Join Travel Light for the ultimate Peruvian adventure — a journey that weaves together culture, connection, history, and world-class hiking. We’ll start in Cusco, the vibrant former capital of the Inca Empire, before venturing into the Sacred Valley to explore Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines, the ancient terraces of Moray, and the weaving communities of Chinchero.

Then, our hiking adventure begins. We’ll spend two incredible days trekking through the Lares Valley, one of the most culturally rich and less-traveled regions of Peru. Along the way, we’ll pass remote communities, walk alongside herds of alpacas, and take in incredible views of the Andes before connecting with the Inca Trail for our final approach to Machu Picchu. Arriving through the Sun Gate is one of those moments you never forget. We’ll also hike Huayna Picchu, the dramatic peak rising behind the ruins, for incredible views over Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.

One of the things that makes this trip so special is our incredible team of local guides. They bring the history and culture of Peru to life throughout the journey, sharing their knowledge and genuine passion for their country every step of the way. Our Peruvian guides are consistently one of our travelers’ favorite parts of the experience.

This has become one of Travel Light’s most highly reviewed trips, and it’s easy to understand why. From the quiet valleys of Lares to the mist-shrouded stones of Machu Picchu, it’s a truly special blend of nature, culture, history, adventure, and human connection — the kind of journey that stays with you long after you return home.

Age Requirement: 21+

Trip Host: Olivia Reyes

Who travels with Travel Light?
Our travelers are flexible, adaptable, open-minded, respectful, positive, adventurous, social, considerate, punctual, and kind. If that sounds like you, you're in the right place.

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✨ 3 days of Hiking on the Lares + Inca Trails to Machu Picchu

✨ Tour of Machu Picchu + Hike up Huayna Picchu

✨ Sacred Valley Day Trip 

✨ Tour of Cusco, the Ancient Capital of the Incas

✨ Cozy Hotels + 1 Night Camping Under the Stars 

✨ Memorable Group Connections 

This trip combines portions of the Lares Trek and the Inca Trail, with hiking days of up to 10 miles and a high point of approximately 14,800 feet. Expect rocky and uneven trails, steep climbs and descents, stone steps, and the added challenge of hiking at altitude. Luggage transfer is included, so you’ll hike with only a daypack.

This trip is best for intermediate hikers and above. Prior hiking experience is required. You should be comfortable spending several hours on the trail. Multi-day trekking experience is not required.

You’ll need to train and arrive physically prepared. We’ll provide a training guide and packing list to help you get ready.

This trip is for adventurous travelers who enjoy hiking, want to challenge themselves physically, and are equally excited to learn about the history, culture, and landscapes of Peru.

This trip is a great fit for you if you:

• Enjoy hiking and are willing to train. You should have prior hiking experience and feel comfortable spending several hours on the trail. The combination of distance, elevation gain, and high altitude makes this a physically demanding trip, so arriving prepared is important.

• Are excited to experience Peru beyond Machu Picchu. Throughout the trip, our local guides will share the history of the Incas, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and the communities and landscapes we travel through. Our Cusco city tour and Sacred Valley tour are a big part of the experience.

• Love the combination of culture and adventure. This trip blends hiking, history, nature, local food, cultural experiences, and time spent exploring some of Peru’s most important places.

• Want an active trip with variety. You’ll trek through the Andes, spend one night camping, stay in comfortable hotels, explore historic sites, and experience both the quieter mountain valleys and some of Peru’s most iconic destinations.

This is not simply a trek to Machu Picchu. It’s a chance to understand more about the people, history, and culture of Peru while experiencing the country on foot.

Travel Light trips are about so much more than the places we visit. They're about the people we meet, the conversations we share, and the way we show up for one another along the way. We pride ourselves on creating a connected, welcoming group experience, working with excellent local guides, sharing plenty of laughs and meaningful conversations, and supporting each other through every part of the journey.

We want these adventures to remind you how good it feels to spend time in nature, move your body, meet people who are different from you, and step outside your comfort zone. Maybe you find something you genuinely love and bring more of it into your everyday life, or maybe a stranger you meet on the trip becomes a lifelong friend and future travel buddy. Our hope is that you come home with more than incredible memories. We hope you come home inspired to spend more time doing the things that make you feel fully alive.

Arrive in Cusco, Peru! A private transfer will await you at the airport. Check into the hotel, meet the group and toast to the adventure ahead at our Welcome Dinner!

Meals Included: D

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy

We’ll start the morning with an 8:00 AM pickup from our hotel for a guided tour of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Our local guide will lead us through some of the city’s most fascinating landmarks, beginning with the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) before continuing to the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo, perched above the city with sweeping views of the valley below.

We’ll also visit the vibrant San Pedro Market and spend time walking through Cusco’s charming streets and main plaza, learning about the city’s unique blend of Inca history and modern Peruvian life. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a group lunch together before returning to the hotel.

Later in the day, we’ll have our trek briefing, where you’ll go over important details with your guides and receive the duffel bag you’ll use during the trek. You’ll then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore, relax, and begin organizing your gear for the trekking portion of the trip, which starts in two days.

Meals Included: B, L

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy 

Today we’ll spend the day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, beginning with the impressive ruins of Pisac and time to wander through the colorful Pisac Market.

From there, we’ll visit the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside, followed by the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.

After lunch, we’ll continue to Chinchero, where local women will demonstrate traditional Andean weaving techniques using alpaca wool and natural dyes.

It’s a full day of history, culture, and beautiful Andean scenery, and an incredible introduction to the legacy of the Inca civilization.

Meals Included: B, L

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy 

We’ll leave Cusco early and drive to Huaran, where we’ll meet our trekking team and begin our journey into the Lares Valley.

Today’s hike is a gradual 4–5 hour ascent toward Cancha Cancha, a remote Andean village set at approximately 3,900 m / 12,800 ft. Along the way, we’ll stop for a freshly prepared lunch beside the river and take in beautiful mountain scenery, alpacas, and the changing highland landscape.

After arriving in Cancha Cancha, we’ll settle into camp and spend time learning about life in this traditional community. We’ll visit with a local family, hear more about their customs and daily life, and end the evening beneath the Andean night sky.

Meals Included: B, L, D

Hiking Stats: 11-13 km / 7-8 miles

Accommodation: Camping in tents with bathroom facilities, double occupancy

After breakfast, we’ll begin one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek, climbing steadily toward Pachacutec Pass at 4,500 m / 14,800 ft, the highest point of our route.

Along the way, we’ll pass turquoise lakes, glacier views, grazing alpacas, and sweeping Andean valleys before beginning our descent toward the remote community of Quiswarani. This section gives us a beautiful look at life in the high Andes, where local families still speak Quechua and maintain traditions that have been passed down for generations.

We’ll finish near the Seven Waterfalls, then transfer by private vehicle to Ollantaytambo for a well-earned night of rest.

Meals Included: B, L

Hiking Stats: 14-16 km / 9-10 miles
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo, double occupancy

We added this extra day in Ollantaytambo at the request of past travelers who wished they’d had more time to enjoy this charming town.

After breakfast, we’ll meet our guide for a half-day tour of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, including the Temple of the Sun, ancient water channels, storehouses, and impressive agricultural terraces.

After lunch, the rest of the day is yours to wander the cobblestone streets, browse local shops, relax at a café, or simply enjoy more time in one of the Sacred Valley’s most beautiful towns.

Meals Included: B, L

Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo, double occupancy

After breakfast, we’ll take the train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where we’ll begin our one-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.

The trail climbs through lush cloud forest before reaching Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. Built into the mountainside, its terraces, stone structures, and sweeping views make it one of the highlights of the day.

From there, we’ll continue toward the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, the original entrance to Machu Picchu used by Inca travelers. After a final climb, we’ll get our first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu from above.

We’ll then descend toward the citadel, stopping for those iconic views before taking the shuttle down to Aguas Calientes for the night.

Meals Included: B, L

Hiking Stats: 11 km / 6.8 miles

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes, double occupancy

After an early breakfast, we’ll return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ancient citadel, exploring its temples, terraces, stonework, and some of its most important archaeological sites while learning more about the history and mysteries of the Inca civilization.

Afterward, we’ll hike Huayna Picchu, the dramatic mountain rising behind Machu Picchu in the iconic photos. The trail climbs steep Inca stone steps to incredible viewpoints overlooking the citadel and surrounding mountains.

Once we’re back down, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transfer will take us back to Cusco, arriving in the evening after an unforgettable final day at Machu Picchu.

Meals Included: B, L

Hiking Stats Huayna Picchu: 4 km (2.5 miles) out and back

Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 meters each way (1,000 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy

After one last breakfast together, we’ll say “see you later” to our new friends — not goodbye, because these kinds of connections last far beyond the trip. Head to the airport with a private transfer from Cusco, carrying home memories, laughter, and a little piece of the Andes in your heart.

Meals Included: B

Accommodation: N/A

Deposit 

Your deposit is refundable for seven (7) calendar days from the date your booking is confirmed. If you cancel within seven (7) calendar days of booking, your deposit will be refunded less any non-recoverable credit card processing fees incurred by Travel Light. After the seven (7) day refund period has expired, your deposit is non-refundable. 

Travel Light’s Cancellation Policy 

91 days or more 

• If you cancel ninety-one (91) days or more before the scheduled trip departure date: 

• Your non-refundable deposit will be forfeited. 

• Any additional payments made toward your trip will be refunded to your original form of payment, less any non-refundable payments made to suppliers and credit card processing fees. 

90 days or less 

• If you cancel ninety (90) days or less before the scheduled trip departure date, all payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Review our full terms & conditions here before booking: https://travellightadventures.com/terms-and-conditions