Lares  hot springs, local villages huacahuasi, official operator Cusco Perú

Introduction:

This trek is a good alternative when there are no permits left for the Inca Trail / We are official trekking operator

Level of difficulty: Normal / Moderate  Click to see

For those who like to avoid the crowded routes like the Inca trail we have added a more rustic tour, the 3 or 4 days trekking in the Lares Valley. This less-known hike combines amazing mountains and lakes. Beside that you can see lamas and authentic textile from the Quechua communities; you will meet local people and pass by small villages. Up in the village of Lares you can enjoy fabulous hot springs.

This program can be altered, depending on the physical condition of the Group. Campsites are subject to change according to our guides’ criteria and the evolution of the group.

Watch our video about the Lares trek on Youtube  Lares Pictures

Day 1: Cusco – Lares hot springs – Huacawasi (4 h walk)

You will be picked up at your hotel at 5.00 a.m. from where we will travel straight to Lares (4 hours by bus). Along the way you will be passing the highest point of 4265 m.a.s.l. where you get to see a few glaciers such as Sawasiray and Pitusiray. After 4 hours of driving, you will have lunch in the valley of Lares (3207 m.a.s.l.).

At Lares you´ll have the opportunity to visit the hot springs or walk around the area. After a good rest we will start climbing up from 3207 (Lares) to 3800 meters above sea level (4 hours). During this hike you will have some amazing views and get to know the local people even better.

After a day of walking, we arrive at our camping site in Huacawasi, which is a charming little community. You can walk around in the village, or even play football with the locals. After dinner you can take a good rest in one of the comfortable tents.

Day 2: Huacawasi – Miski unuyoc (6 to 7 h walk)

Your wake-up call will be at 6.00 a.m. Today will be the hardest day. After breakfast we will start hiking for at least 4 hours before we reach the Huacawasi pass (4600 m.a.s.l.). During this hike you will see a lot of typical South America animals, like llamas and alpacas. When you reach the top, you will have an amazing view over the Auroray Lake (Blue Lagoon).

Sometimes we have to walk through snow on the pass. We will offer some coca leaves for pacha mama (mother earth) and start walking down toward the lake where we will have our lunch break. After lunch we will continue hiking to the second camp site: Miski Unuyoc (1,5 hours). Miski Unuyoc located at 3800 Mt.

This is an open area with views of the snowcapped mountains. At this campsite it can be very cold but at night we can make a campfire to keep warm.

Day 3: Misky unuyoc – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (3 to 4 H walk)

Today the wake-up call will be at 7.00 a.m. After a healthy breakfast you will start hiking around 8.00 toward Yanahuara (2950 m.a.s.l.). Yanahuara is a beautiful town with a very nice climate, located in the Urubamba Valley.

This area is one of the major suppliers of food products for Cusco such as corn and vegetables. We will walk down him for about 3 to 4 hours until the beginning of the village of Yanahuara. After a lunch break in the village, we will continue our trip by bus to Ollantaytambo where you will take the train to Aguas Calientes. After a 2-hour train ride we will arrive at Aguas Calientes. You will spend the night in a hostel with private bathrooms.

After checking in at your hostel you are going to have dinner in a local restaurant. At this time our tour guide will give you some information about the next day. There will be an option to visit the hot springs or have a cold beer in one of the bars in the village.

PS: It is possible to do the Lares trek without visiting Machu Picchu and return from Yanahuara to Cusco on day 3.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early in the morning, we line up for the bus that takes you to the actual site of the “Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu. It Is about 25 min driving.

Your bilingual guide will take you throughout the vast ruins. Machu Picchu is the best known of the Inca ruins, as it is recognized worldwide, yet it is not mentioned in any of the writings of the Spanish Conquistadors. It is believed to have been constructed around the mid-15th century and was “rediscovered” by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. The guided tour of this fascinating place is an awe-inspiring experience. Visit the Main parts of Machu Picchu. After the explanation (about 2 hours) in total you can stay 4 h maxima at Machu Picchu.

We are going to visit one of these circuits,

Ministry of Culture has introduced fixed circuits from November 2021, depending on which one is available on the purchase dates. The ticket can only be used once to enter. You will then gain access to one of the circuits below. It’s a one way walk, you can’t turn back.

Circuit 1 Alto Corto     

Circuit 2 Alto Largo

Circuit 3 Bajo Corto

Circuit 4 Bajo Largo

Included in lares is the standard ticket, without Huayna or Machu Picchu Mountain.

NOTE: Keep in mind that if you want a Huayna Picchu permit you need to book far in advance (limited seats) and in this circuit you will only see a small part of Machu Picchu (only the lower part).

Casa del Guardián (guardian house) can only be visited in circuit with Machu Picchu mountain permit.

The sun gate is only accessible to people on the Inca Trail 2 and 4 days.

After you are done exploring Machu Picchu you can walk down, or take the bus (included in the price) to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included).

In the afternoon  you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, from where there will be a transfer to Cusco, where you will arrive late evening after an amazing 4 days!

Information

• Departure and arrival times are approximate.
• Campsites are subject to change according to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group
• keep in mind that October – November there can be more mosquitos along the river
• Custom made programs may be prepared for groups with special interests. Extra nights, optional starting and ending points, additional tours and extra flight reservations may be arranged upon request. All tours may be provided in private upon request as well.

NOTE: When we are in high season and there is no possibility for a return train, we will transfer you by bus from hydro electrico to Cusco.

It includes:

• Transport from  Cusco to Lares.
• Professional bilingual guide + Porters or horses (The horses will carry up to 5kg per person).
• Kitchen Equipment + Food (3D, 3 B , 3D)( vegetarian option possible).
• Camping Equipment, tent and mattress.
• Hostel in Aguas Calientes (double room).
• Bus up and down to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fee to Machu Micchu
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. (If we are in high season and there are no train tickets available we will bring you back to Cusco by bus from hydro electrico).
• Transfer to Cusco

It does not include:

• Entrance to the hot springs (10 soles). and huayna picchu permit
• Sleeping bag.
• Walking sticks.
• Personal insurance.
• Extra night in Aguas Calientes.
• Extra horses (170 USD 3 days).

What you should bring:

• A light back pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
• Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
• Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf.
• Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag (we can rent this to you if you like).
• Torch/Flashlight and spare batteries.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume quicker under cold conditions).
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
• Sun block + After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although NO malaria risk has been reported.
• Toilet paper in plastic bag.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen and water for the first morning.
• We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, plasters for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong.
• Swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in the hot springs).
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport (International University card) if you have one.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can rent these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day).
• Binoculars (if you have them).

What do we need when you make a reservation?

• Full name as it is written in your passport.* Scanned copy of your passport.
• Copy/fax or scan from both sides of your Internat University student card (if you have one and are less than 28 years old the price of the Trek is $18 USD less).
• Departing date for the trail.
• We ask for a 40% deposit, sending to us  via visa or Pay Pall online through this website:+5,5 %  or Wetravel 4,5 % (cost credit cards charge us) The balance you will pay at our office in Cusco before the start of the trek. We accept cash USD or credit card (+5,5%)