“We had a wonderful time. We really enjoyed having private guides or groups of four. A couple of our guides were outstanding. We even had good weather. Being able to arrange our itinerary to suit our interests was really a plus. The Tango Show was a great finale to a great trip including an excellent meal! Thank you for all your help in setting this up for us. It was a pleasure dealing with you. We would definitely recommend you to others.”
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Our difference is in the detail
Lares Community Trek and Machu Picchu
From $ 1640.00 / £ 1090.00 per person 13 Days
In summary: The ideal trip for hikers who want to see the main sights of Peru but also get off the beaten track. Often dubbed an Alternative Inca Trail, the Lares area offers superb trekking in its own right and is far less busy than the Inca trail and Salkantay routes. Here we feature our favourite of the various Lares trek routes and combine it with Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu - as well as unique experiences to let you know the real Peru.
Confused about the different Inca Trail hikes and Inca Trail alternative treks available? contact us and one of our experts with first hand knowledge will explain all about the different options and create your own personalised Peru tour.
Highlights
- Encountering the local way of life and traditions of Quechua people
- Relaxing in hot springs after tackling high mountain passes
- Leisurely trip to Machu Picchu with time for your own exploration
- Full tours of Cusco, Sacred Valley and Lima
- Discover the traditional fishing village of Pucusana and a community tourism project
Day 1. Lima
Arrive into the capital city of Lima, private transport to your hotel.
Day 2. Lima City Tour
Visit the real Lima with your private guide. From the country's best museums to the frenetic and colorful neighborhoods of the city in this true representation of Lima city life. This unusual Lima tour will give you a snapshot of what life in Peru's capital is really like.
Day 3. Pucusana
Travel by land to Pucusana, a traditional fishing village situated about an hour south of Lima. You will take a short boat trip around the headland where it is possible to spot penguins, sea lions and many other sea birds including Boobies. Afterwards you can watch the fishermen bringing in their catch of the day before returning to Lima.
Day 4. Cusco
Fly to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. We suggest you take it easy today to get used to the high altitude. If you do feel like a stroll there are shops, restaurants and museums within a short walk of your hotel.
Day 5. Cusco City Tour
Half day tour of Cusco and the outlying Inca sites. You will discover the mixture of Inca and colonial Spanish buildings in what was the city at the heart of the Inca Empire, and learn about the artistic traditions and history of Cusco with your expert local guide.
Day 6. Sacred Valley Tour
From the time of the Incas until the present day, the Sacred Valley has been an important farming and trading centre. Today it is a magical blend of culture and history where Inca terraces overlook traditional towns and bustling local crafts markets. Through the help of your local guide you will see first hand how many ancient Incan traditions still mingle with everyday life in this area of the Andes. Overnight stay in a beautiful colonial mansion in the Sacred Valley.
Day 7. Visit Andean Community Project
Today you will visit a local community project where you can learn about the way of life here and how bees, guinea pigs, chocolate and the local drink, chicha are produced. Overnight stay in a beautiful colonial mansion in the Sacred Valley.
Day 8. Lares Trek
This morning your trek begins with a local guide, following a path used by local children to get to school. The trail passes through pretty farmland, following a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking for about 4 hours, you will arrive in the traditional community of Cancha Cancha (3800 meters/ 12464 feet) a place that seems to have got stuck in time. Our team make camp here and you can rest, guarded by the imposing peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Day 9. Lares Trek
This morning's hike passes the Upper Cancha Cancha village, where children tend large herds of llamas. After a climb, you will reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha; a good place for spotting Ibis and Andean geese. The toughest challenge today is a climb to the spectacular Pachacutek pass at 4460m / 14628 feet. From here there are wonderful views of the snow capped peaks all around. The trail then drop down into a beautiful secluded corrie filled with glacial lakes, rich in birdlife. After a series of nine cascading waterfalls, you will arrive at the village of Quisuarani and camp for the night.
Day 10. Lares Trek
An early start this morning and a steep, steady zig-zag climb up a narrow trail to the top of the second pass known as Abra Huillquijasa (4200 metres/ 13776 feet). We have views of incredible sapphire blue lakes below as we continue to the village of Cuncani. Then it's a gentle downhill all the way to Lares hot springs where you have time for a soak before dinner. We camp alongside the springs.
Day 11. Train to Machu Picchu
After a leisurely breakfast, a last dip in the hot springs, and a visit to an artisan workshop in Lares, you will travel by private transport back through the mountains to the Sacred Valley. We break for lunch at the Inca ruins of Ancasmarca, then continue to Ollantaytambo from where you take the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Day 12. Machu Picchu
This morning your guide will take you to the fabulous site of Machu Picchu, perched high on a mountain surrounded by cloud forest. If you go up early enough you can enjoy watching the morning mist rising over the ruins before your tour begins. After your tour you have time to explore Machu Picchu at your leisure before returning to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.
Day 13. Lima
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima where you will connect with your homebound flight.
Included
- safe private transfers
- all tours as described
- all entrance fees
- accommodation in 3 star hotel with breakfast
- fully supported Lares trek with 3 meals a day and all equipment apart from sleeping bag which can be hired.
Why INTO?
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Unrivalled expertise and knowledge
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Total protection in accordance with strict UK travel standards
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24 hour back up while in country
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Superb value and unbeatable personal service
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