The Lares Trek - the alternative Inca Trail
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Upon arrival in Cusco, we are met by a KE representative who will arrange the transfer to our centrally located hotel. KE Land Only package services begin with this transfer. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of this fascinating ancient city. Hotel.
Day 2: Drive (2 hours) through the sacred Valley and up into Andes for an acclimatisation walk on an ancient Inca trail. At the end of this walk transfer to Quisuarani village for the start of the Lares Trek. Camp.
Day 3: A beautiful morning of hiking as we climb out of the Quisuarani valley past lakes and waterfalls to Cuncani village where we take lunch. Our trek continues over a ridge to our camp at Huacahuasi.
Day 4: Today we encounter more azure lakes as we climb to the summit of a 4200-metre pass where we have spectacular views of snow-capped Mount Veronica. We then descend on an old mule trail to Patacancha and on to the village of Huilloc where we make our final camp.
Day 5: Our final morning of trekking starts with a short and steep climb up to the impressive Inca ruins of Pumamarca. From here an ancient Inca trail follows the terraces of the Huilloc valley and through eucalyptus forests to reach the town of Ollantaytambo. We take lunch here and board the train for Machu Picchu Pueblo where we check into a hotel.
Day 6: Early in the morning we head up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site. After the tour there will be time for further exploration before taking the afternoon train back to the Sacred Valley where we transfer by bus to Cusco and check into the group hotel.
Day 7: A free day in Cusco for relaxing or for further exploration of this beautiful city. Well acclimatised after our trek, we can take full advantage of the sightseeing opportunities that the city presents. We stay overnight at the group hotel in Cusco.
Day 8: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.
Altitude
This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude.
