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Independent Lares Trek image
Find trips›Peru›Independent Lares Trek
GOperated by G Adventures

Independent Lares Trek

From
Price on request
Duration
7 days
Countries
Peru
Activity
active

The adventure

Avoid the crowds on this independent adventure and head off the beaten track! The challenging Lares Trek is a great alternative to the Inca Trail, offering opportunities for insight into rural Andean life as the trail passes through very remote mountain communities, allowing hikers learn about the Inca’s fascinating culture. Sandwich it between charming colonial Cusco and magical Machu Picchu and you couldn't ask for a more complete Incan experience.

◆Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
◆Free day to explore Cusco or relax. Take an optional Sacred Valley tour or indulge in active options like whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
◆Depart Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town where the hike begins. Spend the first night at a G Adventures-supported campsite in Cuncani.
◆Start early to hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass (4,800m/15,748 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.
◆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.
◆Rise early and enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Later, travel back towards Cusco by train.
◆Depart at any time.

At a glance

Duration
7 days
Route
Cusco → Cusco
Countries
Peru
Activity level
active
Style
Active & Multi-Sport, Culture & History, Cycling, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Independent Lares Trek image

Day by day

Overlooking a small village in a Peruvian valley with a cloudy sky backdrop.
Your journey through

Peru

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalRelax and explore the fascinating city of Cusco.
Relax and explore the fascinating city of Cusco.
Day 2Free day to explore Cusco or relax
View of brick buildings densely packed on a hillside, showcasing urban architecture.Cusco
Free day to explore Cusco or relax. Take an optional Sacred Valley tour or indulge in active options like whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
Map showing Cusco
Day 3Depart Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town where…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.
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.
Day 4Start early to hike from the foothills…
Start early to hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass (4,800m/15,748 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.
Day 5Enjoy the last few hours of hiking before…
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.
Day 6Rise early and enjoy a guided visit…Machu PicchuRise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins, then 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.
Stunning aerial view of the historic Machu Picchu in the Andes mountains, showcasing its ancient architecture and lush surroundings.Machu Picchu
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins, then 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.
Map showing Machu Picchu
Day 7Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Traveller reviews

“Fantastic, the highlight of my trip to Peru”
— Anja B · via G Adventures →
“Fantastic way to see the Andean mountains off the beaten trail!”
— Lane R · via G Adventures →
“Everything about it was brilliant, the route, the guides, and the hotel. I would never have expected it to run so smoothly.”
— Thomas S · via G Adventures →

Discover Peru

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Breathtaking view of snow-capped Andes mountains under blue skies in Cusco, Peru.
Captivating and rugged mountain landscape under bright daylight, showcasing natural beauty.
A breathtaking aerial view of the sunset over mountains and valleys in Cusco, Peru.
Explore the breathtaking Andes mountains in Cusco, Peru with dramatic skies and rugged terrain.
Stunning mountain landscape in Pajchanta, Peru, showcasing rolling hills and clouds.
G
Operated by G Adventures

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Operated by G Adventures · view on operator site ↗

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