Sacred Valley &

SACRED VALLEY &

LARES ADVENTURE

7 Day Program

Prepared for:

TRIP BOOKLET

INDEX

3. ITINERARY

8. ACCOMMODATIONS

8. RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

9. TRAVEL TIPS

11. TRAVEL INSURANCE

12. CONTACT INFORMATION & EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

ITINERARY

What follows is a customized daily itinerary with the most relevant information for your trip. For a detailed description of your activities day by day, please refer to the Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure brochure at the Mountain Lodges of Peru website. (

DAY 0CITY OF CUSCO | TRIP BRIEFING

Tonight you will meet your guides and other travelers for an important informational meeting.

Time: 6:00 pm.

Location: El Mercado Hotel (Calle 7 Cuartones 306, Centro Histórico del Cusco, Cusco)

Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

We recommend that you stay for dinner at “La Taberna Restaurant” at El Mercado Hotel, which offers Peruvian and International cuisine in a cozy, yet elegant, setting.

DAY 1 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS | TREASURES OF THE SACRED VALLEY

Hotel pick up: Begins at 7am. At the trip briefing the night before your guide will coordinate your specific pick-up time, depending on the hotel where you are staying at.

Group Activity: In the morning the whole group visits the archeological site of Chinchero.

Activity Menu (morning to noon):

Cultural activity: Guided tour of Moray Inca Agricultural site and the Salt Mines of Maras.

Hike:Chinchero to Urquillos / Duration 3 hrs. / Easy to moderate.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Overnight:Lamay Lodge (el. 9,705’ – 2,958m.), located in the town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

DAY 2 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS | EXPLORING PISAQ

Activity Menu (morning to noon):

Cultural activity: Visit the town of Pisaq and local market, and experience an encounter with members of the local community of Viacha.

Bike excursion (additional cost): Scenic Bike up stream, along the Urubamba river from Lamay to Pisaq Town / Duration 2-3 hrs. / Easy to moderate.

Hike: From the local community of Amaru to the local community of Viacha / Duration 2.5-3 hrs. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,200´ - 4,328m.

Group Activity: Group lunch in the local community of Viacha. In the afternoon, the whole group visits the archaeological site of Pisaq, before heading back to the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Overnight:Lamay Lodge (el. 9,705’ – 2,958m.), located in the town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

DAY3 LARES VALLEY | INCA SITES AND VILLAGES

Group Activity (morning to noon): In the morning, explore the town of Lamay briefly and visit the archeological site of Ancasmarca.

Activity Menu (afternoon, after the group visit):

Cultural activity: Visit the town of Choquecancha, meet with local weavers and experience an encounter with members of community.

Hike: From Quelqena to Huacahuasi / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Easy to moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 12,595´- 3,839 m.

Hike: From Cuncani to Huacahuasi / Duration 3.5-4 hrs. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 13,838´- 4,219m.

Note: Guests that opt for the cultural activity will have lunch at the local community of Choquecancha. Guests that opt for the hikes will have lunch en route.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585’ - 3,835m.), located in the local community of Huacahuasi, in the Lares Region.

DAY 4 LARES VALLEY | EXPLORING HUACAHUASI

Activity Menu (all day):

Cultural activity: Explore the village, meet local weavers and participate in a cooking class.

Hike: Visit to the community of Huacahuasi and walk to nearby waterfall / Duration 1-2 hrs. / Easy.

Hike: From Quiswarani to Quelquena / Duration 6-7 hrs. / Challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,505´-4,421m.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585’ – 3,835m.), located in the local community of Huacahuasi, in the Lares Region.

DAY 5 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS | HIKING THROUGH AUTHENTIC INCA TRAILS

Activity Menu (all day):

Cultural activity: Drive back to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit a local farmer’s market and a Pre-Inca and Inca cultural museum. Enjoy a Barbeque for lunch at Kuychi Rumi Lodge and in the afternoon explore the town of Ollantaytambo.

Inca Trail hike: Beautiful hike from Lares pass to the village of Totora / Duration 3 hrs. / Easy to moderate. Enjoy a Barbeque for lunch at Kuychi Rumi Lodge.

Hike: From Huacahuasi to Patacancha / Duration 7 hrs. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,646’ - 4,464m. Route lunch at Ipsaycocha lake. Afternoon arrival in Ollantaytambo.

Optional bike excursion (afternoon): Drive back and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas on mountain bike / Duration 2 hrs. / Easy to moderate. This activity has an additional cost of US$80.00 per pax (minimum 2 pax). Afterwards, enjoy a visit to an artisanal brewery in which many of their beers are made with local products. (The brewery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Note: Guests that opt for the cultural activity and guests that opt for the Inca trail hike excursion will meet for lunch in Urubamba at a countryside restaurant and visit the town of Ollantaytambo together in the afternoon. Guests that opt for the Huacahuasi to Patacancha hike will meet up with the rest of the group late in the afternoon at Kuychi Rumi lodge in Urubamba.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Overnight: Kuychi Rumi Lodge, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (el. 9,284’ – 2,830 m.)

DAY 6 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS | DISCOVERING OLLANTAYTAMBO

Activity Menu (early morning, before the group activity):

Hike: Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo / Duration 1-1.5 hrs. / Moderate.

Hike: Higher Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Moderate to challenging.

Group Activity: In the morning, after the optional early morning activities, explore the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, before boarding the train to the town of Machu Picchu (AguasCalientes).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Train: Ollantaytambo - AguasCalientes / Late morning train / Duration 1h30m approximately.

Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, located in the town of AguasCalientes (el. 6,232´- 1,900m.), the base town of Machu Picchu.

Note: Inca Rail is the train company used for the Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure.

DAY 7 MACHU PICCHU | THE SANCTUARY

Group Activity: Early in the morning, visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Activity Menu (late morning, after the group activity):

Cultural activity: free time to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (el. 7,872´ - 2,400m.).

Hike: Guided hike of Huayna Picchu Mountain / Duration 2-2.5 hrs. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 8,924´ - 2,720m.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Train: AguasCalientes - Ollantaytambo / Early afternoon train / Duration 1h30m approximately.

Transfer: Ollantaytambo - Cusco and drop-off at hotel (arriving approximately at 6pm).

Note: Inca Rail is the train company used for the Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure.

END OF SERVICES

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations along the Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure are located in remote places as well as in traditional towns, yet always surrounded by stunning sceneries and local living culture. As a reference, all the lodges are comparable to a 4-5 star property. The following information might be useful for additional things to expect. If you have any questions about the accommodations, please contact your Travel Specialist.

Complimentary internet is available in every room.

Each room has a safety deposit box.

Some lodges have jacuzzis.

Massage service.

Toilet equipped with hair-dryers and full amenities.

There are 110V compatible sockets in the lodges (220V is the official voltage).

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

Here is a basic packing list. These items are essential to ensure adventure travelers’ comfort and safety:

Day pack to carry your snack, water bottle, additional layers of clothing and any personal item.

Broken-in hiking boots or mountain sneakers (gym sneakers are not suitable).

Full rain gear (rain jacket, rain pants) or rain poncho.

Hiking pants and shorts.

Fast-wicking and quick-to-dry top and bottom base layers.

Comfortable shoes/flip-flops.

Cold-weather jacket.

Gloves(light fabric or wind stopper).

Long-sleeve fleece/sweater.

Woolen hat.

Baseball cap or sombrero.

Buff or Bandana.

Sunglasses.

Comfortable hiking socks.

Sunscreen.

Insect repellant.

Bathing suit.

Mountain casual wear for evenings.

Photo/video cameras and chargers.

Refillable water bottle

Notes:

Any additional clothing and luggage that you will not need on the trek can be stored at your hotel in Cusco.
MLP recommends bringing hiking poles. It is possible to purchase them at several stores in the city of Cusco; however, we offer complimentary wooden hiking sticks.
Some of our guests enjoy bringing binoculars.
There are duffle bags for loan. Please let us know in advance if you would need one for the trip.
If you take any special medication or specific brand, we recommend you to bring them with you.
Trains which operate between AguasCalientes and Ollantaytambo have issued specific luggage weight and size limits, which is why we recommend using the duffle bags provided by MLP. The official weight limit is 5kg per person, but the MLP duffle bags are allowed to carry up to 10kg. If you decide to carry your own duffle bag weighing in excess of the 5kg rule, it will likely be sent by Perú Rail in the luggage car and may have different schedules from passenger cars.
Traveler´s tip: Pack essential items in your carry-on baggage so that you can access them even if your luggage is delayed: travel insurance, passport and money, eyewear and any medication, hiking boots and a change of clothing.
Drone use is prohibited on this program.

TRAVEL TIPS

ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMATIZATION:

You will be spending time at high altitudes, mostly between 7,000 (2,134 m.) and 12,500 feet (3,810 m.), and possibly 14,000 feet (4,267 m.) depending on your choice of activity. For this reason we recommend that our guests spend at least two nights in Cusco prior to departure. This helps with acclimating to the altitude and also provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cusco. Everyone’s tolerance to altitude differs and we encourage our guests to exercise and follow a healthy diet as part of their training program before their trip.

MONEY MATTERS:

Currency: The official currency of Peru is the “Nuevo Sol” (S/.). Although US Dollars are also widely accepted, be sure to bring crisp US bills, as torn and defaced currency are not accepted.

ATMs: ATM´s are available mainly in the city of Cusco and they dispense both US Dollars & Nuevos Soles. If you think you might be interested in purchasing anything during your trip we recommend visiting the ATM before your trip as it will be very difficult to get to an ATM once you are on route.

Credit Cards: Generally accepted at restaurants and shops (Visa is the most widely accepted).

During your trip you will only need cash for souvenirs and minor personal expenses, and any (optional) gratuities you might like to offer your trip leader and assistant guides. For purchasing souvenirs and minor personal expenses en route we recommend bringing Nuevos Soles. Please make sure to bring small bills and coins. Additional expenses at the lodges (such as massages or alcoholic beverages), can be charged to your credit card, while optional tipping to guides can be offered in whatever currency is most convenient.

Suggestion for Tips: Guides US$5-10 per day, per person.

Note: it is not customary to tip taxis; however tipping is appreciated by the drivers of any private transfers (US$5 per service). It is also customary to tip 10% at restaurants.

GETTING AROUND CUSCO:

Most of the restaurants and attractions in the city of Cusco are within walking distance of each other, so our suggestion is to get a map from your hotel and discover this amazing city on foot. There are plenty of taxis available and the cost is very low (between 4-6 Nuevos Soles), yet we recommend to always ask your hotel or restaurant to call a taxi for you. It will arrive in a few minutes, and is more secure for the same price as street taxis.

WEATHER:

Cusco has only two climate seasons: a dry season from April to October, and a wet season from November to March. June to August are often the coldest, driest months. Shoulder seasons can be more variable. The weather in the mountains can change quickly and you should be prepared for 4 seasons in one day. It is recommended to bring winter clothing and rain gear at all times.

Expect temperatures ranging from 23°F to 14°F (-5°C to -10°C) at night and up to 68°F (20°C) during the day. Check weather forecast online at:

WHAT TO DO IN CUSCO:

The city of Cusco offers a great blend of culture, history and modern day life in the Andes. Get a sense of the city´s past by visiting impressive historical sites such as the main Cathedral, the Sun Temple (Qoricancha) and Sacsayhuaman fortress. Walk the traditional streets of the city through neighborhoods like San Blas, where the fusion of colonial and Inca architecture can be seen in every corner, and visit specialty craft shops for great art and metal work. Feel the pulse and color of modern day life at the old San Pedro Market, the main and oldest trade center in Cusco, where one finds even the wildest of goods, from fruits and vegetables to even traditional items used in Andean rituals. Save time (and room) for dining as Cusco has magnificent places to eat and drink, from fine dining to casual snacks.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure takes place in remote locations and at certain times at very high altitudes. In order to ensure a safe experience for every guest, we kindly request that every guest presents valid proof of insurance coverage as a minimum for Medical Emergency Treatment and Evacuation. Please note that some insurance policies exclude Adventure Travel Activities or similar from the coverage, so please be careful when assessing and/or purchasing your insurance policy and please make sure that the insurance policy includes Adventure Travel Activities or similar coverage.

Definition of “Valid Proof of Insurance”: Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) requires presentation of the following information at least 60 days prior to trip start date:

Name of Insurance Company and Name of Specific Policy (if applicable).
Coverage registration number or code.
24hr emergency telephone numbers provided by the insurance company.

MLP recommends BUPA Global Travel to offer insurance coverage for Medical Emergency Treatment and Evacuation only, including Adventure Travel Activities. Upon your request, MLP can provide the aforementioned insurance policy (Bupa Global Travel). Please consult our Travel Specialists for rates. The full terms of coverage of the mentioned policy can be found at: Please note that this insurance does not cover for trip cancellations.

If you have not already purchased travel and trip cancellation insurance, we strongly encourage you to do so. If something unforeseeable should occur at last minute to prevent you from taking an active vacation, we unfortunately cannot provide any type of reimbursement.

CONTACT INFORMATION & EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

We ask for all non-emergency phone calls to be directed FIRST to the Cusco office during business hours.

MLP-CUSCO OFFICE (MON-FRI: 8:00 AM. - 8:00 PM. EST.)

Phone: +51 (0) 84 262 640

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at or your Travel Specialist.

THE FOLLOWING PHONE NUMBER IS FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY:

If there is an emergency while you are traveling to Cusco (illness, travel delays, or anything that will impede you from joining the program), please contact one of the following MLP staff members for immediate assistance:

24HRS PERU EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: (+51) 979 381 263

Emergency Email Address:

Thank you for choosing Mountain Lodges of Peru! We look forward to seeing you soon in Cusco.