Overview

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Lares trek

Cusco, Titicaca and Salt FlatsBolivia

This trip showcases the nation’s rich history and culture. It’s a journey through both countries and an exploration through time, from the ancient roots of the Incas and Aymara´s civilizations to the colonial-cast cities of Cusco, Puno. From there, continue onward to the contrastingly blank expanse of the world’s largest salt flats, the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Start:

Lima

End:

La Paz

Maximum group size:

12 Guests

Duration:

3 16 days

Includes:

wMachu Picchu oCulture & Food zOutdoors FHike SLake Titicaca Uyuni Salt Lake

Twelve angle stone

Twelve angle stone

Cottage Industry  in the Sacred Valley

Cottage Industry in the Sacred Valley

Uros village

Uros village

Uyuni Salt lake

Uyuni Salt lake

Be creative in the Salt Flats!

Be creative in the Salt Flats!

Fish Island

Fish Island

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

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The trip in detail

Today you will arrive to Lima, a city of almost 11 million people, it is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. This unique location means it enjoys a microclimate of zero rainfall and is spread along the coast atop cliffs that offer beautiful sunset views and peaceful ‘malecóns’, even a short trip is guaranteed to be richly rewarding and a perfect introduction to Peru and its culture.

Upon arrival you will meet our representative, who will take you to the accommodation for tonight.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Lima

An early start to catch your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be met by our guide and transferred into the Sacred Valley. After a 45 minutes drive from Cusco, is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and was fiercely defended by the Incas, as evidenced by the massive fortress which bristles above the town.

We will explore and hike its many terraces and fortifications, and enjoying the stunning views. In the afternoon we'll check out Pisac's other famous attraction - the largest artesania (handicraft) market in the region - it's the perfect place to get all your souvenir and gift shopping taken care of in one fell swoop!

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Sacred Valley

This morning we’ll visit the coffee and cacao cooperative of Chichubamba, where we’ll participate in both the processing and the consumption of these delicious Peruvian products, and experience firsthand how they underpin the local lifestyle and economy.

Today you will have briefing for your trek, our guide will go on through the details, safety measures and overall itinerary.

The rest of the day is free, to relax and prepare for the next days.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Sacred Valley

We’ll pick you up from your accommodation and drive through the Sacred Valley, past Urubamba and into the Pumahuanca valley, where we’ll start to hike – straight up! We’ll gain about 1,100m (3,600 feet) in altitude today, over around six hours of walking, as we head up towards the top of the huge Andean cordillera (range) between the Sacred and Lares valleys.

Along the way we’ll stop to check out a cool, little-visited ruin, and have lunch next to a waterfall, before arriving to our campsite at Cuyoc, a charming spot in a native queuña forest, with incredible views across to Salineras and Maras on the other side of the Sacred Valley.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Camping on the Lares trek

Walking: 9 km (5.6 miles)

Minimum Altitude: 2,960m (9,710ft)

Maximum Altitude: 4,000m (13,120ft)

Altitude of camp: 4,000m (13,120ft)

Today starts with the final, two hour push to the high (4,700m/15,400 feet) pass, where we’re rewarded with breathtaking (in more ways than one!) views of surrounding snow-capped peaks including Colque Cruz, Sahuarsiray and Veronica.

From here we start to descend - through continuing spectacular views, past llamas and lagoons – about an hour to the village of Cuncani, where we’ll stop for lunch.

After Cuncani we continue descending for another three hours, emerging into the Lares Valley about halfway through, to a fitting reward for a long, hard hike: a campsite set up right next to a natural hot spring! The Lares hot springs are our favourite place in the world to arrive to after a tough day, and you’ve just done two! Sitting in the hot, medicinal water looking up at the stars tonight will make it all more than worthwhile, and it's an experience you’ll never forget.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Camping on the Lares trek

Walking: 12km (7.5 miles)

Minimum Altitude: 3,150m (10,300ft)

Maximum Altitude: 4,700m (15,000ft)

Altitude of camp: 3,150m (10,300ft)

This morning we’ll drive an hour before beginning today’s two-hour hike down through a river canyon to the village of Totora. The contrast in ecosystems between the exposed mountain tops of the high Andes, where we’ve spent the last couple of days, and the temperate forest of the Lares valley, is stunning, and makes this charming, easy stroll all the more enjoyable!

After lunch in Totora we’ll drive for an hour or so to Ollantaytambo, then take the scenic 1.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu mountain. Here we’ll enjoy a hot shower and a gourmet dinner, before an early night in preparation to be at Machu Picchu in time for sunrise tomorrow!

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes

Walking: 8km (5 miles) hiking

Minimum Altitude: 1,700m (5,580ft)

Maximum Altitude: 3,150m (10,300ft)

A spectacular stone city surrounded by incredibly steep, incredibly green mountains, Machu Picchu needs no introduction and is deservedly one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

We’ll be up at sunrise so there’s time for your guide to show you around Machu Picchu’s main citadel, as well as our favourite hidden nooks and crannies, before the crowds arrive. After a delicious lunch in Aguas Calientes we will catch the train and private vehicle back to Cusco.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Cusco

This morning your guide will take you to visit some of most important sites in the surrounding area of Cusco, known as the Imperial City, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to Inca structures with a smattering of colonial influence. Aftewards you will visit the archeological sites nearby Cusco city.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Cusco

This morning you will be transferred to Wanchaq station in order to board this Scenic train to the High Plateau of Puno. As you traverse the unforgettable route from Cusco to Puno, you will get to embrace the endless panoramic views of the Altiplano, snow-capped Andes, and other spectacular onboard experiences.

The trip includes a stop at La Raya, the highest spot of the route, to observe the spectacular landscape at 4,300 meters above sea level, and a three-course lunch aboard board. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

*Bear in mind Titicaca train departs only Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays - subject to Availability

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Puno

This morning we take to the waters of Lake Titicaca. We’ll stop briefly at the Uros – the famous floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca – but our main destination is Taquile, one of the most fascinating islands in the world. It was isolated until the 1950s and still follows a very different way of life. Decisions are communal, economic activity is co-operative, and society is based on the fundamental Inca principles: "Ama sua, ama llulla, ama quella" (don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t be lazy). There are no cars, few dogs, and little electricity because the Taquileños want it that way.

Taquile is also the most famous textile centre in the Andes. Its storytelling textiles, designed and woven by Taquile’s women from thread spun by its men, draw aficionados and investigators from all over the world to this amazing island. On top of all this, the scenery is stunning, and the peace and serenity is like nowhere else on Earth. Taquile is just magic!

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Puno

Today you will have an early departure to Bolivia's border in Desaguadero. Along the way you will be delighted by magnificent views from the Titicaca lake. Once you complete the immigration process, we will continue to Tiahuanaco, where you will discover the history of the pre-Inca civilizations , where we will visit the Pumu Punku, sun gate and Akapana´s pyramid, stone´s museum and Beneth´s Monolith.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in La Paz

This morning your guide will lead a relaxed walking tour around La Paz´s historic centre, after you will make a stop in the Killi killi view point, where you can get panoramic views of the city. Then you will continue out of the city to explore the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna), named for its lunar-like landscape of pinnacles and canyons, caused by erosion of the mountains. After we will explore the heights of La Paz thanks to the famous Teleférico, a cable system that connects the whole city by air.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in La Paz

Today we will take you to the airport to catch your flight from La Paz to Uyuni, upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation with great views of this amazing salt lake.
Uyuni, founded in 1890 as a trading post, it prospered, as a railroad junction and mining and market centre. Uyuni lost its importance when mineral prices dropped, but it regained growth through tourism.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Salar

This morning we will drive to Colchani. Followed by a walk on a plant where salt with iodine is processed by the locals. Then we will visit the small market where handcrafts are made on salt.

Afterwards we will enter to the magnificent Sal Flats, where you will see the way local people gather salt for processing it. Discover why the eyes of the Salt Flats are boiling. You will continue your journey on the Salt Flats and have a unique photo session in a great plain of Salt where perspective is only a theory.

Visit Incahuasi Island where gigantic cacti grow making the landscape even more unique and walk on a petrified coral path and enjoy lunch in the middle of the Salt Flats. Afterwards we will return your accommodation in the salar.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Salar

Today you will wake up to your last sunrise over Salar Uyuni. At coordinated time we will transfer you to the Uyuni´s Airport. Enjoy your last glimpses of these spectacular vistas en route.

Upon arrival in La Paz, our driver will transfer to your hotel. You willhave the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in La Paz

After breaksfast, we will get you to the airport in time for your international flight back home.

Thank you for travelling with us – you will have had a brilliant time exploring Peru and Bolivia with us!

Meals: Breakfast Included

How much does this trip cost?

US $

0

pp.


12 guest


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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Well located standard hotels (based on twin-share)
  • Single Supplement available upon request with additional payment
  • Ground and lake transport
  • All attractions and activities specified in itinerary
  • 2 Days - 4WD adventure - Uyuni Salt Flats
  • Aspiring Adventures Peru-specialist guides in Peru
  • Meals as specified on the itinerary.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Tips for your guide(s)
  • Lares hike: tips for your wrangler horse man and cooks, sleeping bag and mat (bring your own, or hire from us – add US$40 per item), optional horse to carry your personal gear - 6 kg - (add US$60)

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