THE
LARES TREK - SACRED VALLEY TO MACHUPICCHU
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHT
Introduction:
Trekking in this area takes you into the remote and rarely visited Lares Valley
with the spectacular backdrop of the Urubamba Mountains. The Urubamba range lies
to east of the Sacred Valley. It stretches for 30km, and has several snow-capped
peaks, the best know of which is Veronica (5,750m), the most prominent snow peak
that can be seen from the Machu Picchu train. The Urubamba range in its entirety
is seen at its best from the road between Cusco and Urubamba. This is one of my
all time favourite views. The Lares Valley lies to the east of the Urubamba
range and its easily accessible from Cusco. The Area offers moderately strenuous
trekking, though small mountain villages, crossing passes of over 4,000m with
spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray
and Chicon. The trek, described here, gives you the rare snow-capped peaks of
Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Chicon. The trek, described here, gives you the rare
opportunity to see how the Quechua-speaking Indians of the high mountain
villages live by farming potatoes and oca, and herding llamas and alpacas on the
inhospitable flanks of the towering peaks.
The Lares Valley is particularly well know for its very high-quality, brightly
coloured weavings and characteristic upturned hats, many of the popular tourist
markets being supplied from here. There are several variations on this trek
which you can do according to how much time you have available. Even in the dry
season be prepared fro bad weather. Although in this area always people not far
away, they often don't speak Spanish. If you want to take mules or porters and a
guide you will probably have to organise it through one of the agencies in Cusco.
The trek itself is rated moderate, similar to the Inca Trail. There are, however,
One pass over 4000m so it is essential that you are well acclimatized to the
altitude. If arriving from sea level then plan on spending at least 2 days in
Cusco and the surroundings before undertaking the trek. Welcome to the Lares
Trek through the Sacred Valley – a stunning trip designed to avoid the crowds
found on the traditional Inca Trail, with ample opportunities for viewing
wildlife, meeting locals, and immersing yourself in ancient surroundings.
Lares Trek Departures Dates 2011: Every Day.
ITINERARY
DAY 01 CUSCO – CALCA - QUISWARANI - YANACOCHA
We leave from Cusco early in the morning by bus and travel through the Sacred
Valley, stopping in Calca for a break, then we continue driving for 3 more hours
to Qiswarani (3700 m.a.s.l), we will pass through some communities in the way
enjoying the landscapes that this area can offers us. There we will meet our
arrieros (horsemen) and start with our trek, going up gradually until 4200
meters, a nice lagoon is located there, after a short break we go up little bit
more until the first pass. Hualcacassa (4425 m.a.s.l), from there we have a nice
view of some snow peaks and 7 lagoons, then go down to our lunch place. After
recovering energy we will ascend to our second pass, Qolqecasa (4200 m.a.s.l),
from there is only 30 minutes walking downhill until our campsite, called
Yanacocha (3800 m.a.s.l.)
L/D
DAY 02 YANACOCHA – HUACAWASI - MANTANAY
After breakfast, we will start our second day, going down for almost 2 hours we
will see Andean farmers and their traditional houses, products growing up, some
animals from the area as the lamas, then we will start to ascend for 3 hours to
the highest point of our trek, Auroracassa (4600 m.a..s.l.), after a well
deserved rest, we will descend until our second campsite, Mantanay (3850 m.a.s.l).
B/L/D
DAY 03 MANTANAY - YANUARA- OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
This will be our last day of hike and the easiest one as well, we will descend
passing through a nice Qeuñas bush valley (native one), enjoying the change of
the landscapes, appreciating plantations of potatoes, corn, vegetables. Finally
arrive in Yanuara, where we will have our last camping lunch. Here we will say
good bye to the staff (cook, horsemen).
We will continue using our transportation to Ollantaytambo. Situated in a
fertile river valley and sheltered by mammoth mountains, this ancient Inca
village is considered one of the most important living museums in the world. The
group takes the train from there to Aguas Calientes and spends the night there
in a comfortable hostel.
B/L/D
DAY 04 AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICHU - CUSCO
After an early breakfast, we'll take the bus to Machupicchu, we register and
start on our 2 hour guided visit. After enjoying the remains, free time to enjoy
the citadel, then at your best convenience take the bus down to Aguas Calientes,
some free time and then take the train to comeback to Cusco.
B
What is included:
Collection from your hotel in the morning
Transportation by bus to the start of the trail (Lares - Pascana)
English speaking professional guide
Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for
your backpacks
Double thickness foam mattress
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes (while hiking)
Accommodations: 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel
Cook and Cooking equipment
Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit,
avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and
suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for
the altitude
We supply boiled water to fill in your water bottle all the time, if requested
with enough time ahead (while hiking)
Teatime the first two days (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Horses days 1-3 (for equipment) including horsemen
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Accommodation for our crew
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Bus from Machu Picchu ruins up and down to the village of Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu entrance fee
Train ticket Ollantaytambo/ Aguas Calientes / Cusco
Transfer from the train station to your hotel.
What is not included:
Breakfast on the first morning.
Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$4
Sleeping bags (4 season) can be hired in our office for US$15 for the 3 day trek.
Tips for the guide, cook and porters
Personal equipment
What you need to bring/carry:
Backpack,
Sleeping bag 4 season suitable for temperatures down to -5C (can be hired from
our office for US$15 for the 3 day trek)
Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few
dollars)
Strong, comfortable footwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of
clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
Sweater and jacket (something warm)
Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen (boiled drinking water will be
provided)
Torch / Flashlight and batteries
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream)
Insect repellent
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc,
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries, cash in soles and US$
Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the
trek)
Optional: walking Poles /sticks (rubber covers necessary)
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail.
Price per person US$ 340.00 based on double occupancy tent and Expedition
tourists train to Machupicchu.
We can offer a US$ 23.00 discount to students with a valid International
Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old.
Ask For Availability
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