The Classic Inca Trail
or the Lares trek?
Whilst the classic IncaTrail adorns the pages of many travel
companies’ brochures, the Lares
trek to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly a hidden gem and a real discovery.
Numbers on the classic Inca Trail have been limited by the Peruvian government
because the trail could not sustain the sheer volume of trekkers and the ensuing
problems they created, such as rubbish and waste disposal. With numbers of
trekkers now limited to around 200 per day, permits for the Inca Trail are
becoming ever more scarce, so naturally trekkers are looking elsewhere for
comparable alternatives. In actual fact, a veritable network of Inca Trails
criss-crosses the spine of the Andes from Ecuador, though Peru and down to
Bolivia. Whilst traditionally the classic Inca Trail has always been the best-known
of all of these routes, drawing the biggest number of trekkers, discerning
travelers are looking away from the traditional trail and gravitating towards
some of the more pristine alternatives.
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What will I discover during the Lares trek?
A number of superb trekking options are available and here at Kumuka we believe
that the best of these to be the Lares
Trek. Lares, a remote and virtually undiscovered valley, is a
fantastic alternative to the well-worn classic Inca Trail for travellers who
wish to get off the beaten track. This is a voyage through centuries of Inca
customs and culture and offers that often elusive opportunity to catch glimpses
of the true lifestyle of remote Andean communities. Along the trail discover
authentic and picturesque Quechua villages that afford fascinating insights
into a traditional way of life of farming and weaving which has remained unchanged
for hundreds of years. The trail snakes past turquoise glacial lakes, across
farmland where llamas and alpacas are herded, and traverses stunning landscapes
set against a backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped peaks.
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What are the benefits of the Lares trek?
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, on the Lares Trek if you are feeling tired
or perhaps suffering from altitude sickness, you can hire mules locally to
carry either yourself or your baggage. Many of the porters, guides and cooks
are from this area so your decision to trek this particular route means that
your money is directly benefiting the local communities. This, coupled with
the receipt of campsite fees, aids the economic self sufficiency of local
communities.
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Why choose the Lares trek?
Fewer trekkers hike the unspoiled Lares route, which means that hikers can
enjoy more cultural contact. As permits are not currently required for the
Lares Trek, there is no rush or pressure to book in advance and there’s
also the added advantage of a well-deserved opportunity to soak your weary
limbs in Lares hot springs: a great chance to rejuvenate after hours of trekking!
Plus choosing the Lares option means that you’ll spend the last night
of your trek at a comfortable and cozy hostel in Aguas Calientes, and arrive
at Machu Picchu refreshed after a restful night’s sleep and a hot shower
the night before. Like the classic Inca Trail, the
Lares trek is 4 days, which means it fits in with Kumuka Overland
and Small Group tours. Regardless of whether you choose Lares or the classic
trail, both tours culminate with a visit to the legendary Inca citadel of
Machu Picchu so avoid the crowds, and enjoy one of the best kept secrets of
the Andes!
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LARES
TREK - 4 DAYS - SAMP2
TOUR
STYLE: Specialist
Tour
COUNTRIES
VISITED: Peru
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4
Days |
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