Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4 days

 SUMMARY

Four-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is the best trekking alternative if you miss the permits for the regular Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; Lares Trek is for those who want to get off the well-beaten path and enjoy the traditions history and the stunning mountain scenery. In this remote and rarely visited region, you will meet real Andean farmers dressed in traditional brightly-coloured ponchos.

You will pass through local communities and see thatched roof stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas, alpacas, sheep and the typical flora. Lares Trek pass small communities that offer a rare and fascinating insight into traditional Andean life, beautiful green valleys, lakes and high passes, turquoise colour lagoons, an ancient Inca Trail.

The Lares Trek is considered moderated but the altitude can affects to anyone without good acclimatization; so that we recommend to arrive to Cusco at less two days before you start the trek

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Guided Lares trek to Machupicchu.
• Visit the picturesque communities along the trail.
• Hot Springs near the village of Lares.
• Visit the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
• Explore Machu Picchu.

LARES TREK AT A GLANCE

• Time: 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Type of Tour: Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu – Cultural and Trekking
• Group Size: The minimum to open the departure is two people and our maximum is 12 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 about 3:30 hours from Cusco at Lares Valley through Urubamba mountain range.
• Departure Dates: Any day with two people. We offer affordably priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart when it suits you best.
• Starting Altitude – 2,800m / 9,186ft.
• Highest Altitude – 4,600m / 15,902ft.
• Walking Distance – 34km / 21 miles
• Longest Day – Day 2, approximately 16km
• Coldest Night – Day 1 around 0º celsius

OUTLINE ITINERARY

DAY 01: Lares hot Springs

Three-hour travel by our tourist bus from Cusco to the village of Lares where you can relax in the Natural hot springs; and in the afternoon trek for four hours gradually up to the community of Wacahuasi.

Day 2: Patacancha

Today is the longest and the 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, we’ll descend gradually to Patacancha camp.

Day 3: Aguas Calientes town

The trail continues descending gradually. Along the way, we’ll pass picturesque communities and some unexplored Inca ruins; in the afternoon, we’ll take the train for two hours to the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes and you’ll have accommodation in the hotel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Very early, we’ll explore Machu Picchu; you also will have free time within Machu Picchu to explore alone; in the afternoon, you’ll return to Cusco by train.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 01: Cusco – Calca – Lares – Hot Springs – Wacahuasi

The adventure tour of Lares Trek starts at 05:00 a.m once we pick you up from your hotel and drive to Lares village where you can relax in the hot springs; Bus drive will be for about 3:30 hours; along the trip, we’ll stop in the town of Calca to use the toiled and purchase some items for the trek like: water, candies coca leaves, etc. You also can enjoy a quick breakfast; we’ll continue from Calca zigzagging up to the pass at 4,400m and descent to the Valley of Lares.

Once we arrive to Lares, we’ll have enough time to enjoy the hot springs (entrance 10 soles or US$ 4 NOT included) after the relax time in the hot springs, our expert chef will indulge you with delicious Peruvian dishes, time to relax or a little nap; in the afternoon, we’ll trek following the narrow path crossing the small hut and farmers houses for about 3-4 hours. We’ll arrive to Wacahuasi community where we’ll see school for children, in this community, we’ll setup our camping tents (3,800 masl) the night will be windy and cold -0°c approximately.

• Distance: 12 km approximately.
• Climate: Warm on the day and cold at night (remember weather can change).
• Hiking time: 3- 4 hours.

Day 2: Wacahuasi – Ipsayccasa Pass – Patacancha Camp

Today we’ll start at 07:00 a.m approximately with a great breakfast and the wonderful atmosphere, continuing the Lares Trek , we’ll climb up through the stunning mountain scenery with the presence of  llamas and Alpacas walking around, along the way, we’ll visit a local family house, to see the colorful dresses some histories to share with them; 5 hours after we’ll arrive to the pass (4,600 masl) from where you’ll be rewarded with splendid views, above many mountains and down several valleys

After we rest and take pictures, we’ll descend for about 3:30 hours through a valley where you can enjoy typical agriculture like: potatoes, oxalis, lima beans, quinoa, etc. Our camp will be in Patatacancha community at 3, 900 masl. This is the longest and the hardest trekking day.

• Distance: 17 km approximately.
• Climate: Cold and windy.
• Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours.

Day 3: Patacancha – Pumamarca – Ollantaytambo – Town of “Aguas Calientes”

Continue at 07:00 a.m walking down through Patacancha Valley, half-hour after, we’ll arrive to Willoc an interesting community with a trout farm that belongs to the students of this community; continuing the trek down at Pallata sector you’ll see Inca ruins; continuing the trek we’ll arrive to Pumamarka Inca ruins that consist in a small Inca town beyond which there are great Inca terraces with very important hydrological system used by the Incas for agricultural purpose.

Continueone hour walk to Ollantaytambo where we’ll have lunch and after that we’ll head to the train station and ride it for two hours through the Urubamba Valley to the town of “Aguas Calientes” and have accommodation in the hotel.

• Distance: 12 km approximately
• Climate: Warm
• Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours.

Day 4: “Aguas Calientes” – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco

Very early, we’ll leave the hotel (at 05:00 a.m) your personal belongs you can leave in the storage of the hotel. We’ll take the bus for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu Inca sanctuary and explore it for two hours approximately with our expert guide; after that, you can explore by yourself or you can do extra hikes surround Machu Picchu Inca Citadel, you also have the chance to climbing the “Huayna Picchu” mountain for this please let us know in advance (the entrance for Huayna Picchu mountain is extra US$ 30).

Once you finish to explore Machu Picchu, you can walk down to the town of “Aguas Calientes”, the trail begins at the Machu Picchu’s bus stop and leads you stairways down through the cloud forest or you can take a bus (US$ 10 Not included); in the town of “Aguas Calientes” you can enjoy your lunch and in the afternoon, we’ll take the train to return to Ollantaytambo train station and then you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Lares Trek includes:

• Pre-departure briefing one day before the tour at 06:00 p.m or 07:00 p.m exactly time will be confirmed by our staff.
• Pick-up from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to Lares (starting point of the trek)
• Camping equipment: personal tents two people in each we provide four people capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks, air mattress, kitchen gear, tables, seat, toiled tent, etc.
• English-speaking professional and official tour guide (2 guides for groups of over 9 people)
• Chef and cooking equipment

• One night hotel accommodation in the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
• Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) for days 1 to 3.
• 1 duffel bag where you can pack your personal belongs included the mattress and sleeping bag maximum wage 6kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag) – days 1 to 3 (we are going to carry in our horses)
• 1 emergency horse for second day only.
• Meals (03B, 03L, 03D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost.

• Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Machu Picchu entrance fee
• Bus ticket up from the town of “Aguas Calientes” to Machu Picchu (One Way) on day four
• (Round-trip) train ticket from Ollantaytambo to “Aguas Calientes” .
• Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco

Excluded:

• Sleeping back, it can be rented in our office for US$ 20 for the entire trek.
• Day 1: Breakfast some hotels offer early breakfast if not, we’ll stop at Calca here you can have your breakfast.
• Entrance to the hot springs in the town of Lares (US$ 4 or 10 soles) also in the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
• Day 4: Lunch in the town of “Aguas Calientes” considered a budget of 10 0r 35 dollars we’ll assist you at this issue.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (US $ 30.00)
• Tips: Please feel free to tip or not as you wish.

We recommend that you bring for Lares Trek

• Small backpack or a daypack
• A warm and good Sleeping Bag (Minus 8ºC) : (Can be rented at “SUNRISE PERU TREK” office)
• Gloves, Scarf
• Insect Repellant for Valleys and Machu Picchu there are mosquitos but no malarias.
• Rain Poncho / Good rain jacket, plastic poncho can be purchased in Cusco.
• Toiletries, Toilet paper, small towel
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs
• Trekking pants or similar
• Hiking boots (sneakers or running shoes are not recommended)
• Warm clothes layers for variable temperatures especially at night
• Flashlight with extra batteries necessary
• Camera & Extra Film & Batteries / Charger
• Sun Protection: Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses
• Thermals, Wool Socks & Woolen Hat for cold nights
• Water bottle, Water purification tablets
• Personal medical kit
• Original passport and ISIC student card is applicable
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips to your staff
• OPTIONAL: Little presents for kids of communities along the trail such as school supplies, second hand clothes, etc.

Cost for Lares Trek

• Daily departure
• Based on Double / Triple accommodation
• the cost include  personla things porterage for 6 Kg
• Minimum 2 persons

PRIVATE TOUR:

DAILY DEPARTURES: (UPON YOUR REQUEST)
2 – 3 people US$ 680 each
4 – 5 people US$ 530 each
6 – + people US$ 480 each

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 for Lares trek, we’ll need the 30% of the total cost a non-refundable deposit to confirm your booking.
• The pre-payment for Lares Trek 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 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 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.

HOTEL THAT WE USE IN AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN

HOSTEL PRESIDENTE  OR SIMILAR

Address: Agua Calientes town – Cusco
Rating: 3 star
Web: http://hostalpresidente.com/rooms.html

Situated just a short walk from the beautiful main street, the “Hostal Presidente” is a confortable hotel in the popular town of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. Rooms are airy and modern with simple but comfortable furnishings and a variety of modern amenities. A delicious breakfast is served on site each morning and the property also has a shared kitchen for those who wish to cook their own food.

With 20 rooms, the hotel has an intimate feel, with each guest receiving personalized service from the staff. The hotel is just 25 minutes by bus from Machu Picchu and 5 minutes from the bus station.

IMPORTANT

For four-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, the day before the tour, we’ll give you a pre-talk or briefing of the tour in your hotel or in our office at 06:00 or 07:00 p.m the exactly time will be confirmed by our staff.

REASONS TO CHOOSE “SUNRISE PERU TREK” FOR LARES TREK

• Our Lares Trek 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 Lares Treks in Peru. These are three person domed tents with plenty of space for two people sharing plus gear.
• 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 we bring a comprehensive first aid kit (Life Systems Mountain Leader) plus high altitude medicine, antibiotics, oxygen bottles and other medicines.

TIPS FOR YOUR SAFETY

At Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, your safety and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 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.

• 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,

ALTITUDE SICKNESS/ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS)

Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) generally occurs above 2,400 m (8,000 ft), but serious altitude illness is rare below 3,000 m (10,000 ft). It ranges from Preparation a mild headache and weariness to a life-threatening disease, when fluid in the lungs (HAPE) or brain (HACE) is built-up. AMS is caused by the body having difficulty adapting to the lower oxygen level at higher altitudes. Usually this is due to a too quick ascent, and sometimes personal sensitivity. As AMS can be fatal, it is important to know about the disease, its symptoms, how to prevent them and how to treat AMS.

ACUTE ALTITUDE SICKNESS.-

Acute altitude sickness is the mildest and most common form. Patients usually have a (mild) headache and/or less appetite, and nausea. These symptoms are quite common above 3,000 meters (10,000 ft). Nothing to be worried about (yet), but it is important to tell you guide or trekking companion about your symptoms, and keep close watch that they don’t get worse. Symptoms:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Shortness of breath during exertion
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Swelling of extremities
• Lack of sleep
• Social withdrawal

HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (HAPE).-

HAPE occurs when fluid builds up within the lungs, a condition that can make breathing extremely difficult. Onset of HAPE can be gradual or sudden. HAPE typically occurs after more than one day spent at high altitude; If left untreated, it can progress to respiratory collapse and ultimately to death. Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath at rest
• Extreme fatigue
• Gurgling respiration
• Dry cough or wet cough with frothy sputum
• Possible fever
• Respiratory failure

HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (HACE).-

Another severe form of altitude sickness is high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), in which fluid builds up within the brain. As the brain swells with fluid, the person’s mental state changes. Loss of coordination, coma, and, finally, death can are the cause if not recognized and treated promptly. Symptoms:

• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Hallucinations, lethargy, confusion
• As the brain continues to swell unconsciousness or coma will develop.

HOW TO TREAT AMS

• In case of mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude. Ascend only when the symptoms have resolved completely
• In case your symptoms are getting worse while resting at the same altitude, descend
• In case of serious symptoms go down immediately! Helicopter rescue may be necessary.
• If the patient is not able to walk (due to serious symptoms) and can’t be carried down, an inflatable high pressure bag (Gamow Bag) can help. The bag restores the oxygen level and air pressure and is used as a treatment in acute situations. Some trekking groups carry a pressure bag, besides they are available in some lodges, especially in the Khumbu/Everest area.
• Never let a patient descend unattended
• If available, consult a doctor, also if symptoms are not yet very serious

HOW TO PREVENT AMS FOR LARES TREK?

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.

SPECIAL TREKKING PERMIT

Special Trekking Permits for restricted/ controlled areas are needed for most trekking areas besides Machu Picchu. Trekking Permits are raised by the “Minister of Agriculture” of the Peruvian government and have to be obtained in advance of the trek. They can only be obtained through an authorized trekking or travel agency. Besides, in areas where trekking permits are needed, it is not allowed to go trekking without a guide.

Trekking permits are issued for groups of 2 persons and more. Special trekking permit fees vary for different destinations. An overview of areas where you need a trekking permit you can find on the website of the “Minister of Agriculture”: http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/

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 Lares 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

We have designed our Lares Trek to ensure they make minimum impact on the environment. Our viewpoint is to leave the incredible nature the way we found it, unspoiled; clean and well preserved so future generations will have a chance to enjoy this just as we do with our clients. We also understand that our industry depends completely on the conservation of the fragile nature and with increased tourism comes our responsibility to make sure our customers can explore with peace of mind, making sure that they are not doing any harm along the way.

TRANSPORT FOR LARES TREK

Chooses fuel efficient and low emission vehicles whenever possible. Our drivers are instructed on eco-friendly driving tactics and to keep fuel usage to a minimum to reduce emission. We also use public transport when possible to reduce emission per passenger and to support the local economy.

GARBAGE MANAGEMENT:

All debris on our trips is disposed at suitable recycling facilities. On trips where no recycling and debris service is available all waste is stored until a garbage disposal facility is reached. We also endeavor to select re-usable products and environment friendly products such as bio degradable cleaning agents, toilet paper etc. In our office also the waste is separated for recycling and we promote our staff to minimize waste.

OVERCROWDING:

We realize the fact that certain areas in the Cusco region are very famous; are already at jeopardy for environmental damage because of being overcrowded. To facilitate such areas with the break they need we either offer suitable alternatives to our customers; or suggest visiting the most famous areas at times when they are less crowded. This is evidently better for the environment; also endow with a better experience for our customers.

PURCHASING AND LOCAL PRODUCTS:

We use local products as much as possible to keep away from avoidable transport around the world. We also use local food and products on trips where possible. This helps lessen emission and also supports the local economy.

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

IN CASES OF EMERGENCY

While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from SUNRISE PERU TREK, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you.

CUSCO OFFICE

• Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm.
  Telf: +51 84 237404

EMERGENCY CONTACT FOR LARES TREK

• If you need to contact SUNRISE PERU TREK outside of the above hours the following number is available:
  Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
• Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours.

Thank you.