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Group Size:
2-10 People
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Destination:
MACHU PICCHU
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Departure :
Everyday
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Level :
Moderate
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Category :
TREK
Our Lares Trek Via Quishuarani And Huaran starts at the hot springs of Lares, then passes through of beautiful lakes and local Quechua communities of farmers and weavers that have still traditional lifestyles in the mountains. You will also have the chance to visit Ollantaytambo town, to see the beautiful Ruins of the town before taking the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes.
This route offers a unique experience, an tourism route that gives us an unforgettable experience in the heights of the Sacred Valley. In the Lares Valley besides enjoying beautiful scenery you can enjoy a beautiful experience living with the local people, who will receive us with open arms showing the most beautiful thing about this place ... its "simplicity". On this route you can also enjoy the medicinal thermal baths, appreciate andean lagoons, snow-covered mountain passes and finally visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
This alternative trek is one of the best opportunities to see the Mountain range of Urubamba, interact with the communities living in this area, walk around the woods of Queuñas and relax in the famous thermal baths of the town of Lares, as a good way to recharge batteries. To finish the tour we will visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Useful Information
Starting Altitude – 2900m / 11151ft.
Highest Altitude – 4780m / 15,682
Walking Distance – 34 km / 21 miles
Longest Day – Day 1, approximately 14km / 8.7 miles
Overall Difficulty - Moderate - Difficult
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
In the thermal baths of Lares there are 6 large swimming pools at different temperatures between 36 and 44 °C, you can choose to relax quietly, they are ideal for treating bone and gastrointestinal diseases.
Lares is surrounded by a mountain range that includes the Nevado Veronica (5900m high), the Sawasiray (5700m high), the Pitusiray and Chicon (5500m high). Small communities of Quechua-speaking farmers inhabit this recently-explored territory, who preserve their customs of herding llamas and alpacas, potato cultivation and textile production.
The recommended dates for traveling are the months from April to November with no rain in these months the climate is sunny, with a blue sky all day.
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 1: CUSCO – LARES HOT SPRINGS – CUNCANI
- DAY 2: CUNCANI – QUISWARANI- COCHAPATA LAKE
- DAY 3: COCHAPATA LAKE – PACHACUTEC PASS – CANCHACANCHA
- DAY 4: CANCHACANCHA – HUARAN – OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
- DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
DAY 1: CUSCO – LARES HOT SPRINGS – CUNCANI
Early in the morning we are going pick you up from your hotel (5: 00 am) to start our car drive and passing by the impressive Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara then to go into the majestic sacred valley from where we are going to appreciate some snow-capped mountains such as Sawasiray and Pitusiray and we stop in the small town of Calca where you have the chance to explore the local market to have an idea how is the daily life of the people who live in the sacred valley. Afterwards we still drive to famous Lares hot springs. Once there you can enjoy the natural hot pools surrounded by the mountains and a river. After a hearty lunch we will pack up and start the hike to the village of Cuncani which takes approximately 4 hour. We start ascending gradually on the uphill path from 3300m 10826ft to 3800m 12467ft on the way we appreciate llamas and alpacas eating on the grassy hills, this type of landscape will be our company during the hike. After 4 hour of grueling but beautiful hike we reach to Cuncani village, where our tents will be set.
DAY 2: CUNCANI – QUISWARANI- COCHAPATA LAKE
The second day of our hike begins with a leisurely hike around the village of Cuncani. We’ll hike for about 3 hours uphill to the pass known as Abra Huillquiccasa at 4,200 m/13,779 ft. While we are heading to the second mountain pass at a moderate pace, we’ll enjoy awesome views of the mountains and the beautiful lakes that make the hike very nice in this part of the Sacred Valley of Incas. The area is noted for its spectacular glacial lakes, Condors, llamas, alpacas and Viscachas that sometimes they are very close to the trekkers. After the pass we will go downhill to the place where we will have lunch is going be next to a crystal clear lake, while you enjoy the lake we will have a short break. The rest of the hike is 2 hour downhill to the campsite where we have our tents set and we have warm dinner.
DAY 3: COCHAPATA LAKE – PACHACUTEC PASS – CANCHACANCHA
After breakfast, we will leave our campsite at 7:00 am, our hike will be pleasant walking across stone houses, the views will be stupendous as we head out and begin our gradual ascent to the highest point of the Lares trek, the Abra Pachacutec at 4,460 m/14,632 ft. Near the top we are rewarded with views of the snow-caped peaks of Pitusiray 5750m 18864ft and Chicon 5500m 18044ft at the top we stop for a while to do an small offering to the Andean gods at what is called an apacheta. The path continues for an hour along a narrow barren ridge before dropping down into the beautiful brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha Where we enjoy our delicious lunch. In the afternoon 2 hour downhill hike to Canchacancha village the area is very interesting full of potato plantations on the hillside of the village. We camp at the base of amazing snow-capped mountains.
DAY 4: CANCHACANCHA – HUARAN – OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
After our nutritious breakfast we we will start with our downhill walk to part of the sacred valley of the Incas which is flanked by steep mountains. We pass through pretty farmland while following a small river down through the mountain trail. The hike takes about 3 hour downhill to Huaran village where we have our lunch made with local ingredients such as organic potatoes, vegetables, etc. afterwards we catch a private van to Ollantaytambo train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes town 1.5 hour train ride we get to Aguas Calientes town then we go to the accommodation to take shower and relaxing at the hotel and in the evening to enjoy the delicious dinner at the restaurant in town.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
- Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
- Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included
- Meals: Breakfast
- Tour: Two-hour tour with our guide in Machu Picchu
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES
Trek briefing with your guide. one night before the trek at your hotelTourist transport From Cusco - Huaran or Cusco - Lares.
Transport From Lares to Ollantaytambo Or Huaran to Ollantaytambo
Tourist train - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes.
Tourist train - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (subject to availability)
Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu (one way or return).
Tourist bus Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Entrance to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
All entrance tickets and permits for Lares hike
Professional trek guide - in different languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, and more) - Second tour guide for groups of 9 passengers to more.
Camping equipment: tents, inflatable mattresses, dining tent, kitchen; tables, chairs, tablecloths.
First-aid kit and oxygen.
Horsemen and porters (support team) also mules to transport food, camping equipment and personal luggage of passengers.
Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request.)
1-2 emergency horses depending on group size.
Meals mentioned in the program: 04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 04 dinners.
One night accommodation in Aguas Caliemntes.
NOT INCLUDED
Breakfast on the first dayLunch and dinner on the last day
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (US$75)
Hot springs (US$7.00)
Sleeping bags
Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company
Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance.
Travel Insurance
Optional up – grades (train and hotel)
**Tips, for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)
What you need to take:
A backpackA beanie hat or ear warmer
Sun hat
Scarf
Gloves
A mid weight sweater
A longsleeve t-shirt
1 – 2 t-shirts
A lightweight suater or vest
A pair of long pants
Hiking shoes
An extra pair of shoe
2 – 3 pairs wool socks
A jacket
A small towel
Rain gear
1 – 2 pair shorts
Sunglasses
A small headlamp
Waterbottle
A toothbrust and other personal toiletries
Toilet paiper
Sun cream
Insect repelent
Camera and film
Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
Extra money for drinks.
Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
List of objects to take to the trek.
List of objects to take to the trek.
OUR PRICES:
Remember that!!! This walk is available everyday - We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date. Lares Trek prices are based on the number of people in a group.
Per person ( Eight, or more, trekkers)
“This trek to Machu Picchu is available everyday provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers”
Discounts:
- Student Discount: US$30.00 off per person, this discount only apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.Please send all to info@cuscodestination.com.
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy) Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)
Train Upgrades:
- Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
- Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance).
The Lares hike is 43 kms (26.719 miles) long and distance from the campsites used, the approximate hours of walking per day are:
- Day 1: 6 hours
- Day 2: 9 hours
- Day 3: 5 hours
- Day 4: 3 hours
Best time to visit Machu Picchu by Lares Trek Route is between march and December.
The route of Lares Trek is considered a moderate hike. It is not a technical walk, but the altitude can affect some people. We recommend use a walking stick, as it can help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask you not to use a cane with a metal tip, as it can damage the fragile environment along the way.
To avoid altitude sickness, give yourself time in Cuzco to acclimatize to the change in altitude. Two days minimum is recommended!!! Try to avoid alcohol before and during your trek, and make sure you eat lightly and drink plenty of water. Make sure to stay hydrated during the route, don’t force yourself to walk faster than your body wants to, and take frequent breaks. Drinking coca leaf tea helps a lot, and you may wish to speak with your doctor about Diamox pills.
The highest point you will reach while walking on Lares Trek is 4550 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.
Yes! If you do not want to walk through Lares Trek, let us know at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have confirmed it). If you choose not to walk the path, you will spend two or three nights in Cuzco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes to spend the last night, where you will meet with your group and spend the night before touring Machu Picchu the next morning.
You will arrive in Machu Picchu early in the morning on the last day. You will meet a local guide who will take you on an informative 2-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will take the train back to Cuzco.
Llamas, cargo mules and / or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You should still bring a day pack to carry all the essentials you want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, raincoat, etc.
We recommend to make your reservation in advance and we will guarantee your Spaces for this hike. Each reservation needs 50% of deposit as first payment. The final balance(50%) will be paid in Cusco(Briefing Day). About Payment you must choose where would you like to make the deposit: Payment system online:
- Paypal
- Western Union
- Peruvian Banking Account
We use the money from your deposit to make several important purchases, including the entrance fee to Lares Route, the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, bus tickets, and train tickets. In addition, making a deposit assures us that you will be coming on the trek, and are unlikely to cancel at the last minute. This helps us with knowing how much food to buy, how many of our guides to use for the trek, etc. The deposit is non-refundable once we receive it, because we will immediately use it to purchase the tickets mentioned above.
First, we will send you an email to confirm your payment. Then we will contact you to offer you different hotel or hostel options in Cuzco, as well as inform you of other tours you might be interested in.
Two weeks before your tour date, we will contact you by email to request the final payment. We will also ask you where you will be staying in Cuzco, to be able to pick you up on the day of your hike.
After we receive the final payment, we will send you an email confirming your tour date and informing you of important contact information for our tour agency, as well as some final tips to prepare for the trek.
Once we have purchased your tickets, with your security deposit, you can only change your start date if you pay an additional amount. This amount is usually around $150 USD. The reason for this is the tickets we purchase are non-refundable and non-transferable, so we are not allowed to simply change your tour date.
The high altitude means that it can be so cold, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year, so we recommend wearing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can buy hats, gloves, hand knitted, warm, economical and locally manufactured in Cuzco.
We recommend 400 soles or 110 USD dollars. This is because sometimes you can need money for water, snacks, extra drinks, any kind of emergency.
Having a good guide is an essential part of having a good trek. Because of this, CUSCO DESTINATION hires and works with some of the best guides in the business. Our guides are knowledgable in the areas of history, archaeology, ecology, and are natives of the Cuzco area.
Sleeping bags are not included, so we recommend carrying a compact three-season sleeping bag. If you travel between May and October, a 4-station sleeping bag is recommended. These can be rented with us. For approximately $ 20 for the duration of the walk. Foam mats are provided, however, some travelers also bring their own self-inflating mat (ie, a Thermarest).
Yes, you can do it, but we recommend that you buy water or rehydration drinks from local people, as it is a way of being able to support them. Of course we offer boiled water every morning so you can drink during the day.
Our Cook prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a walk of this nature. The menu generally includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other foods for breakfast. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
Tipping is at your discretion, but is always appreciated. If you enjoyed the service you enjoyed from your guides and support staff
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L., you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the route. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
| 91 days or more before departure | we will retain 50% of your deposit. |
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| 90 – 30 days before departure | we will retain 75% of the total tour cost. |
| 29 – 0 days before departure | we will retain 100% of the total tour cost. |
LARES TREK TRAIL:
Permits: Permits for the trek are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Lares Trek to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
Thank you so much for choosing
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L.!!!
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L.!!!
