Our «Lares Trek Sacred Valley» is Remote and Beautiful trekking Route to Machu Picchu in Peru!…
Lares Trek Sacred Valley is an excellent adventure trekking in a remote area in the northeast of Cusco city. It is known for its breathtaking mountain views, challenging terrain and encounter picturesque and traditional villages. The «Lares Trek Sacred Valley» begins with a day visit of the city of Cusco; then touring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll visit Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.
Next day you’ll hike through the Mountain range of Urubamba with awesome sceneries and thatched huts to the north along with sprawling villages perched on the hilltops. Here the ethnically inhabitants speak “Qechua” language an original language since the time of the Incas, partly Spanish and live in an Incas lifestyle. Spectacular mountain panoramas, dominated by Mt. veronica itself, the scenic beauty, perennial sources of water from glaciers, waterfalls, turquoise lakes, the stunning Machu Picchu and exotic cultural values are main highlights of the trekking of this region.
The whole trekking area in this region streaked through and around the Urubamba mountain range is untouched. The «Lares Trek Sacred Valley» is one of the most beautiful trekking destination in Peru. Traveling around this part gives you the opportunity to enjoy and study deeply the traditional culture of the Incas and Peru itself. Trekking in this area is an adventure that is full of extraordinary excitement and above all, an unforgettable experience of your lifetime.
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Seven-day Lares Trek Sacred Valley in Peru takes you to visit the historical city of Cusco, hike the remote area of Lares valley and explore the marvelous Machu Picchu. Lares Trek Sacred Valley starts when you arrive to the city of Cusco, where our staff will wait for you and transfer you to the designated hotel; today you can explore the city and the surrounding Inca monuments like Sacsayhuaman, Koricancha, the Inca and colonial architecture.
Then we’ll drive a tourist bus through the sacred valley of the Incas and visit the Inca ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo also the traditional market of Pisaq. The trip continues with lifetime trekking in a remote area where still is preserved the Inca lifestyle and at the end of the tour we’ll explore full day the stunning Machu Picchu. During Lares Trek Sacred Valley tour you’ll use for four nights a hotels of 3-stars category and 2 nights camping high in the mountains; the equipment will be transported by a horses; you must carry a day-backpack with water for drink you camera and some snacks.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit the city of Cusco.
- See the sacred valley of the Incas.
- Exokre the Inca sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.
- Guided Lares Trek.
- Beautiful Mountain scenery
- Experience the hot springs in the Lares village.
- Visit the town of «Aguas Calientes».
- Explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
AT A GLANCE
- Timing: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Starting Point: Cusco Airport
- Ending point: Cusco Airport
- Type of Tour: Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu – history, Cultural and Trekking
- Group Size: The minimum to open the departure is 2 people and our maximum is 14 people.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
- Ideal For: Adventure Seekers, Couples, Families, Nature Lovers and Intrepid People.
- Location: The tour begins in Cusco but the trek starts at Lares village located at about three hours from Cusco and ends at Machu Picchu; the trek runs through the Urubamba mountain range.
- Departure Dates: Any day with 2 people. We offer affordably priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart when it suits you best.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco
Arrival to Cusco at any time; however, we must know your flight details for the reception in the airport of Cusco; today there is not planet activities enjoy the city.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the incas
It’s a perfect introduction to understand the Inca culture; we’ll visit the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo as well the picturesque local market of the town of Pisac.
Days 3-5: Lares Hike
We’ll travel for three hours to Lares Hot Springs by tourist bus from where we’ll begin the lifetime trek over the Urubamba mountain range until Ollantaytambo train station from where we’ll board the tourist train to the town of «Aguas Calientes» and the next day, we’ll explore the full day Machu Picchu.
Day 6: Machu Picchu
Full-day you’ll explore Machu Picchu. Optional climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain, visit the Inca Bridge or explore the Sungate before returning to Cusco in the evening.
Day 7: Transfer out
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport or to the bus station; it’s subject to your itinerary.
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DETAILED ITINERARY FOR «LARES TREK SACRED VALLEY»
Day 1: Arrival to Cusco
Welcome to the land of the Incas! On arrival in Cusco Airport, you will be met by our representative who will be waiting with a “SUNRISE PERU TREK” sign. Upon meeting our company’s representative at arrival terminal at the airport, you will be transferred to your respective hotel in our private comfortable vehicle.
Handsome Lares Trek Sacred Valley tour starts when you arrive to Cusco airport at any time; however, we must know your flight details for the reception; today, there is not planet activities enjoy the city. If you arrive before noon, you can optionally do our city tour program where you’ll have the option to visit the Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun of the Incas or Qorikancha and four Inca temples outside of the city; this tour is 4:30 hours approximately.
Or you can relax and explore by yourself the fascinating city of Cusco. We highly recommended you to walk slowly for today an get you acclimatization to the Altitude; drink enough water.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
The Sacred Valley tour is a perfect introduction to understand the Inca culture; Tour begins at 08:30 a.m once we pick you up from the hotel and travel toward green and fertile valley which was an important source of food for the Inca; Sacred Valley is a lush of agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cusco with much of its production.
We’ll leave Cusco and one hour after we’ll arrive to Awanacancha where we can visit the countryside people whose are weaving blankets and some garments, then we’ll continue to Pisac where we’ll explore the Inca ruins and the Inca terraces used for agriculture. On the guided walk, into the Inca ruins of Pisac you can observe temples, residences, altars, channels, carvings, tunnels and the famous Intihuatana “The hitching Post of the Sun»; we also will visit the local market which is a good place to purchase some local souvenirs. From Pisac, we’ll continue through the Sacred Valley until the town of Urubamba where we’re gonna stop to enjoy lunch (not included).
From Urubamba, we’ll continue 30 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo which is surrounded by the sacred mountains and a great Inca fortress where we will again discover the magnificence of the Incan constructions, the amazing Temple of the Sun, enormous blocks of rock perfectly carved and polished, stone water fountains, stairs and Inca terraces. The fortress and the town of Ollantaytambo is the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. From Ollantaytambo, we’ll return to Cusco or to Urubamba where you’ll have accommodation in the hotel and the next morning we’ll start the hike.
Days 3-5: Lares Hike to Machu Picchu
We start early for 3-day trek which is trekking through the awesome Andes that offers a combination of stunning scenery, tradition and customs. Our Lares Trek starts once we’ll pick you up from the hotel and travel for three hours to Lares Village where you’ll enjoy the natural hot springs then, we’ll continue the hike gentle up for four hours to the community of Wacahuasi located at 3,600 masl; here will be our first camp placed near the house of our horsemen.
On the second day, we’ll continue hiking through stunning mountain scenery with the presence of Llamas, Alpacas and very great views of local agriculture; today we’ll pass the highest pass located at 4,400 masl; from where the trail descends gradually to Patakacha camp (second camp). On the third day, we’ll continue to descend gradually for three hours to the train station of Ollantaytambo from where we’ll board the train for two hours to the picturesque town of «Aguas Calientes» and have accommodation in the hotel.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The locations and distances may change on this hike as we will camp in different locations depending on pace, ability and weather.
- The passengers who are not able or interested in the hike Lares, you can spend 2 days in Cusco, and then travel by train to the picturesque town of “Aguas Calientes/Hot Waters” with overnight. Next morning, you will take the bus up to Machu Picchu together with hikers. If you decide to do not hike, we will need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets.
Day 6: Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
Very early, we’ll take a bus for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu to take advantage of the early morning light; once we arrive, there you’ll receive 2 -3 hour guided tour within Machu Picchu after which you’ll have free time to explore alone and the opportunity to climb «Wayna Picchu Mountain» which provides a wonderful chance to see Machu Picchu and its surroundings from a more exclusive vantage point. After all, you must descend to the town of «Aguas Calientes» to enjoy your lunch and in the afternoon, we’ll return to Cusco.
During the tour within Machu Picchu you’ll visit the most important places like: the agricultural zone the upper and the lower; in the urban zone you’ll visit the temple of the sun, the temple of the water, the temple of the mother earth, the main quarry, the sacred square, the main temple dedicated to God “Wiracocha”, the temple of the Andean cosmology, the sun dial the temple of the condor and other important places; in each of these highlights you’ll receive an description.
Day 7: Transfer out
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport or to the bus stop; it’s subject to your itinerary.
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LARES TREK SACRED VALLEY TOUR INCLUDES
- All necessary things for this tour:
- Transportation: transfer in/out airport/hotel/airport, private bus for the Sacred Valley Tour, tourist bus from Cusco to Lares (starting point of hike), bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, tourist Train Expeditions round trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, transfer to your hotel.
- Entrance Fees: For the Sacred Valley tour and Machu Picchu.
- Meals: All breakfasts in the hotels, delicious meals on the Lares Hike prepared by professional chefs. Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, also hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude, teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 afternoon tees), we offer a vegetarian option upon request, and we provide available boiled water each morning for your water bottles.
- Licensed bilingual tour guide (2 guides over 8 people)
- Horses: For camping equipment, food, kitchen gears and to carry your personal things (6kg) in duffel bags that we provide. You must carry your daypack.
- Camping Equipment: We provide brand new four season tents, for four people capacity for only two people, Therm-a-rest, dinning room tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, seats, tables, tent for the guides.
- Accommodations: Hotel based on double occupancy: 3 nights in Cusco ***Hotel, 1 night in the town of «Aguas Calientes» ***Hotel, If you would like a private room, there is an additional cost of US$25.00 per night, two nights in camping tents.
- Local guide for permanent assistance, first-aid kit, oxygen bottle.
EXCLUDED
- Meals: Lunch and dinner on day 1, 2 and 6; you must consider a budget from US$10 to US$20 for each meal. We will assist you at these issues.
- Sleeping bag: Can be rented in our office for US $20 for the entire trek and tips for the staff (optional).
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING
- Original passport.
- ISIC international student card if applicable.
- Backpack to carry your personal items
- Warm sleeping bag Minus 5ºC; can be rented in our office
- Lighter style trekking boots with good ankle support
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Warm clothes, layers for variable temperature especially at night
- Thermal underwear can be worn in the sleeping bag or in cold conditions
- Gloves or mittens, scarf , wool socks, woolen hat for cold nights
- T-shirts and trekking pants that zip off to short pants for comfort
- Flash light, head torch and extra batteries
- Camera and extra batteries
- Wear a hat with a broad visor to keep the sun off your face
- Sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Personal medical kit, insect repellent
- Rain Gear a good rain jacket, rain poncho (plastic poncho can be purchased in Cusco)
- Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel (hot springs)
- 2 litre water bottle, (disposable plastic bottles are forbidden in Machu Picchu site)
- Water purifying tablets optional, since we provide boiled water
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs
- Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc. We recommend it in soles
- Emergency money at least 200-400 extra soles
- See here More
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Cost of the Trek
- Daily departure
- Based on Double / Triple accommodation
- The cost includes personal things porterage for 6 Kg
- Minimum 2 persons
| TYPE OF TRAIN | PRICE PER PERSON |
| Expedition class | US$ 750 |
| Vistadome class | US$ 800 |
| Hiram Bimgham class |
Optional Service to Be Hired:
- Lightweight aluminum walking sticks US$10.00 for two sticks for the entire trek.
- Single tent supplement (if you don’t want to share a tent) $25.00 per person.
- Personal horse for ride US$ 30 per day.
- Higher level hotel in «Aguas Calientes»
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
For students US$ 25 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card, Youth Travel Cards are not valid).
Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings).
Children: US$ 30.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings).
BOOKING FACTS
- To start the booking the Lares Hike, we’ll need the 30% of the total cost a non-refundable deposit to confirm your booking.
- The pre-payment for Lares Hike, you can do by Western Union or PayPal or to our bank account.
- Please note that there are costs involved in both making international bank transfers or a Western Union transfer – in both cases the costs will be paid by the client NOT «SUNRISE PERU TREK».
- Please note that this down pre-payment for Lares Hike, is NON-REFUNDABLE as described in the General Booking conditions. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance that covers such deposits in the case of cancellation, after the pre-payment, we’ll confirm your reservation by e-mail.
- The balance of your payment for Lares Hike, can be paid upon arrival to Cusco 48 hours before you start the tour, this you can do it in cash soles or dollars at the time of the briefing.
| IN CUSCO HOSTEL PRISMA OR SIMILAR Address: Matara 394, Cusco Rating: 3 star Web: http://www.hotelprismacusco.com/ |
| HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES – HOSTEL PRESIDENTE OR SIMILAR Address: Agua Calientes town – Cusco Rating: 3 star Web: http://hostalpresidente.com/rooms.html |
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BEST TIME TO DO «LARES TREK SACRED VALLEY»
The Lares Trek Sacred Valley is a year-round destination, but the mountain dry season generally runs from April to October. The nights are milder in these mid-year months, and there are often wild orchids in bloom along the trail. June and July are the most popular, and therefore most crowded, months on the trail. Low cloud cover in winter also means cold nights on the Lares Trek – bring some thermals for a good night’s sleep.
LIFE ON THE TREK
The Lares Trek Sacred Valley doesn’t have any permanent facilities, but never fear – we travel well prepared. You’ll sleep in modern two-person dome tents on foam sleeping mats, set up by our friendly porters who will also carry your heavier packs. Hot meals will be cooked by our chefs each night to load you up with carbohydrates for the next day’s walking. You’ll also get a bowl of warm water each day to wash with.
HORSES, NOT PORTERS FOR «LARES TREK SACRED VALLEY»
On the Inca Trail your main luggage is carried by porters. On the Lares Trek Sacred Valley it’s carried by horses. This has the added benefit of walking through the Andes with freaking horses alongside you. Not to be sniffed at. Of course you’ll still have trained guides to help you along and set up camp each night.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Anyone trekking for three solid days over 3,500m above sea level needs a reasonable level of fitness. Altitude sickness is a real risk, but we’ll try to acclimatize you with some time in Cusco before the Lares Trek Sacred Valley . Most people complete the Lares Trek Sacred Valley without any problems. Drink lots of water as you go, pace yourself, wear polarized sunglasses and appropriate boots.
WHY TRAVEL WITH SUNRISE PERU TREK?
We own our operational items for the Lares Trek Sacred Valley. This ensures that we can provide high quality trips of exceptional value with no hidden extras. Our Lares Trek Sacred Valley are all inclusive, so there is little need to pay for anything once your trip commences until it ends. Our hands-on approach and years of experience has ensured a safety record second to none as we’ve pioneered some of the most unique itineraries in the adventure market place today.
SUNRISE PERU TREK has been seriously committed to responsible travel and true sustainability since we began in 1999 when we established our philosophy and stated ideal which was to “take only photographs and leave only footprints”. Almost two decades of pioneering adventure travel has proved the positive conservation outcomes when travel is managed for sustainability. We believe a responsible, long-term vision can deliver true sustainability and with the participation of all our clients and business partners the challenge is being met and achieved.
REASONS TO CHOOSE “SUNRISE PERU TRE” FOR LARES TREK SACRED VALLEY TOUR
- Our Lares Trek Sacred Valley itinerary has been carefully designed to ensure sufficient acclimatization as well as including a number of spare days to maximize the chance of crossing the passes and completing the trek.
- Brand-new camping equipment is used for all of our camping treks in Peru. These are three person domed tents with plenty of space for two people sharing plus gear.
- On Lares Trek Sacred Valley, we provide each porter with windproof jacket & trousers, walking boots and shelter.
- There will be a range of tasty meals for breakfast, lunch and supper. We also bring along a supply of chocolate bars, Pringles, biscuit and nuts.
- For Lares Trek Sacred Valley, we bring a comprehensive first aid kit (Life Systems Mountain Leader) plus high altitude medicine, antibiotics, oxygen bottles and other medicines.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
This piece of information is for everyone planning their next trek to Lares Trek Sacred Valley or Inca Trail in the region of Cusco Peru. Please get a travel insurance that covers all the added expenses that might result due to various health issues, injuries or accidents (together with air ambulance, and other treatment cost). Also, make sure that your insurance policy covers all extra activities that you are planning to accomplish throughout your stay in Peru.
In addition to this, the policy should also cover death, misplaced luggage, theft and liability, cancellations, medical treatment (counting hospital charges, cost of the medicine, doctor fees) as well as repatriation cost. As this trek in the Peru takes you above the altitude of 4,200m, it is kindly requested to ensure that your insurance policy covers treks that go over 4,200m. In short, its client himself/herself has to take the responsibility regarding the entire unforeseen expenses during the trip.
TIPS FOR YOUR SAFETY
Your safety in the Lares Trek Sacred Valley, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our Lares Trek Sacred Valley are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with cell phones, even emergency satellite phones, extensive medical kit and other safety apparatus where necessary. You are most of the time connected to our Cusco office.
Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your safety in mind.
Trekking in the mountains is a rewarding and unforgettable experience. However, it is important to keep your safety in mind. Weather conditions can change any moment and in case of an accident, medical help is not always easily available. It is good to be prepared, both before and during your trip. Have a look below for some guidelines and tips on health & safety during your trip in Peru.
OTHER HEALTH RISKS
There are some health risks that are more acute when trekking at high altitudes as the Lares Hike.
- DEHYDRATION: since you are prone to sweat a lot when hiking, it is very important to keep hydrated. Keep water with you at all times, and drink lots!
- ALTITUDE SICKNESS: This occurs when ascending from low levels to high levels, especially when done rapidly. Altitude sickness begins with shortness of breath from lack of oxygen. Symptoms include exhaustion, loss of appetite, headache and nausea. It’s important to go slowly, and monitor your body’s reaction to the change in altitude. Trekkers should descend immediately if their condition worsens.
- BLISTERS: Walking for a long periods of time can cause blisters to develop on your feet. Be prepared and bring a first aid kit with you. Try to keep your feet as dry as possible. Be sure to ‘wear in’ your hiking boots before your trip to Peru.
- SUNBURNS: At high altitude, the sun’s rays are stronger. Pack a hat, sunglasses and wear lots of sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt,
HOW TO PREVENT AMS
The best way to prevent AMS is to ascend gradually. Above an altitude of 3,000 meters (10,000 ft) you should not ascend more than 300 m (1,000 ft) a day. If due to the itinerary this is not possible, a rest day to acclimatize recommended. Drinking lots of water can help to prevent AMS. Per day, you should be drinking 1 liter of water for every 1,000 meter (3,000 ft) altitude. This means that at an altitude of 4,000 m (12,000 ft), you should be drinking 4 lt of water a day (or tea, juice or other fluids, except alcohol). More and more people use Diamox (Acetazolamide) as a prophylaxis, to help the body acclimatize more quickly.
You start taking Diamox shortly before you start to ascend above 3,000 m (10,000 ft) and continue taking it until you descend again. Consult with your doctor if you consider using Diamox. Persons with allergy to sulfa drugs should not take the drug. Drink extra amounts of water, as Diamox dehydrates the body.
GUIDANCE ON TIPPING
Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ for good service. Tips do not form part of the wages of your guides, porters and trek crew but they are very much appreciated. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. Normally the tips are given at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group rather than from individuals. Most groups will give the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the trip.
Level of tipping should be determined by the group as a whole with everyone contributing an equal amount that all are comfortable with. As a rough guide, we recommend that a contribution from each group member of around US$30 should provide a good level of tips when divided among your guides, porters, and other trek crew. At the end of a trek many people also like to donate various items of their equipment to the porters and trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success. Boots, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks (clean of course) are always warmly received by the porters. Technical clothing and equipment such as head-torches and trekking poles are highly prized by the Porters crews.
CONTACT US
Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you are in you can contact a SUNRISE PERU TREK representative on the following:
- Mauro Pedraza – Operations Manager
Mobile: +(51) 984 734633 - Henrry Chauca – Operations
Mobile: +(51) 950 313131 - Sharon Ovalle – SUNRISE PERU TREK Representatives Supervisor
Mobile: +(51) 974 359484
Thank you.
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