Mountain Lodges of Peru

Local operator Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) helps travelers experience culture and soft adventure on the Lares Trail. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

A member of the Viacha community shares her farming practices. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Potatoes are an essential crop for the isolated Viacha community. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Travelers can explore the archeological site of Ancasmarca. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

One of the friendly llamas at the MLP-owned Lamay Lodge // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Vibrantly-dressed local women in the town square of Lamay // © 2015 Valerie Chen

While on the road, catch glimpses of small-town life. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Pack horses carry supplies on hikes. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

A mother-and-daughter pair spotted while hiking over Cruzccasa Pass. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Local operator Sacred Wheels takes travelers on a bike excursion through Urubamba. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Reward yourself with a post-ride feast. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

The pool at Urubamba’s Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, which is one of the accommodations during the trek // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Spend time in Aguas Calientes before heading to Machu Picchu in the morning. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Drinking coca tea can help alleviate altitude sickness. // © 2015 Valerie Chen

The Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird // © 2015 Valerie Chen

The final day of the program takes travelers to Machu Picchu. // © 2015

Machu Picchu // © 2015 Valerie Chen

Climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for a birds-eye view of the ruins. // © 2015 Valerie Chen