Inca Empire - Lares

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive La Paz

Arrive in La Paz at any time. Check into the hotel and take a look around the city as there are no planned activities.Founded by Alonso de Mendoza in 1548, La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is the highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is the Bolivian centre of commerce, finance and industry, and the de facto capital. This is a busy modern city, with its centre at the base of a canyon 5 km (3 miles) wide and sprawling impromptu housing all the way up the surrounding hillsides. The city is at nearly 4000 m (13,120 ft) above sea level, so visitors should be prepared for cool evenings and mornings. Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic ecclesiastical structures, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose architectural details reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia. La Paz may be a shopper's dream as it is renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market), where Paceños and visitors may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to remedy any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. Try to visit the thriving black market and Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. Look carefully and you will find a wealth of shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewellery, woven textiles and leather goods. Leave time to take part in the optional activities which include a day trip to the museums or a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600 m/18,368 ft). To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.Note: when you arrive in La Paz, the altitude and resulting lack of oxygen may affect you. It may take a little time to acclimatize to this, but before long you probably will not even notice it. Just take it easy for the first day or two, and cut back on alcohol and cigarette consumption to minimize the effects. You may also find that your appetite is reduced. This is no cause for alarm, but simply a reaction to the altitude. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not attempt too much in any given day.

Day 2 La Paz / Tiahuanaco

Little is known about the Tiahuanaco people who constructed the great ceremonial centre on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca over 1000 years ago. Spend most of today visiting these mysterious ruins—a cradle of Inca civilization—before returning to La Paz to overnight.Peru is frequently referred to as the 'Land of the Incas'. While it is true that the Incas formed the greatest empire on the continent and left mysterious cities such as Machu Picchu, it is important to remember that the Incas were only the last in a long series of Peruvian civilizations spanning several thousand years. The ruins of many of these earlier civilizations can also be visited. Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon and the desert coastal area; during this trip we concentrate on the Andean region of both Peru and Bolivia.

Day 3 Puno

Enjoy spectacular views of the Altiplano countryside on this full day of travel from La Paz, around Lake Titicaca and on to Puno.Located at 3830 m above sea level, Puno is the highest night stop on the tour. As a result the weather can be extreme with very cold nights and a strong sun during the day. Puno is also known for its wealth of traditional dances: there are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in the street processions celebrating Catholic feast days. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting at the right time you may even catch one of these celebrations. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site.

Day 4-5 Lake Titicaca / Taquile Island (L, D, B)

This morning we board a boat on Lake Titicaca. We head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives. From there we head to Amantani where overnight with a local family and enjoy typical music of the area. The following morning we will visit the floating islands of Uros en route to Puno.Titicaca is the largest lake in the world above 2000m, and the views from both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning. On our way to Taquile Island we pass the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. Sadly, the Uros language has died out, and today they speak Aymara due to intermarriage with Aymara-speakers. Today about 300 families live on the islands, however their numbers are slowly declining.The Totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders sell. The islands are made up of layers upon layers of reeds; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top. The reeds are also used to build their boats, which if constructed well will last up to 6 months.The people of Taquile Island's unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. Despite the short distance that separates the two islands, Amantaní is quite distinct. Its soil is a rich terra cotta red, due to the high iron deposits, and the colour contrasts brightly with the deep azure blue of the lake and sky and the greenery of the local crops. For the night we split into smaller groups and billet into family homes to experience their style of living first-hand. The following morning we visit the Uros Islands on our way back to Puno.

Day 6-7 Cuzco

Fill your day with a stunning trip from Puno to Cuzco, with stark, beautiful scenery en route through the high Altiplano region.Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to experience an age-old culture and to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Spend the next day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, while taking time to acclimatize to the altitude before our trek.Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build, and is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure. There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Arm yourself with a comfortable pair of shoes, get a detailed city map and set off to explore!

Day 8 Ollantaytambo

Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Here we catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead.Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning.

Day 9-11: Lares Trek (3B, 3L, 2D)

Day 9:Awake early (6am) allowing for a clear morning start. This allows you to have the best possible views of the incredible mountainous surroundings, dotted with rural villages throughout. The Sacred Valley was the heart of the Inca civilization from the 14th to 15th centuries, and many people still farm in this lush, expansive valley. Begin in the village Qeshwarani, from and continue at a leisurely pace through the valley of Cuncani. Picnic at a beautiful spot just before the high pass. After lunch, continue on the path to the highland village of Cuncani, your destination for the night. From the campsite, prepare for stunning views of snow-capped Colque Cruz.Day 10:After pausing to admire the surroundings in the early morning mist, proceed around Sondor Mountain to a high pass (at an altitude of 4440m), where there are great photo opportunities: scenic Huacahuasi Lake and snow-capped Veronica Mountain (amongst others!) are visible from the path. After a solid morning’s hike, stop for a quick rest in a living Inca settlement, where many still farm the traditional crop of potatoes in the same way that their ancestors did. Resume the hike upstream to the second pass, Ipasayqocha (4550m), and celebrate by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean Gods. Descend to the campsite near Lake Ipasayqocha for the night.Day 11:Today there will be ample photo opportunities: a gentle path is covered in Andean flora and animals such as llamas and alpacas are fairly commonplace. You may even catch a glimpse of Andean geese, puna ibis, Andean cara caras or condor! Make a stop in a warm Quechua people, whose homeland we have the rare opportunity to see firsthand. The traditional dress and lifestyle of these people is both fascinating and enticing to outsiders. Descend through the spectacular valley of Patacancha, where everything remains as it has since ancient times. After the five-hour hike, reach the town of Patacancha, to eat lunch and wait for the private bus to take us to Ollantaytambo, to catch the train for an incredibly scenic ride to Agua Calientes. Take a well deserved rest in the local hotel.

Day 12 Machu Picchu / Cuzco

Wake early to ensure the opportunity to see the breathtaking sight of Machu Picchu as the mist rises off the valley floor. Take a guided tour of this fascinating place and take advantage of the opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu, providing the chance to see Machu Picchu and the surroundings from a more exclusive vantage point. After a full day of exploring, head back to Cuzco via train for an 8pm arrival. Cuzco is considered the mecca of Peru and rightly so. This beautiful colonial town offers much to the visitor with its nearby ruins, cobble-stoned streets, museums, churches and lively atmosphere. Try one of the more adventurous optional activities like horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara, white water rafting on the Urubamba River or mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, perhaps visiting an Inca ruin along the way.

Day 13 Cuzco

Explore and shop in Cuzco or just relax during free day. Stroll around the cobble-stoned streets of this beautiful colonial town or visit museums and churches built on Inca ruins. Rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding are just a few of the optional activities you can try.

Day 14 Lima

Returns to the coast and capital, Lima, via a quick flight.Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima and, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. Get a feel for colonial Lima by taking a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. An optional city tour visits many of the city’s highlights. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known. Celebrate your final evening on the tour with one last Pisco Sour.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels (11 nts), camping (2 nts), homestay (1 nt).
Brochure Notes	Please advise at time of booking if you do not wish to hike the Lares Trek. Instead, you will have 2 nights in Cuzco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu.
Departure	Departs twice per month
DepEnd	Sat-Sat
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	Guided tour of Sacred Valley, 3-day Lares Trek hike with local guide, cook and porters, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Guided tour of Taquile and the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, Guided tour of Tiahuanaco Archaeological site
Local Payment	USD250
Meals Included	All meals while hiking the Lares Trek and during homestay.
Recommendation	If you're booking early, consider the classic Inca Trail version of this trip - see code BILM.
Reverse Itinerary	This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code PLML.
StartFinish	La Paz to Lima
Testimonial	"We found the Titicaca Island experience to be a high along with the visits to the many sacred Incan sights including, of course, Machu Picchu." - Mark and Carol Peterson travelled on Inca Empire - Lares Trek
Transport	Public bus, local flight, train, boat, ferry, hiking.
Brochure Intro	A full 2-week exploration of Peruvian and Bolivian highlights. Come experience the magic of the Inca Empire's fascinating culture and archeology.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-12-13	2008-12-27	7+
2009-01-17	2009-01-31	7+
2009-02-21	2009-03-07	7+
2009-03-28	2009-04-11	7+
2009-05-02	2009-05-16	7+
2009-06-06	2009-06-20	7+
2009-07-11	2009-07-25	7+
2009-08-15	2009-08-29	7+

Browse Similar Trips

• Peru Uncovered
• Cuzco City Break - Original - Cuzco Plaza II
• Altiplano Expedition

• Lima City Break - Original - Hostal Colonial Inn
• Lima City Break - Original - Hotel Castellana
• Lima City Break - Original - Hostelera Los Girasoles

• The Atacama Crossing - Santiago to La Paz
• Bolivia Crossing (Lima to Buenos Aires)
• Highlands & Amazon Adventure

• South America Overland - Quito to Rio
• Amazon To The Andes
• Cuzco City Break - Original - El Puma Hotel

• Home
• International Airfare
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Community
• RTW Guide
• Travel Blogs
• Adventure Trips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Eurail