Lares Trek Lake Titicaca offers the chance to enjoy a mix of both the Lares Trek and the picturesque island of the Lake Titicaca. The trip starts in the city of Cusco takes you to explore the Andes and visit the island of the Lake Titicaca!…
Lares Trek Lake Titicaca is a great arrangement tour of history, traditions, relaxes times and adventure trip in Peru; this tour shows you the best highlights of Peru in a short time. The Lares Trek Lake Titicaca tour starts in the city of Cusco and end in the city of Puno; during the tour you’ll trek the remote area of Lares, visiting traditional villages and you’ll visit the picturesque lake Titicaca. This tour provides you opportunity to explore ancient Inca temples, holy stones, alpine floras and faunas and Peruvian cultures while staying in locally run mountain lodges amidst the porters villages.
This Lares Trek Lake Titicaca provides serenity to peace and nature loving souls and an adventurous opportunity to adventurous souls. We sped an acclimatization day in Cusco exploring the surround Inca and colonial architecture and enjoying panoramic views of Cusco city and beautiful mountain ranges around. Then we trek the lares valley, visit Machu Picchu and discover the islander of the Lake Titicaca.

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Ten-day Lares Trek Lake Titicaca tour in the southern of Peru avoid the crowds on this independent adventure and head off the beaten track!.. The challenging Lares Trek is a great alternative to the Inca Trail, offering opportunities for insight into rural Andean life as the trail passes through very remote mountain communities, allowing hikers learn about the Inca’s fascinating culture. Lake Titicaca is not only the largest lake in South America; it’s also overflowing with culture and history. Sitting at 3,838 masl, this is the highest navigable lake in the world.
The beutilful tour of Lares Trek Lake Titicaca tarts when you’ll arrive to the historical city of Cusco where you can explore the Inca, colonial and modern constructions; then, you’ll travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and explore the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo as well the traditional market of the town of Pisac, where you can purchase some items directly from the producers.
The tour continues with three trekking days through the Urubamba mountain range, where the highest pass reaches to 4,600 masl. Then, you’ll explore the stunning Machu Picchu. A day traveling through the “Altiplano” toward Puno, located in the bank of the Lake Titicaca; where you’ll visit the islanders of Uros, Takile and Amantani Island and observe the customs and traditions of its inhabitants.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Spend two day in the city of Cusco for correct acclimatization
- Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Inca ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, including the local market in the town of Pisaq.
- Trek the less trodden path of Lares
- A true combination of beautiful scenery, history and culture
- Spend time at local villages you can only visit by foot
- Enjoy 2 nights camping under the stars and your last night in a hotel in the town directly below Machu Picchu
- Hike the Lares Trek and visit Machu Picchu afterwards
- Meet local people and witness an authentic rural Andean way of life
- Learn about the Andean peoples’ textiles
- Enjoy the famous Inca thermal baths at Lares
- Enjoy a trip through the Altiplano
- Visit the Islands of the Lake Titicaca
TOUR AT A GLANCE
- Time: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Starting Point: Cusco Airport
- Ending point: Puno Hotel
- Type of Tour: Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu – 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 begins at Lares village located at about three hours from Cusco and ends at Machu Picchu; the trek runs through the Urubamba mountain range then, you travel 8 hours by tourist bus to Puno where you’ll visit the islands in the Lake Titicaca.
- PLEASE NOTE: The passengers whoa are not able or nor interested in the trek can spend one day in Cusco, and then travel by car to Ollantaytambo where you’ll meet the group and take the train to the picturesque town of «Aguas Calientes». If you decide not to do the hike, we need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco
Arrival to Cusco at any time; however, we must know your flight details for the reception in the airport; today, there is not planet activities enjoy the city.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
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.
Day 3: Lares Trek
Three-hour travel in our tourist bus from Cusco to the village of Lares where you can relax in the Natural hot springs; in the afternoon trek four hours gradually up to the community of Wacahuasi.
Day 4: Lares Trek
Today is the longest and hardest day because we’ll trek over the highest pass located at 4,600 masl from where you’ll be rewarded by stunning mountain scenery; then descend gradually to the camp of Patacancha.
Day 5: Lares Trek
The trail continues descending gradually. Along the way, we’ll pass picturesque communities and some unexplored Inca ruins; in the afternoon ride the expedition class train for two hours to the picturesque town of «Aguas Calientes» and you’ll have accommodation in the hotel.
Day 6: Machu Picchu
Very early, we’ll explore Machu Picchu; you also will have free time within Machu Picchu to explore alone (optional you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain US$30pp additional); in the afternoon, you’ll return to Cusco by train.
Day 7: Cusco to Puno
Drive a tourist bus from Cusco to Puno; you will stop at interesting places to visit Inca ruins, traditional markets, etc.
Days 8-9: Tour to Lake Titicaca
Discover the life of the Islanders of the Titicaca Lake with overnight in home of a family at Amantany Island.
Days 10: Tranfer 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
Day 1: Arrival to Cusco

Welcome to Cusco – Peru. Upon your arrival at the International Airport, you will be greeted by one of the company representatives, who will transfer you to the hotel booked in Cusco city (in a private vehicle). Once in the hotel, we conduct a short meeting at your hotel to brief you regarding your upcoming tour. 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 Qoricancha 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 recommended you walk slowly and drink enough water for your acclimatization.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
The Sacred Valley Tour is a perfect introduction to understand the Inca culture; the tour begins at 07:30 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; the 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.
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From Pisac, we’ll continue through the Sacred Valley until the town of Urubamba where we’ll 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 Inca 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 Lares trek.
Day 3: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Hot Springs – Wacahuasi

At 05:30 a.m, we’ll pick up from the hotel, then we’ll travel for three hours to the village of Lares. Our private bus leaves Cusco and drives through the Sacred Valley, passing through the town of Pisac and stopping in the town of Calca, 2,800 masl for a brief toilet break and the chance to purchase any last minute snacks, water, etc.
Departing from Calca at around 07:15 a.m, we’ll have a further two-hour drive to Lares village, the starting point for the trek; Lares village is well known for its medicinal hot springs, here you can soak in the hot springs after that lunch will be served and then in the afternoon a 4-hour trek to Wacawasi; here will be our first campsite where we can mix with the locals. Your porters and guides will have your tents pitched for you to settle into at your arrival. Then, we’ll will share hot chocolate and bread with the local Quechua-speaking children (bread is a treat for them as wheat doesn’t grow at this altitude).
We will also have the opportunity to visit a family home, so that you can see firsth and the lifestyle of these rugged high-elevation people. Return to the camp for a lovely dinner.
- Distance: 12 km
- Climate: Warm on the day and coldest night
- Hiking time: 4 hours
Day 4: Wacahuasi – Ipsayccasa Pass – Patacancha camp

We’ll start the day very early, visiting the local families around the camp, if you prefer stay in your tent, it will be great. Our breakfast will be served at 07:30 a.m after what we’ll continue hike gentle up looking the snow-capped mountains, llamas and alpacas grassing around, as well locals whose are dressed very nice and colorful.
After a four-hour trek, we’ll arrive to Uchuyccasa Pass from where the trail continues switch back crossing the quarry of granite rock until the Ipsay pass at 4,600 masl; from here you’ll be rewarded by splendid mountain scenery; after a good and deserved rest, we’ll start descending one hour to Ipsayccocha Lake where our lunch will be served. After lunch, we’ll continue descending 3 hours to Patacancha camp; along the trail, we’ll see herds of llamas and alpacas, as well some native hut and families.
People around this area speak mainly Quechua language so, your guide will teach you speak some words to interact with the locals.
- Distance: 20 km approximately
- Climate: cold and windy
- Hiking time: 9 hours
Day 5: Patacancha – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Town of «Aguas Calientes»

After breakfast at 07:00 a.m, we’ll continue trekking down through the left site of the Patacancha River; along the trail, we’ll see the Inca ruins of Pumamarka and the wonderful “andenerias” or the Inca terraces still covered with a dense vegetation, where the Incas cultivated large quantity of corn and potatoes to supply food to residents of Ollantaytambo; then, we’ll arrive to the town of Ollantaytambo at 2,800m, where our lunch will be served.
After lunch we’ll walk to the train station and take the tourist train through the Urubamba Valley for two hours until the town of «Aguas Calientes» where you’ll have hotel accommodation; your dinner will be served in one of the restaurants of this town. This organize guided tour to spiritual and historical sites in Machu Picchu which is also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites provide you an insight on the history, religious significance, architecture, and culture.
- Distance: 13 km
- Climate: Warm
- Hiking time: 5 hours
Day 6: «Aguas Calientes» – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco

We leave the hotel very early; your belongs you can store in the reception of the hotel since is not allow to take big bags within Machu Picchu; get your breakfast at 04:30a.m and at 05:00 a.m, we’ll take the bus for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu (Optional for those still able/wanting to walk! leave at 04.30 a.m and walk up to Machu Picchu arriving approx at 06.00 a.m) but only if you really want to hike in the dark so have torches but remember you do not get into Machu Picchu earlier than people who take the bus as they also arrive at around 06:00 a.m to the entrance with the guide).
In Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy the early tour with your guide who will unfold the mysteries of this magical site, showing you the very best of it. Your guide will spend about 2 hours relating to you interesting and amazing stories, explaining temples and special sectors. Your tour of Machu Picchu should finish between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m then, you’ll have free time to take your photos before 10:30 a.m crowds arrive. If you still want to walk you can climb up to Huayna Picchu Mountain (see availability).
Most people walk or take the bus to Aguas Calientes at around 12.30 p.m where you can enjoy your lunch in one of the restaurants, and then you can explore this picturesque town before you take the train and return to Ollanta train station from where we’ll transfer you to Cusco hotel.
Day 7: Cusco to Puno

The bus journey is 10 hours approximately, it includes the stops to visit Inca archaeological sites and for lunch at Sicuani village. This spectacular bus journey begins at 07:30 a.m in historical city of Cusco and travels south to the beautiful city of Puno located on the shores of the Lake Titicaca. On the journey, the bus makes a gentle climb to higher and cooler, altitudes. The first half of the journey is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains which towers over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. It then reaches the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuña and alpaca can be seen.
The journey is broken by a scenic stop at «La Raya» (4,321 masl), which is also the highest point on the route, a cold and remote place whose surrounding snow-draped peaks are often shrouded by mist or fine rain; from here, the bus descents to Juliaca which is the last stop on this journey through Andean highland culture before reaching Puno (3,855 masl).
Days 8-9: Tour to Lake Titicaca

Visit the floating Islands of Uros, trek through the Takile Island and spend one night at Amantani Island where you’ll learn the tradition of the inhabitants. After breakfast in the hotel, we’ll transfer you to the lake port and board a comfortable 35-foot fully equipped speed boat to explore the lake. Stop at various islands to enjoy the lake’s scenic splendor and meet the friendly people of these communities.
The Lake Titicaca tour begins at 07:30 a.m, we’ll sailing across the largest high altitude lake in the world, one hour after we will arrive at the floating Island of Uros, where locals will demonstrate how the fascinating floating islands are made and maintained, here you’ll have enough time to explore and take pictures.
Book Now Lares Trek Lake Tititcaca
The tour continues two hours to the next island of Takile where we’ll hike through the Inca Trail observing a wonderful Inca terraces, here we’ll enjoy our lunch and after lunch, we’ll descent to the port and board the boat to continue to Amantani. Here you will meet your local homestay family, take a deep breath as you get to play a bit of Soccer/Futbol at a stadium at almost 4,200 meters above sea level. Or you can watch it.
then we’ll continue two hours to the next island of Takile where we’ll hike through the Inca Trail observing a wonderful Inca terraces, here we’ll enjoy our lunch and after lunch, we’ll descent to the port and board the boat to continue to Amantani. Here you will meet your local homestay family, take a deep breath as you get to play a bit of Soccer/Futbol at a stadium at almost 4,200 meters above sea level. Or you can watch it.
The next day after breakfast, we’ll explore the island and then return to Puno.
Days 10: 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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LARES TREK LAKE TITICACA 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, round-trip tourist train expedition class from Ollantaytambo to «Aguas Calientes», transfer to your hotel, tourist bus from Cusco to Puno.
- 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 teas), we offer a vegetarian option upon request, and we provide available boiled water each morning for your water bottles.
- Guide: 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, 1 night in Puno ***Hotel, 1 night with local familie, 2 nights camping. If you would like a private room, there is an additional cost of US$25.00 per night.
- Other Items: 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 $20 for the entire trek and tips for the staff optional.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING
- Original passport.
- ISIC international student card if applicable.
- Backpack to carry your personal items
- Warm sleeping bag Minus 5ºC; can be rented in our office
- Lighter style trekking boots with good ankle support
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Warm clothes, layers for variable temperature especially at night
- Thermal underwear can be worn in the sleeping bag or in cold conditions
- Gloves or mittens, scarf , wool socks, woolen hat for cold nights
- T-shirts and trekking pants that zip off to short pants for comfort
- Flash light, head torch and extra batteries
- Camera and extra batteries
- Wear a hat with a broad visor to keep the sun off your face
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal medical kit, insect repellent
- Rain Gear a good rain jacket, rain poncho (plastic poncho can be purchased in Cusco)
- Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel (hot springs)
- 2 litre water bottle, (disposable plastic bottles are forbidden in Machu Picchu site)
- Water purifying tablets optional, since we provide boiled water
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs
- Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc. we recommended in soles
- Emergency money at least 200-400 extra soles
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PRICE FOR LARES TREK LAKE TITICACA
- Daily departure
- Based on Double / Triple accommodation
- the cost include personla things porterage for 6 Kg
- Minimum 2 persons
TYPE OF TRAIN | PRICE PER PERSON |
Expedition class | US$ 990 |
Vistadome class | US$ |
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 FOR LARES TREK LAKE TITICACA
- To start the booking the Lares Trek Lake Titicaca tour, we’ll need the 30% of the total cost a non-refundable deposit to confirm your booking.
- The pre-payment for Lares Trek Lake Titicaca tour, 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 Trek Lake Titicaca tour, 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 Trek Lake Titicaca tour, 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.
Hotels that use for Lares Trek Lake Titicaca
IN CUSCO HOSTEL PRISMA OR SIMILAR Address: Matara 394, Cusco Rating: 3 star Web: http://www.hotelprismacusco.com/ |
IN AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN HOSTEL PRESIDENTE OR SIMILAR Address: Agua Calientes town – Cusco Rating: 3 star Web: http://hostalpresidente.com/rooms.html |
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WHY TRAVEL WITH SUNRISE PERU TREK?
We own our operational items for the lares trek lake titicaca trip. This ensures that we can provide high quality trips of exceptional value with no hidden extras. Our lares trek lake titicaca trips 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.
TIPS FOR YOUR SAFETY
Your safety at Lares Trek Lake Titicaca tour, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips 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.
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; 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; it 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; trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success.
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
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What to expect on our Lares Trek Lake Titicaca Trip
Travellers are met in the airport and transfer to the hotel where they are given a briefing by our experienced trip coordinator, including details of the practicalities of the trek and particularly the visiting day of Machupicchu and the Island of Lake Titicaca, and a check to ensure all clients have the required equipment for Trekking.
Diverse terrain means you will need to feel comfortable in variable mountain conditions and the ascent to the highest pass is a short and steep hike at altitude with expected rock scrambling.
Most time you’ll stay in confortable 3-stars category hotels and during the LARES TREK you’ll camp in quality mountain tents designed for three people but only house two people inside, so there’s plenty of personal space and ample luggage storage area in the two porches. What’s more, you get three-course hearty meals included which are prepared fresh by our cooks with appropriate protein and nutrient-rich foods for a successful Trekking.