Lares Valley trek - itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Cancha Cancha
We leave Cusco at 7:00am on a private bus, and drive for 2h towards Huarán (2,900m), the starting point of our trek.
Our hike begins here in a fertile valley and follows a small river up through the mountain valleys. After walking for roughly 4 ½ hours, we begin to see the glacial Andean peaks of Cancha Cancha Casa (4,984m.) and Chicon (5,30m.)
We know we have reached camp when we see the thatched-roof stone houses of the Cancha Cancha village (3900m.) We set up our campsite and can wander through the hamlet to get to know the local people and gain some insight into their way of living. B,L,D
Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles
Day 2. Cancha Cancha - Quiswarani
Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese.
From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 ½ hours to the first pass, named Pachacutec (4,700m). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m) and Chicon (5530m).
An original Inca stone path will lead us along the ridge down into the valley ahead. We follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quisuarani, where we camp for the night. This is a small traditional community, well known for its high quality weavings. B,L,D
Distance: 13.5K / 8 miles
Day 3. Quiswarani - Cuncani
After a hearty breakfast and chatting with some of the local community, we begin our hike upward through the high puna to the Huillquicasa pass (4400m).
From this high mountain perch, we have a superb view over the extensive Vilcanota range and the farmland and lagoons spread out below. The well-marked trail forms zig-zags down to these greener pastures, where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze alongside flocks of Andean water birds. The rare Peruvian Viscacha, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags.
Continuing down even further, we reach the picturesque village of Cuncani (3700m.), where we’ll have dinner and set up camp for the night.B,L,D
Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles
Day 4. Cuncani - Lares
On the fourth day campers wake to a crisp morning, and if the sky is clear, the impressive white face of Mount Colque Cruz (5,818m) will be looming in the nearby horizon.
The trail follows the rushing river down through the valley for approximately 3 hours as the vegetation becomes greener and thicker and large rock formations divert the winding path. Entering a more sub-tropical climate, small farms and adobe houses signal our arrival at the village of Trapiche and finally the hot medicinal baths of Lares (3,100m). A relaxing soak in these thermal pools is an excellent way to rest tired bodies after such a challenging and exhilarating trip.
From the village of Lares, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Ollantaytambo where we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes you overnight at a simple hotel. (Alternatively you can chose to return to Cusco today, without visiting Machu Picchu) B,L,D
Distance: 8K / 4.8 miles
Day 5. Machu Picchu
It's an early start today as we take the earliest possible bus up to Machu Picchu to beat the crowds. The first bus leaves at about 5:30 am and arrives to the ruins about 30 minutes later. If you time it right you may be able to enjoy sunrise over the ruins, before a guided tour of the site. Afterwards you will have some time to explore on your own, before catching the afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, arriving back at approximately 8:00 pm.
If you prefer to stay longer at Aguas Calientes we can arrange this for you. Accommodation at Aguas Calientes varies from GBP 15 per person per night to GBP 200 per person per night - depending on hotel standard - 3,4,5 star options available. You can book a second day Machu Picchu entrance ticket through us if you wish.
If you would like to add international and/or national flights, transfers, additional tours (ie Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Lima) and accommodation in Peru, we can of course do this.
You could extend your trip by visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
Included Services:
Hotel collection and transport to trailhead. Professional, bilingual tour guide and trek staff, Plentiful and nutritious meals (Vegetarian option available) and snacks as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Drinking water provided throughout trek, Overnight hostel stay in Aguas Calientes, Round-trip train from Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Cusco, Entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Transfer from Train Station in Poroy to your hotel in Cusco, Hot water for washing in the morning, High quality, double-occupancy tents and equipment (includes dining tent, kitchen tent, and latrine tent), Pack animals (horses and llamas) to carry baggage and equipment, Emergency horse(s) for riding in case of illness or injury, Entrance fees to hot springs, Transport back to Cusco or to Ollantaytambo, Duffel bag to give to pack horses, Camping mattress, First aid kit and oxygen tank
Not included:
Breakfast on the first day, dinner on the last day, tips, sleeping bag, items of a personal nature.
What you need to bring:
Personal items, a day pack (you will carry), strong footwear, extra clothes and a rain jacket, warm clothes, sleeping bag (can be hired at our Cusco office), torch and batteries, camera, films and batteries, hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold, sun block, insect repellent, toilet paper. Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc. Water bottle and sterilizing tablets (ie. Micropur). Don't forget to bring a towel and swimsuit (recommended for hot springs).
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