...........................................................................................................................................................

Lares four day trek - Full Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco - Huaran - Cancha Cancha

You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel early on day one, and we will travel by comfortable private transport to Pisac and then onto 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 - Quiswarani

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 21/2 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 Quiswarani (3700 metres/ 12136 feet), where we camp for the night.

Day 3 Quiswarani - Concani - Lares Hot Springs

We start early, and head west up a small valley until 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 will continue on for about an hour to the village of Concani (3750 metres/ 12300 feet), where we will have lunch. After lunch, we will descend around 2.5 to 3 hours towards the town of Lares (3100 metres/ 10168 feet). ½ hour before arriving in Lares we will stop for a well deserved soak in the famous air hot springs. We will camp here for the night.

Day 4 Lares Hot Springs - Cusco

After a leisurely breakfast and a last dip in the hot springs, we will visit a meadery in Lares, and then take our private transport , travelling back towards Calca. Time permitting we will stop at the ruins of Ancasmarca en route for lunch. From here, we will then return directly to Cusco. (total travel time approx 4-5 hours

...........................................................................................................................................................

Lares Trek with Machu Picchu extension - 5 days/ 4nights

...........................................................................................................................................................

Lares Trek with Machu Picchu extension - 5 days/ 4nights

Just for the record, the traditional Lares trek (which ends at the Lares Hot Springs) ends up nowhere near Machu Picchu! However, as the Inca Trail spaces fill up quickly, many agencies now offer this option. Instead of returning to Cusco at the end of Day 4, you are instead collected in private transport and transferred to Ollantaytambo, so that you can take the train to Aguas Calientes and the famous citadel.

See itinerary above for details/ or email us.

Day 1: Cusco - Huaran - Cancha Cancha
Day 2: Cancha Cancha - Quisurani
Day 3: Quisurani - Concani - Lares Hot springs
Day 4 Lares - Calca - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

** Machu Picchu Extension **

Day 4: 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 5: 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 - Traditional Lares Valley trek - also known as the Weavers Way

• 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

• 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?

• Huayna Picchu Entry $10 Extra. Please advise at time of booking as spaces are limited.
• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Dinner on the last night.
• 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 $40.00  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.