Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

The itinerary below is a sample. Hiking times are an average and will vary depending on the group. Additionally, lunch and camp sites may change to meet the needs of the group and conditions.

Pre-Trek

Before your trek you will be met by your guide for a thorough briefing. This is an opportunity to ask questions and buy any last minute supplies before leaving Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Huacahuasi.

We will leave Cusco early in the morning, we travel by private van through the Sacred Valley to the town of Calca. From there, we wind up the valley to the trailhead at the semi-tropical village of Lares (3100m). Here we have lunch and relax after the drive with a soak in the hot springs. After lunch, we hike along a stream to the traditional Andean village of Huacahuasi, where the locals produce high quality ponchos, chullos, and other tempting goods.

4 hours walking, 3100-3800m

Day 2: Huacahuasi – Queuñaqocha.

Leaving the village, we begin a steady climb through grasslands to the highest pass on the route, Abra Huacahuasi at 4600m. From the pass we take in the views of the snow-capped peak of Pumahuanka, Mount Veronica. Following on, we cross the second high pass of Wayruruyoc qasa at 4600m. We see spectacular views of Aruraycocha Lake, situated at 4380m. Where our lunch is will be waiting for us; this afternoon we continue on to Queuñacocha where will spend the night with spectacular view of Salkantay and Veronica mountains.

7 to 8 hours walking, 3800-4600-4200m

Day3: Queuñacocha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

In the morning we continue downhill. Along the way, we pass viewpoints with excellent vistas of the broad valley, herds of alpacas and llamas, farms, cacti and bromelias as we get closer to the Sacred Valley. We arrive in the community of Huilloc (3500m), one of the largest villages of direct descendants of the Incas, this will be our first stop. We will see the unspoiled traditional daily activities of the local way of life. Continuing on, we follow the ancient trail to arrive at Marcawasi where we will have lunch and take a bus to Ollantaytambo. With many of its original agricultural terraces, streets, water channels, and buildings, Ollantaytambo is one of the best preserved Incan towns. On the hillsides are important archaeological sites, including the temple hill with its huge stones that had been brought down from the quarry. From Ollantaytambo we catch the train to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy its many restaurants, shops, discos, and hot spring, or simply relax in your hotel.

4 hours walking, 4200-3000-1900m

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will get up early in order to catch the bus up to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise over the mountains. After enjoying the views, we will have a two hour tour of the city. Afterwards, you have free time to explore the ruins, hike Huayna Picchu, climb to the Sungate, go to the Temple of the Moon and Inca Bridge, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. In the afternoon we will return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to return to Cusco.

Practical Information

For more information on trekking with Apu Andino, see Trekking with Apu Andino.

What’s Included

• Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, plus an assistant guide for large groups.
• Support staff including professional cooks and wranglers for the mules and horses.
• Horses and mules to carry group gear as well as large duffels bags, provided at the briefing, for personal items. (no weight limit)
• All meals on trek, which incorporate traditional Peruvian dishes as well as modern fusion cuisine and special dietary needs
• Driking water and snacks
• Dining tent with table, stools, and all dining implements, toilet tent, and kitchen tent
• Sleeping tents, foam pads, and Thermarest. Three-person tents are provided for single occupancy and four-person tents for double occupancy to allow plenty of room for personal gear.
• One riding horse for emergencies. Additional riding horses can be provided for an additional charge.
• First aid kit, including oxygen
• Pre-trek briefing
• All group entrance fees, including Machupicchu
• Optional climb to Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain!
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (3 star hotel)
• Round-Trip Train (Expedition Train Service)
• All transfers, including private van from your hotel in Cusco to Lares, transfer to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes, bus to and from Machu Picchu, and private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

What’s Not Included

• Dinner on the 3rd day at Aguas Calientes. Lunch and dinner on the 4th day.
• Personal hiking gear including backpacks, trekking poles, and sleeping bags. Poles and sleeping bags may be hired.
• Tips for guides, cooks, and wranglers.
• Entrance to hot springs or other entertainments in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be hired according to the needs of the individual and group.

While not as difficult as some treks, the trek traverses two passes over 4000m. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and acclimated by spending at least a few days at Cusco (3400) or similar before attempting the trek. Additionally, weather and trail conditions can vary. Temperatures range from warm and humid to below freezing.

Trekkers should be prepared for changes to the itinerary and to meet unexpected challenges with an open-mind and sense of adventure. Climbing Huayna Picchu is an excellent addition to a trip to Machu Picchu. It offers superlative views, but is a steep climb that can take about three hours. Entrance to Huayna Picchu is limited and at scheduled times; visitors must sign up for a spot in advance. If you would like to consider doing the climb, it is important to book it in advance.

One of the main attractions to the Lares valley is the many fine textiles available for purchase directly from the people who made them. The communities are relatively isolated, however, so it is important to bring spending money in soles in small denominations, as it may be difficult to make change.

Price

US$810.00 per person

Discounts

• Student Discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$20.00
• Under 15 years will pay as student: US$20.00
• Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00

Group Bookings

Bookings of 4 people or more will get a US$20.00 discount per person or a free Day Apu Training Hike*.

*More details will be available if you are interested in talking advantage of this offer.

Rentals

• Hiking poles – US$22.00
• Sleeping bag – US$25.00
• Sleeping bag Deluxe Package (+ Pillow & Liners) US$35.00
• Private Tent – US$40.00

Upgrades

• Vistadome Train (RoundTrip) – US$75.00
• Single Accommodation*  – US$43.00

Details