DAY BY DAY LARES TREK ITINERARY :
The Lares Trek is an exceptional alternative to the extremely busy Inca Trail. Thanks to its isolation, the Lares Valley has changed little over the last 500 years. With original Inca trails, spectacular and diverse sceneries and the promise of a glimpse of the way life used to be in Peru 100 years ago this trek is second to none. The trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. It is 31km long in total (19 miles) and has some steep sections. It takes on average 13 hours of trekking, with day 2 being the longest trekking day at 7 hours. There is always the possibility of rain, even in the dry season and temperatures may fall below freezing at night. The trail traverses the highest pass being almost at 4,400 m (14435 ft) which is even higher than the Inca trail. The biggest difference to many though is the remoteness of this trek - on the Inca trail you hike with 500 people each day, while on the Lares trek it can sometimes be just your group alone with the locals and the breath-taking scenery.
Day 1 Cuzco
The heart and soul of Peru is definitely buzzing in Cuzco, a great town to explore on foot. Discover the colonial churches and the impressive Inca ruins within the city.
Day 2 Sacred Valley/ Ollantaytambo:
Travel by local bus through this lush, terraced valley on the outskirts of Cuzco, stopping at local villages to gain insight into both modern and ancient Peru. then spend a night in the pretty village of Ollantaytanbo
Day 3: Lares town - Huacawasi:
We start early in the morning and travel by bus for 1.5 hours to our starting point, the village of Lares town (3600m). We start our trek being followed by wranglers and horses and head off following a gentle climbing trail along a valley. Today we pass through Andean villages, keep an eye out for local weavers working their colourful threads on hand looms. It is a shorter trek today to warm us up for big days to come, and to get used to the altitude. Take advantage by getting to know your local wranglers and cook- amazing locals who are only to happy to share with you their culture, language and trek experiences! We'll trek about 2.5 hours to our destination for the evening, our campsite at Huacawasi (3700m).
Day 4: Huacawasi - Camp:
This morning after breakfast our local friends will introduce us to the Huacawasi villagers and perhaps some local children. Then we take a deep breath and set off on our most challenging trekking day. The first section is an ascent up to the Huahuaqasa Pass. This will take an average of 3.5 hours and at the top we'll be standing at 4398 metres above sea level (14, 434ft). On a clear day we'll have views over the Vilcanota mountain range. The next section is of course down the other side of the pass, a descent of about half an hour to an hour, passing the Aruraycocha and Millpo lakes. We'll stop to enjoy lunch, and then this afternoon's trek is another three hours to reach our camp site for the evening (3700m).
Day 5: Camp - Yanahuara - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes:
Enjoy breakfast in the crisp mountain air then we continue our trek, descending for about 2 hours to reach the end of our trek at Yanahuara (3027m). We'll say farewell to the local wranglers and cook as they return to their hometowns. A short bus ride takes us to Ollantaytambo (2792m) where we'll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Ollantaytambo is a town built over the remains of an Inca village and wandering around town the remains are very evident. You will find no shortage of stairs on a visit to the Ollantaytambo Inca fortress! In the afternoon we take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours). Aguas Calientes (2040m) is located in the cloud forest and very humid. Upon arrival we'll head to our hostel where you can enjoy a warm shower!
Day 6: Machu Picchu - Cusco:
After an early breakfast, we take a bus (30 minutes) to Machu Picchu (2450m) and take a 2 hour guided walking tour around this mystic city. Afterwards we will have free time to continue exploring the most impressive Inca site of them all. If you still have energy you can also climb to Wayna Picchu (2750m and very steep hike), or take smaller hikes to Intipunku (Sungate) or the drawbridge. We will meet back in Aguas Calientes town and return by train to Ollantaytambo and then take a bus to Cusco.
Day 07 cusco:
Our transfer picks you up from your hotel to airport, depending on time of travel
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU:
- meals included: 4 Breakfasts 3 lunch 2 dinner
- transport:bus,walking, train
- accommodation: Hotels and camping
- budget: Allow USD $90 for meals not included.
Not included:
- Entrans fee some arqueological place( B.T.G) S/130.00 www.boletoturisticocusco.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
• Original passport and copies (and Student card (ISIC) green card if you are student ). Note ( you have to bring your student card to machu picchu because you are going to be required to show at the Machupicchu control point
• Travel Insurance card is essential
• Sleeping bag (not included)
• hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Sun hat and gloves
• T-shirts / shirts
• Comfortable hiking zip off trousers
• Rain pants
• Bathing suit (for hot springs in lares )
• Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
• Insect Repellent ( for mosquitos )15 % of deet at least
• Water bottle.
• Water purifying tablets (Micropur recommended)
• Toilet paper and wet wipes
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (flashlight) we recommend headlights
• Extra contribution suggested in soles money for tipping horseman, cook and guide. and for any emergency.
Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING:
• Short pants , Plaster and bandages
• Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us
NOTE walking poles are not allowed into machu picchu city.
AVAILEBLE
