Overview
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers hikers enchanting landscapes and interaction with rural Andean farmers dressed in their traditional ponchos with distinctive local colors. You will see stone houses with thatched roofs, magical mountain scenery, llamas and alpacas roaming freely in the mountains, and a total absence of frenetic tourist crowds, the beautiful Lares Valley has all the natural beauty of the Inca Trail – magical mountain scenery and the legacy of the Incas – but without the busy tourist crowds. The advantage of this trek is that permits are not required and, in theory, you could just turn up in Cusco and make a booking 2 or 3 days in advance. A wonderful hike offering a unique view into the lifestyles and traditions of the Andean people.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Cusco to Huaran- Cancha Cancha
- Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles
We leave Cusco early morning by bus and travel through the Sacred Valley for approximately 1 ½ hour to Huaran (2900m.) Our hike begins here in a fertile valley and follows a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking roughly 4 ½ hours, we begin to see the glacial peaks of CanchaCancha Casa (4984m.) and Chicon (5530m.) We know we have reached camp when we see the thatched-roof stone houses of the CanchaCancha village (3900m.).
- Time approximate walking: 4 hours.
Day 2 : Cancha Cancha to Quiswarani
- Distance: 13.5K / 8 miles
Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese. From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 ½ hours to the first pass, named Pachacutec (4700m.). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m.) and Chicon (5530m.). An original Inca stone path will lead us along the ridge down into the opposite corridor. We follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quiswarani, where we camp for the night.
Time approximate walking: 8 hours
Day 3 : Quisuarani to Lares Hot Springs to Ollantaytambo to AguasCalientes
- Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles
After a hearty breakfast and a short time to interact with the community, we begin our hike upward through the high puna to the Huillquicasa pass (4400m). From this high mountain perch, one can behold the extensive Vilcanota range and the pastoral farmland and lagoons below. The well-marked trail zig-zags us down to greener pastures, where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze alongside flocks of Andean water birds. The rare Peruvian Viscacha, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags. Continuing down even further, we reach the picturesque village of Cuncani (3700m.) our private transport will be waiting to take us where we’ll have lunch in the hot medicinal baths of Lares (3100m.) A relaxing soak in these thermal pools is an excellent way for trekkers to rest their tired bodies after such a challenging and exhilarating trip. From the village of Lares, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Ollantaytambo where we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, a representative will bring you to your hotel.
Day 4: Machu Picchu
After spending the previous night in a comfortable hotel, we can take the earliest bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, arriving around 6:00 am. After having an interesting 2 hour guided tour of the ruins, you will have some extra time to explore the ruins on your own. You will board a train in the late afternoon that will take you back to Cusco, where you will arrive in the evening.
Includes:
- Hotel Collection and transport to the trailhead.
- Professional, bilingual tour guide and trek staff.
- Plentiful, nutritious meals (Vegetarian option available) and snacks.
- Drinking water is provided throughout the trek.
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes to Cusco
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes.
- Professionally guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Transfer from Train Station in Poroy to your hotel in Cusco.
- Hot water for washing in the morning.
- High-quality, double-occupancy tents, and equipment (includes dining tent, kitchen tent, and latrine tent).
- Pack animals (horses and llamas) to carry baggage and equipment.
- Emergency horse(s) for riding in case of illness or injury.
- Entrance fees to hot springs.
- Transport back to Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
- Duffle Bag.
- Camping mattress.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank.
Does Not Included:
- Sleeping bag.
- Breakfast Day 1, Lunch and Dinner Day 4.
- Tips.
- What you need to bring
- Sleeping bag
- Walking shoes or boots
- Light clothing
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Rain jacket, hat, sunblock, sunglasses
- Chocolates, candies, or snacks
- Camera
- Extra money but in Peruvian national currency
- Hiking poles
Prices
Private Price Service
- US$699.00 per person (Based 2 & 3 people)
- US$659.00 per person (Based 4 & 5 people)
- US$609.00 per person (up 6 people)
Discounts:
- Student Discount: US$20.00 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
- Under 18’s Discount: US$20.00
Additional /Extras Not Included (Need to book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00
- Vistadome Train Aguas Calientes-Cusco: USD 50.00
Optional Extras
- Sleeping Bag US$ 20.00
- Walking Poles (Par) US$ 10.00
- Air Mattress US$ 20.00
- Single Supplement Tent US$ 25.00
