Peru & Machu Picchu: Comfortable Camping on the Inca Trail

G Adventures · 9 days

4.5

4 Reviews

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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Hike the Lares Trek with additional comforts and allow yourself to focus more squarely on the task at hand and at the stunning scenery.

Highlights

Explore the imposing Inca ruins of Pisaq
Interact with the locals in the Sacred Valley
Hike the Lares Trek en route to Machu Picchu with comfortable camping
Wander the temples and terraces of Machu Picchu with an expert guide.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Public bus, private van, train, hiking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Finishes

Cusco, Peru

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Luxury

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco: The Land of the Incas

The air is a bit thinner when you step off of the plane and you can immediately sense the magic of Cusco as you make your way to the city centre along the cobblestone streets past grand buildings and ancient Inca stonework. We welcome you to Peru, a diverse land of natural beauty and traditional cultures and we invite you to open yourself to curiosity and wonder as you embark on this adventure up in the Andes.
Arrive to Cusco at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

Day 2: The Sacred Valley: Pisaq Ruins and Cultural Traditions

The Sacred Valley is aptly named for its importance to the people who have lived there and it is also stunningly beautiful with mountain scenery and colourful farmland along the Urubamba River. You'll see the massive ruins of Pisaq perched up above the town as you approach and you'll get to spend time with a local community on the way up to the site. Lunch is an experience unto itself at a community-run restaurant, using locally-grown ingredients for a delicious and traditional meal. Back at the hotel for dinner, feast on a traditional pachamanca meal consisting of various types of meat, potatoes and vegetables cooked for hours in the ground under hot stones.
Travel from Cusco into the Sacred Valley. Visit the Cuyo Chico community for a snack and to learn about their traditional ceramics and adobe before taking a guided tour of Pisaq archaeological site. Continue to the hotel after lunch. In the evening enjoy a pachamanca dinner.

Day 3: The Sacred Valley: Your OMG Day

Sitting at a slightly lower altitude than Cusco, spending time in the Sacred Valley helps to get you used the altitude in these parts. Choose from a scenic acclimatization hike to a waterfall or get the adrenaline flowing by scaling a via ferrata network of rungs and ladders for lunch with a view.
Choice of activity in the morning, both options including lunch.

Day 4: Lares Trek Day 1: Setting Off

The Lares Trek will take you to new heights both literally and figuratively, with high mountain passes to tackle and majestic Andean scenery. Setting off from Ollantaytambo you'll head up the valley with porters and pack animals to help carry the gear, who will accompany you for the next few days. Let the cool mountain air fill you with energy as you head off into the mountains.
Depart Ollantaytambo on foot. Porters and pack animals will carry the majority of your gear and you'll be able to focus more squarely on the task at hand with included trekking poles and a more comfortable camping experience at night, sleeping on cots with air mattresses and blankets.

Day 5: Lares Trek Day 2: Mountain Vistas

Awake at the mountain campsite and enjoy a cup of tea and a warm shower. The morning mist and the joviality amongst the porters make for a homely atmosphere as you get ready for the day and prepare your things to walk.
Conquer a mountain pass today and enjoy the incredible mountain views. Arrive to camp in the afternoon and kick off the hiking shoes to relax for the rest of the evening.

Day 6: Lares Trek Day 3: Hot Springs

Open your tent to the cool air and see some warm washing water and a cup of tea waiting for you. You'll get wafts of something delicious being cooked and the increasing murmur of the cooks and porters going about their morning. Savour the moment and be present to your surroundings.
Continue hiking from Quiswarani to the G Adventures-supported community of Cuncani for lunch. Carry on walking to the town of Lares and soak in the local hot springs to relax the legs. Camp will be set up nearby for the last night along the trail.

Day 7: Aguas Calientes: Scenic Train

The sense of achievement you feel for completing the hike is one of the biggest rewards for your efforts, and the best is yet to come as Machu Picchu awaits you. Looking out at the mountains from the train as you wind along the Urubamba River makes it feel that much sweeter for the time spent walking the trails and through the remote Andean communities that you visited.
After a leisurely morning at the Lares campsite, drive to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a free evening with an optional visit to the local hot springs.

Day 8: Cusco: Discover Machu Picchu

Exploring the mountaintop Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a magical experience, no matter how many pictures you may have seen of it. The history of the ancient Inca that you've heard in the days leading up to this moment seem to all come together as you wander the site's temples and terraces. Relive the memories and take in the views as you return by train on the way back to Cusco.
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins followed by lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Return by train and bus to Cusco and enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 9: Cusco

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $6039

AUD $4,529

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Hike the Lares Trek with additional comforts and allow yourself to focus more squarely on the task at hand and at the stunning scenery.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Oct 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Bascom R.

Traveled, August 2024

09/24/2024

The experience was beyond all expectations! All the meals were exceptional, including those provided on the Inca Trail, while Glamping. All the porters and cooks were very friendly. Everything was set up perfectly upon our arrival at the campsites.

4.5

Ingrid S.

Traveled, August 2024

09/16/2024

G adventures and their local staff on the ground are undoubtedly an outstanding company to travel with.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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