Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4d/3n -

Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4d/3n

OVERVIEW:

The road to the Lares valley, also known as the “weavers circuit”, takes us on a journey through the high Andean landscape, visiting many Andean towns where life continues as it does shekels. The descendants of the Incas, They continue and live in a very traditional way and maintain the ancestral customs, agriculture and the way of dressing. They continue to practice the old Inca cloth technique and are known for producing high-quality traditional textile colors. This hike combines varied Andean landscapes, with lush forests, mountains and lakes, with an ancient culture and the opportunity to meet and make friends with the locals. The highest point that is passed is 4450 masl. (IPSAYCOCHA).

Day 1:

We will pick you up at 6:00 am from your hotel in cusco and take a three – hour drive through the sacred valley and will stop in the small town of Calca where we can visit the local market. Then we will continue driving until we reach the start of the trail located in the town of Lares which is at 3,260 meters (10,695 feet). Here you can take a dip in the local medicinal hot springs to warm up your muscles for the hike. After enjoying the pools, we will have lunch right beside the hot springs.

Then we will begin hiking and will trek for about 4 hours. We will first ascend for about 30 minutes before arriving to an area that is relatively flat. We will cross a small stream and continue through the valley until we reach the town of Wacawasi. We will see locals wearing traditional clothing that includes colorful ponchos and hats. After passing through the town we will ascend for about 40 minutes up the side of the mountain before reaching our first campsite which is located at 3,880 meters or 12,730 feet.

Day 2:

The next morning after having breakfast, we will continue to hike uphill for about 3 hours through the highlands until we reach the highest pass of the trail called Ipsaykassa at 4,450 meters (14,600 feet). As we hike to this pass, we will see llamas, alpacas and sheep grazing close by as well as traditional stone houses. At the pass, we will rest and have time to take in the incredible view before descending for about half an hour to the beautiful Ipsaycocha lake where we will have lunch. From there, we will continue hiking to our campsite for about 2 and a half hours.

Our trail will have gradual ascents and descents as we make our way to the village of Patacancha. We will descend down to our next campsite passing by picturesque farmyards and houses. Our campsite sits at 3,700 meters or 12,140 feet, and here we will be able to meet a local family and perhaps even have the chance to try guinea pig if you choose!

Day 3:

The next day after eating we will take a local car for 40 minutes to Pallata, where we will hike about halfway up the mountain for about 30 minutes to the Inca ruins of Pumamarca. This site was used as administrative center for the area, and after touring the ruins and having time to explore we will continue hiking for about 3 hours around the mountain on a part that is relatively flat. Our trail will take us through a valley and then we will follow an old Inca Trail until we reach Inca terraces.

We will then descend until we reach the bottom of the valley where we will follow a path along the river until we reach the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will have lunch. We will have some time to rest and then will say goodbye to our crew. Then in the afternoon we can visit the main plaza in the town and do a short hike to the Inca Colcas (storehouses) Hike which takes 1 hour in total. Then we will have dinner at a local restaurant and in the evening we will take the train to Aguas Calientes which takes about 2 hours. At Aguas Calientes we will take you to your hotel where you can check in and rest for the night.

Day 4:

After having an early breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide and take the 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu You will have a 3-hour tour with your guide where you will see and learn about important sites that include temples, plazas, terraces, and canals. Please note that certain temples are open only at specific times. After your tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, and in the afternoon you will take the train back to Cusco where we will pick you up from the train station and drop you off at your hotel.

Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the hike and back to your hotel at the end.
Entrance to the Lares hot springs.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Round trip train tickets in the Expedition service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back to Cusco.
Round trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu and back to Aguas Calientes.
B&B Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Panorama B&B or other similar hotel depending on availability).
The North Face Mountain 25 tents (2-person, 4 season tents).
Therm-a-Rest mattress and pillow provided for free.
Duffle bag that you can fill with up to 8kg (18lb) of your personal gear that the horses will carry.
Other camping equipment: kitchen tent, dining tent (with table and chairs), and bathroom tent.
Experienced tour guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua.
Guides trained in First-Aid, equipped with oxygen, and capable of radio communication.
Complete meals and snacks during the trip starting with lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the fourth day at your hotel (the last lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included).
Professional chef experienced in preparing meals in the mountains.

Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
Sleeping bag or trekking poles (can be rented from us)
Tips for guide, chef, and horseman (optional)

Original passport
Sleeping bag (or you can rent one from us)
A small day backpack to carry your personal belongings (horses will carry items not needed during the day)
Trekking poles (or you can rent a pair from us)
Bathing suit (if you would like to enjoy the hot springs in Lares and/or Aguas Calientes)
Good sneakers or light hiking boots, and one pair of flip-flops or light sandals
Camera and extra batteries
Flashlight
Rain jacket and plastic poncho (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March)
Comfortable hiking clothes
Bug repellent
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Cap for the sun
Warm clothes for nighttime including thermals, warm hat, and gloves
Travel towel
Toilet paper
Water bottle and about 1 liter of water for the first day until lunch (after that, we will supply boiled water for the rest of the hike)

GROUP SERVICE:
599 USD PER PERSON
PRIVATE SERVICE:
2 PERSONS 699 USD PER PERSON
3 PERSONS 689 USD PER PERSON
4 PERSONS 679 USD PER PERSON
5 PERSONS 669 USD PER PERSON
6 PERSONS 659 USD PER PERSON