This trek takes us into the Lares region of the Peruvian Andes, passing green valleys, tranquil mountain lakes and high passes, with breathtaking views of snow-capped Andean peaks rising to just under 6,000 meters. Our route takes us through many small village communities that offer a rare & fascinating insight into traditional Andean life. We’ll make our way by train to Aguas Calientes and continue on to Machu-Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. There we’ll have plenty of time to explore this fascinating site, climb to Huayna Picchu, and see the Sun Gate.
Day 1: Cusco – Pumahuanca – Puyoc
Our first day of the trek starts of in the small village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley. We’ll gently make our way up one of the side valleys covering about 14km in total and climbing about 1150m / 3373ft as we make our way towards the village of Puyoc. On our way up we’ll visit the small Inca site of Pumahuanca and learn about the native plants, flowers and birds that inhabit this region.
This particular route for the Lares trek is not commonly done by other companies so we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of our surroundings without any distractions or disturbance. Because so few people visit the area there is a good chance of seeing Viscachas (a rabbitlike Chinchilla) and we may also spot Andean Fox. Our campsite for the night is at Puyoc (4100m / 13451ft); it’s quite barren at this altitude and it is not uncommon for it to snow up here during the dry season so gloves and a hat are recommended.
Day 2: Puyoc – Yanacocha – Cuncani
Today is the most spectacular day of the trek and quite a bit easier going than yesterday. From our campsite it’s about a 13km walk to the village of Cuncani but most of that is downhill as the pass is only about a 2 hour walk right at the beginning.
As we make our way to Cuncani we’ll pass by snowcapped peaks high above us, serene mountain lakes (including Yanacocha – Black Water) and get to meet the local people dressed in their traditional bright red clothing. This side of the pass is completely different culturally to the other side and as we wind our way down from the pass your guide will teach you about the people and their way of life. You’ll also get to learn a few Qhechua phrases so that you can interact with the local people.
Day 3: Cuncani – Lares
The focus of today is to meet the local people. Waking up early we’ll be taken by our guide to one of the houses where we’ll get to meet a local family. The people are incredibly welcoming and are just as eager to learn about you as you are of them – hopefully by now you’ll have mastered a few phrases and be able to ask a few questions (much to everyones delight and amusement). After the visit you’ll have the opportunity to give any gifts you’ve brought for the local people and also to buy some of the locally made alpaca products that the region is famed for.
Leaving Cuncani it’s just a short distance (6km) until we reach the hot springs of Lares. Along the way we’ll pass through several small communities and see the people growing a variety of foods such as Quinua and Tarwi, we’ll also probably spot flocks of Andean parrots flying overhead (they’re easy to spot thanks to their piercing calls). After a relaxing dip in the hot springs we’ll be picked up by our bus and driven back to the Sacred Valley from where we’ll catch our train to Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Machu Picchu!
Waking up early we’ll take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
INCLUDED IN THE TREK
- Ceremony with your tour guide and locals
- Pick-up from hotel at 05:45am or meet at our depature point in Plaza Cusipata
- Transfer bus to Lares, Quiswarani (starting point of the trek)
- 2 person Igloo tents (new, spacious and confortable)
- A roll pad mattress
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Experienced tour guide (2 guides for groups over 12)
- Full meals: 3 Meals per day, tea time each afternoon
- First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank
- Chef/cooking equipment/kitchen tent
- Horses/mules to carry equipment
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Boiled water to fill your personal water bottle
- Vistadome Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta, private transport to Cusco
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or triple accommodation)
- Porterage of 6kg per person.
- Round-trip bus ticket
Not Included:
- Dinner on the last day
- Snacks: we reccommend bringing chocolate bars, dried fruits, nuts, etc
- Tips for your crew: cooks, horse herders, guides. Tips are not mandatory but are a great gesture of gratitude.
We recommend that you bring:
- Backpack or daypack
- Hiking boots (sneakers/running shoes are not recommended)
- Trekking poles
- Warm layers for variable temperatures, especially at night
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Camera & extra film & batteries / Charger
- Sun Protection : Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses
- Thermals, wool socks/hat for cold nights
- Gloves, scarf
- Insect Repellent
- Rain poncho/rain jacket
- Toiletries/toilet paper/small towel
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs
- Trekking pants (no jeans!)
- Water bottle/water purification tablets
- Personal medical kit
- Original passport (ISIC studentcard if applicable)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips for your staff
OPTIONAL: Small gifts for the children of communities along the trail– such as school supplies, second hand clothes, toys, etc.
The Lares Trek can leave any day of the week, 12 months a year.
Group Tour:
$520 per person
A group tour means that it is open for other trekkers to join you. This means that your group will have varying hiking and fitness abilities. All our guides are experts on how to keep the trek moving and happy no matter how fast you hike.
Private Tour:
Private tours are available and priced by party size.
2 Trekkers: $635 per person
3 Trekkers: $615 per person
4 Trekkers: $605 per person
5 Trekkers: $595 per person
6 Trekkers: $570 per person
7 Trekkers: $565 per person
8 or more Trekkers: $555 per person
* All our tours are priced in US Dollar.
Accommodations:
This tour includes 2 nights camping and 1 night in a basic three star hotel, Inti Punku (or similar). Rooms all include private bathrooms, hot showers and wifi. Prices are based on a shared room (Double, Matrimonial or Triple available) and single rooms are available for a $30 US supplement (all solo travelers are given a single room). Other hotels are available upon request at the prices listed below.
