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Lares trek and Machu Picchu - Full Itinerary

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.

Option One: Quiswarani to Patacancha valley (medium difficulty)

We ran our three day Lares treks along this route for about 4 years - the advantage is that you end near Ollantaytambo where you will take the train to Machu Picchu - however, you don´t visit the Lares Hot Springs.

Day 1: Cusco-Calca- Quiswarani- Concani

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 2: Concani - Chaullaccocha

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 (altitude 4100m). (Approx 8 hrs walking) Apus Peru Adventure Travel Specialists donate $15 of your trek price to community projects, one of which is the support of bilingual education in the community of Chaullacocha. Accomodation: camping

**ALL NEW HOMESTAY OPTION! Apus Peru works closely with the people of Chaullacocha and would like to offer a special new homestay program - capacity limited to 6 people. See Chaullacocha Homestay.

Day 3: Chaullacocha - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

As we assist womens weavings projects in Chaullacocha, the community is particularly welcoming to groups from Apus Peru, and 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)

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.

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 via private transport 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 Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy a celebratory dinner (included). Approx 3 hours walking. Accomodation: Hostal, Aguas Calientes. 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 Inca storage facilities. If you wish to visit these interesting ruins, you will need to probably not visit Patacancha and the guide will alter your itinerary to allow time for this visit.

Day 4: 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.

Option Two: Patacancha Valley to Lares Valley (hard level of difficulty)

This route takes you from Patacancha Valley through to the Lares Valley via two of the villages where Threads of Peru & Apus Peru work - Chaullacocha and Chupani. You have the added bonus of being able to soak in the hot springs at the end of your trek. This is the hardest of the three trekking options.

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 is 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

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 where we will camp for the night.
Total hiking – 10km – 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 3: Lares Hot Springs - Concani- Quiswarani - transfer to Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

We are up early and need to head back up the Valley we came down the previous morning, then heading towards the village of Concani (3750 metres/ 12300 feet). (1.5hours of hiking) and then onto the Abra Huillquijasa (4200 metres/ 13776 feet), past the blue or saphire lagoons to the village of Quiswarani (3700 metres/ 12136 feet). Today we will have a box lunch, to ensure that we make it to Quiswarani in time to take our private transport back to the Sacred Valley and onto Ollantaytambo (approx 4 hours drive) where we will take a train to Aguas Calientes. Accomodation: Hostal, Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: 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.

Option Three - Cusco - Huacahuasi - Chaullaocha - Palqaq (Easy trek)

This trek has been designed for the novice trekker, or someone that has not allowed much time for acclimatisation (ie less than 2 days). It should be emphasised that "trekking in the Andes is never easy". This trek will not be easy for someone who is not fit, is overweight or otherwise not properly prepared for trekking... but it is for someone who has moderate fitness and would like a "taster" of trek, as it has shorter walking times each day.

Day 1: Cusco-Calca- Lares - Huacahausi

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

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 Options 1 & 2

Itinerary notes - Lares and Machu Picchu 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!
• 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) $105 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 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
• 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?

• 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 $95 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.