Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
4 Days
Cultural
Medium
April - October
The Lares trek is a two to three day high altitude trek in Cusco, Peru, starting near the village of Lares, about 40 kilometers north of Cusco and 35 miles east of Machu Picchu. The Lares Valley is located in the eastern Urubamba Mountain Range, crossing part of the Sacred Valley. Arriving at the start of the trek requires a bus or van ride of approximately 5 hours from the town of Lares. The Lares trek route traverses mountainous areas of the typical Peruvian Andes.
The Lares Valley is home to many traditional weavers and farmers. The indigenous people of this area speak Quechua and Spanish.
The Lares trek is one of the main alternatives to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is slightly shorter and one altitude above the Inca Trail; it is accessible from Cusco.
General information
DAY 1: FIRST HIGH ALTITUDE EXPERIENCE
Cusco – Lares – Kishuarani
Pick up from your hotel.
Transfer to the starting point in Lares.
Take your time to enjoy the hot springs.
Enjoy a lunch prepared by our chef.
After lunch hike 6 km approx. to get to Kishuarani camp.
Dinner and time to sleep.
DAY 2: WE PASS THE PASS OF PACHACUTEC
Kishuarani – Pachacutec – Cancha Cancha
Breakfast and last tips from our guide for you.
You will leave the camp of Kishuarani.
Average time to reach the pass in 5 hours.
In the middle of the hike a nutritious lunch and time to rest.
Approximately 2 hours more to get to Cancha Cancha camp.
DAY 3: VISIT TO THE ANDEAN VILLAGE AND THE SACRED VALLEY
Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and last tips from our guide for you.
Hike downhill to reach Huaran.
Time to enjoy the interaction with local families in Huaran.
Bus from Huaran to Ollantaytambo (30 minutes approx).
Train to Aguas Calientes.
Hotel and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Briefing for the next day.
DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Early in the morning you will go up to Machu Picchu by bus.
Private guided tour in Machu Picchu.
Ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Return to Aguas Calientes walking or by bus.
Take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Lares Valley – Thermal Baths – Wacawasi
At 5:00 am the private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel to head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the beginning of our hike. On the way, we will pass by archaeological remains, Andean markets, Inca cultivated terraces and several small villages. Finally we will reach the highest point Wacawasi at 4450 meters above sea level, from that point, it is all downhill to the beautiful thermal baths at 3250 meters above sea level. You will have time to enjoy a bath, we will also have our lunch.
We will begin the three-hour uphill hike to Wacawasi, where we will set up camp. That afternoon, we will have a good opportunity to meet some of the locals and see some of their typical handicraft exhibition. We may even be able to participate in some lessons on the ancient technique of their special textiles.
Day 2: Wacawasi – Abra Pachacuteq – Patacancha
Early wake up and have breakfast. Today is the longest and most difficult day of the entire trek and you will walk for 7 to 8 hours. The first part of the hike will be up to the Abra Pachacuteq at 4480 meters above sea level. The climb is quite difficult with indescribable panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Chicon and surrounded by breathtaking scenery all around. Almost halfway, we will stop for lunch.
After some rest we will continue passing a series of small Andean communities. We will learn about their knowledge in natural agricultural techniques. After the pass we will continue our way to our camp next to the small village of Patacancha at 3720 meters above sea level.
Day 3: Patacancha – Purmamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Today you will walk downhill for approximately 5 hours, where we will pass local communities such as Willoq, Pumamarca and many others. Crossing through these villages you can get a taste of the traditions and customs handed down by our ancestors since the times of the Tahuatinsuyo (their culture and traditions). Then we continue walking to finally reach Yanahuara then drive to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today we will wake up early to take the first bus to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Inkas. Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, you will have a tour with the tour guide then you will have time to explore on your own the whole site for about 3 hours. Also to climb Huayna Picchu and get the best views of Machu Picchu if you booked in advance.
Afterwards you will go down to Aguas Calientes where you have to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where the driver will be waiting for you to take you back to Cusco.
Included
- Information prior to departure in Cusco.
- Bilingual Professional Information Guide. (2 guides for groups of more than 10 people).
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning (we will pick you up from wherever you are).
- Private transportation to Lares (starting point of the trek).
- Personal tents: 2 people in each tent with capacity for 4 people, to allow greater comfort and to store backpacks.
- Air mattress.
- Camping equipment (kitchen tent, dining tent, backpacks and tables).
- Chef and cooking equipment.
- Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – day 1 to 3.
- Pack animals to carry personal equipment, up to a maximum of 7 kg per person (including sleeping bag and sleeping bag) – day 1 to 3.
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (private room, hot water shower, tv, wi fi).
- Bus ticket to Machupicchu on day 4.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- All meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 snacks (hot drinks, cookies and popcorn) and 3 dinners.
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for hand washing / boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and evening, and also at lunch time if you wish.
- also at lunch time if requested in advance.
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Vegetarian/special dietary options available.
Not Included
- Entrance fees to Huaynapicchu (If you take this ticket, 25 US dollars will be added to the original price).
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain (If you take this entrance ticket, it will be added 25 US dollars to the original price).
- Sleeping bag.
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance fees to the hot springs.
- Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack.
What to bring?
- Original passport
- Student card (if you have one).
- Optional insurance card.
- Waterproof hiking boots (with ankle protectors).
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- T-shirts.
- Comfortable pants.
- Rain pants.
- Sun hat, bathing suit (for the hot springs of Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes).
- Sun block (factor 35 recommended) the sun is strong.
- Insect repellent 40% DEET (for mosquitoes).
- Water bottle.
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended).
- Toilet paper.
- Personal medications.
- Camera and extra batteries.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Extra money for tips for porters, cooks, guides and for any emergency (300 soles).
You can rent in our office:
- Hiking poles (20.00 dollars per person) for the entire trek.
- Sleeping bag (25.00 dollars per person) for the whole trek.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE
02 Persons / $.590.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS PER PERSON.
03 Persons / $.580.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS PER PERSON.
04 Persons / $.560.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS PER PERSON.
05 Persons/ $.540.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS PER PERSON.
06 Persons/ $.520.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS PER PERSON.
08 or more Persons / $.500.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS PER PERSON.
DEPARTURE DAYS ACCORDING TO YOUR REQUEST.
PRIVATE SERVICE
GROUP SIZE ACCORDING TO YOUR REQUEST for people who want a personalized and exclusive service.
All inclusive + description here.
Private groups include additional services such as horses to ride and carry your personal luggage, nice train (Vistadome), Hotel *** in Aguas Calientes “La Cabaña”, bus down to Machu Picchu, walking sticks, extra food and water along the trek.
PRICE PER ADULT PERSON $ .760.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS. MINIMUM 2 PASSENGERS.
PRICE PER STUDENT $ .740.00 US DOLLARS. MINIMUM 2 PASSENGERS.
DEPARTURE DAYS ACCORDING TO YOUR REQUEST.
From: $590
- Agency and local operator
- 100% reliable and safe
- Best prices
- Pay by credit/debit card
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