Trekkers and llamas on Lares trek, Peru

Lares and 2-day Inca Trail

Trips/Machu Picchu Trekking

8 days

The Lares and 2-day Inca Trail is a culturally immersive adventure that combines wilderness trekking and Inca history. The towering peaks, glacial lakes, remote Andean communities and roaming alpacas and llamas make for a truly unforgettable adventure. You also have the thrill of visiting Sun Gate and that magical mountaintop ruin of Machu Picchu!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and group dinner

We meet you at the airport and take you to your colonial-style hotel in the historic city centre. Cusco is the oldest city in Peru, having been established around the eleventh of twelfth century. It's also the country's highest city, sitting at roughly 3,400 m above sea level! If you arrive early enough, you may wish to step out and explore the streets of this fascinating city. In the evening, your trek group has a cosy dinner together, where your guide briefs you on all that's to come, particularly with regards to the upcoming trek.

Peruvian woman weaving baby alpaca wool in a handicraft shop

Day 2: Cusco walking tour

This morning is when you might feel the negative effects of the high altitude, so today can be a day to just rest if your body needs it. But for those feeling strong enough, we have a morning city tour on the cards! Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire before it was conquered by the Spanish, so it boasts a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish heritage. Your tour includes visiting the incomparable Coricancha temple, the bustling San Pedro Market, and the ornately decorated Cusco Cathedral.

Temple of Coricancha in Cusco Peru

Day 3: Sacred Valley tour

Today you're driven to the Sacred Valley, which was the bread basket of the Inca Empire. This 60 km valley is an attractive mix of farmland, Inca ruins and Spanish towns. You start by visiting a weaving co-op, where you see the fascinating traditional methods used to create and dye garments. Then it's off to see the concentric terraces of Moray, a fascinating Inca site that was a type of agricultural laboratory. Afterwards, you enjoy a home-cooked traditional lunch in the home of a local family. Finally, you visit the postcard-perfect Maras Salt Flats. It's then time to head to your hotel in the valley, where you can relax in the beautiful gardens.

Maras Salt Pans with workers, Sacred Valley, Peru

Day 4: Lares Hot Springs and trek to Maranpaqui (6 km)

This morning you're driven for three hours east into the high Sacred Valley to reach the village of Lares (3,250 m). Lares is the main village in the region, and its hot springs have made it popular among trekkers and locals alike. There's time for you to enjoy a dip in the springs if you like. You have lunch here and then begin a steady climb of about four hours up to the remote village of Maranpaqui. It's heavenly to be surrounded by the snow-covered Urubamba Mountain peaks in a region where llamas and alpacas easily outnumber people. Your campsite for the night is Totoraqocha.

Llamas with red ear tags on contour trail on Lares Trek in Andes of Peru

Day 5: Trek to Chaullacocha (12 km) via Colquepata Pass

Today's trek of about six to seven hours takes place in truly remote mountain country. The trail includes a big climb up to Colquepata Pass (4,450 m), after which you spend hours walking along a high ridge. This section of the route makes for supremely rewarding hiking, as you pass a series of gorgeous glacial lakes. Finally the path heads down to the village of Chaullacocha (4,200 m). Time permitting, you can really engage with the community, perhaps by learning about their weaving tradition or visiting the school. For those looking for true cultural immersion, you could opt for a home stay with a local family instead of camping!

View of the Pituseray and Chicon glacier lakes in the Urubamba Moutain Range. This pass is part of the Lares Valley trek in Peru.

Day 6: Trek to Machu Picchu (13 km) via Sun Gate

You're picked up early and driven for two hours to Ollantaytambo. Here, you hop on a train and enjoy a pretty two-hour riverside ride to the station at Km 104. When you disembark, it's time to start the Inca Trail! Today's hike takes about seven hours, and includes climbing many, many Inca stone steps. En route you see the ruins of Chachabamba as well as the ruins of the most impressive site on the entire Inca Trail: Wiรฑay Wayna. This complex is etched into a steep mountainside and has many agricultural terraces as well as religious and living quarters. Next you hike to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where you have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu (2,400 m)! It's then a short hike to the ruins, after which you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a celebratory dinner together.

 

Winay Wayna, the ancient ruins along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

Day 7: Guided tour of Machu Picchu

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you take the bus back up to Machu Picchu in order to arrive around 8 am and so be admitted to the ruins before the rush of tourists that come later in the day. Your guide takes you on a fascinating walking tour of the site, which is more extensive than most people realise. There are so many fascinating aspects to the city and you'll come away from the tour with an even greater appreciation of the rock-whispering powers of the Incas. Next it's time to head back down to Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu Town) for lunch. From there, you return to Cusco in the afternoon by way of a train ride and then your private van.

 

Machu Picchu in Peru

Day 8: Departure day

Depending on your flight time, this morning is the time to do anything in Cusco you weren't able to fit in before the trek. Perhaps you're keen to learn a traditional craft, attend a chocolate-making workshop, or visit a market? Later, we take you to the airport, but we hope to host you again soon on another one of our exciting adventures!

Man-s hand holding beer (cerveza) in glass in salute to cityscape of Cusco below, Peru

Inclusions

Price Includes

ALL ground transport for entire trip (incl. airport transfers, train and bus fares, and private van transport)

ALL accommodation (includes hotels and tents on the trek, on a shared basis)

Professional, English-speaking tour and trek guide

Mountain crew (includes experienced cook)

Dinner on arrival day, lunch and dinner on final day of trek, all breakfasts, and all meals during the trek

Drinking water and snacks during van rides and on the trek

Price Does Not Include

Airfares

Peruvian visa

Travel insurance

Guide, driver and mountain crew tips (mandatory)

Soft drinks, alcohol and other beverages

Meals not specified above

Where you'll stay

Amaru Colonial hotel dining room

Amaru Colonial

The Amaru Colonial is a charming hotel in a quiet and historic neighbourhood that's within easy walking distance of the city centre and star attractions like the Plaza de Armas.

Andean Wings hotel exterior view

Andean Wings

The Andean Wings is located in the town of Urubamba in the heart of the storied Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its beautiful and spacious gardens offer visitors a quiet oasis during their travels.

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Our dedicated travel consultants make adventuring easy for you by taking away all of the admin. Your only jobs are to train for the adventure if necessary and then pack your bags!
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Gallery

Llama in Sacred Valley, Peru
Lares trek village, Peru
Couple taking a selfie at night while seated on a low wall with the lights of central Cusco city below them, Peru
Ollantaytambo side alley, Sacred Valley, Peru
Winay Wayna ruins in Peru on Inca Trail