Compare 5 Day Cusco and Overnight in Machu Picchu Tour by Conde Travel vs The Lares Trek with One-Day Inca Trail by G Adventures

Day 1: Arrival In Cusco

After we pick you up from the airport, you will be transferred to your Cusco hotel (OR we will pick you up from your hotel if you are already in Cusco). Enjoy the morning at your leisure before beginning your 4 hour city tour at 1:30pm. First, we will visit the Cathedral of Cusco, located on the Plaza de Armas. Then our tour will continue to Qorikancha (The Temple of the Sun) and the Convent of Santo Domingo as well as to several of the city’s impressive archaeological ruins such as Sacsaywaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. We will return back to the city in the evening, dropping you off in the main square or your hotel. * No meals included

Day 2: Sacred Valley Of The Incas

We will have breakfast and leave for the Sacred Valley of the Incas at 8:30am, where you will see the little town of P’isaq including its local market with handcrafted goods and plaza. We continue our journey along the side of the Vilcanota River to Urubamba where you will have a lunch buffet. Next, we travel to Ollantaytambo to the Inca archaeological remains. We will then head back to Cusco via Chincheros, another tourist centre and colonial town, to visit the church and plaza. We return to Cusco at the end of the day and you will spend the night in your hotel.

Day 3: Aguas Calientes

After an early breakfast we will drive to Ollantaytambo to board our train to Aguas Calientes. You will have leisure time to spend the day as you please, resting in your hotel, relaxing in the local hot springs, hiking the small trails around the town, or exploring the many restaurants and shops Aguas Calientes has to offer.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco

After an early breakfast we will begin our 1 hour ascent to Machu Picchu on foot or by bus (passengers’ choice). You will meet your guide at the entrance to start your 2 hour guided tour and afterwards you will have free time to explore on your own. Later in the afternoon, after lunch, we will board a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by bus.

Day 5: End Of Tour

You can enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a driver transports you to the airport for your departing flight or bus station as you head to your next destination.

Day 1 Cusco

Arrive at any time.

Arrive early and spend some time exploring the city. Meet the group at the welcome meeting, check for the start time on the welcome note at the hotel.

Please note: hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Day 2 Cusco/Ollantaytambo

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).

Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them. Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.

Day 3 Lares Trek

Depart Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town where the hike begins. Spend the first night at a G Adventures-supported campsite in Cuncani.

The Lares Trek is a scenic, less touristic route to hike through the Andes. It is one day shorter than the Inca Trail but higher in elevation. Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Lares Trek.

The locations and distances may change on this hike, as camping will be done in different places depending on pace, ability, and weather. The first night will always be spent at the G Adventures-supported, community-owned and managed campsite in an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry. In most cases, the CEO will hike the Lares Trek with the group.

Day 4 Lares Trek

Start early to hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass (4,800m/15,748 ft), providing scenic views of lagoons and the snow-capped Chicon Mountain. Celebrate after reaching the highest point by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods. After the morning hike, stop to rest and take in the amazing view. Continue hiking downhill to our second campsite near the stream for the night.

Day 5 Lares Trek/Ollantaytambo

Enjoy the last few hours of hiking before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo to enjoy a good night's rest at your hotel.

Day 6 1-Day Inca Trail

Travel to km 104, disembark the train and start trekking on the Inca Trail. Hike steeply up into the mountains past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata. Gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon.

Day 7 Machu Picchu/Cusco

Rise early and enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Later, travel back towards Cusco by train.

Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins, then head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco.

Day 8 Cusco

Depart at any time.