Lares Highlights

In the morning, we take you to the Lima´s airport for your flight to Cusco. Our Representative awaits you in front of the Cusco´s arrival airport hall holding a sheet with your name. After he/she welcomes you in Cusco, he/she takes you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore around this fascinating city as well as to acclimatize to its high altitude. 

Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city of this continent as well as a hub of he South American travel network! The city attracts people from all around the world, who arrive not only to visit a unique destination, but also to experience an antique culture that differs a lot from the occidental 21st century´s way of life. One could easily spend a week just in and around this site. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and it is not necessary to go far to see other major Incan ruins.  This is a city steeped in history, traditions and legends.

Every year, Cusco is visited by  thousands of travelers, who come to delve into its noble, but tragic past. It is a perfect base for optional explorations around the city´s surroundings as well as for a range of outdoor activities.
 
The most important monument of the Cusco City is without any doubt Qorikancha - the Golden Temple and the main temple of the Incan empire - Tawantinsuyo. There, the Sun god was worshipped.  

Cusco also has got numerous colonial churches. The most important of them is the Cathedral on the main square. Its construction started in 1559 and it took 100 years to finish. The Cathedral can pride itself on the biggest depository of Colonial art of the city. A vault containing remains of the famous Incan historian - Garcilaso de la Vega is just past the entrance. Other churches that are worth seeing are La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.

One of the most spectacular days of this trip will take you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a lush agricultural region that once was, and still is, the main source of food for the people of Cusco. For this tour, you will experience first-hand the contrast between the imposing archaeological sites and the modern life of the area.

Our adventure begins by heading toward the impressive Pisaq complex. Here, you will have the chance to take an optional two-hour hike (about 5 kilometers) that will allow you to fully appreciate this huge and ancient Inca city, located high in the Andean mountain range. After descending from the peaks, we will explore the town's colorful craft market; without a doubt, a unique space and the perfect spot to find souvenirs for your trip!

At noon, the tour will take us to an essential stop in Urubamba, a beautiful town considered the capital of the Sacred Valley. At this point of the route, we will take a well-deserved break to enjoy an exquisite buffet lunch, where you can taste the rich and varied local Andean food (this food service is not included in the tour).

After lunch, we will continue our journey toward the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. This place is famous for housing a majestic archaeological site, whose main ruins are recognized as the best example of Inca urban planning and engineering skill that has survived almost intact until today. This town enjoys a good location with spectacular views toward the Urubamba river valley. We will spend the night in this place, as the next morning we will begin one of the best excursions toward Machu Picchu: the challenging and beautiful hike through the Lares Valley.

We leave Ollantaytambo early in the morning and travel by bus through the Sacred Valley of the Incas until we reach the town of Lares. There, we enjoy its relaxing medicinal hot springs for the rest of the morning. Later, we begin our immersive hike into the valley until we reach the indigenous community of Wacawasi, where we will spend the first night under the Andean sky.

On the second day, we cross the challenging "Condor Pass" (4,100 masl), which offers impressive views of the imposing Mount Veronica (5,750 masl). After conquering this altitude, we descend slowly to the shores of the beautiful Lake Ipsaycocha, where we will set up our last high mountain camp.

On the third day, we follow a beautiful trail that leads us downhill, passing by spectacular viewpoints of the community of Willoc. Finally, we arrive back in Ollantaytambo, but this time not to tour the town, but to board the night train that will take us to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). There, we will spend the night resting peacefully in the comfort of a hotel.

On the morning of our last day on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, we prepare for the long-awaited encounter with the Lost City of the Incas. Today, we walk only a couple of hours until we reach the entrance of this historic center. There, we begin our guided visit, during which our guide will tell us the history and describe every corner of the site. So that your experience in the citadel is unbeatable, we will focus your visit on current regulations:

• Complete exploration: The main tour will ideally be done through Circuit 2, as it is the only route that allows a complete and detailed exploration of the archaeological site.
• Route alternatives: In case of not having availability for the classic circuit due to high demand, you can choose to visit through Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, which offer equally spectacular angles.
• The mountains of Machu Picchu: After the tour, you have the chance to go up the peaks to observe the Inca citadel from an aerial perspective. Keep in mind that, if you want to visit Huayna Picchu, it is mandatory to book the Circuit 3A ticket. On the other hand, if your goal is the Machu Picchu mountain, you will need the corresponding access for Circuit 1A. It is important to note that these activities have an extra cost and must be booked well in advance.

In the afternoon, we will return by train to the Ollantaytambo station (or alternatively to Poroy), where our van will be waiting to take you comfortably back to the city of Cusco.

If you have any query, please do not hesitate contacting us.

Today is a relaxing day so you can explore the fascinating former capital of the Incas, visit its markets, buy some souvenirs, do some optional activities as well as get ready for the last night in the city.

You can explore some of many very good museums such as the Inca Museum, the Qoricancha Museum, the Archaeological Museum (which also houses a small art exhibition), the Regional Historic Museum and the Religious Art Museum.

The city is also a perfect base for those more adventurous as it offers a range of optional outdoor activities such as white river rafting on Urubamba River, horseback riding around nearby archaeological sites (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara) or mountain biking down to Maras-Moray-Salineras and perhaps visiting some Incan sites on the way.

Transfer to the airport at Cusco to take a flight to Lima.

End of service.

Starting The Lares Trek

Day 1 - 2: We pick you up from you hotel at 06:00 and transfer you to the Lares community, hot springs and then continune the hike to Lares Trek until Huacawasi camp. Next day, we wake up early and start the trek to Lares, we appreciate the Ipsacocha Lake and the beautiful landspaces of high mountain. Homestay in Patacancha or camping.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 3: Breakfast in homestay where we share the andean culture. In the afternoon we take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu guided Tour

Day 4: Wake up very early and continue the trek to the lost city, guided tour of Machu Picchu and in afternoon we take the train to Ollantaytambo and then bus to Cusco.

• Welcome by our Representative at arrival;
• All airport arrival and departure transfers;
• 1x domestic flight: Lima - Cusco;
• Accommodation: 3* hotels (5 nights), campsites (2 nights), a hostel (1 night);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary;
• Professional bilingual Tour Guides as per itinerary;
• A Cook for the Lares Valley Trek;
• Mules and lamas to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 6 kg of each passenger´s stuff during the Lares Valley Trek;
• Meals: 8x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner and 3x afternoon tea during the Lares Valley Trek;
• Camping equipment for the Lares Valley Trek: personal double tents, sleeping foam matts, tables and chairs, a dining tent and a toilet tent;
• Cooking tent with cooking equipment for the Lares Valley Trek;
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) for the trek;
• Transport by a private van during the tours and local transfers;
• A round trip by tourist train (Expedition Service) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes;

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• Last flight Cusco-Lima,
• International flights and airport departure taxes,
• Travel insurance,
• Meals not mentioned,
• A shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes;
• Tips and baggage portage to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory),
• Optional tours,
• Other extras not specified.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 100-150 for meals not included.

Single room: Please note that if you have booked the "Single Room" option for this tour, you receive your own single room for all overnights and a single tent for the Lares Valley Trek.

Local flights: One local flight is included in the cost of your. It is very important that we have got your passport details at the time of booking in order to process all air tickets. Each internal flight ticket is issued locally and it will be given to you prior to your flight departure!

The camping equipment to Lares trek will be returned to Cusco on day 3rd, you need to give to chef the sleeping bag, mattress.

Climate: The highland region of Cusco has well defined winter and summer seasons. Winter days (June - August) are very sunny and warm, but the temperature drops to near freezing at night. Rainy season is from January to March. December and January are two of the nicest months for trekking with only the occasional shower and blooming flowers.

Luggage and backpacker for you trekking

Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. The horses carry your luggage from Lares (1st day) to Patacancha (2th day). 3 day hike, you will take your luggage by train to Aguas Calientes. You are expected to carry your own luggage (max 10 min). We recommend keeping the weight under 5 kg/10lb. You will need to carry clothes, sleeping bag.

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Lares trek to Machu Picchu is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended putting your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

Appropriate clothing along this hike to Lares trek to Machu Picchu

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

What to bring to Lares trek to Machu Picchu?

• Passport original
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
• Cash in soles no dollars
• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
• Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
• Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites).