we support responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism...

This spectacular 4 day program has been specially designed for people who are looking for an exclusive trail, away from the usual tourist routes and which allows them to see traditional Andean communities. The route begins in Lares and crosses over a tough pass before descending to Chanchani and Chaullaocha where we have the opportunity to visit the school. These are typical Andean communities dedicated to agriculture, livestock farming and weaving, where the people still wear their impressive traditional dress from the area and we can appreciate their generous hospitality. Finally we will descend to Ollantaytambo to take the train to MachuPicchu, dedicating the last day to visiting the famous Inca citadel.

Full itinerary - Lares and Machu Picchu Trek

Day One We depart Cuzco early in the morning and travel to the township of Calca (2900 metres/ 9512 feet). We will visit traditional markets where people from all over the Sacred Valley trade crops. From Calca we pass Inca burial tombs, local farms and herds of wild llama en route. Just past the highest point of the day, we will stop for a short walk at the Inca ruins of Ancasmarca with views of the surrounding valley. From here we make our way down into the Lares Valley to the small isolated community of Quiswarani (3750 metres/ 12300 feet). After lunch we begin to trek, climbing to 3940 metres/12 923 feet before descending to the Queullacocha lagoon. We will camp near the isolated village of Concani. (Approx 5 hrs walking) Accomodation: camping

Day Two After an early start we will leave Concani via the Wacawasi pass (3820 metres/ 12529 feet) and continue upwards to around 4400m. During the day's walk we have breathtaking views of Andean peaks, including the snow capped Mount Veronica and should pass by herds of llama and alpaca. We cross a couple passes, where high alpine lakes are home to Andean Geese, Puna Ibis and other water birds. If we walk well, we should arrive at the village of Chaullacocha. (Approx 8 hrs walking) Accomodation: camping

Apus Peru Adventure Travel Specialists donate 5% of their trek price to community projects, one of which is the support of bilingual education in the community of Chaullacocha.

Day Three

As we assist with the education of children in Chaullacocha, the community is particularly welcoming to groups from Apus Peru. We will visit the school in the morning before setting off. The interaction with each group is different - some people sing a short song from their country and the children will sing in Quechua in return. Please note: you will NOT be 'teaching' the children in any capacity and your visit to the school might be quite short as it is interupting the flow of daily classes. Also, please check your itinerary that you are not visiting Chaullacocha on a weekend as classes will not be operating. There are school holidays from December thru to the beginning of March and at various other periods of the year .

We strongly recommend you read the 'Responsible tourism' section on our FAQs page prior to visiting this school, particularly in regard to donating gifts.

The final section of our trek is a descent to the valley of Patacancha. A steady 3 hours walking brings us to the town of Patacancha, a long-established textile community with strong ancient Quechua traditions. From Patacancha we will take private transport to visit the ruins of Pumamarca, which was thought to have been built to protect the Sacred Valley. It also has interesting storage facilities. From here we will continue to the village of Ollantaytambo. We will have lunch and during the afternoon you have time to visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo. (Boleto Turistico not included). In the afternoon or evening you will take the Backpacker Train to Aguas Calientes, where there are plenty of restaurants (not included). Approx 3 hours walking. Accomodation: Hostal, Aguas Calientes.

Day four: Breakfast included at hotel. Early in the morning (before dawn) we will take a bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. (Bus included in price) so that you can appreciate sunrise from the Watchman's Hut (or Inti Punku if you get up very early). You will then have a three hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your guide. After your tour you can further explore the ruins by yourself or climb Huayna Picchu for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. Please note that you need to start climbing Huayna Picchu by 12 noon. Also try to fit in a visit to the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu to get a feeling for the vegetation and also the audacity of its builders. Its a 1-2 hour walk back to the village of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you can take the bus ($6 - not included). We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train (leaves either at 2.30pm or 6pm) and are met by a driver at Ollantaytambo who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes.

Easier version of the Lares and Machu Picchu trek (please specify which you prefer the easier or harder version!)

Day 1: We depart Cuzco early in the morning and travel to the township of Calca (2900 metres/ 9512 feet). We will visit traditional markets where people from all over the Sacred Valley trade crops. From Calca we pass Inca burial tombs, local farms and herds of wild llama en route. Just past the highest point of the day, we will stop for a short walk at the Inca ruins of Ancasmarca with views of the surrounding valley. From here we make our way down into the Lares Valley and the main town, Lares where we can visit the local market before continuing onto the famous hot springs. Have a dip in the hot springs before lunch and then have lunch... in the afternoon you will walk 2-3 hours to the village of Huacahuasi. overnight camping at Huacahuasi, a remote village.
Day 2: Huacahuasi to Chaullacocha. 5 hours walking including crossing the Ipsaycocha pass. (see hard version for details)
Day 3:  Visit school in Chaullacocha, then walk 2 hours to Palqaq where our car meets you and takes you to Ollantaytambo. then taking the train to Aguas Calientes in the mid afternoon or evening.
Day 4: as per "more difficult version",visiting Machu picchu and returning to cusco in the evening.

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.
• An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged. We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase the ticket again, valued at approx $40 US.
  

  What's included?

  For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!

  • Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
  • Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek. Private transport to Quiswarani, and from Patacancha to Ollantaytambo
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu
  • English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
  • Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
  • Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
  • Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
  • Toilet tent
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $8 per day.
  • 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
  • Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
  • Tents for our staff to sleep in, sleeping bags & mattresses plus a budget for their meals.
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Bus from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu. We highly recommend walking down from the ruins at the end of the day… it's an excellent opportunity to really get a feeling for the location of Machu Picchu. If you chose to catch the bus, it costs $6.
  • Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas
    Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
  • 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in one star hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom. If you wish to upgrade from this hotel, please check out the options listed on our Aguas Calientes accommodation page.

  What is not included?
  

  • Breakfast on the first morning.
  • Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you will have the choice to further explore Machu Picchu on your own, dine at the restaurant in Machu Picchu or return to Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance to the thermal springs
  • Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
  • Tips for the guide, cook and porters
  • Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $8US per day.
  • Bus down from Machu Picchu - cost $6US. We give you the option to hike if you wish.

  You should bring:
  

  • A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
  • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
  • Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
  • Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
  • Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
  • Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
  • Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
    We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
  • Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol etc.
  • Small towel or sarong
  • Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
  • Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
  • Original passport & ISIC card (if you have one).
  • Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
  • Binoculars (if you have them)
    

Pictures from the community of Chaullacocha, near Lares, which we support through the part employment of a bilingual (Quechua/English teacher). 5% of your trek price goes to assisting this community and another like it. To visit Chaullacocha, contact us.

ALL NEW : scans of recent trip reports. Click on the link to view the pdf. After you have viewed it, click on back to return to this page.

July 14 08 report 1 / July 14 08 report 2 / August 05 08 report 1/ August 05 08 report 2/

August 10 08 report 1/ August 10 08 report 2/ August 18 08 report 1/ August 18 08 report 2/

How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

How would you rate your guide? Ruben 9. I spent most of the time with Ruben at the back of the group. He was very patient and waited while I took photos & got my breath back. He also explained stuff as we went along and asked the locals about their animals, names, ages etc.

How were your meals? 7 Did the trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes although we didn't get to teach the children as it was summer holidays.

What did you think of the route? (Lares- machu picchu) Route was beautiful and unspoilt with lots of animals and birds. Great to meet only locals and not see any tourists on the same route. The route was physically demanding on the first day. It might have been because we had just come back from 4 days in the jungle, I found it very hard work.

What was the highlight of your trip?An appreciation and better understanding of how people live in the mountains. The scenery, the animals, meeting locals.

Sara, January 2008, UK

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10

How would you rate your guide? 10 I had one of the greatest experiences in my life in the mountains Andes.How were your meals? 10

What did you think of the route? (Lares- machu picchu) It really gave me a chance to see how the Inca people live in the mountains. I was inspired by the peaceful and untouched civilisation.

What was the highlight of your trip? The whole trip! The people who brought us fish and potatoes to our campsite. These people were the kindest people I had ever experienced.

Any other comments : Willy was a great guide and taught me much about a great people and Machu Picchu.

Conor, November 2007, USA

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 How would you rate your guide? 10 Big Willie was the man. Very funny, very professional, very informative. Could not imagine a better guide. How were your meals? 10 What did you think of the route? (Lares- machu picchu) Perfect. Not many tourists. Difficult, amazing views, interaction with locals was amazing. What was the highlight of your trip? The whole experience was a highlight. I especially liked watching the locals fish with handline set in views I will never forget. Any other comments : It is important to preserve the land we covered and not let tourism become too big.

Tommy Willcox, November 2007, USA

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

How would you rate your guide? 10 Herbert was fun to be with and very informative. Felix (guide for short treks) and Herbert both conveyed in very different ways a sense of the Quechua culture. Their own respect for it transmitted as well in a very effective way.

How were your meals? 10

What did you think of the route? the trek was really nice - it was a good amount of time to spend in the mountains. Beautiful route - great choice of paths.

What was the highlight of your trip? It was really interesting and eye opening to see how people in the small villages lived. Seeing llamas and alpacas was also awesome.

Any other comments : it would be cool to take a closer look at how people use the animals. Overall, the trip was organised and arranged extremely well.

Bob & Chris & family (children 11 & 14) , USA, , August 2007

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 8

How would you rate your guide?8- 9 Felix was extremely courteous and concerned about my well being for which I was grateful.

How were your meals? 7 quantities were a little too big - but the cooks were INCREDIBLE! they were so impressive with gourmet meals while camping! Ricardo and Herbert were so kind and gentle, I sincerely hope that they are being compensated adequately by your company.

What did you think of the route? First day should have started earlier. Felt too long by end of day.

What was the highlight of your trip? meeting local children, the meals! the sights! our guide.

Safiya, Canada, August 2007

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005-08. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru