Lares is a very special trek. it is the trek for people who want to get to know part of the real Peru where you can appreciate the real descendants of the Incas: genuine andean pueblos where the indigenous people still conserve the ancestral customs… the way of life, the rituals, the dues to Pachamama, and the belief in the AUQUIS… the spirits of the mountain. Also the raising of llamas and alpacas, their customs, their houses of stone with the thatched roofs, their traditional clothing and the food. All comes with a beautiful landscape surrounded by glacier mountains, lakes, thermal baths, etc. And ends at one of the new Wonders of the World.
The Inca Trail To Machupicchu is one of the most famous treks in the world; at one time it extended throughout all of the Incan Empire and today still exists in many parts of the Andes. One version is the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that takes 4 days and 3 nights. The short Inca Trail is 2 days and 1 night. We recommend this shorter trail for people who do not have much time or do not feel physically capable of the longer trek. The description is as follows:
Why hike Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with us?
This is one of our signature treks. We have carefully curated this itinerary to offer you the best and the most of the hike. Our trek takes you far deeper into the heart of the Peruvian Andes. You will be hiking through remote villages with captivating views at every turn. To then join this adventure with the famous short Inca trail to Machupicchu.
We have an excellent team of local crew dedicated to Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. They have years of experience hiking the trail Our local tour guides are fluent in English and have intense knowledge about the Inca history and Andean traditions. The first two days horses we will are used to carry our equipment, such as muleteers and cook, and within the Inca Trail this trek will be done only with the guide. since the use of the staff will not be necessary and the overnight stay on the third day will be in Machupicchu town
Our crew is also trained in first aid and providing assistance in case of altitude sickness.
Although you can hike Lares Valley Trek round the year, the best time to hike is during the dry season – between March and November. You will have clearer views of the mountains and will be ideal to capture these sights with your camera.
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| PROGRAM | LARES VALLEY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU |
|---|---|
| LENGTH | 4 Days /3 Nights |
| AVAILABILITY | March to December |
| ACTIVITY TYPE | CULTURAL/ECOLOGICAL/ADVENTURE |
| DIFFICULTY | EASY – MODERATE. |
| CODE | APMS 009 |
DAY 1 CUSCO – LARES – WACAHUASI.
On the first day, we leave Cusco very early in the direction of the Urubamba Valley to the Incan town of Calca, where we will stop to have breakfast, and one can buy some things in the traditional market such as fruit for the children that will be waiting on the route. We will continue our ascent to the Cruzqasa pass (4150msnm) but not before visiting the community of Ancasmarca where we will have the opportunity archaeological sites. (Next we arrive at the Lares Upon arrival at the hot springs, we will meet our muleteers and prepare our backpacks to begin the adventure. The trail begins to gradually climb up the valley to the highlands. Today we will have lunch around 1:30 p.m. halfway to the first camp. After lunch, the adventure continues, along this section of the trail we will see some herds of llamas and alpacas, and we will arrive at our first camp located in the town of Wacawasi 3,800 m / 12,464 ft. At the camp after our arrival, we will have tea time and dinner.
The first day, we will have the option to swim in the hot springs before our trek begins, the cost of which is 10 PEN (not included), or simply start hiking to the first campsite, as most trekkers do, this will be managed by you and your trek leader.
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner included (except breakfast which is supplied at your hotel).
DAY 2: HUACAWASI – CHULLACOCHA
Our crew will be waking you up to a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea this will be followed by a delicious Andean breakfast, On the second day, we continue climbing to the pass of (4100msnm. For approximately 2 hour and a half, we descend to the indigenous village of Chaullacocha (3850msnm). On this walk, as on the first day, we will see a group of lakes. We will also encounter many children looking after llamas and alpacas. In the Andes, many of which will approach tourists so they will give candies. Adult women offer different woven arts. You can get some souvenirs at a good bargain here. Continuing our journey we rise to the third pass of Chaullacocha (4300 metres/14107ft) from where we can appreciate our campsite, Chaullacocha (4100 meters/13451 ft). Here we will have the opportunity to have much more contact with the children in the area.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: CHAULLACOCHA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – INCA TRAIL – MACHU PICCHU.
This third day we got up very early at 3 in the morning to go to the Ollantaytambo station to take our train, depending upon which train is reserved, take you to the station Ollantaytambo from where you will take the train expetition 06:10 am 01:30 by train to km 104, Chachabamba (2200msnm). Here there is a control point where you will register with your guide. We begin your trek by first visiting the archeological site of Chachabamba. From here we later begin to ascend for 3 hours or 5 kilometers to the second archeological site of Winay Wayna (2700msnm). Inca construction is divided into religious sectors, agricultural sectors and urban sectors, all of which are united by the ceremonial water fountains. We then continue for more than an hour more to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) 2700msnm, the place from where we can appreciate the splendid city of Machu Picchu, wonder of the world. We can take our first photos from the high part, later we descend for 45 minutes until we reach the control point one more time, and then take our bus to descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a comfortable hostal and clean up with a private bathroom and hot shower.
MEALS: Box Lunch. Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
The epic day of Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. We will be leaving quite early in the morning from your hotel in Aguas Calientes and embark on a bus ride up the hill to Machu Picchu.
Our tour guide will assist you in clearing the security control. Once inside, you will witness the golden rays of the rising sun shimmering on the Inca walls. We will be giving you an immersive guided tour of the citadel for two hours.
We will be visiting the remains of the plaza, ceremonial site, remains of Royal Quarters, and more. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
If you have booked to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our tour guide will direct you to the respective trailhead.
Please note that you need permits to hike any of these mountains. Often permits are sold out six months in advance. So if you intend to hike, do let us know at the time of booking your Short Inca Trail hike.
After the Machu Picchu tour, we will exit the citadel and take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time here to check out the town or have lunch (not included in the price)
Later in the evening, we will be taking the train back to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our representative will meet you on arrival and drive you back to Cusco. We will be reaching Cusco by 0900 PM.
MEALS: Breakfast in the hotel.
IMPORTANT NOTES.
The briefing will be 2 days before the group departs, where you will first meet with your guide, and have an explanation about the tour.
The time of hiking will depend on the group. The guide can change the places for having lunch and camping according to the physical condition of the group.
Each guide has his own way of leading his groups but always his decisions will be for the benefit of the tourists.
LARES AND SHORT INCA TRAIL This is an adventure tour that we must enjoy, to the maximum with good weather or, if not, always we must have an open mind, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.
INCLUDED:
- An explanation two days before departing
- Tranport in private bus to the start of the trek
- Transfer to your hotel on return
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Meals according to the program (Vegetarian available)
- Boiled water on all days for your bottles
- Snacks before trekking
- Camping tents for 2 and 4 persons depending on the requirements
- Camping equipment, dining tents, kitchen, tables, chairs
- Cook and assistant cook
- Kitchen/eating utensils
- Pack animals (mules and horses) to carry the baggage and equipment.
- Emergency horse
- Wranglers to care for the pack animals
- Professional guide who speaks English, Spanish, and Quechua
- Assistant guide for groups larger than 8 people
- Train ticket from Ollataytambo to km 104 start of the short inca trail
- Return train ticket to Ollantaytambo
- First aid equipment and oxygen tank
- Last night’s celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes in a restaurant.
- Entrance to the Inca Trail
- Entrance into Machu Picchu
- Transport from Chaullacha to Ollantaytambo.
- Bus down the from Machupicchu the third day.
- Bus up and down last day.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot water
NOT INCLUDED.
- Breakfast on the first day
- Dinner on the last day
- Tips for personnel: guide, cook, wranglers (according to their job)
- Sleeping bags (they can be rented in the office)
- If you would like to rent an additional horse, it is $10 per day
WHAT TO BRING ON THE TREK
- 1 small nylon reinforced backpack to carry the things you need for the trek (camera, drinks, etc.)
- 1 large backpack or suitcase to keep the things you don‘t need in your hotel in Cusco until you return from your trek
- Sleeping bag good for -5°C (which can be rented in Cusco)
- Small flashlight and extra batteries
- 1 water bottle (1 liter) or a small plastic throw-away bottle
- Hiking boots
- Tennis shoes
- 1 jacket (of nylon with hood and water and wind resistant)
- 1 Fleece Jacket
- 1 pair of gloves and a woolen hat (they can be bought during your trip)
- 3 or 4 short-sleeved shirts (preferably “dry fit” that don’t retain water)
- 2 pairs of shorts such as the Bermudas.
- Socks: 4 pairs of wool and 4 of fiber (Coolmax) for the trek (avoid cotton as these can retain water)
- 1 sun hat and sunglasses
- Personal medications and toiletries in small containers
- Sunscreen for your skin and lips
- Insect repellent
- Moisturizer lotion to avoid the drying out of the skin
- Bathing suit for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes
OPTIONAL
- Heated sleeping mat
- Sleeping bags which can be rented in the office for $5 per day and good for – 10°C.
- Professional walking sticks can be rented in the office for $2 per day
- Energy foods: chocolates, granola bars, dried fruits, etc. (they can be purchased in Cusco.
2022 Prices. LARES VALLEY TREK & MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
| Number of People | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 or more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person in $ | $ 895 | $ 850 | $ 815 | $ 785 | $ 755 |
If you wish to travel alone, you need to ask for a private tour, letting us know which date you wish to leave, and you must make your reservation a week ahead of time so that we can organize your tour.
If you wish to go with other people, we can let you know what dates are available and you can join an existing group.
Write to us to make your reservation and we will send you the form and the payment conditions
DISCOUNTS
Students: $20 U.S. (only for students who have a current international student card (ISIC card)
Children: $20 U.S. (minors of 16 years with proof of passport)
