The Lares Trek Unveiled

International Arrival in Lima

You will find us waiting for you when your international flight arrives in Lima. Look for the Kuoda sign with your name and the smile. We will escort you to your hotel, check you in, and help you get settled. You’ll then be able to enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

•• Lima is a worldly, bustling metropolis at sea level. From about May through October, Lima’s weather is often overcast with mild temperatures (60–70 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15–21 degrees Celsius), but during the summery months of November through April, be prepared for temperatures upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32+ Celsius), strong sun, and plenty of humidity.

Flight from Lima to Cusco / Private Car to the Sacred Valley

You will wake up refreshed and enjoy a complimentary breakfast in your hotel before we escort you back to the airport for your morning flight to Cusco. Watch the windows as the desert coast rises into the snow-capped peaks of the Andes!

We will be waiting for you when you touch down at our Andean airport and will bring you to the historic city center of Cusco for a delicious lunch. Then, before you can feel the altitude, we’ll whisk you into the Sacred Valley.

Just 15 minutes outside of Cusco, true Peruvian countryside will stretch away on either side of you, cows and sheep grazing tranquilly roadside. Impossibly steep peaks rise in the distance.

Your journey will take you first to the Sulca Living Museum, where you’ll see traditional weavers ply their trade and get to meet Peru’s famous llamas and alpacas face to face. Next, you’ll stop at the vibrant market in the pueblo of Pisac, where locals come from miles around to sell their wares.

Upon conclusion of your market visit, we’ll bring you to your hotel in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Private Tour of Chinchero, Exploration of Tiobamba and the Ruins at Moray

Today you will weave through the Sacred Valley’s most fertile agricultural lands and experience an unforgettable blend of the past, present, and future.
Your first stop of the day will be the picturesque town of Chinchero, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking Andean landscapes. Explore the impressive archaeological site, which includes well-preserved Inca terraces, colonial-era structures built atop Inca foundations, and a charming 17th-century church decorated with beautiful frescoes.

You’ll also have the opportunity to observe local artisans at work, preserving traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations.
From here, you’ll head straight to the charming village of Tiobamba, where a delicious private lunch awaits at the T’asra Room of Unu Restaurant. Enjoy a peaceful meal with spectacular views of Tiobamba’s plaza and the surrounding Sacred Valley mountains.
After lunch, visit the remarkable Inca ruins of Moray. These mysterious circular terraces are believed by some archaeologists to have served as an agricultural laboratory, although their true purpose remains uncertain. As you explore this fascinating site, feel free to form your own theory while admiring the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Inca engineering.

Finally, after immersing yourself in the living history of the Sacred Valley, where the past, present, and future of Andean culture converge, we’ll take you to your hotel for a well-deserved evening of rest.

Lares Hot Springs – Kiswarani Waterfall Campsite

Today marks the beginning of your Lares Trek adventure. After an early departure, journey into the Lares Valley where you’ll enjoy the region’s famous thermal baths before beginning your trek.

The trail leads through traditional farming communities where potatoes have been cultivated for generations. Along the way, your guide will share insights into local customs, medicinal plants, and rural Andean life.

After lunch in Kiswarani, you will have the opportunity to interact with local families and learn about the importance of llamas in Andean culture before continuing to your scenic campsite beneath the waterfalls.

Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras Salt Mines – Sacred Valley

After breakfast, continue descending through beautiful mountain scenery and traditional farming communities.

As the landscape gradually changes from high Andean terrain to the fertile Sacred Valley, you’ll gain insight into the agricultural traditions that continue to sustain local families today.

Upon reaching Huaran, bid farewell to your trekking team and continue by vehicle to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines. These thousands of salt pans have been harvested since pre-Inca times and continue to provide a livelihood for local families.

Following your visit, continue to your hotel in the Sacred Valley where a comfortable bed and hot shower await.

Private Tour of Cusco’s Historic City Center / Fly from Cusco to Lima / Return Home

After breakfast, we will transfer you from the Sacred Valley back to Cusco for a final exploration of the former capital of the Inca Empire.

This morning you will experience the lay of the land as only true world travelers know how: traversing hidden alleyways, historic plazas, and local treasures. Your private guide will illuminate Cusco’s rich tapestry, woven through its inviting cobblestone streets, charming neighborhoods, and astounding landmarks.

You’ll stop at the colonial Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, home to an extraordinary collection of religious art and centuries of history. From there, continue to the Santo Domingo Monastery, built atop the most sacred of Incan sites, the Qoricancha Temple of the Sun. Once bathed in sheets of gold before the arrival of the Spanish, this remarkable site is now an astounding blend of Incan stonemasonry and colonial architecture.

Next, visit the San Pedro Market, one of the most vibrant and traditional markets in Cusco. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and opened in 1925, this bustling market offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Andean life. As you wander through its colorful stalls, you’ll find everything from fresh produce, meats, and cheeses to local handicrafts, textiles, and herbal remedies. It’s a wonderful place to experience the flavors, aromas, and culture of the region, and perhaps enjoy a freshly blended juice or pick up a handmade souvenir.

Finally, travel by private vehicle to the impressive Sacsayhuaman archaeological complex overlooking the city. Here, marvel at the colossal stone walls and learn about the strategic and ceremonial importance of one of the greatest achievements of Inca engineering.

At the appropriate time, we will bring you to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima and onward international connection home.

Thank you for traveling with Kuoda Travel, and buen viaje!