The Lares Trek - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the key experiences of The Lares Trek tour?

  You will conquer the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, marvel at the Sacred Valley scenery, and interact with local communities.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes 4 nights in hotels and 2 nights camping. Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be common in Peru.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• What is the minimum age requirement for participants?

  Travellers must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors, the minimum age is 12 when accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 travellers.

• Who will be guiding the tour?

  The tour is led by a G Adventures Representative in Cusco and a specialist Lares trek CEO (Chief Experience Officer) during the hike.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners. For trekking in remote regions, food is included, plentiful, and made from fresh local ingredients.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Your CEO will require proof of insurance.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes train, private van, and hiking.

• Do solo travellers incur extra costs for accommodation?

  No, single travellers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement. Exceptions apply for nights 3-4, which involve camping.

• What optional activities are available?

  Optional activities include a visit to the Inka Museum (10 PEN per person) and a Cusco City Tour (45 PEN per person), as well as a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses in Ollantaytambo.

• Are there laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. Guests may also choose to do their own laundry and are encouraged to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What health considerations should I be aware of for this trip?

  It is essential to consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical information and required inoculations. This adventure involves high altitude (over 8,000 feet / 2,440 meters), and individuals react differently to it, so assess your physical ability. Carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers is recommended.

• Are there specific rules or codes of conduct for participants?

  Illegal drugs and the exploitation of prostitutes are strictly prohibited. Violation of these rules may lead to expulsion from the group without a refund.

• What important information should I know about Machu Picchu regulations and potential trek changes?

  Current and correct passport details are required for Machu Picchu. Regulations mandate different circuits within the site to manage crowds, meaning group members might visit on different routes. During the wet season (January - April), trekking itineraries may be altered for safety if campsites become unusable due to severe rain. The trek also has limited Wi-Fi and cellular service.

• What is the recommended approach for managing money on this tour?

  A combination of US dollar cash and credit/debit cards is recommended. Ensure you have your PIN for cash advances, as many ATMs accept 4-digit PINs. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities. Bring notes in good condition and denominations under 100 USD.

• What are the guidelines for tipping on this trip?

  Tipping service providers like waiters (around 10%) is customary. For local guides, a guideline of $10-15 USD per person per week is suggested. For the Lares Trek, contributions to a collective pool for the Head guide (15-30 USD), Assistant guide (5-15 USD), and Trekking crew (35 USD) are appreciated. For the G Adventures CEO, $20-25 USD per person per week is suggested.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the tour?

  In a situation of dire need, first contact the G Adventures Local Operator or Local Office. If unable to reach them, call the emergency contact numbers provided, which connect directly to the Sales team. Specific numbers are provided for North America, UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and other regions.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving for the tour?

  If you cannot start your trip as scheduled, contact your joining hotel to leave a message for your CEO. If you cannot reach your leader, use the emergency contact details provided. If you have a pre-booked airport transfer that does not arrive within 30 minutes of clearing customs, take a taxi to the starting hotel and seek a refund for the transfer cost upon your return.