Lares Trek

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

This trek offers an outstanding combination of amazing mountain and valley scenery in a remote area, the visit will really get an in-site into the Authentic Quechua Communities and see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas, and even guinea pigs running loose inside the houses. This hike starts in the Lares Valley and village of the same name, where you can enjoy a night dip in its relaxing hot springs, to then follow to the Andean communities of Huacahuasi, Patacancha and Willoq, reaching the village of Aguas Calientes on the third night, after a 2-hour train-ride from Ollantaytambo. Finally, the fourth day is devoted to visiting the impressive Inca citadel of Machupicchu

Package Name:	Lares Trek
Duration:	4 Days / 3 Nights
Type of Trek :	Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu
Group Size :	To suit group requirements - (no more than 12 Persons)
Difficulty degree of this hike:	Moderate / Challenge
Departures Day:	- Daily Departures - Small Groups - All private service departure dates are adapted to your request. - A minimum of 2 persons is needed for this trek
Activities:	Adventure / Trekking / Biking / Ecological/
High Season:	April - November
Route:	Closed in February

Lares Trek
Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco - Lares (Hot Spring)
Day 2: Lares (Hot Spring) - Ipsaycocha)
Day 3: Ipsaycocha - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calienties – Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 1: Cusco - Lares (Hot Spring)

We leave Cusco at 6:00am in a private transport and drive for an approximated 4h through part of the Sacred Valley to then head towards Lares (3100m/10168ft), a little rural village located in the beautiful valley of the same name, hosting some well-known hot springs. Upon arrival, we leave our equipment and continue towards Choquecancha, an impressive archaeological site with amazing views of the neighboring valleys. After our visit, we hike back to Lares, where we can enjoy an evening dip in its hot springs before or after our dinner is served. Our camp will be set next to the thermal baths and access is free the whole night.
Meals: L, D

Day 2: Lares (Hot Spring) - Ipsaycocha)

After an early wake up and breakfast, we meet our horsemen and horses and leave our campsite at around 9.00am to walk along an ascending path that will lead us to Huacahuasi, (3600m/11808ft). This remote Andean community is located in an impressive valley, where the typical lifestyle and house constructions of the Quechua communities living at high altitude can be appreciated. We stop to visit a typical house and family, before we enjoy our lunch. In the early afternoon, we continue our hike ascending toward the mountain pass of Ipsay (4450m/14596ft/3h), walking across little communities and Andean flats (pampas) with the presence of llamas and alpacas. The pass offers impressive views of Mount Veronica and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Just half an hour from this point is Ipsayqocha, a beautiful lagoon next to which we set our camp and spend the night, amidst awesome scenery.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Ipsaycocha - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

After two full days of hiking today is much easier. After an early breakfast we walk downhill through a wide-open valley for about 2½ hours until we arrive at the village of Patacancha. We will have a chance to view some textiles made by the people of this community - the high quality weavings are famous for their intricate designs reflecting aspects of their everyday lives and culture. After we also get the chance to walk slowly down the valley to Willoq, another Quechua village where the locals still wear their traditional dress and are proud to maintain their cultural identity. From Patacancha we will take our transport further down the valley to Inca town of Ollantaytambo where we will rest and have lunch, then catch our afternoon train to AguasCalientes. This is an amazing journey that starts in the Quechua highlands and slowly descends to lush tropical vegetation as we near AguasCalientes. Total journey time about 1½ hours. Tonight we stay in the small quaint town of Machu Picchu.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Aguas Calienties - Machu Picchu - Cusco

5 am breakfast then at 5.30am we get the bus to Machu Picchu. We need to depart early so those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu will need to sign up before the 2 hour guided tour. During your visit to these ancient ruins you will see clouds fly past and Machu Picchu will disappear with in them, so make sure you take pictures whilst the ruins are visible. After the tour you will have free time to explore the mountain of Huayna Picchu overlooking all of Machu Picchu - by far the best view! Huayna Picchu will take approximately 2 hours return trip. It is now your choice to enjoy lunch just outside the ruins or take the bus back to AguasCalientes to explore this small and quaint village. The train back to Cusco departs late afternoon so your estimated time of arrival is approximately 9pm.

What is Included:

• English speaking guide
• Pre-departure information meeting,
• Machu Picchu entrance fees.
• First aid kit, portable oxygen Tank,
• 3 night accommodation in tourist hostel,
• Transfers,
• Bus ticket Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes,
• Expedition train ticket Aguas Calientes - Ollantayatmbo,
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo - Cusco Hotel

What is NOT Included:

• International air fares to Peru,
• Domestic flights, airport taxes,
• Meals other than those specified in your itinerary,
• Personal insurance.

Recomended Things To Take

• Sleeping bag (you can rent at Cusco Expeditions office).
• Bottle of mineral water.
• Rain gear and/or plastic poncho (can be purchase in Cusco).
• Hiking boots.
• Warm jacket or fleece, t-shirts, shorts, long pants, sun hat and wool hat.
• Flashlight.
• Sun block.
• Insect repellent.
• Toilet paper and garbage bag.
• Small towel and bathing suit (hot springs optional).
• Camera, extra film and extra batteries.
• Snacks, chocolates, energy bars.
• Emergency money.
• Walking stick (optional).

Payment Details:

We require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$150 per person. The deposit can be sent by a WESTERN UNION, PAY PAL, CREDIT CARD or to our PERUVIAN BANKING ACCOUNT money transfer. This is the fastest and most secure form of payment in Peru. The money transfer should be in the name of Cusco Expeditions,. Once you arrive in Cusco you must pay the remaining balance in cash prior to beginning your tour. We accept both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles (local currency).

Making a trek booking:

Prior to making a reservation with CUSCO EXPEDITIONS it is important to read through ourFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ). This will help answer any queries that you may have about our services. In order to make a booking with our lares trek service just click on the Reservations link below.

Important:

The night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (briefing) in our office or in your hotel at either 6 or 7pm (exact time will be confirmed on arrival to Cusco). If you are interested in this tour or do you have any questions about it. Please Contact us .....