Lares Trek - An Inca Trail Alternative - 4 days
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The 4 day Lares Trek is one of the most popular alternative treks chosen by travelers to Cusco. This route passes through typical local communities, enabling travelers to witness how the people of the Andes have conserved their traditions. The scenery in this area is spectacular, with inter-Andean valleys overlooked by soaring snow covered mountains. The trek ends in the Patacancha valley, where local people continue the ancient weaving traditions. Below this valley is Ollantaytambo, from where we will travel by train to Machu Picchu.
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Day 1: Cusco / Calca / Lares Thermal Baths / Wacawasi
We will leave Cusco at 6.00 am for the drive to Calca, a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is an excellent time of day to enjoy the fine scenery visible on all sides of the road. On the way there will be time to visit the Inca granaries of Muyoq Orqo, after which we will continue along the valley road, passing Mount Sawasiray before beginning our ascent to Lares at the pass known in Quechua as Willka Punku (“Sacred Gateway”). We will have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the Lares thermal baths. After lunch we will begin our walk to the first campsite at the village of Wacawasi, where we will visit local weaving families and have our evening meal. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Driving distance: Cusco to Calca: 31.6 miles (51 km) paved road Calca to Lares: 26 miles (42 km) dirt road Approximate bus journey time: 3 hours Total trekking distance (thermal baths to Wacawasi): 3.9 miles / 6.3 km Approximate Walking Time: 3 hours Maximum Altitude: 10,775 ft / 3285 m Day 2: Wacawasi / Ipsayqocha We will continue our trek after breakfast, climbing steadily through the natural highland habitat of llamas and alpacas. This is a good area for bird watching, or for simply taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. We will arrive at our second campsite in the afternoon, at an isolated picturesque location far from all human settlements. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Total Trekking Distance (Wacawasi – Ipsayqocha): 5.6 miles / 9 km Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours Maximum Altitude: 14,248 ft / 4347 m (Ipsayqocha) Day 3: Ipsayqocha / Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes Today we will reach the high pass at Ipsayqocha (14,271 ft / 4350 m), in a landscape populated by herds of llamas and alpacas. Once over the pass, a long descent takes the walker to the indigenous community of Patacancha, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us to Ollantaytambo, a village originally established by the Incas. We will have plenty of time to visit the archaeological site before our transfer to the train station for the ride to the village of Aguas Calientes, below the ruins of Machu Picchu, where we will spend the night at a tourist class hotel. (can upgrade if you like) Note: The train to Aguas Calientes leaves Ollantaytambo in the evening (economy class), and you will spend the night in a local hotel before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Total Trekking Distance (Ipsayqocha – Patacancha): 4 miles / 6.5 km Approximate Walking Time: 3 hours Driving distance: Patacancha to Ollantaytambo 17 miles: (28 km) dirt road (1 hour) Maximum Altitude: 14,248 ft / 4347 m (Ipsayqocha) Driving distance: Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu 34 miles (55 km) by train (2 hours) Day 4: Full day at Machu Picchu We will get up early today and take one of the first shuttle buses up to the ruins of Machu Picchu, a ride of approximately 25 minutes. After the guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will have plenty of free time to climb the mountain known as Huayna Picchu (subject to availability). Some sections of this route require ropes and only those travelers who do not suffer from vertigo should attempt it. It is a one-hour trip to the summit and is not recommended during rainfall. (permit required). Return to Cusco. Meals: Breakfast Our operator has been honored on several occasions by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism with certificates, diplomas and trophies acknowledging its commitment to excellence. Among its awards, it has been named twice as the “Best Regional Adventure Travel Company in Cusco", while the company’s manager has been recognized for his contributions to adventure travel and ecotourism. On two occasions their guides have been named Tour Guide of the Year, and beyond Peru the company has been nominated for the World Quality Commitment (WQC) award, and won the 24th International Trophy from the Tourism, Hotel and Catering Industry of Spain. They donate a percentage of their income to remote rural communities for the development of basic educational infrastructure and each year provides Christmas presents for the children of these neglected regions of Peru. 
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2024 Prices: Group trek (minimum of 2 people) = US$1249 per person with Expedition train. Private Trek: with 2 people = US$1288 per person with Expedition train. with 3 people = US$1039 per person with Expedition train. with 4 people = US$924 per person with Expedition train. Single supplement = US$87 Included
Not included
Things to bring on the trip
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