The Lares Trek
7 days
From $ 1149
Duration7 days
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There’s more than one way to earn your Peru hiking stripes. On the Lares trek, you’ll get three days of trekking through the mountains around the Sacred Valley, passing by remote communities, farms, and friendly faces. Forget just taking in the view — unique experiences are waiting for you at a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op and local pottery community. And, since you’re this close already, we’ll get to you to Machu Picchu with a scenic train ride.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 7 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ages: 12+
The Lares Trek - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cusco
Arrive early and spend some time exploring the city. Meet the group at the welcome meeting, check for the start time on the welcome note at the hotel.
Arrive at any time. Please note: hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Day 2: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.

Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar). Enjoy a buffet-style lunch at the Parwa Community Restaurant in the Sacred Valley.
Meals: B, L
Day 3: Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is a scenic, less touristic route to hike through the Andes. It is one day shorter than the Inca Trail but higher in elevation. Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Lares Trek.
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town where the hike begins. Spend the first night at a G Adventures-supported campsite in Cuncani. The locations and distances may change on this hike, as camping will be done in different places depending on pace, ability, and weather. The first night will always be spent at the G Adventures-supported, community-owned and managed campsite in an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry. In most cases, the CEO will hike the Lares Trek with the group. Lunch in Chancachaca.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Lares Trek
Start early to hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass (4,750m/15,583 ft), providing scenic views of lagoons and the snow-capped Chicon Mountain. Celebrate after reaching the highest point by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods. After the morning hike, stop to rest and take in the amazing view. Continue hiking downhill to our second campsite near the stream for the night.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Lares Trek/Aguas Calientes
Enjoy the last few hours of hiking before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a good night's rest at your hotel.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins followed by free time to explore. Opt to walk up to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge.

When ready, head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco.
Enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu at sunrise. Use some free time to explore the ruins on your own. Later, travel back to Cusco.
Meals: B
Day 7: Cusco
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your G for Good Moment: Cuncani Community Campsite, Cuncani Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
  • Sacred Valley guided tour
  • Pottery making demonstration
  • Guided Lares trek hike (3 days)
  • Aguas Calientes stay
  • Machu Picchu guided tour
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Train, Private van, Hiking

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (4 nts), Camping (2 nts)

  • Meals

    6 breakfasts,
    4 lunches,
    2 dinners

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