Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights – Community Service

Overview:

Beginning at the Lares hot springs the trail passes through highland communities with majestic views of the magnificent snow-capped mountains, herds of llamas and alpacas before arriving in the village of Huaran for lunch on the fourth day of the trek. In the afternoon, we’ll board our vehicle and head to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and prepare to visit Peru’s World Wonder, the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.

Useful Information:

• Starting Altitude – 2,800m / 9,186ft.
• Highest Altitude – 4,780m / 15,682ft.
• Walking Distance – 34km / 21 miles
• Longest Day – Day 1, approximately 14km / 8.7 miles
• Coldest Night – Day 1 around 0º celsius
• Overall Difficulty – Moderate

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Cuncani Community

Early in the morning we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to start out on our drive, passing by the impressive Inca site of Sacsayhuaman as we move on into the majestic Sacred Valley where we are going to appreciate some snow-capped mountains such as Sawasiray and Pitusiray. We’ll stop in the small town of Calca for a chance to explore the local market and have an idea of the daily life of the people who live in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Afterwards we continue to the Lares hot springs. Once there we can enjoy the natural hot pools surrounded by the mountains and the river. After a hearty lunch, we will pack up and start the trek to the village of Cuncani which takes approximately 4 hours. Our gradual ascent on the path takes us from 3,300 m/108,26 ft to 3,800 m/12,467 ft allowing us to appreciate the llamas and alpacas feeding on the grassy hills; this type of landscape will be our backdrop during our trek.  After 4 hours of strenuous but beautiful trekking we reach the village of Cuncani, where camp will be set for the night, near this very traditional Andean village which is well known for its textile production using ancient techniques. Here we’ll enjoy a good dinner and a well-deserved rest in these inspiring surroundings.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 3800m 12467 ft.
• Minimum Altitude: 3100m 10826 ft.
• Distance Travelled: Approx. 14km
• Approximate Walking Time: 7 hours

Day 2: Cuncani Community  – Quiswarani Community 

The second day of our trek begins with a leisurely hike around the village of Cuncani then on to the Cuncani Valley. We’ll hike for about 3 hours uphill to the pass known as Abra Huillquiccasa at 4,200 m/13,779 ft.  While we push ourselves up to the pass at a moderate pace, we’ll enjoy awesome views of the mountains and beautiful lakes that make this part of Peru a special place. The area stands out for its spectacular glacial lakes, condors, llamas, alpacas Viscachas roam the land sometimes approach very close to the hikers.  After Huillquiccasa it’s about two more hours downhill to our lunch spot at the Quishuarani Community.  We’ll spend the rest of the day doing community service with local families, helping them go about their daily tasks. This could include anything from shepherding llamas or alpacas to caring for guinea pigs, shearing wool, weaving or farming potatoes and quinoa. You will learn some basic Quechua, the indigenous language, as you become friends with these families. As the day winds down, we’ll help prepare a traditional pachamanca (traditional cooking method using hot stones) for a delicious dinner to share with your family by our campfire.

• Distance: 10 km 5ml.
• Climate: warm in the day and cold in the night.
• Hiking time: 6 hour approximately.
• Maximum Altitude: 4200m 13779ft
• Minimum Altitude: 3700m 12139ft.

Day 3: Quishuarani Community – Pachacutec Pass – Canchacancha

Today our hike will be pleasant walk amongst stone houses as we leave the village on the local’s ancestral path. The views will be stupendous as we head out and begin our gradual ascent to the highest point of the Lares trek, the Abra Pachacutec at 4,460 m/14,632 ft.  Near the top we’ll be rewarded with views of two snow-caped peaks, Pitusiray 5,750 m/18,864 ft and Chicon 5,500 m /18,044 ft.  At the top, we’ll stop for a moment to make a small offering to the Andean gods at what is called an apacheta. The path continues for an hour along a narrow barren ridge before dropping down into beautiful and brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, a 2 hour downhill hike brings us to Cancha Cancha village, a very interesting place full of potato fields clinging to the village’s hillside. We’ll camp at the base of some amazing snow-capped mountains near the edge of town.

• Distance: 11km 6ml.
• Climate: warm in the day and cold in the night.
• Hiking time: 7 hour approximately.
• Maximum Altitude: 44600m 146325ft.
• Minimum Altitude: 3800m 12467ft.

Day 4: Canchacancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll hike to the bottom of the sacred valley of the Incas which is flanked by steep mountains. Our trail passes through pretty farmland while following a small river through the mountain corridor. It’s going to take us about 3 hours to hike downhill to Huaran where we’ll eat a lunch made with local produce such as organic potatoes and vegetables, a fun farm to table experience.  Afterwards our awaiting van will take us to the Ollantaytambo train station where we’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes, 1 ½ hours down the Vilcanota River.   then we go to the accommodation to take shower and relaxing at the hotel and in the evening to enjoy the delicious dinner at the restaurant in town.

• Distance: 9 km 4ml.
• Climate: from warm to hot in the day and warm in the night.
• Hiking time: 3 hour approximately.
• Maximum Altitude: 3800m 12467ft.
• Minimum Altitude: 2050m 6725ft

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

After breakfast, we will board the bus which will take us one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.  As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from your Lares trek will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and beautiful place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal Palace, Principal Temple, Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana Sun Dial.  It will be an unforgettable and inspiring experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.

If you have booked the Huayna Picchu hike, you’ll need to coordinate with our guide regarding your scheduled time to take this additional hike.  For people not hiking Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, there are other optional activities you can do on your own:

• Visit the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (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 Machu Picchu visit. However in this case, the adventure is a little less strenuous, but a lot more death defying, not for people with vertigo.

When you are finished with your personal time exploring the extraordinary city of Machu Picchu you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus and board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo where our private van will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft

Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.

Included:

• Trek briefing with your guide
• Professional local guide (on hike)
• Second tour guide for groups of 9+.
• Private transport and professional driver (to the starting point of hike)
• All entrance tickets and permits for Lares hike
• All necessary tools for tree planting
• Pick-up from hotels
• Transfer in bus to Lares (starting point of the trek)
• 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 12)
• Full board meals: 3 Meals per day, snacks each afternoon
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• 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 and Indigenous horsemen to carry camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food and fresh vegetables.
• Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes
• Boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning
• Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Expedition Train return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or triple accommodation)
• Porterage of 7 Kg per person.
• Round Trip Bus Tickets
• Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn)
• Oxygen Tank & First aid kit
• All local taxes

Not Included:

• 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
• Waynapicchu Mountain USD $25.00 (Walk to the top without a guide. The trail is well marked.)
• 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!!!