G Adventures
Save 20%Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru · 51 days · Active
fromCAD 8,919
Next: 20 JunThe adventure
Perfect for those looking to experience the region’s archaeological and cultural treasures in a short amount of time. Along with a visit to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu, this trip will reward you with an intriguing combination of mountainscapes and a 3-day Lares trek – a less-travelled but equally rewarding and challenging alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our support staff and the quality of food and equipment so that you’re free to enjoy a glimpse into the rural communities of the highlands around Cusco.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Peru
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive in Lima at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Arrive in Lima at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Day 2Rise early for a flight to CuscoTransfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco (the flight usually departs early, and we may leave the hotel as early 4:30 am). Spend the day relaxing and exploring fascinating Cusco. Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map, and set off to explore!
CuscoTransfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco (the flight usually departs early, and we may leave the hotel as early 4:30 am). Spend the day relaxing and exploring fascinating Cusco. Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map, and set off to explore!
Day 3Full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley…Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving project in a local community, the impressive Pisac ruins, and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Here, we catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead. We will have the chance to visit Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant and tour in their own village.
Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving project in a local community, the impressive Pisac ruins, and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Here, we catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead. We will have the chance to visit Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant and tour in their own village.
Day 43-day guided Lares trek to OllantaytamboThe Lares Trek is one day shorter than the Inca Trail, but higher in elevation (33km/20.5 mi, with a high point of 4,600m/14,928 ft). The 3-day hike starts with a van ride from Ollantaytambo to the trekking start point and returns back to Ollantaytambo by van from the trekking end point. From there, hikers will take a scenic train to Aguas Calientes for one overnight stay.
The Lares Trek is one day shorter than the Inca Trail, but higher in elevation (33km/20.5 mi, with a high point of 4,600m/14,928 ft). The 3-day hike starts with a van ride from Ollantaytambo to the trekking start point and returns back to Ollantaytambo by van from the trekking end point. From there, hikers will take a scenic train to Aguas Calientes for one overnight stay.
Day 5Day 2 of the Lares Trek
Day 2 of the Lares Trek.
Day 6Day 3 of the Lares Trek
Day 3 of the Lares Trek.
Day 7Enjoy a guided tour of Machu PicchuFrom Aguas Calientes, take the bus to Machu Picchu early the next morning for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. There is free time to explore on your own after our tour, and the opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu, providing the chance to see Machu Picchu and its surroundings from a more exclusive vantage point. Catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco with the rest of the group.
Machu PicchuFrom Aguas Calientes, take the bus to Machu Picchu early the next morning for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. There is free time to explore on your own after our tour, and the opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu, providing the chance to see Machu Picchu and its surroundings from a more exclusive vantage point. Catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco with the rest of the group.
Day 8Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Traveller reviews
“An amazing experience, but not long enough, I wish I was still there. The altitude was a major challenge of course but now that I've overcome it, I feel pretty proud of myself. The Lares Valley was breathtakingly beautiful and the support from the G Adventures guide and his team…”
“This was an excellent opportunity to hike away from the crowds on the (traditional) Inca Trail.”
“My friend and I have just returned from our Lares Trek trip to Peru. I wanted to congratulate you on your crack staff and our fearless tour leader, Jeremy Cruz. He was always careful, helpful, funny, encouraging, knowledgeable and charismatic. I couldn't have asked for a better…”
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