Overview
Overview
- Fisrt day: Cusco – Lares – Huacawasi
- Second day: Huacawasi – Ipsaycocha – Patacancha
- Third day: Patacancha – willoq – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Fourth day: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude: 2940 m. / 9645 Ft.
- Highest Altitude: 4,550m/15,017ft
- Walking Distance: 26.3km/16,34miles
- Overall Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Itinerary
Lares Tour & Pumamarca Ruins – Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Lares – Huacawasi
We begin our journey early and we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30. We then embark on a scenic ride down the mountain into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the quaint town of Calca, with beautiful flowered filled plazas. Here we will have the last chance to buy any snacks or drinks. Then, we wind through the magnificent mountains for 3 hours. Along the way we see snow- capped peaks, herds of alpaca and llama, small Andean villages, and streams.
We continue until we reach the small town of Lares resting at 3,100 meters. Lares is famous for the medicinal powers of its thermal baths and we have the opportunity to soak and bask in the relaxing waters in the small valley before we set out on our hike.
After our time in the hot springs, we begin with a leisurely one hour hike to our lunch spot. Here we share a deliciously prepared lunch by our trekking chef and relax. After, we continue to our first campsite at the lovely village Wacawasi. While here, we have the opportunity to meet some of the local families that are known for their master weaving skills. We get to learn from them and their process in this incredible traditional art form that has been passed on for many generations.
After we set up camp, we enjoy a nourishing dinner and spend time under the stars in the Andean mountains.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3750m /12303 Ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2940 m /9645 Ft.
- Walking Distance: 3 km /3.9m
- Approximate Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Day 02: Huacawasi – Ipsaycocha – Patacancha
Today your crew will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea. Our hike today begins with a gradual ascend surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Andes with herds of llamas and alpacas.
We will hike for about 3 hours until we reach the Ipayccaa pass at a towering 4,450 m.a.s.l. Here are impressive views of the snowy and powerful Mount Veronica and Malaga with snow capped mountains that surround them.
Afterwards, we will descend to the Ipaycocha lake. This crystal clear lake is home to Andean birds such as the Andean goose, Andean Ibis, and many other species. The lake is our lunch
spot and here we have the chance to lay out by the water and take advantage of the gorgeous photo opportunities.
After lunch, we continue downhill to the village of Ptacancha (3,750 m.a.s.l.), another mountain town that is vibrant and colorful with incredible Andean textiles.
Here we will chat with the locals and then settle into our home for the night, surrounded by tranquility and beauty.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4,550m/15,017ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3750 m. / 12303 Ft.
- Walking Distance: 14 km /8 ½ miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 03: Patacancha – willoq – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Again we welcome the day early, with a nourishing breakfast surrounded by mountains and fresh air. We continue our trip through the Patacancha Valley hiking along streams and experiencing variant wildlife. We pass several native communities, such as: Willoq (3,600m/11,877ft) and Pallata.
After we descend to Pallata, we head uphill to explore the archaeological complex of Pumamarca, an amazing Inca site. We will have a guided tour here and learn the history and other interesting facts about this site. Pumamarca is perched high up in the mountains as you are set only slightly below the tops of massive peaks that surround you from every direction, its quite spectacular. The route then follows the course of an original old Inca trail through farming terraces, hopping over streams and surrounded by lush farmland and vegetation.
We then arrive to Ollantaytambo, here we have lunch and take a siesta. Then we also say our thanks and goodbyes and part ways with our remarkable chef and assistant chef.
We then board a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The train ride is an experience in itself, taking you through mountains and high jungle, incredibly scenic. Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we check in to the hotel, where you have a private room and a hot shower! After settling in and relaxing, we will eat dinner at one of the most highly recommended restaurants in town.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 3,600m./11,877ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m (6,690 ft)
- Distance: 6km/3.7miles
- Time: 3 hours
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Today is the big day! We wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare to board the first bus up to Machu Picchu. We will arrive just in time to see the sunrise and then have a 2 hour guided tour by our expert guides. During the tour we will visit temples, residential complexes, fountains, and much more. We are sure to see, explore, and learn about all of the most significant sites of the area and how the Incas mysteriously constructed these exquisite and massive stone structures.
After our tour, you will have free time to explore or revisit any of these sites. You will also have time to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, if you have elected. Huayna Picchu, also known as the Young Mountain, is a 45 minute uphill hike, climbing Inca built stairs and trails until you reach a beautiful ruin site that peers down at Machu Picchu. The climb is well worth the incredible photo opportunity of Machu Picchu at the top!
In the afternoon, we make our way back down the mountain and board the train that brings us to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, you will have private transport waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Cusco. Your arrival time is dependent on the time of your train ticket.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum altitude: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
Inclusions
The Lares Tour & Pumamarca ruins Includes:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Pre Trek briefing with your trekking guide 1 or 2 days before your Lares valley tour
- 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 Lares and from Pumamarca to Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Return transportation by train and then by bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek 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, 2 Afternoon Snacks 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
- Kitchen tent
- Toilet tent
- a 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Hotel on Day 3
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Lares hot springs
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu-round trip
Lares Tour & Pumamarca ruins does Not Include:
- 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 Lares Tour & Pumamarca ruins
- 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
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Spare batteries
Price
Lares Tour to Machu Picchu – Prices
Group Service Price:
- US$660 per person
Private Service Price:
- US$720 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:
- Hiking Poles US$15
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Single Tent Supplement US$25
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes US$90
- Vistadome Train Upgrade US$57
- Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- MachuPicchu Mountain US$70
FAQs
Additional
SPECIAL ADDITIONAL:
- Inflatable Mattress(included)
- Pillow(included)
- Blanket(included)
- Extra 7kg of personal items(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 trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
