Lares Trek – Authentic & Cultural trek to Machu Picchu

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Few 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:

Walk the little-known Lares Trek, an off the beaten path Inca trail trek that will take you away from the crowds.
Visit the towns of the Sacred Valley, both large and small, and gain a real insight into the rich tapestry of the Andean indigenous communities.
Explore rarely-visited Inca ruins, as an introduction to your visit to Machu Picchu on the final day.
Sleep in luxury mountain lodges, enjoying fabulous views of the Sacred Valley from hot tubs!
Enjoy a guided tour of majestic Machu Picchu, sure to be a real highlight of your time in Peru.

Itinerary Overview:

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.

Tour time: Full day.
Tour by car
Low point: 2700 m./8858.268 ft. – High point: 2972 m./9750.656 ft. approx.

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!

Tour time: Full day.
Tour by car
Low point: 2700 m./8858.268 ft. – High point: 4200 m./13779.53ft. approx.

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.

Trekking time: 7:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 12 km. (7.45645 mi.) approx.
Low point: 4200 m./13779.53 ft. – High point: 4500m./14763.78 ft. approx.

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!

Tour time: half day approx.
Kilometers covered: 5 km. (3.10686 mi.) approx.
Low point: 2700 m./8858.268 ft. – High point: 2792 m./9160.105 ft. approx.

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!

Tour time: 2:30 – 3:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 3 km. (1.86411 mi.) approx.
Low point: 2000 m./6561.68 ft. – High point: 2400 m./7874.016 ft. approx.

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