Lares Trek is one of the most popular alternative treks chosen by travelers to Cusco. This route passes through typical local communities, enabling travelers to witness how the people of the Andes have conserved their traditions. The scenery in this area is spectacular, with inter-Andean valleys overlooked by soaring snow covered mountains. The trek ends in the Patacancha valley, where local people continue the weaving traditions of their forebears. Below this valley is Ollantaytambo, from where we will travel by train to Machu Picchu.
DAY 1: CUSCO - CALCA - LARES THERMAL BATHS - WACAWASI
We will leave Cusco at 6.00 am for the drive to Calca, a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is an excellent time of day to enjoy the fine scenery visible on all sides of the road. On the way there will be time to visit the Inca granaries of Muyoq Orqo, after which we will continue along the valley road, passing Mount Sawasiray before beginning our ascent to Lares at the pass known in Quechua as Willka Punku (“Sacred Gateway”). We will have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the Lares thermal baths. After lunch we will begin our walk to the first campsite at the village of Wacawasi, where we will visit local weaving families and have our evening meal.
DAY 2: WACAWASI - IPSAYQOCHA
We will continue our trek after breakfast, climbing steadily through the natural highland habitat of llamas and alpacas. This is a good area for bird watching, or for simply taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. We will arrive at our second campsite in the afternoon, at an isolated picturesque location far from all human settlements.
DAY 3: IPSAYQOCHA - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
Today we will reach the high pass at Ipsayqocha (14,271 ft / 4350 m), in a landscape populated by herds of llamas and alpacas. Once over the pass, a long descent takes the walker to the indigenous community of Patacancha, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us to Ollantaytambo, a village originally established by the Incas. We will have plenty of time to visit the archaeological site before our transfer to the train station for the ride to the village of Aguas Calientes, below the ruins of Machu Picchu, where we will spend the night at the hotel of your choice (hotel not included).
DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU
We will get up early today and take one of the first shuttle buses up to the ruins of Machu Picchu, a ride of approximately 25 minutes. After the guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will have plenty of free time to climb the mountain known as Huayna Picchu (subject to availability). Some sections of this route require ropes and only those travelers who do not suffer from vertigo should attempt it. It is a one-hour trip to the summit and is not recommended during rainfall.
INCLUDED
Tourist transport Cusco - Calca – Lares.Transport Patacancha – Ollantaytambo.
Backpacker Train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes.
Backpacker Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (subject to availability)
Transportation Ollantaytambo - Cusco.
Roundtrip bus tickets to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Transfer to the hotel.
Entrance to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Professional tourist guides (English / Spanish). 02 guides for groups over 9 people.
Camping equipment: tents, inflatable mattresses, dining tent, kitchen; tables, chairs, tablecloths.
First-aid kit and oxygen.
Horsemen and porters (support team) also mules to transport food, camping equipment and personal luggage of passengers.
Luggage 6 kilos per person.
1-2 emergency horses depending on group size.
Meals 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03 dinners.
One night accommodation in Aguas Caliemntes.
NOT INCLUDED
Lunch on the fourth day in Aguas CalientesSleeping bag
Tips for guides
Tips for the staff
Extra Drinks
What you need to take
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trekRain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or US$
Original passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
“This tour is available every day provided we have a minimum of 2 pax”