Overview
Overview
- Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
- Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Pachacuteq Pass – Quiswarani
- Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares – Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo
- Day 4: Ollantaytambo – KM104 – Wiñay wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
- Maximmun Altitude: 4,780 m / 15,682 ft
- Walking Distance: 48 km / 29,82miles
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
Today your Lares Valley adventure to Machu Picchu begins early.Picking you up at 5:00am. On the way to the trailhead we have a quick stop at the traditional Calca market where your chef will buy some local organic produce. Here you also have the opportunity to buy anything you might want to gift to the highland children you will meet along your trek. Arriving at the trailhead Huaran(3,000 m/9,840 ft) in the sacred valley, your breakfast is served between the mountains, admiring the mountain peaks and awesome views of the valleys. Full of energy, it’s now time to get our packs ready, put our boots on and begin our first 3 hours gradually ascending towards Cancha Cancha. Along the way, your lunch will be served next to the river, replenishing your energy for the trek ahead with a delicious meal prepared by your trekking chef.
Cancha Cancha (3,956 m / 12,976 ft) is one of the most isolated and traditional communities, self-sustaining as it has been for hundreds of years. There is no road to the community and they were recently connected to electricity in December, 2019. After settling into your tents and having afternoon tea, you will have the opportunity to visit a local family. You will learn all about life in a traditional Andean village, with your guide as your interpreter.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snacks / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3,956 m / 12,976 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
- Walking Distance: 10 km
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Pachacuteq Pass – Quiswarani
Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of coca tea to enjoy in your sleeping bag before you get up for breakfast. Feeling all revved up to begin our second day, after another delicious breakfast, we begin our 7 hour hike. It starts out as an intense walk, accomplishing high passes on our way to the highest point of our trek at Pachacuteq Pass(4,780m /15,678 ft). This is where you pat yourself on the back and embrace the satisfaction and exhilaration for making it up to the summit. Motivating you along the trail for this intense part of the trek are the views of glaciers, remote lakes, alpaca herds, rugged valleys and spectacular mountain vistas. Keep your eyes on the sky for the Caracara falcons and Andean geese!
After enjoying the snacks and the summit, we descend for 3 hours until we reach our campsite Quiswarani community, (3,700m/12,139ft). On the way, we will be taking an isolated trail where we will see indigenous highland people in their traditional outfits herding their llamas and alpacas. The local indigenous people will open their hearts and interact with you in the Quechua language (the Incas’ language). Your guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua language. When you arrive at the spectacular seven waterfalls, you are almost to the campsite!
At the campsite, everything will be ready. Enjoy hot drinks and appetizers before dinner, then snuggle in for a comfortable night sleep.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snacks / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 4,780 m / 15,678 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
- Walking Distance: 12 km
- Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
- Difficulty: challenging
Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares – Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo
Your adventure continues as you begin the most scenic day yet! We begin our ascent for 3 hours until we reach the Willqaqasa Pass, (4,200 m/13,779 ft) getting a bird’s eye view of the reflections of the mountains in mirror images in the glacial lakes. The majestic Colquecruz and Pitusiray Mountains are awe inspiring to admire from the pass. We continue our trek through the Puna grasslands, undulating and productive agricultural sites and natural pristine lakes. Time to descend for 2 hours to the Cuncani community. Connecting with the local indigenous children, you may have the opportunity to visit their school and share in some quality time with the students.
From Cuncani we meet our driver and ride down through a lush valley with extensive agricultural areas, fruit bearing trees, varied flora, and native flowers like begonias and wild orchids. Finally, we reach our destination, the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/ 10,170ft), where we cannot wait to soak in the natural volcanic hot springs, have lunch and relax. Time for our goodbyes for our remarkable chef and horsemen.
After lunch in Lares, we take our private transport to 3 hours to Ollantaytambo, where we have dinner together and spend the night in our hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,792 m / 9,158 ft
- Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 – 7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Wiñay wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
We start this exciting day early; your guide will leave the hotel with you at 5:30. When you arrive at the train station, your guide will give you your lunch to add to your daypack. Your train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10 and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included), Your hotel can provide you a box breakfast to take with you or you can pack your own breakfast.
Your guide will get off the train with you at the famous Km104, where your hike begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level) After crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle up, with several shelters along the way to pause for a bit out of the sun, or rain, depending on the season. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You will also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike!
Cross the bridge below the waterfall, take some time for photos and then you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the remains, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5 minute walk to your lunch spot.
You have lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the four day Inca Trail. Nearby are outdoor sinks to wash your hands and also restrooms. Take your time enjoying your hearty lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground.
After lunch, you will have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu! Though the hour long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! It is a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, so take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 45 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point.
Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. You will have a delicious dinner in town, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.
- Meals: Boxe Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
- Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
- Difficulty: moderate
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you will want to miss! Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).
The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco
- Meals: Breakfast
- Minimum altitude: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
- Maximum altitude: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
Inclusions
Includes:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Briefing with your trekking guide 1 or 2 days before your trek
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your Hotel
- Professional Chef
- Breakfast on Day 1.
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.
- Pick-up from the Hotel
- Transportation by bus to Huaran and from Lares to Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the hike when you need to bring your own)
- Hot water for washing
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to refill the water bottles.
- 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know,and request with no cost at all.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs for the Lares trek 4 days to Machu Picchu
- Kitchen tent
- Toilet tent
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- a 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Hotel on Day 3 & 4
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Lares hot springs
- Entrance to the Inca Trail
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu -round trip
Does Not Include:
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Lunch on Day 5
- Dinner on Day 5
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain-US$ 70
- Tips for the crew (guide, chef, wranglers)
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your Lares trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days.
What you need to take for this Trip.
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT 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
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- towel / sandals
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Spare batteries
Price
Prices
- 2 people US$950 per person
- 3 people US$930 per person
- 4 people US$910 per person
- 5+people US$890 per person
Discounts:
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Rentals:
- Sleeping Bag $20 USD
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (These are professional poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $20 USD – (Please request when you book your trek)
Upgrades:
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes – from $60 USD (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade $67 USD per person (Return only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain $70 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain $70 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
FAQs
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE CUSCO AREA AND WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT?
Peru’s climate varies depending on where you visit, but here are the basics for the Cusco/Inca Trail and Lares Trek area.
The best months to experience the Inca Trail are from May to September when the conditions are fairly dry and the weather is generally sunny.
June, July and August can be very cold at night so bring a good quality four-season sleeping bag (or rent one from us).
In the Andes there are two main seasons – wet and dry. The wet season runs from November to April and is usually warmer overall. The dry season runs from May to October and has hot clear days but cold nights.
The weather in Peru is difficult to predict. You can have beautifully clear hot days in the middle of the wet season and hail storms in the dry season – it’s one of the beauties of Peru!
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
We strongly suggest staying at high altitude (above 3,000 metres – in Cusco or another high altitude city) for 2 to 3 days (minimum) before undertaking the trip. This is in order to minimize the effects of possible altitude sickness. Also, you can help your body acclimatize by drinking plenty of liquids, adding a bit more sugar to your drinks, eating food rich in carbohydrates, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol and drinking coca (ancient traditional leaf) tea. Diamox can also be helpful – please ask your doctor about this.
The recommended natural remedies for altitude sickness is water, coca tea and muña (andean mint)
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 39 km/ 24.23 miles hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,780 m/15,682 ft). The Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350 m/11,047 ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Absolutely, Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Mountain Gods Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat.Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
HIKING TO LARES TREK MACHU PICCHU
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a Duffel Bag to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7 kg /14 pounds.Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel 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 duffel bag until the end of each day, as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is recommended.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail, permit, entrances and reservations.In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE ON THE TREKS?
Our experienced chefs make amazing cuisine in the middle of the mountains using minimal equipment! They are used to preparing dishes for people with different food restrictions or lifestyles, so please let us know your preferences and if you have any dietary needs. We provide complete meals and snacks during the treks.
Additional
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
Extra 7 kg of personal ítems (Included).All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your Comfort Inca Trail. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/15.43 pounds, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
