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OUT Adventures Gay Peru | Lares Trek to Machu Picchu



OUT Lares Trek & Machu Picchu

Trip Style

OUT Active
(what does this mean?)


Duration

8 days


Trip Code

GDA


Highlights

Explore Lima's historic centre, Trek the challenging Lares Trek, visit Machu Picchu, Wander the atmospheric streets of Cuzco, Admire the might of the Inca empire in the Sacred Valley, Explore Peru's mixture of colonial and Inca architecture

Discover the treasures of one of the Americas' most fascinating civilisations. Follow Inca traditions and history from Cuzco, through the fertile Sacred Valley and then hike to the ultimate Peruvian icon, magnificent Machu Picchu. Get a taste for colonial Spain in Lima and discover colourful traditions that remain to this day during this action-filled adventure.


Physical Rating

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. This may be treks of up to 6 hours per day in steep terrain, or extended bike rides of more than one day. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.


Culture Shock Rating

Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.


Gay Rating

This trip travels to a relatively conservative area. We encourage you to experience the destination and culture with the following in mind:

Accommodation
We do not foresee any problems, however there may be occasions when a same sex couple may be asked to sleep in single beds rather than sharing a double. We appreciate your cooperation.

Public Display of affection
These are frowned upon in this region among all travellers, not just those on an OUT Adventure. This includes holding hands in public.

Gay Activities This trip may not have specific gay hosted events, meals or day tours due to the cultural sensitivity of this region. We will do our best to provide a safe, comfortable environment for you and your fellow travellers to experience this culture.

Please read the important notes & local dress section of the Trip Notes for more detailed information
gay rating


Meals Included

6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners


Accommodation

Hotels (4 nts), camping (3 nts)


Transportation

Plane, train, local bus, walking


Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group departure is guaranteed


Budget

Allow USD $100 for meals not included.


Itinerary


Day 1 Lima
The Plaza Mayor, in the heart of Lima's historic centre, is an excellent place to get a feel for Peru's colonial past. Surrounded by churches, the centre has a distinctly Spanish flavour. Nearby, the Museo de la Inquisicion offers an insight into the Spanish Inquisition and the beautiful Monasterio de San Francisco houses some fascinating catacombs.

Day 2 Cuzco
An intriguing blend of Inca and Spanish architecture, there is plenty to see and do in Cuzco. Take a walking tour to get acquainted with some of the lesser-known sights of this fascinating town.

Day 3 Sacred Valley
Visit Pisac with its famous artisan market and travel through the fertile Sacred Valley, where most of the region's fresh produce is grown. Look out for the maize crops surrounding the river and covering the terraces stretching high into the valley walls. These crops have long been the main source of food for the high Andes.

Day 4 Lares town - Huacawasi
We start early in the morning and travel by bus for 1.5 hours to our starting point, the village of Lares town (3600m). We start our trek being followed by wranglers and horses and head off following a gentle climbing trail along a valley. Today we pass through Andean villages, keep an eye out for local weavers working their colourful threads on hand looms. It is a shorter trek today to warm us up for big days to come, and to get used to the altitude. Take the opportunity to get to know your local wranglers and cook- amazing locals who are only to happy to share with you their culture, language and trek experiences! We'll trek about 2.5 hours to our destination for the evening, our campsite at Huacawasi (3700m).

Day 5 Huacawasi - Camp
This morning after breakfast our local friends will introduce us to the Huacawasi villagers and perhaps some local children. Then we take a deep breath and set off on our most challenging trekking day. The first section is an ascent up to the Huahuaqasa Pass. This will take an average of 3.5 hours and at the top we'll be standing at 4398 metres above sea level (14, 434ft). On a clear day we'll have views over the Vilcanota mountain range. The next section is of course down the other side of the pass, a descent of about half an hour to an hour, passing the Aruraycocha and Millpo lakes. We'll stop to enjoy lunch, and then this afternoon's trek is another three hours to reach our camp site for the evening (3700m).

Day 6 Camp - Yanahuara - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Enjoy breakfast in the crisp mountain air then we continue our trek, descending for about 2 hours to reach the end of our trek at Yanahuara (3027m). We'll say farewell to the local wranglers and cook as they return to their hometowns. A short bus ride takes us to Ollantaytambo (2792m) where we'll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Ollantaytambo is a town built over the remains of an Inca village and wandering around town the remains are very evident. You will find no shortage of stairs on a visit to the Ollantaytambo Inca fortress! In the afternoon we take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours). Aguas Calientes (2040m) is located in the cloud forest and is very humid. Upon arrival we'll head to our hostel where you can enjoy a warm shower!

Day 7 Machu Picchu - Cusco
After an early breakfast, we take a bus (30 minutes) to Machu Picchu (2450m) and take a 2 hour guided walking tour around this mystic city. Afterwards we will have free time to continue exploring the most impressive Inca site of them all. If you still have energy you can also climb to Wayna Picchu (2750m and very steep hike), or take smaller hikes to Intipunku (Sungate) or the drawbridge. We will meet back in Aguas Calientes town and return by train to Ollantaytambo and then take a bus to Cusco.

Day 8 Cuzco
For an active farewell to Peru, it's possible to explore the Urubamba River or go mountain biking through the Sacred Valley. For those with weary legs, head to Plaza de Armas and enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cuzco's sights.

2011 Lares Trek Departures


Active Peru & Lares Trek


8 days
June 5 to June 12, 2011
Regular $1999.00 USD
Click here for more information.


Lares Trek vs. Inca Trail

Although less well-known, the Lares offers several benefits to travellers that are not available on the popular Inca Trail:

  • No permits required!

  • Arrive in Machu Picchu before the Inca Trail crowds

  • Less crowded

  • Hike through rural Peruvian towns and villages

  • Last night spent in Aguas Calientes (hot springs and a warm bed)

  • Beautiful high alpine lakes and cloud covered mountain views

  • Up to 4460m altitude (vs. 4200m for Inca Trail)



Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Lima
Day 2: Cuzco
Day 3: Sacred Valley
Day 4: Huacawasi (Lares Town)
Day 5 (Camping): Huacawasi
Day 6 (Camping):
Yanahuara - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Day 7: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Day 8: Cuzco


Lares Trek Gallery



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The Local Payment is used for paying for local services such as hotels and transport.

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