The 'Lares' Trail provides an excellent alternative to the 'Classic' Inca Trail. It is similar in duration, altitude and level of difficulty, and offers sensational views of the Andes Mountains and the surrounding valleys. Like the 'Classic' Trail this itinerary culminates in a visit to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. This route will be used when permits cannot be obtained for the 'Classic' trail or when it is closed annually during the month of February.



Day 1 - Cusco - Calca - Lares- Hot Springs - Concany

It is an early start this morning, as we board a bus in Cusco and travel through the Sacred Valley to the Lares hot springs. We spend the remainder of the morning soaking in the medicinal hot springs. After lunch we embark on the start of our trek. It is a two-hour trek to our campsite at Concany. Along the way, we will reach a height of 3940m, before descending to the Queullacocha lagoons. Here there are opportunities to spot some of the Andean wildlife of the region. Our destination for the night is Concay, where we will have magnificent views of Colque Cruz.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 2 - Concany - Epsaycocha

After breakfast we climb steeply up through the valley, arriving at the community of Huacawasi where some of the finest weavings in Peru are made. We can observe the skills and brilliant techniques of the weavers as they make their ponchos and other garments. Passing through the village we begin climbing up to Condor Pass, the second pass of the trip at a height of 4100m. From here, we have a stunning view of the renowned Mount Veronica (5750m.) Descending gently we come to the beautiful Epsaycocha Lake, where we set up camp for the night.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 3 - Epsaycocha - Patacancha - Pumamarka - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Today our trail leads downhill into the valley below to the village of Willoc where we have lunch. From here it takes two more hours to arrive at Pumamarka where we enjoy the Inca terraces before finally arriving at the ancient town of Ollantaytambo. Situated in a fertile river valley and sheltered by mammoth mountains, this ancient Inca village is considered one of the most important living museums in the world. This is a perfect place to appreciate the vast archaeological remains and a wide variety of flowers and birds species. We then board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a comfortable hostel. Make sure you take a dip in the hot thermal springs that give the town its name.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 4 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

After an early breakfast, we'll take the first bus to Machu Picchu, avoiding the large crowds that arrive from Cusco later in the morning. Entering into the archaeological sight we now have a fully guided tour of this ancient and mystical Inca city. Before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, there is free time to explore the ruins at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere. For the adventurous, you can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, where you have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. You can also make the short hike up to the sun gate for that classic photo of Machu Picchu In the afternoon we descend once again to Aguas Calientes where we catch the late afternoon train back to Cusco.
Breakfast



Special Notes:

1. The Lares Trail will be used for all tours that include the Inca Trail during the month of February. The Classic route is closed to all travellers at this time for maintenance and to allow for rejuvenation of the trail.

2. We will do our experienced best to obtain permits for the Classic Inca Trail. In the unlikely event that we are unable to secure the necessary trekking permits for the 'Classic' trail the Lares route will be offered as the alternative.