This 14-day group adventure from Cusco, Peru, is designed to empower, uplift and reconnect you with your sense of self. Starting in the vibrant mountain city of Cusco and journeying through the Sacred Valley, remote Andean villages and the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this is more than just a holiday - it’s a chance to rediscover your strength, in the company of like-minded people.
Together, you’ll hike stunning trails, camp beneath starlit skies, soak in natural hot springs, learn to cook traditional Peruvian dishes and share soul-stirring moments that go far beyond the itinerary. With a balance of cultural immersion, physical challenge, meaningful connection and time for personal reflection, this trip invites you to slow down, embrace adventure and come home changed - in all the best ways.
Twin (or double)-share accommodation: hotels and tents during Lares Trek.
As specified in the itinerary.
Private vehicle, train and bus.
Fluent English speaking.
Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment.
For guides, horsemen, cooks on trek, drivers
Two person tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag for Lares Trek (three nights).
International and domestic as required and airport/hotel transfers.
Travel insurance is required to attend this trip.
Can be hired at additional expense.
If required.
Speak to your Dr for what is required/recommended in relation to medication and vaccinations.
Arrive in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, set high in the Andes. Make our way by Uber or private transfer (at own expense). Take in the cobblestone streets, colourful textiles and vibrant energy of this iconic mountain city. This evening, gather with our fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
A gentle day to adjust to Cusco’s altitude (3,400m above sea level) and take in the atmosphere. In the afternoon, join a hands-on Peruvian cooking class where we’ll prepare and taste local dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. Later, meet our trek guide to go over the itinerary, gear check and what to expect for the days ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Begin our Sacred Valley exploration with a visit to Manos de la Comunidad, a llama and alpaca sanctuary where we’ll learn about Andean weaving traditions. Next, explore the dramatic Pisac ruins perched above the valley and stroll through the lively artisan market in town. After lunch in Urubamba, visit the Salt Mines of Maras, where pre-Incan salt is still harvested today.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Urubamba
Our trek begins! Drive to Huaran to meet our horsemen and trekking crew. Today’s route takes us through lush valleys and alongside rivers as you gradually ascend toward the remote village of Cancha Cancha (3,900m). Disconnect from modern life as we enter a community untouched by roads and only recently connected to electricity.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camping at Cancha Cancha
After a nourishing breakfast, begin a challenging but awe-inspiring ascent to Pachacutec Pass (4,500m) - the highest point of our trek. Expect panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, grazing alpacas, glacial lakes and sweeping valleys. Descend to the serene lakeside campsite near Quiswarani (3,700m), where the setting sun casts golden light over the waterfalls and mountains.
Hike Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camping at Quiswarani
Today is packed with diverse beauty. Hike over Willqaqasa Pass (4,200m) and admire the reflections of the Colquecruz and Pitusiray Mountains in glacial lakes below. Descend into the vibrant valley toward Cuncani, where our vehicle awaits. After a hearty lunch and farewells to our trekking team, soak in the volcanic Lares Hot Springs - pure bliss for tired muscles. Continue by road to Ollantaytambo for a well-deserved night in a hotel.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Explore the fascinating Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo - a site rich in history and awe-inspiring engineering. Climb the ancient terraces to visit the Sun Temple and take in sweeping views of the Sacred Valley below. After our guided tour, spend time browsing the colourful local markets, where vibrant textiles, handmade crafts and traditional souvenirs offer a beautiful connection to the Andean culture. The afternoon is ours to relax, explore at our own pace, or enjoy a quiet coffee in a sunlit courtyard as we reflect on our trek and recharge for the next phase of our journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Board the train to Km 104 and begin a once-in-a-lifetime trek along the Inca Trail. Walk past cloud forests, waterfalls and ancient ruins like Wiñay Wayna (2,600m), hidden in the jungle. As you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu unfolds before you - a truly emotional and unforgettable moment. Descend into Aguas Calientes for dinner and a restful night.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Take a breather in this charming mountain town. Choose to sleep in, explore the markets, enjoy a massage, or visit the Butterfly Farm. This is our day to reflect, rest and soak up the magic of our journey so far.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Return to Machu Picchu for a guided exploration of this wonder of the world. Learn about the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana and Incan engineering marvels. Afterward, take the hike to Huayna Picchu for jaw-dropping views (note: steep). Spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing before another cosy night in town.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo and begin our return to Cusco with stops along the way. Visit Moray’s mysterious agricultural terraces - an ancient Incan lab - and enjoy lunch in Maras. End the day in Chinchero, a village known for vibrant textiles and traditional weaving practices, before arriving back in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
This is our final day in Cusco to explore at our own pace. Visit museums, sip coca tea in the plaza, hunt for handcrafted souvenirs, or pamper ourselves with a massage. The city is full of stories - take time to enjoy it.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
An early start takes us deep into the Andes to the trailhead (4,450m) for Rainbow Mountain. Ride horses or hike through high-altitude red valleys and open plains, with Ausangate Mountain watching over us. Finally, arrive at the stunning Vinicunca (5,200m) - its layers of colours rippling like painted waves. Return to Cusco inspired and energised.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the incredible people we’ve shared this life-changing journey with. Private transfers or Uber to the airport can be arranged at one's own expense. Leave with stories, strength, new friends and a heart full of Andes magic.
Meals: Breakfast
