Peru tours

The Alternative Inca Trail

Cusco – Calca – 4 day Lares Alternative Inca Trail – Train to Aguascalientes – Machu Picchu - Cusco

8 days

The former Inca Capital and Spanish colonial city of Cusco is our base for this great expedition, a wonderful place full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun nightlife. From Cusco we travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the spectacular Lares valley bringing you back to an ancient Andean life where hardy-locals herd llamas and plant potatoes as they have for centuries amidst beautiful Andean surrounding. Their incredibly bright, high-quality woven red clothes are startlingly against the mountain back ground.

The trek is an interesting mixture of spectacular mountain scenery, glacial lakes, waterfalls, high plains, hot springs and charming Andean villages. The views of the snow topped peaks of Veronica, Chicon, Pitusiray and Sawasiray keep us company most of the way. This trek also boasts a chance to visit the lovely hot-springs at Lares village and a chance to barter for local weavings along the route. The final location of the Pumamarca ruins and the superb walk down on an original Inca trail along massive, remarkably well- preserved Inca terraces to the back entrance of Ollantaytambo completes this satisfying trek.

From the Inca Fortress town of Ollantaytambo, we embark on the famous and scenic Orient Express train to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu and a night is spent in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes before spending the whole day exploring the awe-inspiring, ‘New wonder of the modern world’, Machu Picchu with a private guide. The return to Cusco is by ‘Vistadome’ train and private bus. The final day is spent relaxing in Cusco’s ancient streets, artisan markets or excellent restaurants and bars.