Lares to Machu Picchu Trek 4 Days/ 3 Nights

The trek of Lares is a fantastic alternative to the Inca Trail which will take you through traditional villages, where people live much like their Inca ancestors. They have homes made of stone and adobe with thatched roofs, they still weavie much of their clothes and work the land with foot ploughs. At the end of your hike, you will be rewarded by a relaxing bath in the hot springs found in the town of Lares.

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

Leaving Cancha Cancha we continue north east up the valley, passing small thatched stone houses. After 3 hours the path flattens out before climbing steeply for 2 more hours to the highest pass, called Pachacutec Pass (4758m). From the pass you will be rewarded with superb views of Pachacutec Lake and the snowy peaks of Pitusiray. The path continues for an hour along a narrow ridge until dropping down into a beautiful secluded corrie filled with glacial lakes (Lunch). The lip of the corrie descends into the next valley, following a series of cascading waterfalls up to the village of Quishuarani (3700m). We will camp here for the night. At the camp, tents will be ready to get in and then get hot shower will be available for refreshing!! Enjoy tea time and dinner and then to bet in our confortable tents.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Tea time, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Maximum Altitude: 4700m/14100ft
Distance: 14km approximately
Time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge.

Day3 : Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The Lares Trek continues on the 3rd day after breakfast. We walk to Hillkicasa pass (4200mt/13779ft), the second one of the trek. From here you can enjoy spectacular views on either side. The majestic Colquecruz and Pitusiray mountains are a special treat to watch from the pass. We continue the trek through the Puna grasslands, agricultural sites and lakes. After 3 hours we reach Cuncani, a small peasant community. From Cuncani we head down through a lush valley with even more agricultural areas, seeing lovely native flowerslike begonias and wild orchids. We reach our destination, Lares town (3100mt/10170ft), after a 2 hour walk. This is the district (also called Lares) capital, we enjoy the natural volcanic hot spring for more than 1 hours. Once lunching in Lares we will take our private transport to Ollantaytambo (journey takes 3 hours) from where we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel with private bathroom, wifi, breakfast, hot shower, storage.
Maximum Altitude: 3800m/12400ft
Distance: 14km approximately
Time: 6 hours approximately
Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate.

Day 4 : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel; at 5:00am we will take the first bus to Machu Picchu citadel, one of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site: it will be an unforgettable experience! Your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding vestiges and its main streets. Then you could wander around the town squares as well as climb the Wayna Picchu . Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore further the site on your own, to go up to the Sun Gate, to relax or to meditate. Finally you will descend to Aguas Calientes and, later on, board the train at 4.22 pm for the return trip to Cusco; you will stop at the Ollantaytambo Station and be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco.

Meal: Breakfast,
Maximum Altitude: 2440m/7320ft

INCLUSIONS

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR LARES TREK 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
THICK COMFORTABLE FOAM 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 FOR THE LARES TREK 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.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES

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

PRICE

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

PRICE – US$559 per person

*** This price includes the extra personal porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos, guided tour in Sacred Valley (Pisac Inca ruins) are included in the price and we will provide you with a duffle bag.

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

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 Lares Trek Machu Picchu
OXYGEN TANK will be available along the Lares Trek Machu Picchu
EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
SMALL PILLOW
PLASTIC RAIN pocho made by SAM Travel Peru is included.
GUIDED TOUR INTO PISAC INCA RUINS: Enjoy and explore the amazing Inca city of Pisac which is one of the most important Inca cities of the famous Sacred Valley.
BEST ITINERARY operated by Lares Trek Machu Picchu 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 inMachu 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.

PACKING LIST

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR LARES TREK MACHU PICCHU

Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: 2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
Headlamp: essential
Toiletpaper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG FOR LARES TREK MACHU PICCHU

As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

2 t-shirts
2 hiking pants at least
4 sets of undergarments
3 sets of hiking socks
Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
Couple Fleece/ Thermals
Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
Swimming Suit

TOILETRIES

Face moisturizer
Hand Sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and paste
Personal medications
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR LARES TREK MACHU PICCHU

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
Sun Hat
Sunscreen
Headlamp: essential
Wool Hat
Rain gear
Fleece
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Coca leaves.
Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
Gloves
Camera
Hand sanitiser
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
Valuable Items