Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Difficulty: Challenging
Start/End Point: Cusco
Price: From $700 USD
Overview:
The Lares Trek is the perfect hike to Machu Picchu!
In addition to its incredible scenery, this trek gives you the opportunity to have the quiet seclusion of a tough Andes trail, but brings you to villages for camping and interaction with the local people. You will experience all seasons by hiking over snow-capped peaks into the rain forest with waterfalls and hot springs. Unlike the Inca Trail, you will have the opportunity to witness the traditions and customs of the Quechua culture.
PRICE
2 Trekkers (Private): $1000 USD per person
3+ Trekkers: $700 USD per person
Only your $200 non-refundable deposit is due to reserve your space! Final payments are due 30 days before your trek.
Includes:
✓ Transportation from end to end
✓ English speaking guide
✓ All meals as listed (can accommodate dietary restrictions with proper notice)
✓ Duffle bags for items to be carried by porters (up to 15lbs/7kilos per person).
✓ Clean water at every meal stop
✓ Accommodation at a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes
✓ All entrance fees and permits
✓ Tents – 2 people/tent (single occupancy available for additional charge)
✓ Sleeping Mat
✓ Basic First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Does not include:
X Gratuity for staff
X Accommodation in Cusco
X Airfare
X Travel insurance
X Lunch & Dinner Day 4
X Walking sticks (available for rent for $12)
X Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (can be reserved in advance available for additional fee of $85 per person)
X Sleeping Bag (can be rented for $30)
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – CUSCO – HUARAN- CANCHA CANCHA
- We will pick-up you up from your hotel at 5:00am and drive through the Sacred Valley for about one hour, until we arrive at the town of Calca (2,700m/8,858ft)(Sayhuapata/3,291m/10,000ft- trailhead). Here, you will have your first breakfast accompanied by amazing views of the Andes Mountains.
- Next, you will begin your expedition. We will start hiking for about four hours, uphill, along a path with views of farming fields. As we ascend, you will feel the temperature change and start to see different crops and vegetation until we get to the lunch spot.
- After lunch, we will continue hiking for another two hours, uphill, to our first campsite at a local Quechua village called Cancha Cancha (3750m/12,303ft). On arrival, you will have a traditional tea time, and then later, a fantastic dinner before going to sleep.
Include B-L-D
Distance 5.5h/9km/6.2ml
Accommodation Camping/3,750m/12,303ft
Difficulty Moderate to Challenge
Highest point 3,750m/12,303ft
Day 2 – CANCHA CANCHA- QUISWARANY – LARES – HOT SPRING
- After an early breakfast, we will begin the most incredible and challenging day of your expedition. It will be a three or four hour climb to get to the summit of the Pachacute Mountain (4,680 m/15,354ft ) for absolutely stunning views.
- After some rest, we will begin descending to the lunch spot near a beautiful lake. After lunch, we will keep moving for three hours until we get to the Lares campsite.
- The scenery will be very different as you descend to the Lares Hot Springs.
- At the hot springs, you will have the opportunity to enjoy any of the various pools that are composed of pure volcanic water, which is medicinal in nature and considered to be good for your bones, muscles, headaches, and for managing stress. You will have the option to swim in the hot springs all night or go to the village to chat with locals or purchase handicrafts.
Include B-L-D
Distance 10h/16km/9.9ml
Accommodation Camping/3,250m/10,000ft
Difficulty Challenge
Highest point 4,680m/15,354ft
:
DAY 3: LARES HOT SPRINGS – ANKASMARKA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Almost done!
- After breakfast, we will say goodbye to the horsemen, chef, and porters.
- We will take the van for 1.5 hours to the final leg of your trek through the Ankasmarka Inca site.
- After a short downhill hike, we will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station for our ride to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- We will have dinner all together before sleeping at a hotel.
Include B-L-D
Distance 1.5h-walk/3h-car/2h-train
Accommodation Hotel/Aguas Calientes
Difficulty Easy
Highest point 4,150m/13,6154ft
Day 4 – MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO
- Today is the well-deserved cherry on top of the cake! After catching the 30-minute shuttle, you will enter Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour of the most important sites in the city.
- At the end of the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes to pick up your duffel bags from the hotel and return to the train station for your ride back to Ollantaytambo. A private van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco from the train station.
