Overview
Itinerary
Depart Cusco by van to Lares town where the hike begins. Spend the first night at a G Adventures-supported campsite in Cuncani. 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.
Please note it is mandatory to attend a pre-trek briefing the afternoon before the first day of the tour. See the joining instructions section of the tour details for additional information. We highly recommended arriving at least one day prior to the tour in order to acclimatize to the altitude prior to the trek. A full day spent in Cusco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough time for most people to acclimatize. 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 campsite in an indigenous village.
- Lares Trek (Lares-Cuncani): Start early and drive (3 hrs) to Lares town where the hike will start with a leisurely pace through the valley of Cuncani. Hike 4km (2.5 mi) to Chancachaca then stop for lunch. Be sure to rest and rehydrate because the altitude here is around 3480m (11,417 ft). Continue trekking along rocky mountain paths 4.7km (3 mi) to the isolated village of Cuncani. Camp here for the night at 3872m (12,703 ft) at the G Adventures-supported community run campsite.
- Cuncani Community Campsite: Spend the night at the Lares Community campsite, owned and managed by the 71 families that belong to the Cuncani community. The earnings from the campsite are allocated for investment in social projects such as health, education, nutrition, and infrastructure improvements to water and electricity.
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.
- Lares Trek (Cuncani - Kuyoc): Hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain 12.2km (7.6 mi) to its high pass at 4,800m (15,748ft), 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. Hike downhill another 2.2km (1.3 mi) to QuencaPata, for lunch and to take in the amazing view. Continue hiking downhill another 2.6km (1.6 mi) to our second campsite near a stream. Sleep tonight at about 4,114m (13,497 ft) elevation.
Enjoy the last few hours of hiking before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes. Spend some time relaxing in town or visiting the nearby hot springs.
- Lares Trek (Kuyoc - Punta Carretera): Follow the trail to see typical Andean flora and fauna, llamas and alpacas. Descend through the valley of Pumahuanca and meet friendly local Quechua people and explore some Inca storehouses along the way. Trek 3-4 hrs to reach the town of Pumahuanca. Enjoy lunch then hop a van to Ollantaytambo. Continue by train to Aguas Calientes.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Enjoy an early morning guided visit to Machu Picchu. Later, travel back to Cusco where the trip ends upon arrival. Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins. 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 where the trip will end upon arrival.
Please note the tour ends upon arrival in the main square and does not include a post night in Cusco. If you wish to book a post night please contact a GCO or your travel agent for assistance.
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Trip Inclusions
- Pass rambling rivers and small villages.
- Take in scenic mountain views.
- Hike through the cloud forest.
- Visit ancient ruins.
- See Machu Picchu at sunrise.
- Porters and guides hired from local communities.
- Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
- Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4 days)
- Included foam sleeping mat and duffel for porters to carry personal items on the trek
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, train, hiking
- G Adventures Representative in Cusco, specialist Inca Trail CEO (Chief Experience Officer) on hike
- Camping (3 Nights)
- This trip is spent camping, we use three-man tents to accommodate two people leaving room for your sleeping mats and sleeping bags. There are a few places along the trail with permanent (very basic) toilet facilities, we also set up private toilet tents for the use of G travellers.
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
For travellers who prefer their adventures powered by motion - G's Active tours offer an immersive way to explore the world. Whether it’s hiking rugged trails, biking scenic routes, or kayaking along rivers and coastlines, all you'll need to bring is your energy, enthusiasm, and a love for active adventure. Our expert guides provide all the gear and logistical support needed so you can focus on the journey.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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