Lares Trek, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco
“When permits for the Classic Inca Trail sell out, the Lares Trek is a perfect option to hike to Machu Picchu…”BOOK NOW
Starting point : Cusco
Ending point : Cusco
Duration : 7 days
Trip style : Active Hiking Tour – Lares Valley Trek
Activities : Archaeological, Cultural, Camping, Ecological, Hiking
Airfares : Not included, available upon request
Highlights : 2 nights in Cusco before the trek, 2 nights camping Lares Trek,1 night by Machu Picchu, 1 last night in Cusco
Trip Code : 7LAR
Accommodation in Cusco and Machu Picchu included, Price includes all credit card transaction and fees
When Permits for the Classic Inca Trail are sold out, the Lares trek to Machu Picchu becomes a great alternative. The Valley of Lares is located at about 40 miles northwest Cuzco. Lares is an Andean town which connects different areas of Cuzco through several trails. Most of these trails will allow you to observe a few native communities, a huge variety of flora and fauna, and the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo.
The Valley of Lares has several ecological attractions. Varied nature and the medicinal hot springs of Lares are just a couple of examples of what you can find in Lares. Our package has been designed to let you enjoy the hot springs of Lares before eating lunch during the first day of hike.
During the hike, you will visit several Andean communities. The first night your campsite will be located at the Quishuarani community where you will be able to interact with locals. In addition, the second night your campsite will be located next to the Ipsaycocha Lake and the very small Andean community of the area. Temperature during these two nights can be as low as 20ºF. Please make sure that you bring a sleeping bag designed for low temperatures.
The Lares trek is considered a moderate trek. In order to complete the Lares Trek, you need to have a reasonable level of fitness, and age shouldn’t be a barrier. Before starting the trek, you should be well acclimatized to the altitude. The highest mountain pass on the Lares Trek is located at the ‘Pachacutec pass’ at about 4400 m(14436 ft). Our package includes 2 days in Cuzco before the trek starts because this period is ideal to let you acclimatize to the altitude of Cuzco. These two days will also let you walk around the city of Cuzco, the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas.
This great adventure includes two nights of acclimatization in Cusco before the Trek, the complete Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, an overnight nearby Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes and a last night in Cuzco. Please take a look at our itinerary for further details.
Since the Lares trek will take you to Ollantaytambo town, you will have the option to visit the beautiful Ruins of the town before taking the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes.
Assistance at your arrival to Velazco Astete Airport (CUZ) and transfer to your Hotel after a quick tour of the beautiful Plaza De Armas. Overnight at your hotel.
Today you are free to relax, acclimatize to the altitude (3309masl/10856 ft) and get ready for next day’s LARES TREK. Overnight in Cusco.
Early in the morning our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in order to take a bus towards the town of Lares. The beautiful town of Lares is located about 31 miles away from Cusco. Once in Lares, you will enjoy the hot springs of the town and then eat an early lunch. After the break, you will start the journey by hiking to your first camp located at the native Community of Quishuarani. You will hike for about five hours before you reach the camp.
After an early breakfast, you will start this day trekking towards the highest pass called ‘Pachacutec pass’ at about 14400 feet above sea level. On the way to this pass, you will be able to observe a small lake where the waterfall of Pausi delivers its water. At this lake it is possible to observe Andean geese as well as llamas and alpacas. Also, you will be able to admire astonishing views of the peaks of Pitusiray (18860 f.a.s.l.) and Chicon (18040 f.a.s.l.). Once at the pass you will have a short rest and then you will hike towards your campsite located next to the beautifull Ipsaycocha Lake. Lunch and dinner will be served at your campsite. Today’s hike will last about 7 hours and you will walk through a few small Andean communities.
Today, you will hike the easiest portion of the trek. After a delicious breakfast, you will hike towards the Andean town of Patacancha. This hike will take about two and a half hours. Once at Patacancha, a private transfer will take you to the Andean town of Ollantaytambo in about an hour. If time allows, you may visit the famous ruins of Ollantaytambo (Tickets not included in the package). In Ollantaytambo, you will receive a snack and then you will take a midday train to Aguas Calientes. Once at Aguas Calientes, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on the package) and then you will enjoy lunch. You will have the remaining of the day to relax, enjoy the hot springs of the town, or just wander around. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Night in Aguas Calientes.
Early in the morning a bus will take you to Machu Picchu. Once in Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures. In the afternoon you will take a bus towards Aguas Calientes where you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo. Once at Ollantaytmabo a bus will drive you to your hotel in Cusco.
Transfer from your hotel to the airport. This marks the end of our services. Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can be arranged.
Note: Horses will carry the heavy gear; you will hike carrying only your personal pack, sleeping bag and pad.
If you are considering bringing some photography equipment or other heavy accessories, or just simply don’t want to carry anything, please request an additional horse (US$ 95) to carry your personal belongings, this way you will freely enjoy the hike. (This is highly recommended if you have never hiked over 10000 feet). Cooks handle all the kitchen chores.
Excluded in tour cost
† Vistadome train upgrade : USD 60.00
| CUSCO | AGUAS CALIENTES | Price | |
| TOURIST: | Sol Plaza Inn | Presidente | Contact Us |
| SUPERIOR: | Del Prado Inn | Santuario | |
| PREMIUM: | Arqueologo | El MaPi | |
| FIRST: | Monasterio | Inkaterra |
Note: Should the requested hotel be fully booked, Inca Trail Reservations, reserves the right to book another hotel in the same category and characteristics previous customer approval.
Upgrade to Vistadome or Hiram Bingham trains are available upon request
Student Discount: USD 30.00 off of group service price
To qualify for STUDENT Discount, you MUST email us a scanned copy or digital photo of your ISIC STUDENT card immediately after booking to info@incatrailreservations.com
*If any of the third party costs included on this package experiences an increment, we will immediately update the package price. Trekkers affected by the modification must pay the difference upon arrival in Cusco.
Lares Trek, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco