Lares Valley is particularly well know for its very high-quality, brightly colored weavings and characteristic upturned hats, many of the popular tourist markets being supplied from here. Although in this area always people not far away, they often don't speak Spanish. Although in this area always people not far away, they often don't speak Spanish.
The 4 days Lares Trek is a great alternative, ending at Machu Picchu. The trek itself is rated moderate, similar to the Inca Trail. There are, however, one pass over 4000m so it is essential that you are well acclimatized to the altitude. If arriving from sea level then plan on spending at least 2 days in Cusco and the surroundings before undertaking the trek. This 4-day, newly developed itinerary offers an outstanding combination of amazing mountain scenery in a remote area and visits to authentic Quechua communities such as Huacahuasi, Willog, Patacancha and reaches Aguas Calientes on the third day. The last day is devoted to the visit of the impressive Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
To have the best experience we combine interaction with the local people and use their Llamas to carry all the camping gear and our backpacks, how ancient Andean people did.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco - Lares Valley - Hot Spring - Quishuarani. At 6am private vehicle will pick you from your hotel, transfer through the sacred valley, archaeological remains, Andean markets, cultivated Inca terraces, small villages, and then pass the highest point of this trek know Huacacasi (4450m), from here downhill to Lares valley (3250m), where we have time to enjoy the thermals baths. Lunch is provided there as well. Here will meet the rest of our trek team, Cook and the Llameros (Llama handlers), Llamas to carry all food, our backpacks, and the camping gear.
Three hours of uphill trekking to Quishuarani, there we will set up, our campsite, here there is nice chance to meet the locals and they will show their artisan weaving exhibition and lessons about its ancient techniques.
Day 2: Quishuarani - Abra Ipsay - Patacancha. Early wake up and breakfast. Today is the largest and hardest day of this entire Llama trek, will hike between 7 to 8 hours, on the beginning will be uphill to the Abra Ipsay (4480m). The climb is pretty hardwith indescribable panoramic view of snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Chicon and surrounding by stunning landscape. Half way stop for lunch break. While hiking will pass Andean communities, they have a large knowledge of natural agriculture and ancient ways of working textile so that their colorful clothes, unique from this region. After the pass we’ll continue our journey downwards until our campsite next to the small village of Patacancha (3720m). Set up the tents and time to explore around on your own.
Day 3: Patacancha - Pumamarka - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes. Today will be 5 hours of downhill hike where we’ll pass local communities such as Willoq (3400m), Pumamarca (3200m) and many others. From Patacancha through the landscape, crossing these villages we can taste the traditions and habits passed on by our ancestors throughout the times of the Tahuatinsuyo Empire (the Inca-culture and traditions). Finally transfer by van to Ollantaytambo (2850m) that speaks from its archaeological sites a wide story of Andean history. From Ollantaytambo we’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m), the tourist town build beneath the ruins of Machu Picchu. Spend the night at the selected hotel.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Cusco. Today we take the first bus up to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Usually we use to get Machu Picchu by 7am, so from this time we will be able to visit Machu before others hikers arrive here. Completely guide tour of this complex and then you will have plenty of time to explore by yourself the whole site for about 3 hours and there is time as well to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain and get the best view over Machu.
We’ll all meet afterwards to go down to Aguas Calientes (2050m) where you can take lunch before take train back to Cusco. Arrival to your at 8pm approx.
Price Includes:
- Official English speaking guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)
- Tran fer by private van from Cusco to Lares valley
- Entrance to the ruins along the way (one time)
- One Llama per each participants to carry backpack (personal items)
- Experienced cook
- Cooking equipment
- Teatime everyday (coffee, tea, popcorn, biscuit)
- 4 capacity tent (four season tent) - 2 persons per tent with plenty space for backpacks
- Double thickness foam sleeping mattress
- All meals on the trail (3 x B, L, D)
- Water supply (boiled) after every dinner or breakfast
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (backpacker train)
- Kitchen and dining tent with camp tables and chairs
- Tents and food for our camp staff
- Trekking price include all local sales taxes (19%)
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle for any participant and our camp staff
Price Excludes:
- Optional entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (US$3 last day)
- 2 soles for towel to use in the hot spring
- Alcoholic drinks
- Porters to carry your personal items (see bellow)
- Sleeping Bag can be hired in our local office in Cusco US$5 per day
- Breakfast on the first day before to be collected from your hotel, if your hotel don't offer early breakfast service, we stop at Ollantaytambo village to have breakfast for additional cost
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes before the train back to Cusco
- Tips for guide and camp staff
- Optional night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged easily
What You Need to Bring/Carry:
- Backpack 65lt and big enough rain cover or plastic bag to cover the backpack when the horse will be carrying
- Sleeping bag can be hired from our office for US$5 per day
- Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco/Peru)
- Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear
- One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
- Sweater and jacket (something warm)
- Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)
- Flashlight and batteries
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
- Sun block (sun protection cream)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc
- Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
- Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs)
- You also need to bring your original passport on the trail
- Optional: walking sticks or poles
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Private VIP service (private guide):
2 participants US$497 each
3-4 participants US$475 each
5 to more participants US$455 each
Discount 10%: South American Explorers Club Members and Tour Operators only
Students: 5% discount only with valid green ISIC card
Organized Groups: We offer private and any time departure
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Hiking & Trekking
Llama Trekking
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