LARES 4 Days Mountains, lakes, llamas and weavings

This trek is an excellent alternative (one of the best in our opinion) for those who want to get off the ‘beaten track’ and have an insight into authentic communities whilst being surrounded by stunning mountain, lake and valley landscapes. It begins from a small village in the Sacred Valley and ascends to 2 passes over 4000 metres (13123 feet) passing through traditional, colourful villages relaxing hot springs in Lares and to finish with a visit of Machu Picchu on the Final day!

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ITINERARY:

Day 1: Traditional villages and andean forest!

Today we pick you up at  5:00 (Time in Peru) and travel by local bus for the 1½ hour ride to the village of Pumahuanca(2840m) located in the Sacred Valley between Pisac and Urubamba. Huaran is the start of the trail. We’ll meet up with the horsemen and pack the horses. Leaving the Sacred Valley behind us we head northwards following a gently climbing trail that runs parallel to the small Cancha Cancha river. It’s a 4 hour trek to our destination, the small village also named Cancha Cancha (3800m) where we’ll spend the night.

Day 2:Challenging!

Leaving Cancha Cancha we continue north east up the valley, passing small thatched stone houses. After ½ hour the path flattens out before climbing steeply for the 2½ hour trek to the highest pass, called Pachacutec Pass (4758m). From the pass you’ll be rewarded with superb views of Pachacutec Lake and the snowy peaks of Pitusiray. The path continues for an hour along a narrowridge until dropping down into a beautiful secluded corrie filled with glacial lakes (Lunch). The lip of the corrie descends into the next valley, following a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quisuarani (3700m) about 1 hours’ walking from the corrie. We’ll camp here for the night.

Day3: Beautiful Hot springs!

The trail follows now the river valley down hill for about 3 1/2 hours to the town of Lares (3100m). ½ hour before arriving in Lares town you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a soak in some open air thermal springs (bring a swimsuit). At about 1pm (after lunch) the bus will pick us up and leave for Ollantaytambo, there you will have sometime to rest and see this amazingg town (plus dinner) before going to Aguas Calientes by Train (20:30).

Day 4: Machu Picchu!

We will have breakfast at 5.45am then catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (15-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.

A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves at 14:30pm or at 18:20 pm and we will arrive back in Cusco after 4 hours ride (there's a bus transfer in Ollantaytambo).

If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)

Please Note, train times are subject to change depending on Peru Rail(Monopoly) timetables and avaialbility.

IMPORTANT: Pre-trek talk (brieffing) is held at our office the night before your trek at 6 or 7 pm (exact time to be confirmed).

Trek Difficulty level:

Please Note: Dificulty level depends very much on your fitness and aclimatization.

Click here to see: Treking Tips and +

Includes:

• Professional, bilingual Tour Guide (Meet them here)
• Collection from hotel
• Return  transportation  Bus and Train*
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu (one of the new 7 wonedrs of the world!).
• 2 bus ticket to/from Machu Picchu.
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 4 are not included)
• Dining tent with table and chairs.
• Chef and porters
• Horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment)
• 4 man tent is provided for 2 people only.
• Sleeping mattress
• Oxygen bottle
• First Aid kit

* Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo backpacker (to/from Ollanta) Train times will only be confirmed close to the time of the trek, if you join a group late in the day we can't guarantee you will travel on the same trains as the rest of the group.

Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail timestable and availability.If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the backpaker cerrojo train) for an increased price.

What you need to take:

• Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Warm jacket, hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
• Insect repellent
• Hand santizer
• Toiletries
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries
• Bathing suit for hotsprings (not included in price)

Optional items to take:

• Shorts
• Walking stick (with rubber tip)
• Plasters and bandages
• Sandals
• Extra money

Please contact us for further information

5 days  Lares treks are also available  with the private service only.