own. You will spend the night in a hotel.
It’s included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel 3 star / Included
Train, public van
Distance covered 12 km
Day 6: Machu Picchu – Cusco
After an early breakfast, a Shuttlebus will take you to the Machu Picchu archeological site, where you immediately begin a 2-hour guided tour of the entire Incan outpost.
Additional hikes need to be booked 3 to 5 months in advance as these depend on availability! these hikes need to be paid for in advance at booking!
If chosen in advance you can climb (Huayna Picchu ($75US per person)) or (Machu Picchu Mountain ($75US per person)) to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu and the valleys below from a higher viewpoint.
After your visit, you will descend to Aguas Calientes have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later board the Expedition train which departs at 4:22 pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo train station where our driver will be waiting for you for your return trip to Cusco.
It’s included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Breakfast, lunch
Shuttlebus, train, private van
HIGHLIGHTS
This unique experience will take you from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
The valley of Lares one of the most beautiful hiking places in the a Peru.
The meetings with the peasants make this walk a beautiful human experience.
Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Cusco