Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

04 Day – Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

The Tour 04 Day – Lares Trek to Machu Picchu combines beautiful lakes, Quechua communities of farmers and weavers who are still living traditional lifestyles in the mountains, cultivating the practices of ancient knowledge and continuing to build stone houses similar to those of Inca times. The Lares Trek Peru passes through highland communities with majestic views of the magnificent snow-capped mountains, herds of llamas and alpacas before arriving at the community of Patacancha-Ollantaytambo for lunch on the third day of the trek. In the afternoon we catch the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes throughout the sacred valley to spend the night and prepare to visit the most important Inka city in the Andes: Machu Picchu.

OVERVIEW LARES TREK 4 DAYS

DAY 1: CUSCO – PUMAHUANCA – PUYOC

Firstly, the Lares trek of Peru starts at 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. Consequently, 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.

Also, other companies do not commonly do this particular route for the Lares trek 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 rabbit-like Chinchilla), and we may also spot Andean Fox. After that, 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 show up here during the dry season, so gloves and a hat are recommended.

• Lodging: Campsite in Puyoc

DAY 2: PUYOC – YANACOCHA – CUNCANI

Similarly, today is the most spectacular day of the Lares trek Peru 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.

Subsequently, 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. In addition, this side of the pass is completely different culturally from 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 Quechua phrases so that you can interact with the local people.

• Lodging: Campsite in Cuncani

DAY 3: CUNCANI – LARES

The focus of today is to meet the local people of Lares trek Peru. So, waking up early we’ll be taken by our guide to one of the houses where we’ll get to meet a local family. Likewise, 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 everyone’s delight and amusement). After that, you’ll have the opportunity to give any gifts you’ve brought to 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). Certainly, 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: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or similar

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU!

Most importantly, waking up early we’ll take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. So, We’ll have a 2-hour guided tour of the Inca site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most critical areas of the citadel. After that, you’ll have extra time to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you have the permits. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.

LARES TREK PERU 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 carry cooking and camping equipment and 15 lbs/ 07kg of your items.
• Pick up from your hotel and transportation from your hotel to the start of the trial.
• 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 four-person tent (two people use one tent)
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes, Day 3.
• First aid kit.
• Entrance to  Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
• Breakfast on Day 1, lunch on 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.

WHAT TO BRING FOR LARES TREK 4 DAYS:

• 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 sanitizer
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Torch with spare batteries or Headlamps.

Discounts for Lares Trek Peru:

• Group of 05 or more: US$ 25:00 All of you need is to book the trek altogether at the same time.
• Under 18 years old: US$ 25:00 Please send us a copy of the passport at the booking time.
• Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years old): US$ 25:00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. Likewise, For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the map at booking. Similarly, For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. So, Please send all to info@inkayniperutours.com.  More Information about STUDENT CARD.