For many travelers, bucket lists are just a series of places to check off. Photo ops or quick visits that barely scratch the surface. But with Mountain Lodges of Peru, these iconic sites become more than just boxes to tick; they turn into immersive experiences rich with culture, connection, and meaning.
When you choose to explore Peru’s top five bucket list destinations with MLP, you don’t just visit—you connect. These are journeys that transform as much as they inspire.
1. Pisac – Bridging Past and Present
Tucked into the Sacred Valley at the end of a winding road from Cusco, Pisac is known for an impressive mountainside archaeological site that showcases the architectural brilliance of the Inca Empire. Its sweeping agricultural terraces and stone towers have vantage points that make it easy to imagine life here centuries ago.
Beyond the ruins, Pisac’s plaza and artisan market buzz with energy, offering handwoven textiles dyed with natural pigments, silver jewelry crafted by local artisans, and a variety of kick-knacks and souvenirs. The town has also become a gathering place for expats and travelers drawn to its mystical and spiritual energy—making it not only a cultural hub but also a space where ancient traditions and modern seekers come together.
MLP’s Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure includes a visit to Pisac, giving travelers the chance to experience this unique blend of history and contemporary life firsthand.
2. Humantay Lake – A Jewel at High Altitude
Perched above the town of Mollepata and the plains of Soraypampa, Humantay Lake is a glacial lake renowned for its vivid turquoise waters. Backed by the towering Salkantay and Humantay peaks, it is one of the most breathtaking stops along the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Reaching the lake is a challenge worth taking. But with MLP, the journey includes expert support that ensures you’re acclimatized and ready for the climb. The reward? A moment of stillness and the chance to participate in a traditional ceremony to honor “la Pachamama” (Mother Earth) in one of Peru’s most photogenic locations. After the descent, unwind at MLP’s Soray Lodge with a hot meal, soothing massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub as the sun sets.
3. Salkantay Pass – A Trekker’s Challenge
At over 15,000 feet (4,636 meters), the Salkantay Pass is the highest point of MLP’s Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu—and one of the most thrilling trekking experiences in the Andes. Surrounded by glaciers and towering views of Salkantay Mountain, this remote and rugged stretch is where the true magic of the highlands reveals itself.
Crossing the pass is a physical and emotional achievement. The ascent begins with a circuit around Humantay Peak before the final and most challenging section of navigating the mountain switchbacks that lead to the pass itself. With MLP, the journey is softened by the camaraderie of fellow adventurers and lodge-to-lodge comfort including a stay at Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay—a cozy mountain retreat offering warmth, hearty meals, and stunning views to help you recharge before continuing your trek.
The Salkantay Pass is truly the road less traveled and a transformational experience for many.
4. Ollantaytambo – The Last Living Inca Town
Ollantaytambo is a rare gem—a town where the ancient and present coexist seamlessly. Its towering stone terraces once served as a royal estate and military fortress. Today, the town’s original Inca street grid and water canals remain intact, offering a rare glimpse into daily life centuries ago.
Nestled at the junction of the Willka Mayu (Urubamba) and Patacancha Rivers, Ollantaytambo is also a gateway to Machu Picchu, serving as the historic departure point for the scenic train journey that winds through the Sacred Valley to the famous site.
MLP’s Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure and Multi-sport Journey itineraries include immersive visits to Ollantaytambo, allowing travelers the chance for deeper exploration of this living Inca town.
5. Maras & Moray – Ancient Ingenuity on Display
Just a short drive from the heart of the Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray are two of Peru’s most intriguing sites. The concentric terraces of Moray may have functioned as an agricultural laboratory for the Inca, experimenting with microclimates and crop diversity. Nearby, the Maras salt ponds cascade down the hillside, with families harvesting salt from the same pools for generations.
These sites offer a powerful glimpse into the innovation and sustainability of ancient Andean cultures. MLP travelers often explore Maras and Moray as part of pre- or post-trek extensions, deepening their understanding of how food, environment, and culture intertwine in Peru.
For more information about visiting our Top 5 Peruvian Bucket List Sites, please contact us today to start planning your adventure.
