Lares to Machu Picchu Trek 3 Days & 2 Nights

We think time is very important for travellers and that is the main reason why Inti Expeditions offers the Lares trek in 3 days with Machu Picchu included.This trek is an amazing alternative to the Inca Trail and slightly easier than the Salcantay trek. It takes you off the beaten track in the Andes with a lot of opportunities to interact with the local people and the real andean communities. The trek ends at the Wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.

Only SAM Travel Peru is organizing this trek in 3 days with Machu Picchu included.

Live the Lares trek Experience in video !

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Cusco – Pisac – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Today we pick you up at 5:00am and travel with our private van for 2 hours to take a breakfast in front of Pisac’s ruins. After a visit of Pisac, we will take you to the village of Huaran (2840m) located in the Sacred Valley between Pisac and Urubamba. Huaran is the start of the trail. We will meet up with the horsemen and pack the horses. Leaving the Sacred Valley behind us, we head northwards following a gently climbing trail that runs parallel to the small Cancha Cancha River. It takes 4 hours of walking to our destination, the small village named Cancha Cancha (3800m) where we will spend the night. In Cancha Cancha, we will have our fresh and delicious lunch prepared by our chef, after a nice siesta, we explore this isolated community called Cancha Cancha (no bus route & electricity) and visit some local houses where you may interact with locals, for this would be nice if you may take some toys, old usefull clothes, notebooks, fruits or any supplies, they will always be happy to receive it from you.

Meals: Lunch, Tea time, Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping Facilities
Maximum Altitude: 3800m/12400ft
Distance: 11km approximately
Time: 6 hours approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2 : Cancha Cancha – Quishuarani

Feeling all reved up on our second day and having had a delicious breakfast, we begin our 4 hour hike northeast, an intense trek, passing over three high passes to the highest point of our trek called Pachacuted pass. (4700 mt /15420 ft). This is the time to pat yourself on the back and embrace the feeling of total exhilaration and self achievement having reached the summit. Compensating for the tough trek are the views of the rigid glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, llamas, rugged valleys and undulating farmlands. After a time to enjoy the 360º views, we descend for an hour, taking lunch by the mirrored glacial lake, with picturesque views of the Lares Valley with plenty of llamas and alpacas. After a siesta time, we descend for 2 hours til we reach our campsite located by the Kiswarani community. (3700 mt/12139ft). Taking the backroads to Machu Picchu Llama, herders are readily seen and the local indigenous people will open their hearts and interact with you in the Quechua language (Inca’s language). Your guide will act as your mediator to translate and teach you some Quechua language, and then you get to enjoy the stunning waterfall… Finally we arrive to Kiswany, take our transportation for 2 hours to Ollantaytambo and then the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
Time:8hrs approximately
Difficulty: challenge

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

We rise very early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu at dawn. This is the best time to view the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. We will join our local guide for a detailed interpretation of the citadel and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday. Then we will get a lot of time for further exploring, taking photos and eventualy climbing the Huanaypicchu or going up to the Sun Gate. Afterwards we will head back to Aguas Calientes to have lunch and later in the afternoon we will return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and will then be transferred by van to Cuzco, arriving in the evening..

Meal: Breakfast
Maximum Altitude: 2,040 m/6120 ft

INCLUSIONS

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU

Transfer from the Airport to Hotel (it can be done on any date).
Private transportation from the hotel to Pisac Inca ruins and then Huaran (Trailhead)
Local Licensed & Fluent English speaking guide ( 2 guides for more than 8 people)
Entrance tickets for Pisac Inca Ruins
Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and a transfer back to Cusco
Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
Private guided tour in Machu Picchu for 2 hours.
Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
4 person EUREKA TIMBERLINE TENT and a THICK COMFORTABLE MATTRESS.
Delicious gourmet meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
Chef and cooking equipment
Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
Provision of a horse in case of emergency – In case of illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Boiled water to fill in your bottles
Rain poncho
Transfer back to Cusco only for our group
Interaction with the local kids and community people
Backpack rain cover

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LARES HIKE MACHU PICCHU

Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
Vistadome Train Upgrade – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$35 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Machu Picchu Mountain – US$30 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
One way bus ticket from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes – It can be hiked in one hour.
Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SAM TRAVEL PERU

OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or Train

VISTADOME TRAIN from Machu Picchu back to Cusco (Poroy): US$57 per person
La Cabaña Hotel: US$40 per person
Tierra Viva Hotel: US$70 per person
El Mapi Hotel: US$120 per person
Additional Night in hotel in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on choice and availability)

PRICE

“The best Lares Hike Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”

PRICE:

2 Persons – US$597 per person
3 Persons – US$577 per person
4 Persons – US$559 per person
5 Persons – US$537 per person
6 Persons – US$497 per person
7+ Persons – US$477 per person

***Price based on number of people due to the fact that this trek is not as high in demand as the 4 day Lares Trek, thus it usually has smaller.

Personal porter & Guided tour in the Sacred valley (Pisac Inca ruins) are included!

*** This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we will provide you a duffle bag you can put your things in.

DISCOUNTS

Students with ISIC CARD: US$25. Please send us a copy of your ISIC at the time of booking.
Under 18 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: US$60 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
Personal Tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on availability)
Vistadome Train Upgrade – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$35 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Machu Picchu Mountain – US$30 per person (Please request when you book your Trek
Single Supplement – US$30 per person

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
DUFFLE BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price!
EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be riden if you get tired or sick.
SMALL PILLOW
PLASTIC RAIN pocho made by SAM Travel Peru is included
BEST ITINERARY operated by Lares Trek specialist only

IMPORTANT

“Please have a look at the following informations; it will help you clarify all your queries and questions about our services and the treks to Machu Picchu”

WELCOME TO CUSCO: You will be welcomed on your arrival at Cuzco airport, please ensure that you provide your full flight arrival details at least 14 days prior the trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with your name at the arrival terminal.

The rest of the day is at your leisure until 6pm when your SAM Travel Peru representative will meet you at the lobby of the hotel, who will give you all the information about your trek or tour.

DEPARTURE: Any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers

GROUP SIZE: Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5 .); a small group will make your experience different with a personalized attention of the whole team, you will also enjoy better the route according to its rate hike.

NOTE: Big groups can be organized by request.

TRAIN SCHEDULES: At the end of the Trek or Tour we will take the 2:55pm or 6:35pm train leaving from Aguas Calientes. It takes 2 hours until Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you back to Cusco and your hotel. Train tickets depends on availability.

HOTEL: For treks that include an accommodation in Aguas Calientes, we stay at “Hostal Machu Picchu” or “El Presidente Hotel” which is a very nice place to rest after several days of walking! In comparison to other companies, we will not be staying in basic shared rooms or sharing showers. Our hotels depend on availability.

However, if you would like to have a better accommodation, just let us know the one of your preference and we will let you know how much the extra fee will be.

HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN: Please, if you are thinking of climbing Huayna Picchu mountain you must book it at the same time as your trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Only 400 people can hike Huayna Picchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu around 10 .00 am. The price is $25 per person… more information:

HORSES, COOK & ASSISTANT COOK: On this trek we provide horses and mules to carry the food, the camping equipment and your belongings up to 7 kilos.

NOTE: We included an emergency horse for the group, which can be ridden if you feel exhausted or if you are ill (only for alternative treks)

OUR GUIDES: They all speak english fluently and of course all of them speak Spanish and Quechua (the Inca Language). They are all able to communicate with natives from the area and of course they will have lots of history to share with you.

MEALS: The food provided by the porters and cook is nothing short of amazing. Trekkers can expect a breakfast of omelettes or pancakes, a ‘takeaway’ snack pack of fruit or chocolate to eat mid morning, a two course lunch of soup and meat with pasta or rice, afternoon tea on arrival at camp with biscuits and popcorn and a three course dinner. Breakfast and dinner are accompanied by hot drinks (tea, coffee, chocolate) and lunch usually by cordial (other drinks e.g. soft drinks or beer are at your own expense and can be priced on the trail). All food is prepared, served and cleared away by the cook and porters and the quality of the meals is quite something when you consider that all the ingredients and basic cooking equipment has been carried in. Trekkers will certainly not feel hungry and special dietary requirements can be catered for if specified in advance. You will be able to buy bottled water on day 1 and 2 of the trek at various points along the way, after this you will refill your empty bottles from boiled water provided by the porters. Boiled water will be provided during the trek whenever it is possible to make camp.

OUR EQUIPMENT: We provide 4 men tents for only 2 people and INFLATABLE MATTRESS for everyone. Our dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates and utensils.

Please note that if you are more than 1.95 meters / 6´4″ tall then you won´t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own one.

CULTURE SHOCK RATING: The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English isn’t common and the food will be quite different to home. It’s important to observe some of the local customs in order not to cause any offense. Many of the locals’ standards of living may be confronting.

SPENDING MONEY: Every traveller is different and therefore money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

TIPPING: If you’re happy with the service, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations.

Of course you are free to tip more or less depending on your perception of the service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive an excellent service.

WEATHER: The wet season in this region is from December to March when heavy rains can cause disruptions to ground transport. SAM Travel Peru will monitor any situation that arises and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to natural weather occurrences.

TRANSPORT: Train, Minibus

EMERGENCY CONTACT:

Telephone: (+51) (84) 630690, Telefax: (+51) (84) 630690 Cell Phone:(+51) (84) 992 126 224 (in english and spanish)

Address in Cusco: Luis Vallejo Santoni (Manco Ccapac H-9), 3er Piso – Santiago – Cusco – Peru

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: (From 9:00am to 12:00pm) – ( From 15:00 – 20:00):

HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU: The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is 7kg/15p max. While you hike, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco.

Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.

During the trek, you will need a back pack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sun cream, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litres capacity back pack is big enough.

- - Sleeping bags can be hired locally for approximately US$20.
  - Hiking poles can be hired locally for approximately US$15
  - Rain ponchos can be purchased in Cuzco for a couple of dollars.

FITNESS: The Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important but the Inca Trail is the kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. Obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will admire the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do some extra walking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.

Many people worry whether they will be able to cope physically but complete failure is rare and would usually only result from severe altitude sickness or from a person lacking even the basic level of fitness. People of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is not a barrier if you have a positive mind and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require you to be covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation for a minimum. We strongly recommend that your policy also includes personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the trip until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by our local representative.

If you have a credit card insurance, our local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving Perú.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? Yes, We are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we follow the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. To this end, we have trained all our local staff that knows, understands, feels and respects the place and the people.

ARE WE RESPONSIBLE?: Yes, We try to treat our hikers, our porters and all the local people from the villages with the upmost respect. We travel in small groups to give personalized tours to each traveller, we pay good salaries to our porters and follow the porters´ law. We provide all our porters with their hiking gear such as shoes, pants, jackets, t-shirts, hats, sleeping bags and most importantly, with health insurance.

STORAGE DURING THE TREK: During the trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (briefings are normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7kg (14pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it in our office.

BOOKING: The trek of Lares is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people. Nevertheless you still need to book in advance especially for Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu.