Overview
Trek Overview:
- First day: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Fundo Huaran – Cancha Cancha
- Second day: Cancha Cancha – Pachacuteq Pass – Quiswarani
- Third day: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares Cusco – Peru – Aguas Calientes
- Fourth day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Useful Information about this adventure to Machu Picchu:
- Starting Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,780 m / 15,682 ft
- Walking Distance: 37 km / 23miles
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
Itinerary
Lares trek to Machu Picchu – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco- Fundo Huaran – Cancha Cancha.
We will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. with private transport from your hotel in Cusco. Then, we will make our way down the mountain for 2 hours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will stop in Pisac, a quaint town, to have some hot drinks and visit the market to buy snacks or water for our 4 day Lares trek. Then, we drive just a bit further to our starting point in the plains of Huaran (3.000 m / 9.840 ft). Here, we will meet our wranglers with their horses and take our first steps of this trek Cusco in 4 days!
We begin the Lares trek Cusco with a steady ascent for approximately 3-4 hours until we reach Hatun Rumi. We will stop here and replenish our energy with a deliciously prepared lunch by our trekking chef. After lunch, we continue through the valley of Huaran, following the Cancha Cancha river to a small community of the same name. Along the way, we travel through traditional farmlands of the local people, as we are surrounded in every direction by massive and stunning mountains. We walk through the Polylepis woods and along the rushing Cancha Cancha river. The vegetation in this region is particularly interesting due to abundant wildlife, especially hummingbirds.
Once at Cancha Cancha (3.956 m/ 12.960 ft), we will relax, as this is our camp for the night. We will have time to meet some of the local children and families. Mountain God’s Peru provides to this community, by supporting the school with food and necessary supplies to enhance their education and health. We invite you to bring anything you would like to support this warm and lovely Quechua community.
With your guide, we will visit one of the local family homes. With a warm welcome, we will see a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle here. We will see how they raise their guinea pigs and how they make incredible hand woven textiles from llama and alpaca wool. Today’s adventure is rich in culture and experience. In the evening, we will have dinner and a hot tea and relax for the next day on the trek.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snacks / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3,956 m / 12,960 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
- Walking Distance: 10 km
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quishuarani
After breakfast we will continue our Lares trail to Machu Picchu. We will climb for about 3 hours to the highest point called “Pachacutec”( 4.750 m / 15.580 ft). The view from up here is
After a warm breakfast surrounded by incredible views, we will continue our Lares trek 4 days. We begin by climbing for 3 hours to the highest point of our experience in this valley, Pachacutec ( 4.750 m / 15.580 ft). The vantages point from here are breathtaking, surrounded by impressive mountains and emerald green lakes, with views of the glaciers of Pitusiray and Sahuasiray.
Then, we descend for about 2 hours to the glacier lake, Qoyalaycocha. Here, we will stop for a special lunch and we will get to share traditional food, a truly unique experience.
After we rest and enjoy lunch, we continue our trek for one more hour to the village of Quishuarani. Along the way, we pass by herds of free range llamas, alpacas, and sheep roaming the lush mountain sides. We will also see an incredible waterfall and if we are lucky, we may spot a gray Andean deer, an Andean goose, falcons, ducks, and maybe even the noble Andean fox.
We will camp at Quishuarani community (3,870 m/12,694 ft), where the local indigenous people will open their homes and hearts. You will have the opportunity to learn some Quechua words, as this is the local language, the original Inca language. You guide will help you translate, a beautiful exchange of language and culture. Also, if you choose, you will have the opportunity to purchase original handmade alpaca textiles, made according to original designs and traditions of the Valley people.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snacks / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 4,750 m / 15,580 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,870 m / 12,694 ft
- Walking Distance: 14 km
- Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
Day 3: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares Cusco – Aguas Calientes
We wake up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast with a hot cup of coca tea. We then say our farewells to the families and set out for a 3 hour climb to the Willcaccasa Pass (4,458 m / 14,622 ft). From here, we can admire the Urubamba mountain range with Padreyoc Peak resting at 5,500 meter/ 18,045 feet and also, we can see a glimpse of the spectacular Mount Veronica (5.800 m / 19.030 ft ). On our Lares trek today, we pass turquoise lakes and the marvelous flora and fauna of the vast and powerful valley.
After we reach the pass, we will descend for about 3 hours, crossing through the boundless farmlands and pristine lakes until we reach Cuncani community. Here, we will connect with the local children and we will have time to share some gifts and smiles.
Then, we board a bus that will takes us further into the Lares valley Cusco to the town of Lares. Once we arrive, we enjoy the natural volcanic hot springs for about 2 hours. We will relax and rejuvenate in the medicinal waters and enjoy lunch.
After lunch, we say thanks and farewell to our remarkable chef and horsemen of the Lares Cusco. Then, we board the same bus and enjoy a scenic 2 and a half hour ride to the beautiful Ollantaytambo. This beautiful town is surrounded in mountains with Inca ruins perched atop. Here, we will enjoy dinner at a delicious restaurant and then take the train to Aguas Caliente. Upon arrival, we will check you into your accommodations and you can relax and enjoy a hot shower before the big day at Machu Picchu tomorrow!
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Maximum altitude: 4,458 m / 14,622 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,792 m / 9,158 ft
- Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 – 7 hours
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On our last day, we wake early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, we catch the first bus to bring us up through the cloud forest to the citadel itself. We arrive just in time to see the sun rise over the mountains, a truly special moment. After we take photos, we begin a 2 hour guided tour given by our professional guide. On the tour, you will visit all the most significant sites, including temples, fountains, bathing areas, ceremonial sites, and much more. Throughout the tour, you can ask questions and your guide will share with you the fascinating history and culture of the Inca people.
After, you will have time to explore on your own or if you have chosen and have the permit you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Both of these mountains provide an impressive bird’s eye view of the city below, as well as other ruin sites.
In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Caliente and take a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo. From here, we will take a private bus back to you hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
Inclusions
Includes on the trekking:
- 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 Aguas Calientes
- 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.
- 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks and 3 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 trek
- Kitchen tent
- Toilet tent
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- a 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Hotel on Day 3
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Lares Cusco hot springs
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu -round trip
Does Not Include in the trek:
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Lunch on Day 4
- Dinner on Day 4
- 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 trip.
What you need to take for the hike
- 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:
Group Service Price:
- US$650 per person
Private Service Price:
- US$730 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 Extras for our trek:
- Hiking Poles US$15
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Single Tent Supplement US$25
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes US$90
- Vistadome Train Upgrade US$60
- Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- Machu Picchu Mountain US$70
FAQs
How difficult is the Lares trek?
The Lares Cusco trek is considered a moderate trek with no technical sections. Whilst the trek itself is not challenging, the altitude can affect people in different ways.
How Manu miles is the Lares 4 day trek?
The Lares trek from Huaran is 37 km / 23miles and moderate route and only crosses one high pass. The route takes three days to trek and one day to visit Machu Picchu.
Does the Lares trek got to Machu Picchu?
The Lares valley trek is an off-the-beaten path that begins in the sacred valley (Huaran), 1½ hours drive to the trailhead.
The Valley trek in 4 days is famous for its medicinal hot springs, which a visit is of course is included in this experience. The final part of our trek from huaran includes an incredibly scenic train ride from the mountains of the Sacred Valley of the Inca to the jungle until reaching Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu). Your final night, includes comfortable hotel accommodations and dinner at one of the restaurants in Ollantaytambo. On the last day, you will visit the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
Could you hike Lares trek without a guide?
You could hike Lares Cusco trek on your own without a guide if you found decent information on the trail, such as a map or a guidebook. Its fine, except choosing the pass to go over is a little bit confusing. Local people don’t speak english just quechua and it is difficult to communicate with them.
Be careful though as if the weather comes down it’s easy to get disoriented and got lost in the fog! The right way to hike the lares trek is with a guided tour. The trek starts early in the morning (at 4 AM) when your guige picks you up at the hotel and includes the entrance fee to the trail, guide, transfer, breakfast, lunch, dinner, equipment and so on. The day usually goes smoothly, but as with every organized tour, so this trip is worth it when traveling with a group of friends or with a family.
When do reach Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?
You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 4th. You´ll have two hours tour of the Machu Picchu. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco.
Is a sleeping bag mat included in the tour?
Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. If travelling between May and October a 4-season sleeping bag is recommended. These can be rented from us in Cusco for US$ 20 for the entire trek. Thermarest air matts are included.
Is purified water available on the trek?
We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle as boiled water will be provided every morning after breakfast.
What type of food will we get on the Lares trek in 4 days?
Our trekking chefs prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken,meat,fish, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
Additional
Special Additionals for our Lares trail to Machu Picchu:
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Duffle bag for your personal gear (Included)
- Extra 7 kg of personal items (Included). Our tour includes 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 Lares trek Cusco. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
