Compare Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N by Action Peru Treks
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days |
| Price From | $ 690 |
| Price Per Day | $ 173 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner |
| Description |
This remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insider's view into traditional Andean life - a timeless world where farmers plant their crops on the lands their ancestors tended and watch over herds of llama and alpaca beneath the sacred snow-covered peaks they worshipped as gods. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the Inca trails from the time of the Inca Empire. Today, the trail is still in use by farmers, who are Inca descendants. The Lares Trek connects the communities of Cancha Cancha, Quisuarani, Cuncani, and Lares with life in the Sacred Valley. On the third day, we’ll take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, having a full day to explore the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and climb Huayna Picchu mountain on the last day. |
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Fondo Huaran – Cancha Cancha – Acopata
We will pick you up from your hotel to take you to Huaran (3,000 m/9,840 ft) in the Sacred Valley; it is 1.5 hours by private bus. We will pack the horses and start to walk northward. The trail climbs gently following the Cancha Cancha river towards the community of the same name. Along the river, we will see cultivated fields and pass through old Polylepis forests.
This type of vegetation is very interesting for a wide assortment of bird life, and the valley itself is very impressive. We will have lunch halfway through the hike.
We will pass by the village of Cancha Cancha (3,956 m/12,976 ft). on the way to our camp. After a total hike today of around 6 hours we will reach our campsite for the night at Acopata.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Maximum altitude.: 3,956 m/12,976 ft
Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m/9,840 ft
Distance to walk: 12 km
Approximate walking time: 6 hours
Day 2: Acopata – Pachacutec Pass – Quishuarani
After an early breakfast, we will continue uphill. After 2 ½ hours we will reach the highest point of the trek: Pachacutec Pass is at 4,780 m/15,678 ft. The view from here is overwhelming. The Pitusiray and Sahuasiray snowcapped mountains will be right in front of us.
Now we will hike downhill for 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot, next to a captivating lake.
After lunch, we will descend for another 1 ½ hours into the valley. We will pass by several glacial lakes along the way. Also, we can see herds of alpacas, llamas, and sheep. It is also possible to see Gray Brocket Deer, Viscachas, Andean Geese, the rare Giant Coot, Puna Hawks, and the impressive Andean Condor. Tonight we camp at 3,870 m/12,694 ft close to Quishuarani village, which has typical stone houses
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Maximum altitude.: 4,780 m/15,678 ft
Minimum Altitude: 3,870 m/12,694 ft
Distance to walk: 12 km/ 7.5 miles
Approximate walking time: 7 hours
Day 3: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares Hot Spring – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Today we follow another valley and climb up to the second pass at Willcaccasa mountain (4,458 m/14,622 ft), for 2 to 3 hours. Again the view of the Andes, turquoise lakes, and its beautiful valleys are impressive.
After the pass we walk downhill for 1 ½ to 2 hours, passing many gorgeous lakes. This takes us to Cuncani village (3,900 m/12,792 ft).
We then continue downhill for 2 to 3 hours towards the Lares Valley and its hot springs, where we can have a well-deserved soak. This is also our lunch spot.
Now that we are fully relaxed, we will get in our private van, which will be waiting for us, for the 3-hour drive to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft). We will have dinner in Ollantaytambo. After dinner, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will check in to your room at the bed and breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Maximum altitude: 4,458 m/14,622 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,792 m/9,158 ft
Distance to walk: 13 km
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take the bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu, the Inca city that was lost to the jungle but rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop the citadel is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba River. Once there you will be given at 2-hour walking tour of the site.
After you have concluded your Machu Picchu guided tour with our expert tour guide, you will have some time to be at Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board the expedition train to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy. From the train station, you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.
Meals: Breakfast
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
