Off the beaten track to Machu Pichu

Did you know that beyond the popular tourist route to Machu Picchu, there are roads less travelled?

Vaya Adventures Treks* has chosen to reinstate these seldom-used trails which lead trekkers past ancient stone villages seemingly unchanged since ancient times. One great and surprisingly accessible way is via Lares, a lesser-known, relatively untouristed region where ancient ways are still a part of daily life.

Vaya Adventures’ 10-day Lares Trek Plus Machu Picchu itinerary offers a spectacular, less-traveled route through the high Andes, over uncrowded passes where, in order to trek through these ancient communities, permission must be received well in advance from the villagers.

Guests meet in Lima for air transfers to the historic Incan citadel of Cusco and spend a couple days exploring the beautiful Sacred Valley while acclimatizing to the high altitude. (Cusco sits at an elevation of 11,200 feet.)

The trek winds up to Pachacutec Pass at 15,480 feet. The pass, named after the most storied leader in Incan history, is suitably spectacular, surrounded by snowcapped peaks with magnificent views in both directions. Guests camp again in the traditional village of Quiswarani, after an elevation gain of 2,000 feet and seven hours on the trail.

Another leg is a six-hour trek to the Lares River for a dip in hot springs followed by overnight camping. Ultimately guests transfer by vehicle down into the Sacred Valley where they begin a hike at the Urubamba River, following an uphill trajectory until it meets up with the classic Inca Trail. From here the trek continues along the last part of the Inca Trail, finally reaching the iconic Machu Picchu via Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun.

For more information.....

*About Vaya Adventures

Jim Lutz, a Harvard graduate and former lawyer, founded Vaya Adventures in 2004 out of a desire to share his passion for South America with others. This private custom-travel company leaves no stone unturned when it comes to understanding the history and culture of the regions its guests visit, thanks to extensive first-hand research and an expansive network of contacts in each destination, including the finest professional guides. Vaya Adventures emphasizes accommodations, restaurants, and neighborhoods that reflect the best of the local culture, studiously avoiding the generic, the touristy, and the corporate. Through low-impact tourism and a sustainable supply chain, Vaya Adventures strives to create a strong positive incentive for the preservation of both historic and natural environments in South America.

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