Full itinerary - Lares Chupani Special and Machu Picchu

How are Apus Peru's Lares treks unique?

We have worked in community development in these communities since 2007, you visit a school where we have supported a teacher, and you visit women's weaving groups which we have supported through capacitacion projects! This is not the same as other Lares treks! You take a different route, and there are more transport costs involved than other LARES treks that arrive lower in the Valley. We also include Vistadome train service to Aguas Calientes so you are not travelling late at night. We also offer three Lares treks options, which means you are able to pick the route that suits your fitness and interests best.

Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Patacancha - Chaullacocha - Chupani

We will start early, departing from Cusco, from where we will drive to Ollantaytambo (2 hours drive). After a short break for last minute supplies itis about 1 hours drive up hill to Patacancha. In Patacancha, we will start hiking, gently uphill. We hike for about 4-5 hours, crossing a high pass (4200m) before reaching Chaullacocha.

Note: For people of less than moderate fitness there is also the opportunity to take the car further up the hill to Palqaq, from where the hike to Chaullacocha is approximately 3 hours and has less uphill. This makes the hike easier, but by no means easy. You need to hike this section – there is no other way to reach these remote villages. Along the way there will be curious llamas and alpacas stopping to check you out... a beautiful moon like landscape, stunning views of lakes and the odd encounter with a local person tending their sheep and alpacas.

In Chaullacocha, one of the weaving communities supported by Threads of Peru, we will have the opportunity to learn more about this remote village. If you are lucky, the women will be weaving and we can talk to them (via Quechua translators) about their weavings. The school in Chaullacocha is also supported by our organization and if we arrive during a school day the teachers and children will be happy to interact with us.

We will have lunch in Chaullacocha before continuing on for another 1 - 1.5 hours to Chupani. Chupani is another weaving village that is supported by Threads of Peru. Your tour leader will provide more insights into the work done by Threads of Peru while in Chupani. We will camp the night in Chupani where our professional chef will serve up delicious, hot, three course meals. Total hiking – 12km – 6 hrs

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

Day 2: Chupani - Lares Hot Springs

After a morning visit to the school, we will start climbing uphill on the Colquepata pass, approximately 4100m, and a strong climb straight up for about 2 hours. Though breathless and feeling the climb, we will go slow and be rewarded with truly spectacular views of the mountains and the achievement of reaching the pass will be amazing. From there its all downhill for about 3-4 hours, tough in itself due to the steep incline of the mountain but filled with interactions with the people that we meet along the way and amazing alpine scenery. We have lunch en route and pass through some very remote high settlements. Arrival in the Lares Valley is a relief after the high altiplano – its lush vegetation and pretty farmhouses are warm and welcoming. We will have a well deserved soak in the hot springs of Lares and after a refreshing soak willhead back to  Cusco (on the 2 day trip) or onto Ollantaytambo (3 hrs drive) where you will take the train to Machu Picchu, if you are opting for the 2 day trek with Machu picchu extension. Accomodation: Hostal Payacha, Aguas Calientes.
Total hiking – 10km – 6 hrs

Day 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

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 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 Picchu for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. (You need to specify if you would like to climb Huayna Picchu at the time of booking, it costs $10 extra) 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, which is included in the price of your tour.. 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.

Itinerary notes - Lares Chupani Special

• 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!
• 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.
• 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.

Aguas Calientes upgrade package (optional) $115 per person.  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
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu $10 extra)
• 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
• 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.