Lares Trek 4 Days

One of the most spectacular treks in the Urubamba range takes us through the Andean landscape and to the home of the Incas direct descendants. One of the oldest culture in South America called the Lares Culture. People who live here preserve their traditions and still herd the south American camelids such as llamas and alpacas, as well as sheep, cows, horses and mules. When the Spanish took the imperial city Cusco, much of the population fled into the andes in places like Lares as refuge. On the Lares Trek you will be able to observe local customs and husbandry methods pretty much unchanged since Inca times. During this 4-day experience you see archaeological and cultural wonders, Machu Picchu and the spectacular Lares Valley with its cascading waterfalls, crystal clear streams and abundance of plant and wildlife.

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

The Lares trek to Machu Picchu offers you the opportunity to trek ancient Inca paths and routes but away from the hordes of the classic Inca Trail. Step back in time as you trek through untouched and breathtaking landscapes set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, and watch a panorama of Andean villages, lakes and valleys unfold before you, revealing the way of life of the descendants of the Incas which has remained untouched for centuries.This trek does not run in the months of Dec and Jan because weather conditions affect the trails.

1st Day: Cusco – Lares

We will be picked up at 6am. Then we drive towards Calca set in the heart of the Sacred Valley via Pisac, where we stop en-route for breakfast. Pisac is a great opportunity to visit some of the colorful, markets selling local produce. Here you can enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes. We pass the Hualcapunku Pass at 4400m where we can catch breathtaking views of the snowcapped peak of Ausangate mountain that lies at 6370m and is the highest mountain in the Cusco area. Along this trail we pass many Andean medicinal plants and continue to Lares (3 hours total). There is a great opportunity to relax at the hot springs here.

2ND Day: Lares – Challwaccocha

An early start means we can enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting our trek towards the community of Huacahuasi, making a short visit to the village. You may like to donate some school supplies for the children at the local school. We stop for lunch and then continue onwards to the Ibsacocha Pass with beautiful views of the Vilcanota mountain range. We encounter a number of flagstone Inca Trails and cross this pass before setting up camp on the other side at Challwaccocha (Fish Lagoon). The views during today’s trek are breathtaking, and we also catch glimpses of lakes and herds of llamas.

3rd Day: Challwaccocha – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast we walk at a leisurely pace to Patacancha, situated at 2800m. Along the way we pass local farmers tending to their herds of llamas and alpacas, beyond which are terraces of crops. We stop here for lunch before passing through Willoc, en-route to Ollantaytambo, where the locals are dressed in scarlet ponchos, and are the closest living descendents of the Incas and still follow their traditions. We have plenty of free time to visit the ruins before catching the evening train to Aguas Calientes where we settle in at our hostel for a hot shower followed by dinner.

4th Day: Machu Picchu – Cusco

After having a nice breakfast in our hostel, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, after picking our entrance tickets up at the control; we visit the most famous archaeological site of South America and now the New Wonder of the Earth, the tour usually takes 2-3 hours, and after the guided tour you can spend some hours to enjoying the place by yourself. After your wonderful experience at Machu Picchu, you return to the village of Aguas Calientes, and board your train back to Cusco. Finally we pick up you at the train station to your Hotel (B).

The Tour Includes

Private transport to Lares – Trailhead; all camping and cooking equipment including good quality mattresses, Ausangate entrance fees, spacious two person tents, dining (tables and chairs)and cook tent, Extensive first-aid kit including oxygen; professional bilingue speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R. Mules and cook team. All entrances fee needed for doing the tour (extras are by tour own), All meals while trekking are included as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

The Tour Does Not Include

Breakfast on the first day.
Sleeping bag.
Extra mule or porter (for asking before departing).
Any extra entrance fee.
Tips for Staff on the trail.

Equipment List

On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from the freezing Altiplano to hot sunshine. Hopefully, during the day it will be generally sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It will get cold (as low as -10°C whilst camping) especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Cusco. Good quality Alpaca jumpers are available in Cusco. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of this trip.

Equipment List

Comfortable clothes for travel.
Sleeping bag.
Water bottle & purification tablets (optional).
Sunglasses.
Swim suit.
Sun block .
Lip balm .
Binoculars (optional).
Camera & batteries .
Pocket knife.
Insect Repellent.

Equipment List

The “Lares Trek” travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes this trail so very special could also cause certain problems. This is a nature trek and a very adventurous trek and we expect our clients to be prepared for any alteration in climate (Rainy season-November to April- and dry season – May to October) or/and change programmed events. This expedition involves trekking over several high passes up to 4600 m./ 5,091 ft. and involves steep descents. It is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should be in reasonable fitness. You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking and travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights and other factors out of the control of Vicuna Travel. A pre-departure meeting will be held on arrival in Cusco. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a risk assumption form and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance. We look forward to seeing you in Cusco !!!.