Group Size: 14 to 22 guests
Price: $7,595 double occupancy / $9,190 single occupancy
Trip Overview
Travel on a lodge-to-lodge adventure to majestic archaeological sites that lead to remote and uncrowded trails abounding in natural beauty and dotted with Andean communities. Local traditions of weaving and agrarian traditions have been firmly rooted here since Incan times.
Expert guides will tailor your experience with an offer of á la carte activities to suit your physical abilities and desires. Daily activities include natural and cultural encounters that range from easy, moderate or challenging hiking options to cooking lessons, mountain biking or visiting an ancient weavers’ village.
At each day’s sunset, settle into a lovely mountain lodge with a welcoming Jacuzzi, spacious room, comfortable bed, private bathroom, balcony and gourmet dinner awaiting you.
The journey culminates with an ascent of the Andean Mountains by train to the enchanting site of Machu Picchu. Here, comfortably lodged in the town below, explore the serene sanctity of this “Lost City of the Incas.”
On the return, visit the center of Incan universe, Cusco, and explore the bohemian quarter of San Blas with its cobblestone streets and Incan walls.
Schedule by Day
- May 26: Depart U.S. for Lima, Peru
- May 27: Arrive Lima / Cusco /Sacred Valley
- May 28: Begin Lares Trek / Explore Pisac
- May 29: Lares Region / Incan Sites and Villages
- May 30: Sacred Valley of the Incas / Road to Ollantaytambo
- May 31: Ollantaytambo / Machu Pichu
- Jun 1: Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
- Jun 2: Cusco
- Jun 3: Cusco / Lima / Depart for U.S.
- Jun 4: Arrive U.S.
Pricing
- $7,595 per person double occupancy
- $9,190 single occupancy (very limited availability)
Accommodations
- One night at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel
- Two nights at the Lamay Lodge (elevation 9,705 ft)
- One night at the Huacahuasi Lodge (elevation 12,585 ft)
- One night at the Willka T'ikka Lodge (elevation 9,400 ft)
- One night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (elevation 6,232 ft)
- Two nights at the Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco (elevation 11,152 ft)
Optional Extensions
NA
What to Expect
This exclusive expedition is designed for Harvard alumni, family and friends who are interested in archaeology, history, and the ancient cultures of Peru and its rich natural environment. Throughout Andean cities, temperatures range from 30°- 40° F at night to 60°-68° F during the day. Although travel is during the dry season, one should always be prepared for rain. Expect to see mostly sunny days followed by cooler nights and the possibility of morning frost. The lodge-to-lodge journey features a fully flexible itinerary, with a menu of à-la-carte day hikes and cultural adventure activities, designed to showcase not only the scenic beauty of this remote area but also the remarkable local culture of the Andean communities and to allow passengers options. While general good health and an active lifestyle (including regular walking and/or hiking excursions) are necessary prerequisites to fully enjoy all variations of the program, participants can have confidence that there will always be an option to suit their individual interests and needs. Travel is by motor coach, van, regularly scheduled jet planes, and train. A vehicle is available to take you between lodges on the Lares Trek if required. This is an active program that is, at times, busy. There is stair climbing and at many ruins, stairs do not have handrails. In the Andes, travelers spend several days at elevations from approximately 8,000 to 12,585 feet. Those opting for longer and more challenging hiking alternatives can reach mountain passes of up to 14,644 feet in altitude on their treks. Easier and shorter hikes with lower altitudes are offered daily to accommodate a passenger’s fitness level or desires. The tour has been planned to allow for gradual acclimatization when traveling to the Andean highlands. The group initially stays in the Valley at approximately 8,000 feet before leaving on the lodge-to-lodge Lares Trek. Lima, the capital of Peru, is at sea level.
The Lares trek is a multi-activity program in remote locations and thus, comes with inherent risks. In order to provide a safe experience for everyone, we kindly request that each passenger present valid proof of medical insurance. Passengers need to take care when assessing and/or purchasing their insurance policy to ensure that it includes, at minimum, coverage for emergency medical treatment and evacuation during adventure travel activities.
