Peru

Trek the Lares Trail

Hiking and Horseback Riding

(8 Days)

Slide Show

For those of you who like to get off the beaten track, consider The Lares Trek as an alternative to the over-crowded Inca Trail. The Lares trek has some of the best scenery the Andes have to offer. The journey begins in the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, and travels through small highland communities that have experienced little change over the centuries. We’ll witness firsthand the traditional lifestyles of the locals as we pass by artisans, weavers, and shepherds with their flocks of llamas and alpacas. With any luck, we’ll also see the impressive Andean condor soaring above. The grand finale is a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”. This trip is a sure winner to ignite your spirit and enrich your soul.

Trip Highlights

• Exploring the cobblestone streets of Cuzco
• 4 Day Trek on the Lares Trail with Llamas providing support
• Tour of Machu Picchu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Lima

Fly to Cuzco Early this morning you'll arrive into Lima and immediately connect with a domestic flight into Cuzco. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimate to this high altitude colonial city located at 11,500 feet. The streets of Cuzco are filled with artisans selling sweaters, pottery, and a variety of other handicrafts. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2: Cuzco - Sacsayhuaman (Horseback)

This morning is at leisure to wander through the cobblestone streets of Cuzco exploring the cathedral, museums or shopping for local handicrafts. Later this afternoon we depart by horse, riding to the nearby ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay, and Pucapucara. Our final destination is Sacsayhuaman, a spectacular, mountaintop fortress overlooking Cuzco. We return to the hotel late afternoon. Approximately 4 hours on horseback. (B)

Day 3: Lares Trail (Hike)

This morning we set off by vehicle bright and early. We'll visit the communities of Chinchero and Maras before lunching in the Sacred Valley. We drive to Calca and turn off towards the Lares Valley (approx. 2hrs). We'll ascend over the Amparaes Pass (4,580mt/15,022ft). On the descent, we'll walk the last 3km into Lares (3,100mt/10,170ft). This is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the stunning views of the valley below. We'll reach our campsite around 4pm, with time to soak in the steamy thermal springs. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Lares Trail (Hike)

We need an early morning start for the 5-hour trek to the traditional Andean village of Wacahuasi (3,780mt/12,400ft). We'll steadily climb through high Andean communities past traditional weavers and handicraft artisans. We'll see herds of llama and alpaca grazing in fertile fields and we'll cross an ancient Inca trail. Lunch is a picnic in the wilderness, with brilliant vistas surrounding us. We'll arrive in Wacahuasi in the late afternoon in time for a home cooked dinner at our campsite (B,L,D)

Day 5: Lares Trail (Hike)

We have another early start this morning, this time headed for the Ipsayccasa Pass (4,500mt/14,760ft). Over the pass we'll descend to Azulcocha Lake (4,100mt/13,500 ft). We'll have another picnic lunch before crossing the pass. We'll camp at the lake with beautiful views on all sides. 7-8 hours total walking time. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Lares Trail – Aguas Calientes (Hike)

Today we travel through a sculpted canyon where if we are lucky, we’ll see the mighty condor and other Andean birds of prey soaring above. Engulfed by the rugged Andean Mountains, we slowly descend to Patacancha (3,900mt/12,800ft). Here we'll encounter the Wuayruro people - true native Andeans. We'll feast on a box lunch, then meet our driver and van and drive to Ollantaytambo, passing through the village of Huilloq. We'll reach Ollantaytambo around 2pm, climb the steps of the impressive ruins and have a bit of time to explore the small village. Late afternoon we'll board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B,L)

Day 7: Machu Picchu-Cuzco

We have a full day dedicated to exploring the site. There is also the option to climb Huayna Picchu, a young peak adjacent to Machu Picchu. The hike is a challenging one, but the views are well worth effort. In the afternoon, we take the train through the Urubamba valley, destined for Cuzco. We'll be met at the train station and transferred back to our hotel. (B,L)

Day 8: Cuzco-Lima

After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. From here connect with international flights home. (B)

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