Lares Valley Trek 4 days 3 Night

4 Days /3 nights
(ask about our departure days)

The Lares Trek, for those are in the know about it, is the best route to arrive at Machu Picchu. Even better than the 4 Day Inca Trail, say some. It will take us into the Lares Valley section of the Andes Mountains, where we will seegreen valleys, tranquil mountains, lakes and high passes. The views of the snow-capped mountains all around us will take our breath away. This is the best way to experience Machu Picchu without all of the crowds.

Day 1: Cusco - Calca Totora Canyon - Lares Hot Springs - Huacahuasi

First thing in the morning, we will meet up in the our offices, where we will meet up with the rest of our group as well as the guides.  It should be noted at this point that you should make sure that you have your passport, and your ISIC cards, where it applys.  We will then load up on to our private transport, which will take us through Pisac and on to Calca, where we will stop to have our breakfast.  From here, we will have a good chance to appreciate the lushness of the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas and the farmed terraces of Pisac.  After continuing again, we will pass by the Machacancha thermal-medicinal springs.  From there it will be a nice, soft 2-3 hour hike on the old Inca path of Totora Canyon, which is a great place to acclimatize to the attitude.  From this point we will also share some stunning views of the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.  Along the path our guide will point out to us the many varieties of medicinal plants that are found along this route.  Eventually, we will arrive to the beautiful hot springs of Lares, where we will take some time to soak in the steamy, curative waters.  We will also have our first lunch of the journey at this point.  After lunch, it will be another 3 hours to arrive to Huacahuasi (3,700 meters), where we will set up our first camping site.  We will be able to interact with the localers, and especially with the children, who will be dressed in their colorful traditional garb.  (First Day distance approx. 8 km)

Day 2: Huacahuasi - Ipsaycocha pass - Lake Ipsaycocha - Patacancha

We will have an early morning wake- up, so that we can hurry up and hit the trails around 7.00 am.  We will stop for a short visit of the Huacahuasi Community, where our tour guide will help us understand the simple, but pleasant life-style of the towns people that inhabit it.  He will explain to us about their ancient traditions and customs, their ancestral farming secrets, and generally the modus vivendi of the people.  After beginning the route, we will have to endure some moderate hiking until we get to the pass, where it all will have been  worth it as we will enjoy some truly miraculous views of the mountains and stone houses that are peppered all over  the valleys floor.  We will continue to climb for another 3 ½ hours on to the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,400 meters).  From here, again the views will be amazing and for the first time, we will have a clear view of Mount Veronica, which stands at 5,682 meters.  We will then begin a descent to Lake Ipsaycocha , where we will have our lunch for the day.  We will then continue for an additional 3 hours more to get to the Palacancha Community (3,700 meters).  As we walk past children herding llamas and alpacas high in the Andes Mountains, we will be reminded of the beauty of the simple life-styles of the localers.  Here is where we will set up our next nights camping site. (Second Day distance approx. 11 km or 5 -6 hours)

Day 3: Patacancha - Willoq - Marcaqocha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

After breakfast we will have a 5 hour walk down to the Inca citadle, Ollantaytambo (2,900) passing local farmers tending to their Alpaca herds and their famous agricultural terraces, along the way.  On the way to Ollantaytambo, we will pass by the small rural community, Willoq, which is famous for 3 things: the traditional red ponchos that they wear, the fact that they were the very first porters for the Inca Trail, and that they only speak in their native tongue, Quechua.  Upon our arrival to Ollantaytambo, will enjoy our lunch.  After lunch, we will board the train and have one of the most scenic and relaxing trips to Aguas Calientes that you could imagine.  After the approximetely 90 minute journey, we will have some free time to spend in the pueblo.  You will have the choice to visit the waterfalls of Mandor, or go to the natural hot springs that can be found right there in town (10 soles), or you can just relax and explore the town. That night we will have a nice dinner before going to bed early in order to prepare ourselves for the long day ahead of us.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

On this, the 4rth day of the journey, we will wake up and eat an early morning breakfast in order to catch the early morning bus up to Machu Picchu.  Once there, we will have our guided tour with our guide who explain to us the rich history of the site and everything that we do know about it.  He will regale us with amazing facts and interesting stories about the ancient ruins that we are not soon to forget.  After the guided portion is finished, we will have some free time to explore the site on our own.  For those of you, still  with energy, it is also possible to climb the majestic Waynu Picchu, but in order to do this, you need to make sure to start the trek immedietly after the guided portion, as they only allow 400 passengers to climb its trail per day.  Afterwards, we will then walk back down to Aguas Calientes in order to have our lunch and catch our train back to Cusco..

Price Includes:

• All food on the route
• A nights accomodations in Aguas Calientes
• A professional, bilingual tour guide
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
• All camping equipment
• Bus up to Machu Picchu