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Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days, one of the best and marvelous treks after the Classic Inca Trail, this alternative trekking leaves from Cusco through the Lares Valley and finishing in Machu Picchu, that provides access to the high Andean regions of Vilcanota Mountain Range in Cusco, Lares Trek To Machu Picchu. Preserves an variety of flora and fauna, with a unique dramatic scenery, while trekking we come upon, Andean villagers wearing traditional ponchos and typical costume, Lares Trek To Machu Picchu also known as “the route of the famous Andean weavers,” we can find local people weaving, (handmade). Having the chance to interact with these precious indigenous people and their children, experienced a bit of their culture and traditions. Lares Trek To Machu Picchu, On this incredibly picturesque trek we recommend this expedition and adventure to you as one of the best vacation treks to Machu Picchu, this Lares Trek To Machu Picchu, four days trek does truly an alternative that take you off the beaten track!
The Lares Trek is a tour that connects you with the high Andean communities of the Cusco region. Unlike other routes, this trek focuses on cultural interaction, offering a direct look at the daily life, traditions, and textile work of the local people who live in the Lares Valley. The journey begins in the Sacred Valley and takes you through small villages where ancient customs are still a part of everyday life.
The trek involves hiking through diverse mountain landscapes. You will walk through green valleys, ascend to a high-altitude mountain pass, and see remote lakes. The route is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness as you will reach altitudes of over meters. The trail offers clear views of the Andean mountain range, including the snow-capped peak of La Veronica.
The final part of the trip transitions from the remote mountains to the well-known Inca sites. After descending from the highlands, you will visit the Inca terraces of Pumamarca and the town of Ollantaytambo. From there, you will travel by train to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. The tour concludes with a guided visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, followed by a return to Cusco.
We leave Cusco early by private bus, traveling through the Sacred Valley until we reach the hot springs in Lares; we spend the morning in the medicinal springs and, after lunch, we walk for 2 hours to our campsite in Wacahuasi ().
After breakfast we observe the local artists´ ability and knowledge in producing fine wool weavings from alpaca wool, considered some of the best in all of Peru; the weavers create wearable goods, carpets, ponchos and other articles. We then begin our hike to the Pass of the Condor at , from where we have a sensational view of La Veronica, a glacier of meters height. After a slow 1-hour descent to Lake Epsaycocha, we set up camp for the last time.
Our descent leads us to Patacancha, an Andean community known for its weavings and weavers; from here we continue to Willoc where we rest and have lunch; from here it takes us 2 hours to reach Pumamarka with its Inca terraces, and finally we arrive in Ollantaytambo. Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, next to the Urubamba River, this Inca people is considered to be one of the better preserved living museums due to its still living population. Later we continue on to Aguas Calientes where we overnight in a hotel.
We leave early, after breakfast, to reach Machu Picchu, and then the first bus up from Aguas Calientes to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. During a private, 3-hour guided tour throughout the Citadel, we visit all the important sites and documents. After the tour you will have time to walk around and explore this Wonder of the World. In the afternoon we return to Cusco by train and you will be transferred to your hotel from the train station.
The price per person for this trek is:
To book, a deposit of $200 USD per person is required. You can pay the remaining balance online, in installments, or with a credit card or PayPal at our Cusco office.
A $30 USD discount is available for all travelers under 17 and students. The discount is automatically applied for children. Students must submit a copy of their student ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, you will be charged the adult rate.
The trek is a 4-day, 3-night experience. This includes three days of hiking and camping, and one day dedicated to the visit of Machu Picchu.
The climate in the high Andes is divided into two main seasons:
You will pass through Quechua-speaking communities. The people are primarily farmers and herders of llamas and alpacas. They are also highly skilled weavers. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Buying some of their textile products is a great way to support the local economy directly.
Good physical condition is important. It is recommended to do regular cardiovascular exercises, such as hiking, running, or cycling, for several weeks before your trip. This will help your body manage the physical demands of the trek.
There is no official age limit, but the trek is recommended for people with a good level of fitness, including active children over 12 years old. All participants should be prepared for multiple days of walking at high altitudes.
Acclimatization is essential for preventing altitude sickness.
What is the main difficulty of the Lares Trek?
The main difficulty is the high altitude, especially on the second day when you cross the Condor Pass at meters. The hiking is sustained over several days, so a good level of physical fitness is required.
When is the best time of year to do this trek?
The dry season, from April to October, is generally the best time. It offers sunnier days and clear skies, although the nights are colder. The wet season, from November to March, has warmer temperatures but a higher chance of rain.
What about altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is a common concern. To prevent it, you must acclimatize in Cusco for at least two to three days before starting the trek. During the hike, walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and chew coca leaves or drink coca tea.
Are there toilets on the trail? Our staff will set up a portable bathroom tent at each campsite. There are no public facilities along the trail itself. You will have a regular toilet in your hostel in Aguas Calientes.
How much weight will I have to carry in my daypack?
You will only need to carry a small daypack with essentials for the day, such as water, sunscreen, a rain jacket, snacks, and a camera. The horses will carry the rest of your personal belongings (up to a specified weight limit) in a duffel bag provided by the company.
Is drinking water provided?
The cooking staff will boil, filter, and cool water for you to drink every morning and during meals. You should bring your own reusable water bottle or a hydration bladder to refill.
What is the food like on the trek?
The cook prepares a variety of Peruvian and international dishes. Meals are balanced and high in carbohydrates to provide energy for the hike. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and daily snacks are included. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you inform us in advance.
Can I charge my electronic devices?
There is no electricity at the campsites. You should bring a portable power bank if you need to charge your phone or camera. You will be able to charge your devices at the hostel in Aguas Calientes on the third night.
What happens if I cannot finish the hike?
If you are unable to continue, we will have an emergency plan. Depending on your location, a horseman will help you get to the nearest road or community, where we can arrange for transport to take you to Ollantaytambo and then to Aguas Calientes to rejoin the group.
Do I need to bring extra money?
Yes, it is recommended to bring extra cash (Peruvian Soles). You might want to buy drinks, snacks, or hand-woven textiles directly from the local people in the communities you visit. You will also need money for the final lunch in Aguas Calientes and for tipping the guide, cook, and horsemen.
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.
To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.
We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!
The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.
Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!