Lares Trek – Authentic & Cultural trek to Machu Picchu
$2650
per personFew people know that the classic Inca Trail trek is only one of myriad ancient routes to Machu Picchu. For those keen to avoid the crowds of the classic trail (and also the necessity of sleeping in a tent!), the Lares Trek is an excellent alternative. Following the ancient Inca weaver’s route through the remote Lares Valley, this trail boasts sparkling Andean lakes, fabulous mountain scenery and cultural encounters with isolated indigenous communities.
Highlights of Lares Trek:
Itinerary Overview:
Click through to “Tour Plan” to see the full itinerary for Lares Trek lodge to lodge to Machu Picchu
DAY 1 SACRED VALLEY | ANCIENT TRADITIONS OF PISAC
Start your Lares Trek in the charming town of Pisac, at the heart of the Sacred Valley. In the morning, you will have two choices. You can explore Pisac’s famous market, before heading to the “living museum” of Awanacancha. Alternatively, you can put on your hiking boots for a morning ramble in the mountains!
After a traditional “Pachamanca” (earth baked) lunch, the whole group will visit the impressive Pisac ruins, set in the mountain high above the town. You will spend the night in the luxurious Lamay Lodge.
DAY 2 LARES TREK | LIVING HISTORY ON THE INCA WEAVERS’ TRAIL
Head deep into the Lares Valley to explore the rarely-visited Ancasmarca Inca site, situated in a stunning mountain-top location. Next, you can choose between exploring the traditional Inca weavers’ village of Choquecancha, or heading out on a moderate hike past sparkling Andean lakes to Huacahausi, where you will spend the night. Your luxurious mountain lodge at Huacahausi features fabulous views of the Sacred Valley, and a personal hot tub in each room!
DAY 3 LARES TREK | HIKING THE QAPAQ ÑAN
You’ll be spoiled for choice today! Options include a challenging, but rewarding full-day hike; an easy-going half-day hike through a beautiful canyon; a cultural excursion to an ethnographic museum in the Sacred Valley; and an exciting half-day mountain bike excursion.
The group will reunite in the fascinating Inca town of Ollantaytambo, and spend the night in the Sacred Valley.
DAY 4 SACRED VALLEY | OLLANTAYTAMBO, A CITY LOST IN TIME
Today, you’ll explore the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, one of the most authentically Inca settlements still existent in the Sacred Valley. Early birds can opt for a hike up to the mountaintop ruins of Pinkuylluna, before rejoining the rest of the group for a guided tour of Ollantaytambo’s famous terraced “fortress”.
After lunch, you’ll enjoy panoramic views from your luxury train as you travel to the Machu Picchu “gateway” town of Aguas Calientes. Get an early night at your hotel here, as you’ll be up with the dawn tomorrow!
DAY 5 MACHU PICCHU | WONDER OF THE WORLD
The final day of your Lares trek begins early in the morning, with a bus ride up to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sun rise over the majestic Inca citadel. Enjoy a guided tour of the key sites of Machu Picchu, before spending some time exploring at your own pace. The more intrepid can choose to climb up Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain that guards the city. Travel back to Cusco in the late afternoon full of lifelong memories of your fabulous journey through the Lares Valley!
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IncludeTransportEntriesAccommodationTour guideMealsActivities described in the itinerary
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Not IncludedDomestic flightsTravel Insurance
Day One: SACRED VALLEY | ANCIENT TRADITIONS OF PISAC
Activity Options:
- Cultural (morning): Excursion to Awanakancha for an introduction to traditional Andean textile weaving techniques and an up-close visit with some friendly llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, all camelids indigenous to both this region and other high-altitude regions throughout Peru. Next, visit the town of Pisaq for a brief tour and time explore the unique goods for sale in its colorful artisan marketplace.
- Active (morning): Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha.
- All-Group Activity: Meet the Viacha locals and learn about their traditional Andean farming practices, followed by an optional hike (or drive) and guided exploration of the Pisaq archaeological site.
Day Two: LARES VALLEY | LIVING HISTORY ON THE INCA WEAVERS’ TRAIL
Activity Options:
- All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): Explore the town of Lamay and visit the archaeological site of Ancasmarca.
- Cultural (afternoon): Visit to the remote village of Choquecancha where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community’s expert textile weavers.
- Active (afternoon):
- Option A: Hike from Quelquena to Huacahuasi
- Option B: Hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi
Day Three : LARES VALLEY | HIKING THE QAPAQ ÑAN
Activity Options:
- Cultural:
- Morning: Visit the village of Huilloc and the nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her blessings for the health of the community livestock. Drive from Marcacocha to Pumamarka for an all-group tour of the archaeological site and picnic lunch.
- Afternoon: After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring this charming Sacred Valley town.
- Active
- Morning: Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka.
- Afternoon: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo.
Day Four:SACRED VALLEY | OLLANTAYTAMBO, A CITY LOST IN TIME
Activity Options:
- Active (early morning):
- Option A: Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo
- Option B: Hike up Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo
- All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): A guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo archeological site.
Day Five :MACHU PICCHU | WONDER OF THE WORLD
- All-Group Cultural Activity (morning): A guided exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel (7,872’ / 2,400m).
- Cultural (late morning): Free time for further exploration.
- Active (late morning): Hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Tour Location
