Lares Trek To Machu Picchu

A Unique Alternative Besides The Traditional Inca Trail

The Native Communities of Lares Valley are a wonderful and unique experience. This is part of Peru that hasn't changed much for more than 500 years, it remains the same as when the Spaniards came, this remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insight into the real lives of the Andean people descendents of the Quechua,. You'll have the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas.

This unforgettable and less-known hike combines amazing mountain scenery, glacier lagoons, valley cloud-forest, authentic textile Quechua communities, farmers dressed in their traditional and very bright colored ponchos.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Cusco - Calca - Lares village (3,100 m/10,170.60 Ft)-hot springs-Quishuarani, (3,700 m./12,139 Ft)-Cuncani Commy (3,650 m/11,975 Ft)

We will leave from Cusco by early morning then we will travel by bus to Calca and continue up to Lares Valley.

After one and half hour of driving through beautiful Andean landscapes, mountains and little communities with spectacular views of llamas, alpacas and local people, we will arrive to Quiswarani 3,700 m/12139 Ft.. We will have a stop for photos and a stretch! Once we get the town you will have the chance to enjoy the great hot springs, have a good rest, refreshing yourself and have a wonderful picnic lunch. Also have a chance to meet the local "campesinos" (peasants) and share some time together getting weaving exhibition and lessons about its ancient techniques. From Quiswarani Community we start our soft hike with a little climbing for 2 hours to Qewña-Qocha "Polylepis tree Lagoon"  - 4,200 m/13,779.50 Ft. Very impressive views of the snow capped mountains such as Mount Veronica " Huacay-Willca", Qollqe Cruz Mt " The Silver Cross " , Mountain Sawasiray, After we will continue for 1.5 hours more to reach Hualcajasa Pass 4,400 m./14,435.69 Ft. then a soft walk down for 2 more hours to our first camping Cuncani Community 3,650 m/11,975 Ft. (Walking distance approximately 12 km  - 5-6 hours).

O'N at Campsite

MEALS: L, D

DAY 2:Cuncani (3,650 m/11,975 Ft.) – Ipsay Qocha Lake (4,400 m/14,435.69 Ft)

Wake up at 6:00 am for an early breakfast so we can start walking around 7:00am. We will stop for a short visit of Cuncani Community, where your tour guide will help you to better understand the traditional lifestyle in the Andes. He will explain about the ancient customs and traditions, ancestral secrets for farming activities, how to preserve their products, the modus-vivendus of their villagers, the process of weavings with their significances. Those who have bought some school supplies for the children will be able to give them at this point. After this we will walk down approx 2 hours to the Chancachaca valley (3,500 m/11,483 Ft.) where there are wonderful views of the Lares valley where we see stone houses and enclosures lie scattered along the valley floor. We continue to walk up for almost 2 hours to the Huacawasi (3,700 m/12,139 Ft.) community where we will rest in Chaqchapata for our lunch. Then we continue an ascent for approximately 2 hours to Ipsay Qasa Pass (4,500 m/14,764 Ft.) From here the views once again are fabulous and for the first time we have a clear view of mount Mantanay standing at 5,600 m/18,372.70 Ft., 40 minutes descent to Ipsaycocha Lake for our second night camping at 4,100 m/13,451.44 Ft. where a hot Andean Te piteado will be waiting for us!

(Walking distance approximately 15 km 6-7 hours) 

O'N at Campesite

MEALS: B, L, D.

DAY 3: Ipsay Qocha Lake (4,400 m/14,435.69 Ft) – Patacancha and Willoq Communities

After breakfast we enjoy a soft descent for 2 hours walk down to Patacancha Community, here we will stop for a while to share some time with the local people. As we trek on we pass children herding llamas and alpacas high on the mountains in traditional clothes, the red ponchos, white short pants and women wearing colourful hats with flowers. Thereafter we will continue our descent to the Willoq community, traditionally they are called "Huayruros ".Patacancha and Willoq have retained their cultural dress more than most communities; in the Valley of Ollantaytambo they are very famous for producing exquisite natural colourful weavings with Andean iconography and designs. Willoq is famous for the village folk clothed in the famous red ponchos; people from these communities were the first porters for the Inca trail many years ago, most of them only speak Quechua the language of the Incas. Here we will have a typical lunch and camp for our third night, also share some time with the local people getting weaving exhibition and lessons about their ancient techniques, their living and connection with Pachamama – Mother Earth, Qochamama the Mother Sea/ Lakes - Water, many stars and constellations, such as the star Ch'aska or Venus, or the Pleiades constellation had divine characters, the Andean peasant that still practice and conserve Inkan Religion and traditions still uses some constellations specially in order to foresee the future; according to the brightness of their stars it is possible to know for example if next year there will be rains, prosperity, happiness, disasters, etc.

O'N at Campesite

MEALS: B, L, D

WILLOQ KIDS WILLOQ LADY WITH HER  LITTLE GIRL AND  MY SON NAVARREAUX

DAY 4: Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) by train (2000 m.a.s.l.)

After Breakfast we leave Willoq community and start our descent to Ollantaytambo (2,700 m/8,858 Ft) we see local farmers tending llamas, alpacas and their famous terraced crops. We enjoy lunch at Pallata, optional visit of the primary school of Pallata Community. Thereafter continue to descent and pass by impressive ruins of Pumamarca, these are beautiful terraces and steps. We finally get to Andean Inca town of Ollantaytambo.

At 4 PM we will board the train to Aguas Calientes (approx 1and half hours – one of the nicest and spectacular train journeys in South America.) On arrival we check into our hotel.

* (Total walking distance for the last 2 days from Ipsay Qocha to Ollantaytmbo approximately 20 km –  9 to 10 hours.)

O'N Hotel Flower´s House or similar in Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) 
MEALS: B,L

Day 5.-

Early in the morning we will board the bus to the sunlit terraces of the historical Inkan center of spiritual and political power.
Tour to all the Inca city of Machu Picchu we will visit and see the impressive work of Archaeoastronomy, the cosmic wisdom and sacred architecture.
In the general plan all the sections of the Sanctuary are aligned to the laws of the Andean cyclic order. The architectonic structures are perfectly oriented to the rise and set of the Sun, Moon and Stars on sacred moments during the year.
Thereafter there is plenty of time to explore by your self, for personal meditations, connection to the spirit world, explorations in feminine and masculine energy sites. Peruvian Magic Journey’s leaders will assist you in deciding which areas you might wish to further explore or hike. There are options for all levels of hikers. 
 

O'N Hotel Flower´s House or similar in Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes)

MEALS: B.

MACHUPICCHU INTIHUATANA

Day 6. -

Early in the morning we will journey back to Machu Picchu for a Sun rise, and then we'll continue to explore the Crystal city, absorbing the essence of love left by the creators of this magical place ,  our guides will assist you in deciding which areas you might wish to further explore or hike. There are options for all levels of hikers. We will hike Huayna Picchu with those who are being called to view Machu Picchu from even higher realms. The rest can find a special place that speaks to your heart, relax, and listen to your spirit.

PM we take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and then private transportation to Cusco City.

O'N Cusco – Hotel Not included 

MEALS: B

HUAYNA PICCHU TERRACES AND STAIRS MACHU PICCHU VIEW FROM HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN

Please email us for price information and availability, tour price is based in number of persons

Private Service (minimun 2 persons):

6 Days/5 Nights Tour

Group service (Minimun 06 persons)

LARES HIKE INCLUDES:

  • Transportation to head of the trail 
  • Igloo tents on double occupancy and single if requested or booked for the whole journey.
  • Camping equipment, mattresses one per person.
  • Kitchen tent.
  • Dining tent.
  • Tables and chairs.
  • Meals as specified in the above itinerary.
  • Daily snack bag for the hike.
  • Daily afternoon tea service.
  • Daily wake up call tea, and hot water for washing.
  • Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
  • Wranglers, Mules and horses to carry the equipment (carry personal luggage, tents and cooking equipment)
  • Cook
  • Professional English speaking guide for the entire 6 days tour.
  • First and second day entrance fees to Machu Picchu
  • First and second day bus tkts Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes. 
  • Train tickets Ollanta/Machu Picchu/Ollanta in Vistadome class (First or A class)
  • Private transportation Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco. 
  • Hotel Flower´s House or similar in Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes), double and single accommodation available.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Lunch day 4th (on your own).
  • Meals not described on the itinerary for day 5 and 6.
  • Entrance fee for the hot springs.
  • Tips to the crew (tour leader, guides, cooks, porters, drivers, etc.)
  • Hotel accommodation in Cusco.

YOU SHOULD BRING

  • Personal sleeping bag
  • Back pack, trekking shoes
  • Water bottle for the first day (after boiled water will be provided)
  • Personal clothing for trek, long pants, long sleeved shirts and T-shirts.
  • Warm clothes sweaters, jacket and fleece.
  • Rain gear.
  • Camera, batteries.
  • Flashlight and batteries.
  • Insect repellent and sun block.
  • Personal toilet items and first aid kit.
  • A pocketknife.
  • A water bottle and purified pills.
  • Plenty of socks and underwear.
  • Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold.
  • Towel.
  • Snacks:  Energy bars, chocolate, biscuits, dry fruits etc.
  • Cash USD and local currency (no option for ATM machines until we arrive to Machu Picchu).
  • Swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Walking sticks with rubber covers (optional).

MEALS

  • Breakfast, varies from day to day and can include:
    • Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
    • Pancakes or bread (with butter/jam)
    • Eggs (fried, omelet) or Fruit.
  • Lunch includes:
    • soup
    • Main entree (spaghetti or rice with veggies and meat) 
    • Tea or coffee
  • Dinner Includes:
    • Soup
    • Main entrée (fish or chicken accompanied by potatoes, rice or other. with   vegetables
  • Tea or coffee.

REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY:

To reserve your space and the dates for the journey a US $ 350.00 deposit per person has to be paid immediately, 50% deposit of tour balance has to be paid 90 days prior the trip starts and 45 days the trip starts has to be paid in full. Every person has to fill out and sign the registration form of Peruvian Magic Journeys and send or bring it with them before the tour starts.

Deposit has to be made directly to a bank account or send it through Western Union to Cusco – Peru to Romulo Castilla. The final payment due must be respected; otherwise a fee will apply. We recommend you obtain travel insurance to protect you against all the unpredictable events that might stop you from taking the trip. 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Hotel Accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, all entrance fees to archaeological sites and others, tour guides, all ground transportation as listed in itinerary once you arrive in Cusco arranged by PERUVIAN MAGIC JOURNEYS.

NOT INCLUDED: Tips to porters, maids, bellmen, bus drivers, tour leader, guide, airport taxes, and other things not described in the itinerary, airfare to/from Lima/Peru is not included and it is responsibility of the traveler make the reservation and obtain it.

CANCELLATION POLICY: 45 days prior 50 % and less than 30 days will be charged 80 % of total fare; NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN ONCE THE TOUR BEGINS.

WAIVER: I/we agree to take responsibility for all inconveniences and challenges that can happen while traveling in a third world country. I/we release Romulo Castilla and Peruvian Magic Journeys, from all responsibility and liability for unforeseen circumstances and /or changes in the schedule, weather, earthquakes, etc, acts of terrorism, and any other unforeseen events, mental/physical illnesses occurring during tour dates. 

I/we are aware of and agree to the REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES and understand and agree to all above information.

Romulo Castilla