Lares Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights

Overview:

The Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights, is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. Leaving the beaten track with visits to authentic Andean communities while surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes, and valleys, this fabulous hike offers a real insight into the life of the people of Cusco as it used to be.

The route we offer begins in the town of Huaran in the Sacred Valley and ends in the hot springs of Lares with a visit to the town of Cuncani along the way. On day 3 of the hike, take a bus from Lares to Ollantaytambo and then continue by train to Machu Picchu.

Useful information:

• Initial altitude: 2800 m / 9186 feet.
• Highest altitude: 4680 m / 15,682 feet.
• Walking distance: 34 km / 21 miles
• Longest day – Day 1, approximately 14 km / 8.7 miles
• Coldest night – Day 1 around 0º Celsius
• General difficulty: moderate

Itinerary

Pre-trek briefing:

You will have an exhaustive information session with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights. Your guide is allowed in your hotel and can take this opportunity to ask questions and make final preparations.

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huaran – Cancha Cancha – Acopata.

We will pick you up early from your hotel to take you to the beginning of Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights in Huaran (3,000 m / 9,840 ft) in the Sacred Valley; It’s 1½ hours by private bus. We will pack the horses and start walking north. The trail climbs gently following the Cancha Cancha river towards the community of the same name. On this walk along the river we will see cultivated fields and pass through the old Polylepis forests. This type of vegetation is very interesting for a wide variety of birds, and the valley itself is very impressive. We will have lunch in the middle of the walk.

We will pass through the town of Cancha Cancha (3,956 m / 12,976 feet). Road to our camp After a total walk today of about 6 hours we will arrive at our camp to spend the night in Acopata.

• Meals: lunch / dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 3,956 m / 12,976 feet
• Minimum altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 feet
• Walking distance: 12 km
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours.

Day 2: Acopata – Pachacutec Pass – Quishuarani.

After an early breakfast we will continue uphill. After 2 hours and a half we will reach the highest point of the trek: the Pachacutec Pass is at 4,780 m / 15,678 feet. The view from here is overwhelming. The snowy mountains of Pitusiray and Sahuasiray are right in front of us.

Now we will walk downhill for 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot, next to a captivating lake.

After lunch we will descend for another 1½ hours in the valley. We will pass by several glacial lakes along the way. We can also see herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep. It is also possible to see gray deer, vizcachas, Andean geese, the rare giant coot, Puna falcons and the impressive Andean condor. Tonight we camp at 3,870 m / 12,694 feet near the town of Quishuarani, which has typical stone houses

• Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 4,780 m / 15,678 feet
• Minimum altitude: 3,870 m / 12,694 feet
• Walking distance: 12 km
• Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

Day 3: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares hot springs – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.

Today we follow another valley and climb to the second pass on the Willcaccasa mountain (4,458 m / 14,622 feet), for 2 to 3 hours. Again, the view of the Andes, the turquoise lakes and their beautiful valleys are impressive.

After the pass, we walked downhill for 1½ to 2 hours, passing many gourgeous lakes. This takes us to the town of Cuncani (3,900 m / 12,792 feet).

Then we continue by car 45 minutes to the Lares Valley and its hot springs, where we can take a bath of mere bath. This is also our place for lunch.

Now that we are completely relaxed, we will board our private van, which we will wait for, for the 3-hour trip to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,158 feet). Then we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. We will have dinner in Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be registered in your room at the bed and breakfast.

• Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel
• Maximum altitude: 4,458 m / 14,622 feet
• Minimum altitude: 2,792 m / 9,158 feet
• Walking distance: 13 km
• Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After breakfast, we will board the bus that will take us to the largest energy center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary, the same professional guide of the Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights; It will teach you about the whole history of this mysterious and mystical place. We will visit the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Palace, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Dial of the Sun. It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own.

If you have booked Wayna Picchu, you should coordinate with your guide for visits to Machu Picchu according to your scheduled schedule for the mountain, for people who do not walk in any of the mountains there are other optional activities on your own (not included in the price) :

• Visit the Sun gate: have the opportunity to walk (approximately 2 hours up and down) to the Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.
• Hike to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adventure for your next visit to Machu Picchu. However, in this case, the adventure is a little less strenuous, but much more challenging for death, not for people with vertigo.

Train back to Cusco: in the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the return trip to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: breakfast
• Lowest elevation: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
• Highest elevation: 2,440 m / 8,052 feet

Included:

• Trek briefing with your guide.
• Professional local guide (on walk).
• Second tour guide for groups of 9+.
• Private transportation and professional driver (to the starting point of the trek).
• All entrance tickets and permits for the Lares trek.
• 2 people per tent igloo tents (new, spacious and comfortable).
• A padded mattress.
• Dining and kitchen tents with tables and chairs.
• First aid kit with emergency oxygen tank.
• Chef and kitchen equipment and kitchen tent.
• The meal includes pancakes, tortillas, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (vegetarian, vegan or special diets on request).
• Horses or mules and indigenous riders to carry camping equipment: customer tents, dining and kitchen tents, table, stools, kitchen utensils, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food and fresh vegetables.
• Hot water every morning and night to wash.
• Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning.
• Expedition of the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• Expedition Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transportation to Cusco.
• Entrance to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or triple accommodation).
• Porte of 7 Kg per person.
• Roundtrip bus tickets.
• Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunch, 3 dinners.
• Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coconut, cookies, popcorn).
• Oxygen tank and first aid kit.
• All local taxes.

Not included:

• Sleeping bag.
• Water day 1, only half a day.
• Energy snacks that can be very useful, such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits.
• Breakfast on day 1, lunch on day 4.
• Wayna Picchu Mountain.
• ** Tips for guide, hormen and driver.

What do you need to bring:

• A good backpack: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack, specific packages to carry your personal belongings.
• Original passport with the Peru migration card (for trains, Machu Picchu park and hotels).
• Travel insurance (highly recommended but not mandatory).
• Swimsuits for the hot springs of Lares.
• Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support).
• 3 pairs of trekking pants (without jeans): 1 hiking, 1 cotton, which is enough. Spray both pairs with an insect repellent before the trip.
• Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
• 1 raincoat: the first night, the temperature can be – 5 degrees Celsius / 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The raincoat can be useful, because there are rainy days even if we are in the dry season!.
• 1 warm / winter jacket.
• Thermal: wool socks, gloves, scarf and wool hat for cold nights.
• 3 pairs of underwear, 4 pairs of socks (bamboo or cotton / nylon socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose softness when air dried). 
• 4 t-shirts, 2 long-sleeved shirts.
• 1 good sleeping bag lining that is super light and easy to pack. It definitely does its job!.
• Travel wipes and wet wipes: the air is cold and wet, so your nose will run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues at the end of the walk. In addition, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (even if you have a bathroom), so wet wipes are the key.
• Iron pills and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the walk have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both remedies (in addition to coca tea) are very useful for relieving symptoms.
• Sunscreen cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
• Insect sprayer with 30% DEET.
• Reusable water container made of plastic or metal or a hydration pack such as Camel back
• Water (only for the first day of hiking). Then, we will provide you with water throughout the walk.
• Camera and film
• A lighthouse to navigate the camp in the afternoons and mornings before dawn with spare batteries.
• Bandages or mole skin
• Flip-flops to change at night, the toes will thank you!
• Medications (Imodium AD or something for your stomach. Some people suffer from stomach upset on the walk. With 8-10 hours of walking each day, you need to get over what your day has to do quickly, so bring some medications.
• Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes.
• Something to read in the afternoon.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips for your staff.
• Additional notes.

Gift for Andean children “Optional”

We recommend bringing: Coloring books, crayons, pens, notebooks, pencils, stickers, clothes, toys, etc. but not candy or chemicals. Children will love to receive these gifts when we visit the Andean communities that have schools.

Permits are required for the chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2023 to January 2024. All prices shown are $ USD.

_{Group Price:$599}^USD_{Per person}

A group trip means that it is open for other hikers to join you. This means that your group will have different hiking and fitness skills. All our guides are experts on how to keep the walk moving and happy, no matter how fast you walk.

Private Tour:

Private tours are available and are priced by party size.

• 2 Persons: $709 per person
• 3 Persons: $689 per person
• 4 Persons: $669 per person
• 5 Persons: $649 per person
• 6 Persons: $629 per person
• 7 Persons: $609 per person
• 8 or more Persons: $565 per person

* All our tours are priced in US dollars.

Important: The price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be transported by the mules (it is NOT necessary to hire an additional doorman!).

Discounts

• Student Discount: US$20.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.Please send all to info@cuscojourneys.com.

Optional extras (Need to book in advance):

• Mountaineering Machu Picchu: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
• Mountaineering in Huayna Picchu: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).

Upgrades:

Hotel Upgrades:

The hotel is 2-star and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial, or triple. There is a single room surcharge of $30 if you are booking alone. Rooms all include private bathrooms, with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something fancier. Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, although we can usually work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes.

• Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $ 580 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Hotel Sumaq Machu Picchu (4-star hotel) – US $ 345 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Hotel Santuario (hotel with more than 3 stars) – US $ 65 per person per night (double occupancy)

Train Upgrades:

• Vistadome train -US $ 65 per trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
• Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $ 485 per trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance).

Rental:

• Hiking poles – US $ 20.00.
• Sleeping bag – US $ 25.00.
• Sleeping bag Deluxe Package (+ pillows and covers) US $ 35.00.
• Private shop – US $ 30.00.

How long is Lares Trek and how many hours do we walk per day?

The Lares hike is 33 km (20.5 miles) long and distance from the campsites used, the approximate hours of walking per day are:

Day 1: 5 hours
Day 2: 8 hours
Day 3: 4 hours

How difficult is the Lares walk?

The Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights is considered a moderate hike. It is not a technical walk, but the altitude can affect some people. We recommend buying a cane while in Peru, as it can help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask you not to use a cane with a metal tip, as it can damage the fragile environment along the way.

Is altitude sickness common? And how tall is the Lares Trek?

It is impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Its genetic capacity for height determined is determined by its genetic composition and has little to do with its physical state or its health. Most people have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize accurately. A full day in Cuzco (3249 m), take it easy and drink plenty of water, is usually enough for most people.

The highest point you will reach while walking on Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights is 4550 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.

Is it possible to skip the Lares Trek even if the tour includes it?

Yes! If you do not want to walk through Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights, let us know at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have confirmed it). If you choose not to walk the path, you will spend two nights in Cuzco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the third night, where you will meet with your group and spend the night before touring Machu Picchu the next morning.

When do we get to Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?

You will arrive in Machu Picchu early in the morning on day 4. You will meet a local guide who will take you on an informative 2-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will take the train back to Cuzco.

Do shippers carry our luggage while they are in Lares Trek?

No, llamas, cargo mules and / or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You should still bring a day pack to carry all the essentials you want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, raincoat, etc.

How cold is it in Lares Trek (I will have to bring hats and gloves)?

The high altitude means that it can be quite cold, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year, so we recommend wearing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can buy hats, gloves, hand knitted, warm, economical and locally manufactured in Cuzco.

What type of accommodation is used in Lares Trek 4 days 3 nights?

On the first night of Lares Trek 4 Days 3 Nights, we stayed in a community-owned camp established by the Accopata community that has composting toilets, solar showers and a solid waste management system that is the first of its kind in the region . On the second night, we will spend the night in tents for three people designed to accommodate two same-sex travelers. Hikers will be served a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) in their tents during the morning hours. On the third night, we will stay in a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Does it include sleeping bag and mat?

Sleeping bags are not included, so we recommend carrying a compact three-season sleeping bag. If you travel between May and October, a 4-station sleeping bag is recommended. These can be rented with us. For approximately $ 20 for the duration of the walk. Foam mats are provided, however, some travelers also bring their own self-inflating mat (ie, a Thermarest).

Is there purified water available on the walk?

Yes, you can do it, but we recommend that you buy water or rehydration drinks from local people, as it is a way of being able to support them.
Of course we offer boiled water every morning so you can drink during the day.

What kind of food will we get at Lares Trek 4 Days 3 Nights?

Our chefs prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a walk of this nature. The menu generally includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other foods for breakfast. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.

What is the suggested amount you should tip guides and goalkeepers?

The tip is at your discretion, but it is always appreciated. If you enjoyed the service you enjoyed your guides and goalkeepers or rider.

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

1. Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
2. You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
3. You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
4. The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

1. Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Inca Trail Tours:

1. Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
2. In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
3. Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

1. You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
2. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
3. Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
4. Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
5. It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

1. All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
   You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
2. All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
3. If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
4. Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
5. Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
6. Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
7. Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
8. All tours are done in English.

Delays:

1. Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!