- Overview
- Trip Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
Explore the best of Peru, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on this 11 day adventure.
First exploring the local eats in Lima, the 'gastronomical capital of the Americas', then flying over the Andes to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Rest up in Cusco, before embarking on a Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure.
Our Sacred Valley and Lares adventure will see you exploring charming towns, and seldom-visited Inca archaeological sites, as well as some hiking through the highlands with stunning views. There is time to learn about the local cultures and see the daily life in these traditional Andean communities. This programme has some flexibility along the way, if you are feeling more energetic, then opt for the hiking option on the day, if not, there are visits to remote villages to meet textile weavers, or a close up visit with friendly llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. At night your accommodation will be comfortable lodges run by the community, using some traditional Inca building techniques.
Then board your train bound for the iconic Machu Picchu, where you will spend a night at Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu pueblo. A guided tour with a local will help you appreciate the importance of these famous ruins.
Still wanting more, add on our signature Amazon, Puno and Lake Titicaca or even Bolivia!
No details found.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival into Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru, sits on the country's arid Pacific coast. Founded in 1535, its colonial centre is well preserved, but today Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. The city is home to the various museums including the Museo Larco that houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru’s ancient civilizations. Lima is known as the “gastronomical capital of the Americas”, encompassing specialties from ceviche and traditional coastal cooking to refined global fare. It even boasts several of the top restaurants in the world.
On arrival, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. This service includes a driver and local English speaking guide, who will provide you with any useful information needed for your stay.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 2
Lima Walking Tour
Join your local guide will take you on an exclusive half-day tour of Lima’s culinary and historical highlights, designed by us to help you get the most out of the city, starting with a visit to a local market to sample some local fruit and a scenic stroll through the city’s historic downtown with some tastings of famous local bites along the way. Enjoy a stop at the San Francisco catacombs, a tour of Casa de Aliaga, a stunning colonial style mansion. End your tour with a Chilcano or Pisco Sour cocktail - both are made with the local brandy, Pisco. (B)
Day 3
Lima - Cusco
You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Fly from Lima to Cusco
Upon arrival in to Cusco, you will be met & transferred to your hotel.
Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Incan remains.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4
Cusco free time, with pre trek briefing
Day at leisure in Cusco to relax and start acclimatizing.
Pre trek briefing
This evening you will be collected from your hotel and dropped off for a pre tour briefing, where you will learn about the plans for the next 5 days in the Sacred Valley. The briefing is approx. 45 minutes and allows time for any questions you may have about the days ahead.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 5
Sacred Valley - Lares Trek
5 day Lares trek
Begin your journey from the busy streets of Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Start your day with either an invigorating hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha, or a visit to the Awanakancha textile centre followed by an exploration of the lively town and colourful artisan marketplace of Pisaq. Midday, both cultural explorers and hikers will reunite in the village of Viacha to learn about traditional Andean farming before a hike or drive to the Pisaq archaeological site for a guided tour.
Overnight at Lamay Lodge.
Day 6
Lares Trek
The day begins with a visit to the small town of Lamay followed by a scenic drive into the heart of the Lares Valley. Your first stop will be Ancasmarca for a guided tour of this seldom-visited archaeological site. Afterwards, choose a visit with the expert textile weavers in the remote village of Choquecancha or a hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where both groups meet again to spend the night.
Overnight at Huacahuasi Lodge.
Day 7
Lares Trek
Begin the day with a scenic drive from Huacahuasi to the remote village of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka, or explore the village and nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka archaeological site.
After lunch, choose to hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo or drive and spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo’s maze-like alleys and passageways.
Note: Afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Sacred Valley.
Optional group activity this afternoon – You can visit a locally-sourced Sacred Valley craft brewery (subject to additional costs).
Overnight at Kuychi Rumi Lodge.
Day 8
Lares Trek - Machu Picchu
Begin your day with an optional early morning hike to the Inca storage houses high above the town for an impressive view of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial site. Afterwards, the entire group will meet at the entrance of the site for a guided tour before embarking on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Alternately, opt for an all-day hike from train marker KM 104 to the Machu Picchu Sun Gate on the classic Inca Trail (subject to additional cost).
Overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Day 9
Machu Picchu - Cusco
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking morning uphill bus ride, followed by a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. After the tour you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu (additional expense) *, the iconic mountain that looms overhead. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours).
*Note: Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability and are an additional cost; please advise if you would like to include this experience when you confirm your reservation. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, Machu Picchu Mountain (the second peak within the sanctuary) is an alternative option
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 10
Cusco Walking tour with Sacsayhuaman
Today, explore the city’s fascinating history, from the Inca times to colonial rule to the present day. Wind through narrow cobble-stoned streets and visit the market of Cusco. Along the way, get the chance to see the colonial buildings. Visit the fascinating Koricancha Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace. From here, head to Sacsayhuaman, a former Inca fortress perched atop the hill above Cusco, it presents a work of impeccable engineering (gigantic carved rocks that fit with absolute precision).
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 11
Cusco - Depart
Departure day. Depart any time. Transfer to the airport or bus station is included.
- 11 days guided touring from Lima through Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
- Superior accommodation with breakfast daily
- Comfortable community operated lodged in the Scared & Lares Valleys
- Breakfast daily, and other meals as outlined in the included sightseeing tours
- All meals during the Lares adventure
- Sightseeing on a shared basis as outlined in the tour itinerary with English speaking guides
- Machu Picchu by train, with entrance fees, tickets and guided tour
- Return airport transfers on a private basis
- Cusco & Lima tours as per itinerary
- Guided hiking and/or cultural tours in the Sacred & Lares Valleys
- Internal flights as part of this itinerary*
Important Notes:
International flights, visas/reciprocity fees, tips and travel insurance are not included. Some park fees and local taxes are payable onsite.
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
North Travel's head office is located at 196 Bank Street, Whangarei, New Zealand.
We are a 100% New Zealand Owned and Operated Travel Agency.
Yes absolutely please give us a call on 0800 803 007.
If calling from outside of New Zealand please call +64 9 699 3074
Yes, we like to think we are.
In 2025 North Travel was a top 5 finalist at the NTIA Awards (National Travel Industry Awards).
North Travel is a fully bonded member of TAANZ (Travel Agents Association of New Zealand), an IATA Accredited Agency as well as a CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) member.
North Travel operates strict financial management through client trust accounts and carries comprehensive indemnity and liability insurance at all times.
All members of the North Travel team carry out CPD (Continuing professional development) weekly through various industry training webinars, supplier updates and insurance compliance.
