Lares Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights

Begin with a Cusco City Tour to explore the city’s Incan and colonial history. Visit key sites like Sacsayhuamán, the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), Cusco Cathedral, and the San Blas neighborhood, along with nearby Inca ruins like Qenqo and Tambomachay.

Then, set off on the Lares Trek 5 Days 4 Nights, a scenic hike through the Andean mountains, visiting traditional Quechua villages. Highlights include the Lares Hot Springs, Ipsaycocha Pass, and stunning landscapes with views of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. End the trek with a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic sites.

This combined journey offers the perfect mix of cultural exploration, stunning landscapes, and authentic experiences, capped off by the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Sacsayhuaman – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay.

Discover the fascinating historical and cultural legacy of the Incas in the capital of the Inca Empire on this 4-hour Cuzco city tour. Visit Qorikancha, known as the Temple of the Sun during Inca times in the 13th-15th centuries, and the site of the Spanish Convent of Santo Domingo. See the Cathedral, facing the Plaza de Armas in the heart of downtown Cuzco.

Tour the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, located above the city, and enjoy spectacular views of the city. Follow the road up to several other Inca stone ruins, including Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. At the end of your tour, your guide will give you options of restaurants where you can have lunch, shop or visit museums according to your personal interests.

In the evening, you’ll be taken out on the town for a night of Andean culture and entertainment including dinner and a folklore show. Dine on traditional Andean food while you are serenaded by a troupe of musicians and dancers wearing traditional garb and performing tunes andean.

Optional: Enjoy an authentic buffet dinner with a folkloric show for an additional $39 per person, a perfect way to end your day in Cusco.

• Overnight in Cusco.
• Meals: Breakfast.
• Entrance Ticket: None.

Day 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huaran – Cancha Cancha – Acopata.

Our staff will pick you up from your hotel in our private transportation for approximately 1 hour and a half, we will arrive in Calca, which is located in the Sacred Valley. Here we will make a stop of approximately 45 minutes to visit the local market or you can have a delicious breakfast (not included), then we will board our transportation for another 30 minutes and we will arrive at the Huaran Community located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, it is located (3,000 m / 9,840 ft).

Here, we will meet our muleteer and pack up the horses and begin walking north. The trail ascends gently following the Cancha Cancha River towards the community of the same name for almost 3 hours.

On this walk along the river we will see crop fields and pass through the ancient 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 community of Cachacancha (3,956 m / 12,976 ft).

After lunch, we continue our walk for approximately 1 hour and a half to Acopata (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), in this place it will be our first camp.

• Meals: lunch / dinner.
• Accommodations: Camping.
• Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 feet.
• Minimum altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 feet.
• Walking distance: 12 km.
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours.

Day 3: Acopata – Pachacutec Pass – Qoyalay Lake – Quishuarani.

Our team will wake you up with a hot cup of tea or coffee to enjoy in your sleeping bag before getting up for breakfast.

We’ll enjoy a breakfast to give us the energy we need for the day before we begin our ascent to the highest point of the whole trek, Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ). We’ll take things slowly and get there after two-and-a-half hours of hiking.

The views from this height are stunning, and you’ll spot the snowy peaks of Sahuasiray and Chicon sacred mountains right in front of you. After enjoying the scenery and resting our legs, we’ll head downhill for two hours to the lunch spot by the beautiful Qoyalay Lake (4,140 m / 13,583 ).

Once we’re full and rested, we’ll descend for another hour and a half toward the valley. On this stretch, you’ll see several astounding glacial lakes and herds of alpaca, llamas, and sheep calmly grazing. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of deer, vizcachas, geese, hawks, and the immense Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world.

We will arrive at our campsite in the community of Quishuarani (3,850 m / 12,631 ); this is a small and picturesque place with typical houses built of stone. In the evening, we will enjoy another tasty dinner before going to rest.

• 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 4: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo.

After enjoying our breakfast, we begin our walk with an ascent for 3 hours until we reach the Willqaqasa pass (4,200 m/13,779 feet), where we can observe the Vilcanota mountain range and the snow-capped mountains of Colquecruz and Pitusiray.

After that, We continue our walk through the Puna grasslands, productive agricultural sites and pristine natural lakes for 2 hours to the community of Cucani. In this community we will try to visit and interact with local indigenous children, you may have the opportunity to visit a local school and share some quality time with the students.

From Cuncani we meet our driver and descend through a lush valley with extensive agricultural areas, fruit trees and native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids. Finally, we arrive at our destination, Termas de Lares (3,100 m/10,170 ft), where we will soak in the natural volcanic hot springs for an hour, have lunch, and relax. It’s time to say goodbye to our notable chef and muleteer.

After lunch in Lares, we take our 2.5-hour private transportation to Ollantaytambo, where we have dinner. Then we take the train to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night.

• 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 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

On our last day, you will get up very early to visit one of the 7 wonders of the World – ¨Machu Picchu¨. At 5:30 am. We will go directly to the line to wait for the first buses to Machu Picchu.

We will arrive at the gate when the sky lights up and ascend to the top of Machu Picchu, while taking in the impressive views of the city. On a clear morning, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is magnificent; This moment is unforgettable.

Our tour guide will take you on a 2-3 hour guided tour, where we will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience.

If you have booked Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price).

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to 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 ft.

Included:

• Trek briefing with your guide.
• Professional local guide (on hike).
• Second tour guide for groups of 9+.
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• Train return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or triple accommodation).
• Round Trip Bus Tickets to Machu Picchu.
• Private transport and professional driver (to the starting point of hike).
• All entrance tickets and permits for Lares trek.
• Pick-up from hotels.
• 2 person per tent Igloo tents (new, spacious and comfortable).
• A roll pad mattress.
• Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs.
• Excellent tour guide (2 guides for groups over 9).
• Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent.
• Excellent meals (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners).
• Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request)
• Horses or mules.
• Porterage of 7 Kg per person.
• Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn)
• Oxygen Tank & First aid kit.
• All local taxes.

Not Included:

• Boleto Turisco or Cusco Tourist Ticket $45.
• Sleeping bag.
• Water on Day 1.
• Energy snacks which can very useful such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits.
• Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 5.
• Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu USD $75.00.
• Travel insurance. 
• Tips: Guide, Cook, Porters

Bring for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 

• A good daypack: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack –appropriate packs to carry your personal belongings.
• Original passport with the migration Peru card (for Trains, Machu Picchu Park, and Hotels)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required).
• Swimwear for the hot springs of Lares
• Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
• 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans): 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent before the trip.
• Layers for variable temperatures especially at night
• 1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as – 5 degrees Celsius/41 degrees Fahrenheit. The rain jacket can be helpful, because there are rainy days even if we are in dry season!
• 1 warm/Winter jacket
• Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, and woolen hat for cold nights.
• 4 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried). It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both really heavy hiking socks and lighter socks because the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or overheat.
• 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
• 1 good sleeping bag liner that is super lightweight and easy to pack. Definitely does its Job!
• Travel-size tissues and wet wipes–The air is cold and damp so your nose is going to run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues by the end of the trek. Also, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (if you even get a bathroom), so wet wipes are key.
• Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
• Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
• Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoors is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so an anti-itch medication could be helpful.
• Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel back
• Water (only for first day hike). Then we will provide you with water throughout the hike.
• Camera and film
• A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
• Bandages or moleskin
• Flip flops to change into at night–your toes will thank you!.
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner, brush/comb, Vaseline (for feet great for potential blisters), feminine hygiene products, deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses and/or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses if required and supplies, hand sanitizer etc.–and whatever else you need, but pack light.
• Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach. Some people get an upset stomach on the trek. With 8-10 hours of hiking each day, you need to get over whatever the day throws at you quickly, so bring some meds.
• Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
• Something to read in the evenings
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, & tips to your staff
• Additional Notes

Gift for Andean children (Optional)

We recommend bringing: Coloring books, crayons, pens, notebooks, pencils, stickers, clothes, toys, etc. but not candies or chemical products. Approved note books for the Peruvian school system can be purchased in school supply stores in Lima or Cusco. Children will love to receive these gifts when we pass through Andean communities which have schools.

Prices:

Permits are needed for your chosen start date. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2020 through January 2021. All prices quoted are $USD

• 2-3 Trekkers:  $669 per person
• 4-5 Trekkers: $649 per person
• 6 or more Trekkers: $619 per person

Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).

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):

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: 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)
• Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)

Train Upgrades:

• Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $385 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy

Rentals:

• Hiking poles – US$20.00
• Sleeping bag – US$25.00
• Sleeping bag Deluxe Package (+ Pillow & Liners) US$35.00
• Private Tent – US$30.00

How long is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights and how many hours do we hike per a day?

The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights is 43 kms long and depending on which campsites are used the approximate hours hiked per day are:

• Day 1: 5 hours
• Day 2: 7 hours
• Day 3: 7 hours
• Day 4: 3 hours

How difficult is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights?

The Lares Trek is considered a moderate hike. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.

Is altitude sickness common? And how high is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights?

It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cuzco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people.

The highest point you will reach while hiking the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 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 wish to hike the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail 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 rejoin your group and spend the night before touring Machu Picchu the following morning.

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

You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 5. You will be met by a local guide who will take you on an informative 2-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cuzco.

Do porters carry our luggage while on the Lares Trek?

No, llamas, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain jacket, etc.

How cold does it get on the Lares Trek (will I need to bring hats and mitts)?

The high altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven hats and gloves in Cuzco.

What type of accommodation is used on the Lares Trek?

On the first night of the Lares Trek, we stay at a community-owned campsite established by the Accopata community that features composting toilets, solar showers, and a solid-waste management system that’s the first of it’s kind in the region. On the second night, we’ll spend the night in three-person tents designed to accommodate two same-sex travellers. Trekkers will be served a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) in their tents during morning hours. On the third night, we’ll stay at a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Is a sleeping bag and mat included?

Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. If travelling between May and October a 4-season sleeping bag is recommended.  These can be rented with us. For approximately $20 for the length of the trek. Foam mats are provided however some travellers also bring their own self-inflating mat (i.e. a Thermarest).

Is purified water available on the trek?

Yes, you can doing, But we recommend you buy water or rehydration drinks from local people, as it is a form of power these people support them.
of course that we offer them every morning boiled water so you can take during the day.

What type of food will we get on the Lares Trek?

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

What is the suggested amount that I should tip the guides and porters?

Tipping is at your discretion, but is always appreciated. If you enjoyed the service you enjoyed from your guides and porters or Horseman.

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!!!