LARES TREK MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

Lares Trek is an unspoilt, remote, little used and beautiful trail to Machu Picchu Inca citadel. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied by other group of tourist, as the trail is inhabited by picturesque communities, scenic mountains and diverse wildlife; this trek offers a pleasant combination of beauty and contrasts in scenery, wildlife and cultures; explore the Peruvian Andes and visit the stunning Machu Picchu situated in the heavens of the Americas.

Lares Trek & Machu Picchu is one of the challenging trail which encompasses one high passes that reach to 4,600m in altitude. Trekking in to Machu Picchu is dream of entire people in the world who know about Inca Trail & Machu Picchu and this is one opportunity to explore the Peruvian Andes as it start from Lares village where one can take bath in the natural hot springs; them climb toward the pass of Ipsay at 4,600m and descend to the town of Ollantaytambo from where we take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, after spending a night in in the hotel in this town, the next day we’ll explore the Iconic Machu Picchu.

This Lares Trek & Machu Picchu is suitable for everybody, friends, families with children, and all experienced trekkers. Lares Trek & Machu Picchu can be accomplished in 4 days. We run our own Lares Trek which ensure the fair treatment of our porters and quality of food and equipment. The trip starts in the city of Cusco, drive through the sacred valley,  enjoy the hot springs at “Lares” villages hike through the Andes and ends in the lost city of the Incas – Machu Picchu.

The Lares Trek is a challenging and inspirational introduction to Peru’s magnificent mountain scenery. Arriving to Machu Picchu is to complete one of the most memorable trekking experiences the world has to offer, a classic adventure into the wilderness. The Lares Trek takes you through the homeland of the countryside people to come face to face with the snow peaks , the highest mountain range, with La veronica at 5,750m above sea level, and the neighboring peak of Qolqe cruz, one of the most beautiful in the Urubamba Mountain range.

Lares Trek offers one high passes; at 4,600 meters is the highest point which we will encounter on this amazing trek. The view from this point on a clear day is unparalleled in its beauty

Descrption of Lares Trek

Lares Trek is an amazing 4-day trek with outstanding combination of mountain scenery and valleys in a remote area where we will see authentic Quechua communities and its inhabitants still live in thatched stone houses and shepherd their llamas and alpacas below the snowcapped mountains. This trek ends at Machu Picchu. This trek does not require permits as the Inca Trail; however as it combines with Machu Picchu trip and therefore train tickets between “Ollantaytambo” and the town of “Aguas Calientes” is better to buy it several weeks in advance.

Lares Valley is one of the most picturesque villages in the southern part of Peru. Lares Valley is particularly well-known for its very high-quality, brightly coloured weavings and characteristic upturned hats, many of the popular tourist markets being supplied from here. Although in this area always people not far away often don’t speak Spanish. The Lares trek to Machu Picchu itself is rated moderate, similar to the regular Inca trail.

Details of the trip

• TIMING: 4 days and 3 nights.
• STARTING POINT: Cusco hotel.
• ENDING POINT: Cusco hotel.
• DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Challenging.
• DISTANCE: 41 Km
• ALTITUDE: 4,600 masl to 2,000 masl
• DIFFICULTY: The trek is rated moderate to challenging; any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route.
• TEMPERATURES: From -5ºC to 28ºC

Included highlights

• Certified, medically trained guides (two guides for seven people or more) that’ll lead you safely on your journey
• Round trip transportation from Cusco to Lares valley and from Machu Picchu to Cusco
• Enjoy the natural hot springs at Lares village
• 3 days trekking through the Urubamba Mountain range
• 2 nights camping with all facilities
• Visit the traditional communities
• Ride the train through the Urubamba valley
• Explore full day the stunning Machu Picchu
• Enjoy free time within Machu Picchu

Short Trek itinrary

DAY 1:  Cusco – Quiswarani – Cuncani

4-hour bus journey to Quishuarany (small community) and enjoy the lifetime trip to Machu Picchu.

DAY 2: Cuncani – Ipsayccocha

Today, we will pass the highest pass (4,450 masl /14,596 ft.) where you will be rewarded with stunning mountain scenery.

DAY 3: Ipsayccocha Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We will trek in the morning and in the afternoon, we will ride train for two hours through the Urubamba Valley to the picturesque town of “Aguas Calientes”.

DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Very early, we will take the bus for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise and explore every important place; in the afternoon, we will return to Cusco by train.

Detailed Lares Trek Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO – CALCA – QUISHUARANY – CUNCANI

The trek begins once we pick you up from your hotel at 05:00 a.m and travel by private bus at 04:00 p.m through the Sacred Valley of the Incas until Quishuarani (a small community – at 3,700 masl) starting point of the trek; here we will meet our horses and “arrieros” (muleteers)  whose will transport our belongs; we’ll start the trek going up gradually toward Willkakasa the first pass at 4,450 masl from here you will be rewarded by a nice views of some snow peaks and many lagoons around, then we’ll continue down to our camp at Cuncani community; This remote Andean community is located in an impressive valley from where we can see Colquecruz snowcapped mountain.

• Meals: B-L-D.
• Accommodation: Camping.
• Maximum Altitude: 4,400 masl.
• Minimum Altitude: 3,800 masl.
• Distance of hike: approx 14 km.
• Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours.

DAY 2: CUNCANI – IPSAYCCOCHA

After early breakfast, we’ll continue the trek toward Cuncani pass (4,100 masl) observing agricultural fields where andean farmers are cultivating potatoes and living in their traditional houses grassing some animals from the area as the llamas and alpacas; from the pass, the trail continues little down and after gradually up to the third and the highest pass of Ipsay (4,450 masl/14,596 ft.), walking across little communities with the presence of llamas and alpacas. The pass offers imposing views of “La Veronica Mountain” and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. From the pass, we’ll continue 1 hour down to Ipsayccocha; a beautiful lagoon next to which we will set up our camp and spend the night.

• Meals: B-L-D
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 4,600 masl
• Minimum Altitude: 3,900 masl
• Distance Travelled: approx 16km
• Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hours

DAY 3: IPSAYCCOCHA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – “AGUAS CALIENTES”

After breakfast, we’ll leave our camp and continue the trek downhill through the picturesque valley until we reach Patacancha; this is a renowned textile Andean community that still preserves the ancient traditions and dressing code at its best. From Patacancha, we will take 1 hour and 30min by private bus to go down to Ollantayatambo and then the 2-hour train ride to the town of “Aguas Calientes”; here you could visit and relax in the natural hot spring. And be ready for the next day to explore Machu Picchu.

• Meals: B-L-D
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Maximum Altitude: 3,900 masl
• Minimum Altitude: 2,700 masl
• Distance Travelled: approx 11km
• Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours

DAY 4: “AGUAS CALIENTES” – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Early breakfast and we will take the first bus to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu. Since other groups arrive at midday, your tour will be quiet and relaxing; after 2 hours and 30min of tour you will have free time to walk around, climb up the Wayna Picchu Mountain where you can experience spectacular views or visit the Temple of the Moon. In the afternoon, we’ll meet each other at the town of “Aguas Calientes”, and then we will take the train back to Cusco where we’ll arrive after nightfall.

• Meals: B

Lares Trek includes

• Transportation:Tourist bus from Cusco to Quishuarani; starting point of the trek and tourist train expeditions class from Ollantaytambo to “Aguas Calientes” and from “Aguas Calientes” to Cusco; Bus up and down from “Aguas Calientes” to Machu Picchu.
• Camping equipments:We provide four people capacity tent for two people, brand new four-season tents, therm-a-rest, dining room tent, kitchen tent, toiled tent, seats, tables, tent for guides and helpers, cooking gear.
• Acommodations: 01 night at a basic hotel in the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
• Meals:3 breakfasts, 3 hot lunches and 3 hot dinners with delicious meals prepared by professional chefs.
• Guide:English-speaking professional guides, 2 guides over 8 people.
• Cook:Professional Chef and Chef Assistants.
• Horses:For camping equipment, food and kitchen gears as well to carry your personal items (6kg per person) in duffel bags that we provide. Muleteers.
• Others: First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.

Excluded

• Sleeping bag: can be rented in our office for $20 USD for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use).
• Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer early morning breakfast service. If not, we’re gonna stop at Calca for your breakfast and also you can buy some items for the trek.
• Lunch in the town of “Aguas Calientes” on the final day you must consider a budget of $15 to 20 USD in average restaurant.
• Entrance to the thermal baths in “Aguas Calientes” (optional) $3 USD.
• Tips for the staff.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING FOR 4DAY LARES TREK & MACHU PICCHU?

• Original passport (must be the same one you used to book your trek)
• Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
• Good backpack (the smaller the better)
• Water storage: 2-3L (bring non-disposable reusable bottles)
• Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support.
• Sleeping bag (can be rented at SPT Travel & Tours)
• Headlamp; it is essential
• Toilet paper

WHAT TO TAKE IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG FOR 4-DAY LARES TREK & MACHU PICCHU?

As a direct local tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag in your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7kg or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. According to Peruvian law, a duffle bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (14 pounds). This limit is established to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you need more than 7 kilograms, then it will be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your backpack. In these 7 kilos, count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your floor mattress. That leaves you with about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

• 2-3 t-shirts
• At least 2 hiking pants
• 4 sets of underwear
• 3 pairs of hiking socks
• Bathing Suit
• Warm clothing, down jacket — 2nd camping temperature around 3º C
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camping.
• Quick Dry Towel
• Small bottle of soap: We provide hot water for washing daily.
• Battery charger: There is no electricity throughout the trek.
• Large plastic bags will be provided in the office to line your duffel bag.
• Sleeping bag: It must be at least -15°C – You can rent it with us

TOILETRIES

• moisturizing face cream
• hydroalcoholic gel
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• personal medication
• First aid kit: bandages, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO TAKE IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR 4-DAY LARES TREK?

We highly recommend a small 30-40L backpack for day hikes. A large backpack will not be allowed in Machu Picchu. The rest of your stuff will be in your overnight bag at camp.

• Water: Please provide your own water until the first lunch break. Please bring your water bottles.
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• wool hat
• Waterproof clothing
• Wool
• Snacks like chocolate bars, granola bars, or dried fruit
• Plastic rain poncho
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips

Price info for 4-Day Lares Trek

he best Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers

COST OF THE TOUR

TYPE OF TRAIN	PRICE PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS
Expedition class	US$ 480
Vistadome class	US$ 540
Hiram Bimgham class

• The price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos,  we will provide you with a duffle bag at the briefing time.

EXTRAS

• Good, clean and warm -15° sleeping bag: US$20. This is for the whole trek.
• Vistadome upgrade train for the way back: from US$57 per person.
• Walking sticks: US$10 for the pair for the whole trek
• Huayna Picchu Mt: US$25

PRIVATE SERVICE LARES TREK

• 3 people $700 USD each
• 4 people $600 USD each
• 5 people $500 USD each

Payment facts

For Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, we require a non-refundable trek deposit of $150 USD per person. The deposit can be sent by a WESTERN UNION or to our BANK ACCOUNT by money transfer (YOU ALSO CAN USE PAYMENT ONLINE). This is the fastest and most secure form of payment in Peru. The money transfer should be in the name of “SUNRISE PERU TREK TOUR OPERATOR E.I.R.L”. Once you arrive in Cusco, you must pay the remaining balance in cash prior to beginning your tour. We accept both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles (local currency).

Important Info

Dear customer, please read the following information carefully; this will help answer your questions about our services for 4-Day Lares Trek & Machu Picchu.

YOUR ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

You will be met at the Cusco airport and transferred to your hotel, make sure to let us know your flight details at least 14 days before your arrival. In the airport Look for our representative with an Blue “SPT Travel & Tours” sign at the exit of the arrival terminal.

THE BRIEFING FOR THE TREK

Your briefing will take place the day before your 4-Day Lares Trek. It will take place in our office or in your hotel at 6:00 p.m. m. or at 6:30 p.m, according to the details in your confirmation email.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you; both are free.

HOW TO BOOK 4-DAY LARES TREK & MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your 4-Day Lares Trek & Machu Picchu, you’ll need you to complete our booking form by clicking BOOK NOW on our home page or click the BOOK NOW link here.
Please be ready with the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a 4-Day Lares Trek & Machu Picchu permit without the following information:

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as in your passport):
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of birth. (dd/mm/yyyy)
• Nationality
• We will need the passport of each participant at the time of booking. They must, in order, buy tickets.

SECOND, we require a deposit of USD 150 per person to purchase a permit for 4-Day Lares Trek & Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on PAYPAL symbols in our website.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

If you want to avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money. You can also pay with VISA or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you must log in to your PAYPAL account and use our email address: sunrisetrek@gmail.com.

HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

Under Peruvian law, you must be under the age of 18 at the time of your trek or visit to Machu Picchu (students over the age of 18 require a student ID). For example: If you book a hike at age 17 but turn 18 before taking it, you must have a valid college ID to qualify for the student discount.

• University students must present a copy of their identity document showing a photo, the name of the university and the expiration date of the card. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
• All students from 11 to 17 years old, the discount is US$30.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old the discount is US$40.
• Children from 0 to 2 years free.

All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to qualify for the student discount. Send us a copy to sales@sunriseperutrek.com

CAN I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER I BUY THE TICKETS?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once the Machu Picchu tickets are purchased, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any dates. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your 4-Day Lares Trek & Machu Picchu, the deposit is absolutely non-refundable!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON 4-DAY LARES TREK?

The weather is very unpredictable and difficult to predict, because the trekking in the Andes is very difficult to predict. We recommended carry always rain gear.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimatize normally. It usually takes 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN (IF NECESSARY). Our guides are trained to cure you of altitude sickness.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are generally between 2 and 6 people. SPT Travel & Tours is specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and offers personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS AND HORSES TO PACK FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends on the size of the group. For a group of 2 walkers, you’ll have 3 horses, 4 walkers will have 5 horses, 6 walkers will have 8 horses, 8 walkers will have 10 horses.

HIKE THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

The day before your trek begins, you will be given a duffle bag from “SPT Travel & Tours” to pack your clothes for the next four days. Its weight limit is up to 7 kg/14 lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffle bag, as well as food and camping gear. It is important to know that you will only have access to your belongings in the duffle bag at the end of each day, because the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day pack big enough to carry your personal things like a warm jacket, raincoat, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A backpack of 30 to 40 L is sufficient.

IS THE 4-DAY LARES TREK DIFFICULT?

The 4-Day Lares Trek is a 39 km approx. trek through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,600 m. On the second day of the trek, we climbed two mountains. The trail is a challenge hike and you need to be well prepared and in good health before you start. You should be moderately fit and exercise regularly. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2-days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) before starting the trek.

ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE 4-DAY LARES TREK?

This has been greatly appreciated by most of our customers, especially our trekkers, who want private, clean and hygienic toilets! The sanitary facilities of SPT Travel & Tours have individual tents and camping toilets with seats. Our toilets are always installed at a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilets, they are easily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities provided by the government.

There are hot showers and hot pools to soak in and relax on the third day of your trip to the Lares Hot Springs. Be sure to bring your swimsuit.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANNOT COMPLETE THE 4-DAY LARES TREK?

In the unlikely event that you are unable to complete the trek due to a health issue, SPT Travel & Tours will help you get to the nearest town to help you get around. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory issues. In extreme cases, helicopter pickup can be arranged at your expense. (Compulsory travel insurance). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you do not complete the 4-day Lares trek.

Generally, those who need to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they continue the trip to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by the hiker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

WILL THEY LEAVE US AT OUR HOTEL?

Absolutely!! Hotel drop-off is included in your trek package. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!

WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the availability of the train (in high season it can be reserved) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the impressive views on the way back to Cusco from the train. So normally you book us the train at 14:55 or 15:20.

ADVICE

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated, although not required. Although it is not usual in your country, it is of great importance for the people who will take care of you during the 4-Day Lares Trek & Machu Picchu. This motivates them to provide excellent service and is an ingrained characteristic of the tourism industry in many SPT Travel & Tours destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you like, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

IS SPT TRAVEL & TOURS SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are a locally sustainable and responsible tour operator. This incorporates the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect local places and people.