Overview
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Lares Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. Taking you off the beaten track with visits to authentic Andean communities whilst being surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys this fabulous trek offers a real insight in to the lives of the people of Cusco as it once was.
The route we offer starts in the village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley and finishes in the hot springs of Lares with a visit to the village of Cuncani along the way. On Day 3 of the trek you take a bus from Lares to Ollantaytambo and then carry on by train to Machu Picchu.
VERY IMPORTANT:
Daily Departure with at least 2 people
Itinerary
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.
- Lodging: Campsite.
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.
- Lodging: Campsite.
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.
- Lodging: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu.
- Waman Hotel Machupicchu *** o similars.
DAY 4: PRIVATE TOUR OF MACHUPICCHU.
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel your private guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machupicchu citadel, really bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints. Then after your guided tour, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before an afternoon at your leisure. You can explore the areas around Machu Picchu or carry on exploring the ruins.
We will coordinate the time to meet in Aguas Calientes to board our train back to Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you in our private bus or van back to Cusco to your hotel, so with this experiences we have completed our service to Machupicchu and the Sacred Valley of The Incas.
Optional:
The trek to the peak of Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep, if you are scared of heights. This is done after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $35 per person to hike. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance, due to popularity.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
The trek to Machu Picchu Mountain: It has the most spectacular view, It is a 1.5 hours hike to the top. Located to the southwest of the citadel of Machu Picchu with a height of 3,050 m (10,007 ft.), This trek offers unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary and also panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The cost is $35 per person to hike.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
Very Important:
This tour starts when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, and it will finish when we are going to leave you at your hotel in Cusco.
Included
INCLUDED:
- Personalized service with not more than 08 people
- Professional bilingual tour guide.
- Assistant tour guide for groups of 9+.
- Chef.
- Train to Machu Picchu Round Trip with Inca Rail Company.
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 15 lbs/ 07kg of your personal items.
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation from your hotel to the start of trail.
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco.
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Inflatable ” Thermares or Rei sleeping Mattress (you need to carry ).
- EUREKA- Comfortable and very spacious 4 man tent (one tent is used by two people)
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes, Day 3.
- First aid kit.
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
- Breakfast on Day 1, lunch Day 4.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$35
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
Recommendations
THINGS TO BRING:
- Original Passport
- Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries or Head lamps.
Prices
THIS TOUR RUNS ONLY AS A PRIVATE SERVICE!
****Daily Departure with at least 2 people****
| NUMBER OF PAXS | PRICE PER PERSON | ACTION |
| *02 People | $ 729.00 | BOOK NOW |
| *03 People | $ 629.00 | BOOK NOW |
| *04 People | $ 569.00 | BOOK NOW |
| *05 People | $ 529.00 | BOOK NOW |
| *06 People | $ 459.00 | BOOK NOW |
| School Trips or Groups | $… | SEND A REQUEST |
