4 days as part of a tailor-made holiday in PeruThis 4-day camping trek rivals the Inca Trail for scenery but passes through living Andean communities rather than deserted Inca ruins. The way of life in these remote farming hamlets has changed little since the time of the Incas. Ancient weaving customs are preserved, the Inca language, Quechua, is still spoken and llamas and alpacas are bred. High-altitude passes offer views of beautiful valleys, snow-draped peaks and crystal-clear lakes - there are even hot springs where you can soothe your limbs.
A much less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail, this hike takes you through the Sacred Valley along ancient paths. You 'll have an English speaking guide, cook and local ‘arrieros’ (mule drivers). The terrain is rugged and equally as challenging as the Inca Trail with mountain passes taking you up to heights of 4,500m. Suggested Holiday ItineraryDay 1: Drive via Calca in the Sacred Valley and over the Amparaes pass to the starting point of the trek. Trek along the Lares valley to Choquecancha and on to Lares. Camp next to some thermal springs.
Day 2: Gentle uphill walk to Huaca Huasi. Camp.
Day 3: Climb to Cochayoq, cross a pass and camp at 3,900m overlooking the Urubamba valley
Day 4: Descend to Yanahuara and rendezvous with the support van. Drive to Ollantaytambo and train to Machu Picchu. Guided tour of Machu Picchu and descend to Aguas Calientes. Train to Ollantaytambo and drive to Cusco. View detailed itinerary >> Our Comment
The Lares valleys are still relatively untouched by tourism, so if the Classic Inca Trail is fully booked or if you don't like to follow the crowd this is an excellent alternative. The Weaver’s Trail takes you to remote villages and provides an insight into the current way of life in rural Peru, while other trails only take you through the abandoned ruins of an older culture.
Sarah Beard, Manager, Group Tours Department You might also like
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