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 corridor. After walking roughly 4 ½ hours, we begin to see the glacial 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 get to know the local people and 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 opposite corridor. 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 interaction with the community, we begin our hike upward through the high puna to the Huillquicasa pass (4400m).
From this high mountain perch, one can behold the extensive Vilcanota range and the pastoral farmland and lagoons below. The well-marked trail forms a 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 mammoth white face of Mount Colque Cruz (5,818m) will be looming in the nearby horizon.
The trail follows the spouting 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 to 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 you back to Cusco (arrive 20.00 approx) or to Ollantaytambo for those who want to do the Machu Picchu extension. B,L,D
Distance: 8K / 4.8 miles
Machu Picchu Extension
Choose to carry on to Machu Picchu after the trek by train
After spending the previous night in a comfortable hostel in Ollantaytambo, we board the train in the morning for approximately 1 ½ hours to Aguas Calientes.
From here we take the bus up to Machu Picchu and enjoy an official tour of these spectacular Inca ruins. There is time to explore on your own before the afternoon train departs Aguas Calientes. We arrive to Cusco at approximately 20.00.
If you prefer to stay extra time 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.
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. Flights from Cusco to Lima cost approximately GBP 85 each way, depending on airline and availability.
We can also arrange a variety of itineraries - to suit your tastes - on a tailor-made / private group basis. The price depends on your budget and services required.
Please contact the office by email or phone on 0131 467 7086 to discuss the options available.
Included Services:
Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to Huarán, the starting point of the trek, Igloo tents: 2 people in each 4-person-capacity tent, to allow for greater comfort and safe keeping of backpacks, One mattress per person, Dining tent with tables and chairs, Kitchen tent, toilet tent, English speaking professional guide, Cook and cooking equipment, Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment), 1 emergency horse, Accommodation for our guides, cook and horsemen, Meals (03B, 04L, 03D + snack and teatime service every day), first-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle, Private transportation from Lares to Cusco, including transfer to your hotel, Biodegradable soap.
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:
A kit bag (to go on horses) with personal items, a day sack (you will carry) with extra clothes and a rain jacket, strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes, warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters, sleeping bag (can be hired at our Cusco office for USD 10.00 / 4 days), 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 hotsprings).
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