All Lares 5 day trek - Full itinerary and inclusions

Lares 5 day Trek - Huaran, CanchcaCancha, Quisurani, Concani, Huacawasi, Chaullacocha, Rumira Sondormayo, Ollantaytambo

Day 1: Cusco -Huaran - CanchcaCancha

You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel in the early morningand travel in private transport to  to Pisac and then the small village of Huaran, deep in the Sacred Valley, where we start our hike. We pass through pretty farmland while following a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking about 4 hours, we arrive in the traditional community of Cancha Cancha (3800 metres/ 12464 feet) with many stone houses. After passing the village, we set up camp for the night, surrounded by imposing peaks.

Day 2:Cancha Cancha -Quisurani

Our hike takes us past the Upper Cancha Cancha village, where children sometimes tend large herds of llamas. After a climb, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese. From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 1/2 hours to the first pass, Pachakutec (4460 metres/ 14628 feet) Near the top, we are rewarded with views of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750 metres/ 18860 feet) and Chicon (5500 metres/18040 feet). The path continues for an hour along a narrow, barren ridge before dropping down into a beautiful secluded corrie filled with glacial lakes and rich in birdlife. We follow a series of nine cascading waterfalls to the village of Quisuarani (3700 metres/ 12136 feet), where we camp for the night.

Day 3 Quisurani - Concani - Lares Hot Springs

  Heading west up a small valley we arrive at a lake at the head of the valley and start a steep zig-zag climb up a narrow trail to the top of the second pass known as Abra Huillquijasa (4200 metres/ 13776 feet), about 3 hours' from Quisuarani village. Below are incredible sapphire blue lakes. We lunch beside these lakes before continuing on for about an hour to the village of Concani (3750 metres/ 12300 feet). We will have lunch near the village of Concani.   From Concani we descend approx 2 hours to Lares’ famed hot springs, where we take a well deserved soak and set up campsite for the night. This is not a remote camping experience but a unique cultural one, as its a popular Peruvian holiday spot.  (Lares 3100 m)

Day 4:  Lares Hot Springs - Huacahuasi - Chaullacocha

Feeling refreshed, we begin a gentle walk up the very pretty and populated Trapiche River Valley. After about 2 hours we will arrive at Vilcabamba village and will then continue up the valley for another 1½ hours to the small village of Huacawasi (3700m)  which is a weaving community. They are often out in their fields weaving while they watch their animals, and we can see how they work. Passing the village we climb to a Pass (4100m)
From here, if it is clear, we can have a beautiful view of the Mount Veronica (5750m.) Descending gently for about one hour, we come to the village of Chaullacocha (4100m) a remote Andean village where Apus Peru’s Inca Trail porters live and one of the three communities where Apus Peru Adventure Travel Specialists donate $15 of each person's trek price to community projects, through the NGO Threads of Peru. www.threadsofperu.com

Day 5 Chaullacocha - Patacancha/Rumira Sondormayo - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

As Apus Peru assist with projects 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 may be  interrupting the flow of daily classes. Also, please check your itinerary that you are not visiting Chaullacocha on a weekend, or Fridays 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  (ie July – Fiestas Patrias)
We strongly recommend you read the 'Responsible tourism' section on our FAQs page prior to visiting this school, particularly in regard to donating gifts.  Unless you are going to bring enough pencils and notebooks for the whole school, its better not to bring anything!  Fruit is a healthy, nutritious gift that is most welcome. An apple or an orange is considered a treat in these communities!I if you want to support the communities in a tangible way - then you might like to consider buying weavings from the women. This rewards their work, and also supports the new NGO Threads of Peru, which has been working with the women in improving the quality of their weavings. If you are thinking of buying weavings, you will need to bring extra cash (in soles)

From Chaullacocha, you have a steep climb up to the final pass of the trek, around 4300m, and then the final section of our trek is a descent to the valley of Patacancha. A steady 4 hours walking (from Chaullacocha) brings us to the town of Patacancha, a long-established textile community with strong ancient Quechua traditions. We will have lunch near Patacancha or in Rumira Sondormayo, another of the communities that Apus Peru supports via the NGO Threads of Peru. From here we will continue to the village of Ollantaytambo in our private transfer.  Time permitting, you will visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo. (Boleto Turistico not included).

OPTIONAL (please advise at booking) 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. If you visit Pumamarca, you may not have time to visit Ollantaytambo ruins, depending on your hiking progress.

After arrival in Ollantaytambo, you will be transferred back to Cusco in a private vehicle, directly to your hotel. Your arrival time depends on your progress and optional activities during the day.

** Machu Picchu Extension **

Day 5: Itinerary as above.
From Ollantaytambo, in the afternoon or evening you will take the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes, where your guide will accompany you to your hotel.  In the evening you will have a celebratory dinner at one of Aguas Calientes numerous restaurants.  Accomodation: Hostal, Aguas Calientes.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

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 this famous city in the dawn light and before the crowds arrive. You will then have a 2.5 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your guide. After your tour you can further explore the ruins by yourself or climb Huayna (Wayna)Picchu for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. Please note that new regulations (designed to protect the ruins and for the safety of visitors) mean that there are two entry times to Huayna Picchu - at 7am and 10am, and each time has a limit of 400 enries. Also try to fit in a visit to the Temple of the Moon or Uyna Huayna Picchu while visiting Huayna Picchu.
Normally, during high season those people who climb Huayna picchu spend a extra day at the ruins just to get in the queue for the mountain and then spend a good amount of time on this classic mountain. If you don't get to do Huayna Picchu, other options are:

• Inti Punku (gate of the sun) this is the location where the classic inca trail arrives.
• Inca Bridge
• Machu Picchu mountain.

We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu to get a feeling for the vegetation and also the audacity of its builders. Its a 1.5 hour walk back to the village of Aguas Calientes. 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 in Cusco approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes.

Itinerary notes - All Lares trek - see everything the Lares region has to offer!

• 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.
• These are remote and high altitude villages. Conditions are harsh, and even though we will be camping in relative luxury (toilet tent, dining tent and mattresses, conditions are basic). There will be no opportunity to bathe (other than washing hands and face) and you should be prepared for extremely cold conditions. By the same token, this trip has many beautiful views and encounters with the people, and will most likely be the most memorable part of your entire Peru trip!
• The Lares trek is more famous for its interaction with traditional villagers than outstanding scenery - though it is still a very beautiful region, filled with high mountain lakes and wildlife.
• The Lares trek is usually suitable for trekking during the wet season, (December, January, February) depending on the actual weather conditions.
• Considering an extra night in Aguas Calientes? (Please check out linked page) 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.

Aguas Calientes upgrade package (optional) $115 per person for treks that include visit to Machu Picchu..  This price doesn’t change depending on the number of people in the group. This package includes.

• Night in a 3 star hotel, like Killa Inn, Gringo Bills or La Cabaña.  These are a nice hotels, well decorated, and clean.

• Dinner at one of Aguas Calientes “best” restaurants, like Indio Feliz or Tree House restaurant and includes one beverage!
• Buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant, located in the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.
• With limited eating choices at Machu Picchu hunger tends to send clients to Aguas Calientes; by including the buffet lunch we find that clients can visit Machu Picchu early, then go to the buffet to try lots of different Peruvian (and Western) dishes, and then rest and go back for a second look at Machu Picchu.

• Return in Vistadome train rather than Expedition train, which gives you the opportunity for a more varied timetable and to return in a nicer train, with big windows in the roof.

Practical Information

What's included?

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

• Pre trek briefing
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek in private car
• Return transport to Cusco at the end of the trip
• 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.
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) .
• 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 7 kg/15lbs per person).
• 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
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

• If you choose the Machu Picchu extension- inclusions

• Entry fee to Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu $10 extra)

• Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
• Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Train ticket (Vistadome service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Lunch on the last day is included in this itinerary.
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a basic 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.
• Dinner on the last night.

• Huayna Picchu Entry $10 Extra. Please advise at time of booking as spaces are limited.

• Entrance to the Aguas Calientes thermal springs
• Sleeping bags - 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.

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, second skin for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
• Cash - sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity 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)

optional extras

We can hire the following to you.

• Extra mule to carry YOUR things - $10.00 per trip day
• Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it - $18 per trip day
• Llamas - $28 per day. Llamas are the "Inca beast of burden" but can only carry around 7kg, and will only walk in groups of 3-4, as well as needing their own "llamero" (llama driver). If you wish to have llamas accompany you on this trip, the fixed price pays for a small group and a llama driver.
• Sleeping Bag suitable for – 10deg $4.00 per trip day
• Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -15deg. $5.00 per trip day)
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($2.00 per day, per stick) Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest inflatable mattress - $4 per trip day
• Inflatable pillow - $2 per trip day
• Comforting Camping trek upgrade $45.00  per trip day
• Single tent supplement (ie you don’t want to share a tent) $25.00 per person
• Aguas Calientes Upgrade –comfortable 3star hotel, nicer restaurants and Vistadome train upgrade $115 per person

HIRE POLICY:

• When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’
• If you hire equipment and break it – you are responsible for price of replacement /or repair. (please do the right thing!)

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (these discounts are not cumulative)

• 5% discount on treks only for members of South American Explorers Club (SAE)
• Students: US$ 30.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
• Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

TO MAKE A BOOKING

Please visit our Make a Booking page.

You will need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit. For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our Make a Booking page. * For organisational reasons, we require one week to organise your booking, prior to departure.