OVERVIEW
TheLares Trek 04 days and 03 nights, offers an authentic experience rooted in tradition, immersed in the rich history of the communities it passes through.
From the first day, this experience captivates with a visit to the peaceful hot springs in a valley with a variety of flora and fauna. Here nature plays a very important role as the most effective sanctuary from the stress and monotony of everyday life.
This adventure is open to all people with an adequate and optimal state of health for the challenge of the trail. It can be undertaken alone to make new connections, as a couple or with friends to share emotions, and even as a family to weave a memorable experience.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
The Lares Trek is the perfect package for everyone who wants to hike on an ancient Inca path on the Andes highlands, which has remained somewhat the same for 5 centuries now. You will also witness the local people on typical clothes, see small Andean villages, and be close to free, region-only camelids like alpacas and llamas.
- 06:00 – 09:00 Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the town of Calca where we can visit the local market.
- 09:00 – 11:00 We continue the tour to the sector of Lares to visit the hot springs.
Free time to enjoy the hot springs and to have lunch in this place.
- 01:00 – 05:00 We start our hike to reach the village of Wacawasi to know and learn a little about its history.
- 05:00 – 05:30 Ascent through the mountain to reach our first camp.
- Camp Night
At 6:00 am we’ll pick you up at the hotel and go by car to the Lares village. The transfer will take about 3 hours; we will travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and stop first at the village of Calca to visit the local typical market.
Later, we continue by car to the Lares village (3.260 meters above sea level – 10.695 feet above sea level), the starting point of the Lares Trek. At this village you can enjoy the hot springs to relax and then have a delicious lunch.
The first section of the hike will take about 4 hours, up to the first campsite. The path is quite steep for the first 30 minutes but it turns flat after; we will cross a small river and get to Wacawasi village. During the hike you will see people dressed in typical clothes including ponchos and hats. The campsite (3.880 meters above sea level – 12.730 feet above sea level) is 40 minutes away from this village.
- 08:00 – 11:00 After breakfast, we start our ascent again through the Puna area to reach the highest pass called Ipsaykassa. Free time to enjoy the place and take the best photos of the day, contemplating the wonderful flora and fauna.
- 10:00 – 13:00 We’ll continue along an ancient Inca trail to reach some agricultural terraces. From there, we’ll descend to the town of Ollantaytambo. Free time for lunch and to bid farewell to our support staff.
- 03:37 -05:00 Train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Voyager Service).
Hotel Night in Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, there is an uphill hike for 3 hours to the Ipsaykassa Pass. This place stands at 4.450 meters above sea level (14.600 feet), is the highest point of the trek. The area is full of Andean animals like alpacas, llamas and sheeps, and typical shacks. We’ll have lunch at the Ipsaycocha Lagoon, 30 minutes away from the pass.
- 08:00 – 10:00 After breakfast, we’ll have local transportation to reach Pallata where we’ll begin ascending to Pumamarca.
- 10:00 – 13:00 We’ll continue along an ancient Inca trail to reach some agricultural terraces. From there, we’ll descend to the town of Ollantaytambo. Free time for lunch and to bid farewell to our support staff.
- 03:37 – 05:00 7:10 Train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Voyager Service).
- Hotel Night in Aguas Calientes
The day begins with breakfast and next a 40-minute journey by car to Pallata. We will hike uphill for 45 minutes to the Pumamarca archaeological site where you will have a professionally guided tour. Then we take the old Inca Trail for 3 hours and next the path along the Patacancha River. Ollantaytambo village is our destination of day 3.
There we will have lunch and some free time to explore the village; you can visit the main square or go on a 1-hour walk to the Inca warehouse (Qolqa). Dinner will be at a local restaurant and then we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night at a hotel there.
- 06:30 Breakfast at the hotel and bus transfer to Machu Picchu.
- 07:00 – 09:30 Guided tour visiting the most important sites of the Machu Picchu archaeological group. (Schedule subject to changes according to Machu Picchu entrance availability)
After the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and free time for lunch at a tourist restaurant (complimentary by the company).
- 04:22 – 06:10 12:00 Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Voyager Service).
- 06:10 – 08:00 Van trip from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
After an early breakfast at the hotel we will meet our professional guide to board the 25- minute bus ride to Machu Picchu. Once there, we’ll do the awesome professionally guided Machu Picchu Tour for about 3 hours; you will visit the Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the Intihuatana or Solar Clock Stone and the Condor Temple among other great attractions.
Afterwards you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu by yourself and take many pictures. When you are ready, you can take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and later the train to Cusco where we will finally transfer you to the hotel.
What’s included?
INCLUDED:
- Transfer upon arrival. We take you in private transport, from the airport to the hotel.
- Detailed briefing. Conducted the day before starting the package. Complete orientation done by the guide, explaining everything about the tour. He will also clarify any questions you may have.
- Transfer Cusco-Lares. Trip on private transport from Cusco to the Lares village.
- Entrance to Lares hot springs. Quite relaxing warm pools to enjoy before the hike.
- First-rate guide. Professional tourism guide, specialized in the Inca Trail. Bilingual (English and Spanish).
- Additional guide. Second professional and specialized guide, for groups larger than 9 hikers.
- Radio transmitter-receiver. Our main guide and the head chef have these devices, for constant coordination in logistics, customer safety, request support, etc.
- Oxygen tank. To instantly solve resolve any issue as a result of high altitudes.
- First aid kit. We always carry products to offer adequate first care. On the other hand, if you are having any medical treatment, do not forget to bring your medications.
- Small groups. We handle an adequate number of people, semi-private or private tour style.
- Comfortable tents. We offer 4-people ones for 2 hikers, and 2-people ones for 1 hiker. In addition they are suitable for any season, easily adaptable to climatic variations.
- Inflatable mats. Also suitable for all weathers, waterproof and with thermal insulation.
- Complete dining room. Tent with chairs, tables, tablecloths, crockery, set of cutlery for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Sustainable kitchen. We use biodegradable cleaning products: detergent, dishwashers. Our other products are managed in a highly responsible manner regarding the environment.
- Awakening beverage. Courtesy herbal tea taken to your tent, every morning before breakfast.
- Tea time. Every day before dinner, with herbal infusions, coffee, tea, bread, butter, jam.
- Food: Day 1 (lunch and dinner), day 2 (breakfast, lunch and dinner), day 3 (breakfast, lunch and dinner), day 4 (breakfast). May include lunch in an Aguas Calientes restaurant on day 4, after the Machu Picchu tour. You should book it in addition while doing the reservation.
- Varied snack. Provided every day in a small cloth bag: a fruit, an energetic bar or crackers and candies.
- Lunch and dinner. They are buffet or semi-buffet style, with a variety of Peruvian and fusion dishes. Non-alcoholic beverages and desserts are also served.
- We provide any diet. Vegetarian, vegan and other types are also available at the hikers request, at no additional cost. Please tell us about your diet in advance, during the reservation.
- Kitchen personnel. Specialized cooks and assistant in food preparation, with experience and trained in alimentary hygiene.
- Eco-responsible plastic. We have minimized use of all types of disposable plastic. We work with almost 100% reusable plastic, or other materials that do not pollute the environment.
- Warm water. We offer tempered water every day for personal hygiene before meals.
- Boiled water. It is available for drinking, from the third day. For the previous days, you can buy it or bring in your reusable bottle.
- Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival at the village below Machu Picchu.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes. We include 3-star accommodations.
- Entrance tickets. For the Machu Picchu citadel tour.
- Return bus. From the Machu Picchu citadel to Aguas Calientes village, after the guided tour.
- Train ride. From Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo station. (Return to Cusco at a convenient time).
- Private transportation. From the train station in Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco City.
- Departure transfer. From your hotel to the airport, in an agreed day (coordinate it previously with us).
- Also included at the client’s request:
- Polar sheets. Very useful for camping nights, especially in winter.
- Bags (duffel bags). We have them for lending.
- Waterproof poncho. Needed throughout the season, for drizzles and rains, we lend them.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights. Either international or domestic air travel.
- Sleeping bag. It’s essential to have one that withstands up to -18°C. We rent them for US$25.00.
- Huayna Picchu mountain ticket. This hike needs a separate reservation at an additional cost and well in advance.
- Travel insurance. Very important requirement for your safety and protection, for example in case of a medical emergency, the costs will be much lower.
- • Personal Expenses and Tips. Such as craft purchases, clothing, drinks, etc. Tips are also not included and are voluntary based on the service received.
- • Firts-day Breakfast.Arrange with your hotel for an early breakfast before our pickup.
WHAT TO PACK
Yes, it’s essential to understand that the Lares Valley is part of the Inca Trail networks regulated by government entities. Visiting them alone is only possible with a formal company like VACATIONS IN PERU. We are among the few companies that can provide the service without subcontracting with a second or third party.
It’s moderately difficult and not a technically challenging trek, although altitude can affect certain individuals. Considering it’s a trek in high altitudes, this route is one of our cooler journeys. Make sure to bring warm and cozy clothing.
During the trek, on the first and second nights, you’ll sleep in comfortable campsites, offering a different and unique experience. On the third night, accommodation is provided in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have all amenities.
The weather in Cusco is highly changeable. While there are two main seasons, it’s advisable to be prepared for various climates. Therefore, we recommend bringing waterproof and warm clothing, along with lighter attire for sunny days. It’s also crucial to have suitable trekking footwear.
Cusco offers captivating weather diversity throughout the year, notably in two seasons:
- -Dry Season (April – October): Sunny and pleasant days with infrequent rains, ideal for enjoying the landscape and a favored choice for many travelers.
- -Rainy Season (November – March): While rains are more common, the sanctuary’s nature and its surroundings become more vivid. Additionally, being less crowded, spaces are more available for us.
- Backpack
- Beanie, gloves and scarf
- Camara/Smart phone
- Coca leaves
- Extra cash for souvenirs, snacks etc.
- Flip flops/sandals
- Hat
- Hiking shoes
- Light clothes (for 3rd and 4th day of hike)
- Mosquito repellent (40% DEET or more is recommended)
- Plastic bag
- Personal medication
- Poncho
- Small backpack (for day activities)
- Snacks
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Toiletries
- Torch/flashlight and batteries
- Towel
- Warm clothes
- Water bottle
- Waterproof jacket and pants/Raincoat
GROUP TOUR STANDARD HOTEL/ VOYAGER TRAIN
- FROM $555.00
*Expedition/voyager class train.
*Standard hotel accommodation (Double or Matrimonial room).
