Lares Trek Machupicchu 5 Days

SUMMARY

Five-day Lares Trek Machupicchu includes Machu Picchu Tour; optionally you can reserve climb up the Huayna Picchu Mountain (see availability); Lares Trek Machupicchu begins in the city of Cusco from where we take a private bus for two hours to the zone of Huaran (2,900 masl); from here we’ll follow a vegetated valley and climb up to Pachakutec Pass (4,500masl); and then descend to Quishuarani Community. The next day, we’ll trek to Cuncani Community; in this last two communities; you’ll appreciate how the Inca tradition still are preserved among the Peruvian countryside people.

Mountain scenery in the Lares area is spectacular, with inter-Andean valleys overlooked by soaring snow covered mountains. Lares Trek Machupcchu ends in the hot springs of Lares town from where we’ll take a car and travel for three hours to the train station of Ollantaytambo and ride the train for two hours until the town of “Aguas Calientes” and have accommodation in the hotel; the last day very early, we’ll explore the stunning Machu Picchu and in the afternoon, we’ll return to Cusco.

Highlights:

• Guided Lares trek.
• Visit the picturesque communities along the trail.
• hot springs in the village of Lares.
• visi the town of “Aguas Calientes”
• Machu Picchu tour.

AT A GLANCE

• Timing: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• 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 in the Sacred Valley in the zone of “Huaran” at about one hour from Cusco city and ends in the hot springs of Lares; the trek runs through 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:  CANCHA CANCHA

For Lares Trek Peru, we’ll pick you up from your hotel at 06:30 a.m and travel for 2 hours to Huaran situated in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then we trek gradually up through the Andean Valley for 7 hours approximately until the Cancha Cancha community.

DAY 2: QUISWARANI

Continue toward the Pachacuti Pass from where you´ll visualize the highest snow mountains of the region; then, we’ll descend gradually until Quiswarani community.

DAY 3:  CUNCANI

A wonderful trekking day, we’ll pass lagoons, rivers and wonderful mountain scenery; we also will pass the second pass named Wilkak’asa located at 4,100 masl. in afternnon you can enjoy the hot springs in the Lares village.

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES

You can relax in the Natural hot springs; then we’ll take our tourist bus to for three hours to Ollantaytambo train station from where we’ll board the tourist train for two hours to the town of “Aguas Calientes” and have accommodation in the hotel.

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU

Very early, we’ll take a bus for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu and explore for 2 -3 hours with our best guide; then, you’ll have free time within Machu Picchu to explore alone or climb up the Huayna Picchu Mountain (See availability); in the afternoon, we’ll return to Cusco by train.

DETAILED ITINERARY FOR LARES TREK MACHUPICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – CALCA – HUARAN – CANCHA CANCHA

Lares Trek Machupicchu begins at 06:30 a.m once we’ll pick you up from you hotel and travel by our private bus through the Sacred Valley of the Incas for approximately two hours to the zone of Huaran (2,900 masl). Here starts our trek following the vegetated Andean valley with presence of birds, hummingbirds and wonderful flora; along the trail, we’ll observe agriculture farm and stunning thatched-roof stone houses where families live in harmony with the Mother Nature.

Today, we’ll trek for 7-8 hours approximately. During the trek you’ll be served hot Lunch and the dinner will be served in the campsite. The camp will be setup near the community of “Cancha cancha” where you can see people wearing very colorful clothing and the traditional farming terraces as well the Llamas and Alpacas; you’ll be able to visit the inside of the house and see how is the way they leave in the Andes.

DAY 2: CANCHA CANCHA – QUISWARANI

Leaving the camp at 07:00 a.m after an excellent breakfast; the trail passes a beautiful glacial lagoons of Suirococha and Yuraccocha, here you can observe different species of birds including Andean Ibis and Andean geese; after we rest and take pictures, we’ll continue to climb steeply for 2 hours and 30min approximately to the highest pass called Pachacuti (4,500 meters/14,764 feet above sea level); from here one is rewarded by spectacular mountain scenery, up many mountains and down several valleys; here we’ll participate from the ceremony of the offering to the “Apus” or mountain spirits.

“Apus” are considered the strong protectors of the humanity, the animals, the agriculture and the plants in general. From here, we can also see the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5,750 meters/18,865 feets) and Chicon (5,500 meters/18,045 feets). After we rest and take pictures we start to descend into the opposite valley following wonderful waterfalls. Our campsite will be in the community of Quisuarani. Today, we’ll trek for 7 -8 hours approximately.

DAY 3: QUISWARANI – CUNCANI

We continue the trek with climb up toward the second pass named WillkaK’asa (4,100masl); the last part of the trail, it is very steep so we must walk slowly the climb will take us approximately 3:00 hours; along the way we will pass glacier lakes and plenty of wildlife like: birds, chinchillas (type of rabbit), foxes, etc.

We will see herds of Llamas and Alpacas. After we take pictures and have a deserve rest, we’ll continue descend to Cuncani community, At this little village, we’ll have the chance to visit the house of our arrieros or horseman who will share with us how they live in a simple way in deep connection with nature, preserving traditional customs in agriculture, weavings, showing their textile skills from generations past, use of medicinal plants etc. Today, we’ll trek for 6 -7 hours approximately.

According the evolution of the group we’ll camp here or we continue to Lares hot spring, it will be a decision of the guide.

DAY 4: CUNCANI – HOT SPRING – LARES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CITY OF “AGUAS CALIENTES”

From Cuncani camp we begin at 08:00 a.m; after a great breakfast, we’ll hike the last part of the TREK that will be for 3 hours approximately; the trail follows the valley down to the Lares village very famous for the therapeutic hot springs where you can relax (entrance US$ 4 or 10 soles NOT included). There are several pools of different temperatures since 5°C until 42°C. After you finish to relax you tired muscles your trekking cook will wait for you a great lunch; after that walk to the bus and drive for 3-hours in our private transport to Ollantaytambo train station; from here we’ll ride the train for two hours until the town of “Aguas Calientes” Where you’ll have accommodation in the hotel.

Aguas Calientes is a small touristic town located at 2000masl and to 25 minutes from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

DAY 5: “AGUAS CALIENTES” – MACHU PICCHU TOUR – CUSCO

Today, we’ll commence at 05:00 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll leave our luggage in the storage of the hotel and walk for 5 minutes to the bus station and take the bus for 25 minutes that will take us up to the Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Once in Machu Picchu your trekking guide will take you in an informative tour for 2 – 3 hours. After all you’ll return to the town of Aguas Calientes for your lunch and then pick up your belongings from the hotel and walk to the train station to return to Ollantaytambo from where we’ll transfer you by car to Cusco.

LARES TREK MACHUPICCHU 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 Huaran (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 Chef’s 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 mattress and sleeping bag).
• 1 emergency horse for second day only.
• Meals (04B, 04L, 04D + 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 five.
• (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$ 25 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 and purchase some items for the trek.
• Entrance to the hot springs in the town of Lares (US$ 4 or 10 soles) also in the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
• Day 5: Lunch in the town of “Aguas Calientes” considered as a budget of 10 to 25 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 RECOMMENDED THAT YOU BRING:

• 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 Machupicchu

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

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”

VAILABLE 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 MACHUPICCHU

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

IMPORTANT

The day before starts Lares Trek Machupicchu, we’ll give you a pre-talk or briefing of the tour in your hotel or in our office at 06:00 p.m or 07:00 p.m the exact time will be confirmed by our staff.

BEST TIME FOR LARES TREK MACHUPICCHU

The Lares Trek Machupicchu 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 Machupicchu 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 MACHUPICCHU

On the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage is carried by porters. On the Lares Trek Machupicchu 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 FOR LARES TREK MACHUPICCHU?

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 Machupicchu. Most people complete the Lares Trek Machupicchu 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 Machupicchu. This ensures that we can provide high quality trips of exceptional value with no hidden extras. Our Lares Trek Machupicchu is 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 MACHUPICCHU

• Our Lares Trek Machupicchu 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 Trek Machupicchu. 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 Machupicchu, 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

Your safety in the Lares Trek Machupicchu, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our Lares Trek Machupicchu 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 at Lares Trek Machupicchu, 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:

1. •    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 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

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

• 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.