Tierras Vivas comes to diffusing without profit helping porters families and the communities of Pilcobamba and Rallan located in the Cusco, Peru.
The project starts when we really realize that ...
The HUHT (Help Us to Help Them) Project is for people interested in helping the Cacacoyoc community by purchasing their products made by themselves.
These products made by the Cacacoyoc ...
"Edwin and Tierras Vivas gave my friends and I a trip we will never forget. We trekked through the highlands of Peru, met locals, experienced some of their traditions. It was amazing. We were felt like participants not tourists. Edwin was an incredible guide and Carlos was our superhuman cook. Somehow, three days away from the nearest town and ... Billy Weber, EE.UU
We chose to go on the Lares trail, since I wanted something a little less touristy than the Inca Trail. We walked into the nearest tour agency, Tierras Vivas, and were lucky enough to book a trip with them a few days later. The manager, Edwin, was very warm and thorough in his explanation of our trip and the ... Brett and Monica, USA Lares Trek
When I visited Peru I didn’t imagine that I would experience something as great as the hike to Machu Picchu.
First I was a little bit disappointed that we couldn’t hike along the „real“ Inca Trail because it was so overcrowded with people. In the end I realised that was the best thing that could have happen to me!
We did ... Janine Iser, Germany
Moderate These trips involving trekking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other moderate activities, we recommend to be fit, and before coming out here, do one or two hours walk and keep a positive attitude.
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For trekkers wanting to get off the well beaten tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has changed little over the last 500 years then a trek through the spectacular scenery of the Lares Valley is a must. This remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insight into the real lives of the Andean farmer, dressed in their traditional brightly colored ponchos. You’ll have the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. Inside the houses you’ll see guinea pigs running loose.
There are several variations of the Lares to Machu Picchu trek, the main five are listed below. The small Andean communities that are visited along the way are famous for producing high-quality handmade textiles using natural dyes. Most tours include a chance to see weaving taking place, you may even be given the opportunity to have a go yourself!! Try to take some extra cash on the trek you can buy some of these beautiful textiles for a bargain price direct from the weaver. Eco-tourism doesn't get any better than this.
Unlike the Classic 4 day Inca Trail the Lares trek is not subject to government-controlled regulations. This means that companies offering this trek do not need any special operating licenses and any company can sell this trek. You therefore have to be especially careful when choosing a tour operator since the quality of service on offer can vary considerably. Try to book with a reputable company, one that is recommended in this website or in your guidebook. At the end of the day you get what you pay for. If you pay for a cheap trek then not only will the quality of the guide, camping equipment and food be below standard but you may also be contributing towards the exploitation of trekking staff such as porters and horsemen from the local communities. Expect to pay at least US$370 for a 4-day group trek including the return train trip to Aguas Calientes, accommodation in Aguas Calientes and entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
Included Highlights: 03 Day Choquekirao hike with local guide, chef, horseman and horses, Guided tour of Machupicchu.
What is included in this trip?
Early morning transfer by private tourism bus to Lares (headtrail).
Accommodation: Camping (02 nights) and Hostal with private bath (01 night).
Local guide throughout to Lares trek.
Entrance fee to Lares hot spring and Machupicchu.
Meals: 03 breakfast, 03 lunches, 03 dinners and 02 afternoon hot drinks.
Horses for carry back packers and all heavy gear and muleteer.
One cook.
Camping equipment: Double tent, sleeping roll mat.
Communal dinner tent, cooking tent and toilet tent.
All eating and coking stuff, stools and tables.
Sleeping bag (-5 grades).
Tourism train round trip to Machupicchu.
Tourism transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Not included in this trip:
First breakfast and last lunch
Tourist bus up and down to Machupicchu USD 16
International and Domcestic flights.
Departure taxes.
Travel insurance.
Meals budget:Allow USD 50 - 100 for meals not included.
Responsable Travel:
ELIM is a registered Peruvian charity providing safe, educational and rehabilitation centers for children streets, other member is the commnunty Cacacoyoc and porter community, where you can appreciaty the textil and activities of the andean life people, those are available to visit on almost all our trip that pass through Cusco.
Responsible People:
Day 01: Cusco - Lares
Our bus leaves Cusco at around 06:00. Its a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Pisac and stopping for breakfast for about 40 minutes in the provincial town of Calca. In Calca you will also have the opportunity to use the bathroom and buy any last minute snacks, water, etc. Departing Calca around 08:00 we head off for the 3 hours drive to Lares (3100m) which is the starting point for the trek. Along the way you will be able to observe small Andean commuties, spectacular mountain landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas.
Before we start the trek we'll visit the hot springs which are located in meadows just out of town. For those of you who have remembered to bring your swimwear we will take a relaxing dip in the warm waters which are famous for their medicinal powers. Feeling fully refreshed, we begin a leisurely walk up the Trapiche River Valley. After about 2½ hours we will arrive at Vilcabamba village where we will stop and have lunch. We will then continue up the valley for another 1½ hours to the small village of Huacawasi (3700m) where we will set up camp and spend the night.
Day 02: Huacawasi - Ipsaycocha Many of the houses that we see in this small village of Huacahuasi are built from stone and have thatched roofs. The people of this village produce beautiful colourful textiles. In the morning we will learn about the weaving techniques and be able to admire some of their high quality ponchos, chullos (wool hats) and other garments. After lunch will then climb for approximately 2 hours to the top of Ipsayccasa Pass which, at 4500m, is the highest pass along the trek. From here we get stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We will descend gently for about 1 hour until we reach the site of our second night's camp beside the beautiful Ipsaycocha Lake. We may be lucky enough to see Andean Geese, Puna Ibis and other wetland birds.
Day 03: Ipsaycocha - Aguas Calientes
Today is a much easier day. After an early breakfast we'll walk gently downhill through a wide-open valley for about 2½ hours until we arrive at the village of Patacancha. The people from this area are known locally as "Huayruros" - the name of a red and black seed reminiscent of the colour of their ponchos. We'll have a chance to view some textiles made by the people of this community - the high quality weavings are famous for their intricate designs reflecting aspects of their everyday lives and culture. We'll walk slowly down the valley to Willoq, another Quechua village where the locals still wear their traditional dress and are proud to maintain their cultural identity. Our transport will be waiting for us to take us further down the valley to Inca town of Ollantaytambo where we will rest and have lunch. In the early afternoon we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. This is a spectacular journey that starts in the Quechua highlands and slowly descends to lush tropical vegetation as we near Aguas Calientes. Total journey time about 1½ hours. We'll spend the night in a hostal in Aguas Calientes where you'll no doubt enjoy the opportunity to soak under the hot showers!! Early night.
Day 04: Machupicchu - Cusco Rise early around about 04:45 !! to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. I'm sure you'll agree that, although it's tough getting up, it's well worth the effort to see the "Lost City of the Incas" at its quietest in the early morning light. You'll have plenty of opportunity to take photos and have some peaceful time alone to enjoy the sun rising from behind the mountains. Our guide will give you a tour of Machu Picchu telling you about Inca history and significance of the major sites of interest. The tour takes about 2 hours after which you will have freetime to explore the ruins on your own or climb Wayna Picchu - the mountain that overlooks the ancient Inca city (allow a minumum of 1½ hours). By 11:00 Machu Picchu quickly fills up with tourists arriving by train and appears crowded by comparison with the early morning. Most people are ready to take the bus back to Aguas Calientes around 1pm where you can have lunch in one of the many restaurants. Late afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo where a bus will be waiting to bring you back to Cusco.
Make your reservation; we have got daily departures for this trip, further details please contact us at the following email address: info@tierrasvivas.com
Important Notes
1) Shorter/longer stays, hotel upgrades and extra trips all possible. Please contact our sales department for more information or check out our Taylor Made section taylormade@tierrasvivas.com
2) Visas: You may be required to obtain a travel visa, also all countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
Accommodation: Camping, Hostal Basic.
Camping Equipment: Tents, sleeping roll mat, Communal dinner tent, cooking tent, toilet tent, Stools and tables included in this trip
Arrival Complications: We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you can not commence your trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your local operator or to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier. If you are unable to get in touch with your local operator, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point Hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Local Emergency Contact If you need emergency assistance, you can contact us locally at the following phone numbers: Cell: 00 51 084 984 948 212
Phone:00 51 084 235 211 Local Office
Checklist of what to take:
* Passport (with photocopies) * Extra Money (emergency) * Camera and film * Binoculars * Cover for backpacks * Fair sized day pack * Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen) * Windproof/waterproof jacket * Shirts/t-shirts * Sun hat * Shorts * Long trousers * Hiking pants/track pants * Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes * Sport sandals
* Sleeping bag * Sun block
* Insect repellant * Sunglasses (Optional) * Watch or alarm clock * Water bottle * Pocket knife * Torch/flashlight
* First aid kit
* Sleeping bag * Personal medication
Single Supplement:
IF YOU ARE TRAVELING ALONE AND WOULD PREFER TO SHARE A TENT, WE WILL PAIR YOU WITH ANOTHER TREKKER ONF THE SAME GENDER. IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOU OWN TENT THEN THERE WILL BE A SURCHERGE USD 30
Climate:
The highland region of Cusco has well defined winter and summer seasons. Winter day (June-August) are very sunny and warm, but the temperature drops to near freezing at night. Rainy season is from January to Mach. It is advised that even in the dry season all belongings should be packed in plastic bags.
All people who undertake the trail must be in a fit physical condition, althought the distances are not great the altitude and the cold nights make this a hard trek.
Therefore if you are ill or have been ill in the past few days you SHOULD NOT undertake the trail
Meal Budget: Daily allowance USD25 for meals not included. For additional expenses, please contact our sales department for more information: sales@tierrasvivas.com
Emergency Fund: Please, make sure you have access to at least an additional USD100 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) need a change to our planned tour. This is a rare occurrence! But you never know… A Couple of Rules: Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts you at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Tierras Vivas travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The explotation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader/local operators has the right to expel any member of the group/tour if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a trip with us, you will not be permitted to join the tour until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader or local operator, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number, if you need more information contact us info@tierrasvivas.com
Responsible Travel: Tierras Vivas has been responsible to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.
Keeping in Touch: If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Ciber cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact.
AVAILABILITY & PRICES
Departures all month all year round. Please contact us for more information info@tierrasvivas.com
Cost per pax USD 350
*Rates can be modified without notice and upon availability at the moment of the booking*
"All rights reserved, Tierras Vivas, the Tierras Vivas logo, all content, including photographs and may not be reproduced without the Express permission of Tierras Vivas"
Tierras Vivas comes to diffusing without profit helping porters families and the communities of Pilcobamba and Rallan located in the Cusco, Peru.
The project starts when we really realize that ... 
The HUHT (Help Us to Help Them) Project is for people interested in helping the Cacacoyoc community by purchasing their products made by themselves.
These products made by the Cacacoyoc ... 
"Edwin and Tierras Vivas gave my friends and I a trip we will never forget. We trekked through the highlands of Peru, met locals, experienced some of their traditions. It was amazing. We were felt like participants not tourists. Edwin was an incredible guide and Carlos was our superhuman cook. Somehow, three days away from the nearest town and ...
We chose to go on the Lares trail, since I wanted something a little less touristy than the Inca Trail. We walked into the nearest tour agency, Tierras Vivas, and were lucky enough to book a trip with them a few days later. The manager, Edwin, was very warm and thorough in his explanation of our trip and the ...
When I visited Peru I didn’t imagine that I would experience something as great as the hike to Machu Picchu.
First I was a little bit disappointed that we couldn’t hike along the „real“ Inca Trail because it was so overcrowded with people. In the end I realised that was the best thing that could have happen to me!
We did ...
For trekkers wanting to get off the well beaten tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has changed little over the last 500 years then a trek through the spectacular scenery of the Lares Valley is a must. This remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insight into the real lives of the Andean farmer, dressed in their traditional brightly colored ponchos. You’ll have the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. Inside the houses you’ll see guinea pigs running loose.
