Mountain Lodges of Peru – Luxury Lodge to Lodge Hike to Machu Picchu
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“Okay, familia…” our lead guide, Claudio, began as he wrapped up our pre-trip orientation in Cusco, for a 7-day lodge-to-lodge Peru hiking adventure to Machu Picchu. “I use the word familia because that is what we will be by the end of this week,” he added. And he couldn’t have been more right.
I had chosen this Upper Sacred Valley trek to Machu Picchu for my 17-year-old daughter and me because I wanted to share one last special adventure before the inevitable—that she would soon choose to travel with friends instead of family.
Over the next seven days, our group of nine, aged 17 to 62, would tackle some rather challenging hikes, moving from one stunning Peru mountain lodge to the next along the region’s high-altitude Upper Sacred Valley.
We battled headaches, racing hearts and sleepless nights, as we adjusted to the elevation, but the laughter, camaraderie, and shared triumphs—culminating in our arrival at Machu Picchu—made it all worthwhile. By week’s end, Claudio was right: we had become una familia.
WHY DO A LODGE TO LODGE TREK IN PERU?
To be completely honest, I booked this trip without knowing a ton about it (which is highly unusual for me). Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) had generously donated a 7-day luxury hike to Machu Picchu through the Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Valley to a travel auction, and I was the lucky bidder.
What I did know was that Mountain Lodges of Peru had stellar reviews, and the itinerary checked all my boxes. Their 7-day luxury lodge-to-lodge Peru trek started and ended in Cusco, following in the Incas’ footsteps. Trekking lodge to lodge, we would explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley while also visiting more remote, less-touristed areas. It promised the ideal mix of adventure and immersion.
THE TRIP HIGHLIGHTS (2 MIN. VIDEO)
Although I describe our trip in detail below, if you just want some quick visual highlights, you can get a good idea of what the experience is like in the following 2 minute video.
WHY CHOOSE MOUNTAIN LODGES OF PERU?
When searching for a lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll find plenty of options. Here’s what makes Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) stand out.
MLP’s 7-day trek to Machu Picchu offers a unique, quieter alternative to the busier lower Sacred Valley routes. Passing through the Upper Sacred Valley, and the more remote Lares Valley, trekkers enjoy breathtaking scenery, visit small villages, and explore lesser-known archaeological sites. MLP’s luxurious lodges are thoughtfully placed in these off-the-beaten-path locations, allowing for a more intimate and immersive experience.
One of the most memorable aspects of this journey is the lack of crowds. On several hikes, we encountered only locals, and in many villages, we were the only visitors. MLP’s well-planned itineraries avoid peak times at popular spots, making the experience feel even more special.
MLP’s commitment to supporting local communities also sets them apart. As a family-run company founded on the Quechua concept of “ayni,” or reciprocity, they partner with local communities by providing jobs and training in hospitality. This partnership brings new opportunities to remote areas, benefiting both travelers and locals alike.
Throughout the trek, this connection to the communities was apparent. Whether meeting lodge staff from nearby villages or chatting with a Quechua-speaking family in their potato field, MLP’s deep local ties made our interactions feel meaningful and authentic.
SUN GATE HIKE OPTION
For MLP trekkers, a special highlight is the option (for an additional fee) to hike the final section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on day six, entering through the Sun Gate. Although my daughter and I missed this experience (more on this later), those in our group who took on this challenging hike absolutely loved it!
If you’re looking for a lodge-to-lodge Machu Picchu trek (no camping!) that combines cultural immersion, thoughtful planning, and luxurious comfort, MLP offers an unparalleled adventure.
HOW HARD IS THIS TREK?
If you’re considering this lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu and wondering if it’s right for you, you’re not alone! I had similar concerns and felt a bit nervous beforehand. To prepare, I trained with weekly hikes for months leading up to the trip, hoping I wouldn’t be left gasping for air the whole time.
I was most worried about keeping up with the group, as I’d never done a lodge-to-lodge hiking Peru adventure before—I hate the idea of being the weak link! Thankfully, there was no need to worry. The Mountain Lodges of Peru trek to Machu Picchu is designed to be flexible for all hiking levels. Each evening, we reviewed the next day’s itinerary—a mix of hiking and cultural experiences—with options for lighter days if needed.
For instance, midway through the trip, my daughter and I opted to skip a hike and took the minibus to the lodge instead. We spent a relaxing afternoon with the alpacas and recharged in the hot tub.
That said, if you’re interested in taking on some of the most challenging hikes of the week (like the Inca Trail to the Machu Picchu Sun Gate on day six), intensive training will be helpful. Here’s how Mountain Lodges of Peru puts it:
“While general good health and an active lifestyle (including regular walking and/or hiking excursions) will make your trip even better, Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure participants can be confident that there will always be an option to suit their individual interests and needs. Pre-trip fitness planning, well-worn hiking shoes, and extra acclimatization nights in Cusco before the trip are still highly recommended. Those interested in taking advantage of the more challenging day hike options should build a more intensive fitness regimen into their pre-trip preparations.“
THE DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
While I’d love to share every detail of our experience, I don’t want to spoil it for you. I’ll keep it brief, starting with a map of the route.
If you’d rather keep the surprises intact, feel free to skip ahead to the Need to Know section.
THE MAP
On the 7-day Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu, this is the area you’ll explore. Mountain Lodges of Peru strives to make each trip unique. There may be slight variations in the itinerary—though, of course, Machu Picchu is always included.
DAY ONE
We began our first day with a visit to a women’s weaving cooperative. Here, we learned about the dyeing and weaving of traditional regional textiles. Afterward, we visited Chinchero, a charming Andean village. Chinchero is known for its vibrant textile traditions and stunning Inca ruins. This village offers a fascinating glimpse into both ancient and contemporary Peruvian culture.
We then eased into the week with two cultural activities—visiting Maras and the Moray Salt Mines—combined with some relatively easy hiking. This gradual start was essential, as many of us were still adjusting to the high altitude (Cusco sits at 3,300 meters), dealing with symptoms like shortness of breath and headaches.
After an exciting and eventful first day, we were all delighted to arrive at the beautiful Lamay Lodge. I must say, the photos on the Mountain Lodges of Peru website don’t quite do it justice.
DAY 2
We began our day in the town of Pisaq with a stop at a beautiful botanical garden hidden behind a wall—something I’m certain I never would have discovered if we weren’t on this tour.
Next, we made our way to a small hillside village for a demonstration of traditional farming methods, followed by our first real hike at altitude: the terraced gardens of Pisaq (3,000m). The hike took just under three hours, with a modest elevation gain at the beginning, but we were definitely feeling the altitude!
DAY 3
Our third day fell on a Saturday—market day! We started with a visit to the Calca Market in the Sacred Valley, where you could find anything from ducks to doorknobs, getting a true feel for local life.
Afterward, we visited the Inca food storage site of Ankasmarka, perched high on a hillside with stunning views.
From there, we drove through the remote Lares Pass, climbing to 4,400m and leaving the tourist trail far behind. Along the way, we stopped to chat with locals selling potatoes by the roadside and farmers getting their last crops in before rainy season.
The day’s main hike was a challenging one, from our lunch spot on a hillside to Huacahuasi Lodge, where we would stay for the next two nights. Due to the altitude, a local girl accompanied our hikers with her mule, carrying safety supplies, including supplemental oxygen.
DAY 4
We chose a more relaxed itinerary for this beautiful day in a remote valley. The day began with a visit to the market in Huacahuasi. Traditional dress was on full display, with men in colorful ponchos and women in vibrant skirts with elaborate hats.
Next, we took a relaxed hike through the valley to a waterfall, soaking up the scenery and experiencing rural life, with the towering Andes as our backdrop.
The afternoon was more laid-back, which was much needed for those who had tackled the bigger hike the day before. Some indulged in a massage, others in a hot tub—or both. We all came together before dinner for a fun cooking class!
DAY 5
The day began with a scenic, several-hour drive through breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, we made a few stops to stretch our legs. Eventually, we reached a small village, where we visited a local home and participated in a demonstration of the traditional Three-Sheep Ceremony.
After a beautiful lunch, we hiked to the Pumarka archaeological site and then continued to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we would spend the night. Notably, we were the only people at Pumarka and the only ones on the trail to Ollantaytambo. In such a popular tourist region, this level of solitude was truly special.
DAY 6
On our second-to-last day, our group split into two. Some rose at the crack of dawn to hike the final leg of the Inca Trail*, which finishes at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate, while the rest of us visited the Ollantaytambo archaeological site and enjoyed a more relaxing afternoon at the hotel in the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo, just below the citadel.
*See the Need to Know section regarding booking this Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike option for day 6.
DAY 7
Waking up on day 7, it was hard to believe our adventure was almost over. The week had flown by!
We rose early to join the line for the bus up the mountain road to Machu Picchu. Even with timed tickets, visiting the citadel involves navigating some lines and crowds. The photo below shows the bus line just after 6 a.m., before the day-trippers from Cusco arrive by train.
A certified guide (usually a local) is required to visit Machu Picchu. One great perk of traveling with Mountain Lodges of Peru was having our guide, Claudio, with us for this final day—we didn’t want to part with him! Not only was he an exceptional guide, but he also took fantastic photos of us throughout the day.
After exploring the ancient citadel, we enjoyed a final lunch together as a group, then boarded the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a several-hour minibus ride to Cusco. After such an incredible adventure with new friends, the end felt like it came too quickly.
Note: You’ll arrive back in Cusco quite late (around 7 p.m.) – too late to fly out the same day. You may also be pretty exhausted, especially if you did the Machu Picchu Sun Gate hike the day before. I wouldn’t recommend making major dinner plans!
THE NEED TO KNOW
Mountain Lodges of Peru does a very good job communicating how to best prepare for this Machu Picchu lodge to lodge trek, but I just want to emphasize a few things.
1. OPTIONAL ADD-ON HIKES
Mountain Lodges of Peru offers several Machu Picchu add-on hikes with this lodge-to-lodge Peru itinerary, including the Sun Gate hike (day 6) and the Huayna Picchu hike (day 7). These hikes must be arranged when you make your initial booking as there are a limited number of permits available. My daughter and I unfortunately missed out on these because we didn’t realize how far out they needed to be booked.
2. ARRIVE EARLY
MLP recommends that you arrive into Cusco for their luxury Machu Picchu hiking tours at least 2 days ahead to acclimatize to the altitude. If possible, I would definitely recommend 3-4 days as some people take longer to adjust. This is a bucket-list trip and you want to feel your best! Cusco is also a very beautiful city and there are numerous day trips to do in the area.
See Cusco’s Top Activities on Viator.com!
3. MONEY
Peru’s official currency is the Nuevo Sol, though US dollars are widely accepted. In remote areas, you will often come across local vendors selling inexpensive handmade items. Small denominations are handy, whether you’re using soles (5s and 10s) or USD (singles) – I definitely did not have enough.
4. WEATHER
This trip operates during Peru’s dry winter season, with temperatures ranging from lows of 14°F (-10°C) at night to highs of 68°F (20°C) during the day.
It’s essential to prepare for all types of weather, including rain and cooler temperatures, though most of our hiking took place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.—the warmest part of the day. Some hikes were quite challenging, so while I often started with an extra layer, I was peeling it off within the first five minutes. In hindsight, I could have packed more clothing for warmer hiking conditions, like tanks and tees. See the following “Packing Tips” section for more details.
5. MOTION SICKNESS
There are some long drives on windy mountain road (2+ hours). If you suffer from motion sickness, you may wish to bring some medication along.
6. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
If you haven’t experienced high altitude before, it can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate, and sleeplessness. For most people, these symptoms largely subside within a few days, but it’s best to stay well-hydrated, avoid strenuous activities, and eat light meals from the start. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent, as treatment options are available.
7. TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE
For this trip, ensure your travel medical insurance covers adventure activities at high altitudes. Depending on the hike options you choose, you may reach elevations as high as 4,267m (14,000ft), often in remote areas. It’s essential that your policy includes helicopter evacuation for emergency situations during these activities.
Given the remote nature of our recent family travels, I decided to purchase an additional family policy from Global Rescue—a medical membership providing 24/7 advisory services with medical professionals and field rescue/medical evacuation to the member’s hospital of choice.
While this might have been overkill, I opted for this additional policy because I was concerned about transportation options. I wanted assurance that we’d have access to emergency helicopter transport to a hospital of our choice, not just the insurer’s choice.
Note: I actually had the chance to try out Global Rescue’s services on this trip—not for evacuation, thankfully, but for their medical advisory support. When my daughter experienced altitude sickness before our trek in Cusco, I connected with a Global Rescue doctor who thoroughly researched our options in the city. They even contacted our hotel to confirm the cost of an in-room doctor visit, which we ultimately chose and later billed to my travel medical insurance. I was genuinely impressed.
PACKING TIPS
Here is the packing list provided by Mountain Lodges of Peru for this trip. Based on my experience during our August trip, I’ve added a few comments below.
Quick-Dry Fabrics (light wool) – Ideal for t-shirts, base layers, and socks, these fabrics are easy to wash on the go and dry quickly overnight.
Sun Protection – With limited shade on the trails, sun protection is essential. A good sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are must-haves. A lightweight neck buff (summer weight) is also great for shielding your neck from the strong sun.
Moisturizer & Lip Balm – The wind and sun can make your skin quite dry. Daily use of moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen—especially on hands and neck—is key. (It took me a week to get my skin back to normal after the trip!)
Water Bottle – MLP provides a complimentary recycled plastic water bottle, but I preferred my own stainless steel one for keeping water cooler.
Insect Repellent – Insects weren’t an issue during our August trip until we neared Machu Picchu, which is closer to the jungle. Be sure to use repellent in that area.
In Your Day Pack – For daily hikes, you’ll need a day pack with extra layers, sunscreen, lip balm, small bills (for local crafts), a water bottle, camera/phone, and bathroom essentials (toilet paper and hand sanitizer). My daughter and I both also really loved having this Lululemon belt bag (not an affiliate link) with us for some of the shorter excursions.
MY TAKEAWAYS
Throughout the week, I couldn’t help but marvel at what a unique experience this luxury Machu Picchu hike offered. We would never have accessed such remote areas without being part of this Mountain Lodges Peru tour.
Even the Machu Picchu portion can be tricky. With constantly changing regulations, visiting the citadel requires managing complex logistics—booking trains, entrance and bus tickets, hiring a mandatory guide, and navigating route options. Having all of this expertly handled for us was a huge relief.
I also loved this trip as an opportunity to connect with my teen daughter. When you’re hiking for hours in a remote valley without cell service, there’s nothing to do but bond! This Peru mountain lodges experience is equally ideal for couples, friends, or even solo travelers (our familia group included all of these).
Overall, it was a memorable experience that I highly recommend. If you think this could be a good fit for you, please reach out the the travel specialists at Mountain Lodges of Peru for more information (making sure to note the 7D Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure).
MORE PERU TREKKING ADVENTURES
Our lead guide, Claudio—who was absolutely superb—also runs treks through his own company, Inkatiperu.
These trips offer a different experience from the lodge-to-lodge trek; instead, they’re deluxe camping adventures with all gear transported by horseback. What makes these journeys unique is the access to even remoter areas. I’m already eyeing a couple of itineraries for a future trip, including a Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and a trek to the Rainbow Mountains. See all Inkatiperu tours.)
LEARN MORE
Do you have specific questions about this hike? Please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, Facebook or by email.
Want to see more of our unique adventures? I would love for you to follow along with The Better Beyond on Instagram!
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