Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Trip Overview
Tour Type:
Spiritual Retreat, Hiking, camping, adventure, history, and culture.
Good For:
All People, including families with younger, active children.
Difficulty:
Moderate.
Considerations:
Emergency horse is available throughout the trek.
Highlights of lares trek with Pumadventures Peru tours!
Lares trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. It takes you off the beaten track with visits to authentic Andean communities. It offers a real insight into the lives of the people of Cusco as it once was.
This great adventure tour gives you the best views of the Lares Valley. During the hike you will pass through ravines, different snow-capped mountains and lakes. In addition, the tour can be a great option if you want to learn more about the Andean culture, since you can interact with people from the communities and enjoy their colorful clothing, food and with a little luck observe some ancestral tradition.
The route we offer starts in the village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley and finishes in the hot springs of Lares with a visit to the village of Cuncani along the way. On Day 3 of the trek you take a bus from Lares to Ollantaytambo and then carry on by train to Machu Picchu.
the camps will be in different communities where we will be able to appreciate the beauty of the panoramic views, every day a part of the route will be covered without hurry and without difficulties. The years of experience are behind us and thanks to that we can offer the way from Lares to Machu Picchu with total security.
From our gallery
Tour Plan
1
Day 1: Cusco – Pumahuanca – Puyoc
Our first day of the trek starts of in the small village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley. We’ll gently make our way up one of the side valleys covering about 14km in total and climbing about 1150m / 3373ft as we make our way towards the village of Puyoc. On our way up we’ll visit the small Inca site of Pumahuanca and learn about the native plants, flowers and birds that inhabit this region.
This particular route for the Lares trek is not commonly done by other companies so we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of our surroundings without any distractions or disturbance. Because so few people visit the area there is a good chance of seeing Viscachas (a rabbit like Chinchilla) and we may also spot Andean Fox. Our campsite for the night is at Puyoc (4100m / 13451ft); it’s quite barren at this altitude and it is not uncommon for it to snow up here during the dry season so gloves and a hat are recommended.
Starting Altitude – 2800m / 9186ft.
Highest Altitude – 4780m / 15,682ft.
Walking Distance – 14km/8.7 miles.
Coldest Night – Day 1 around 0º Celsius.
Overall Difficulty – Moderate.
Campsite Elevation – 3700 meters ASL / 12333 feet ASL.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner (snacks and afternoon tea time).
Accommodation: Camping.
Adventure: Moderate-High!.
2
Day 02: Puyoc – Yanacocha – Cuncani-lares
Today is the most spectacular day of the trek and quite a bit easier going than yesterday. From our campsite it’s about a 13km walk to the village of Cuncani but most of that is downhill as the pass is only about a 2 hour walk right at the beginning.
As we make our way to Cuncani we’ll pass by snowcapped peaks high above us, serene mountain lakes (including Yanacocha – Black Water) and get to meet the local people dressed in their traditional bright red clothing. This side of the pass is completely different culturally to the other side and as we wind our way down from the pass your guide will teach you about the people and their way of life. You’ll also get to learn a few Qhechua phrases so that you can interact with the local people. Camping.
Starting Altitude – 3700m / 9186ft.
Highest Altitude – 4780m / 15,682ft.
Walking Distance – 14km/8.7 miles.
Overall Difficulty – Moderate.
Campsite Elevation – 3150 meters ASL / 10500 feet ASL.
Difficulty: Easy.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (snacks and afternoon tea time).
Accommodation: Camping.
Adventure: Moderate.
3
Day 03: Lares – Machupicchu
The focus of today is to meet the local people. Waking up early we’ll be taken by our guide to one of the houses where we’ll get to meet a local family. The people are incredibly welcoming and are just as eager to learn about you as you are of them – hopefully by now you’ll have mastered a few phrases and be able to ask a few questions (much to everyone delight and amusement). After the visit you’ll have the opportunity to give any gifts you’ve brought for the local people and also to buy some of the locally made alpaca products that the region is famed for. After a relaxing dip in the hot springs we’ll be picked up by our bus and driven back to the Sacred Valley from we board our train to Aguas Calientes. We enjoy a scenic train ride long the Urubamba River to the charming village of Aguas Calientes.
Campsite Elevation – 2430 meters ASL / 8100 feet ASL.
Difficulty: Easy.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Aguas Calientes- Machupicchu.
4
Day 04: Full Day To Machu Picchu
Sin título-4We make our way by bus to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu for our spiritual awakening. The Lost City of the Incas is an inspiring and beautiful sacred site, an architectural wonder, and a great testament to Incan Civilization. Once used primarily as an astronomical Observatory, Machu Picchu now attracts thousands of visitors each year to connect with the sacred energies of this special place. Because it sits within 3 corresponding high peaks of power which create an energy triangle, it is a perfect spot to sit and meditate, focus your intent, and grow your awareness.
During our time here we will visit the Temple of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the spiritual center of the Intihuatana, or the Hitching Post of the Sun to connect with the upper and lower worlds and the elements of air, and fire. Enjoy a few moments for private reflection and exploration, before being guided into a heart-opening ceremony to connect with Pachamama and the universal energies that encompass us a life changing experience!
Gallery
Price
This tour only as a private service
Daily Departure with at least 2 people.| Number of Pax | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 02 People | $ 950.00 |
| 03 People | $ 900.00 |
| 04 People | $ 850.00 |
| 06 People | $ 800.00 |
| 08 – + People | $ 700.00 |
Included:
Pick-up from your hotel.
Transfer in private transport to Pumahuanca (starting point of the trek).
2 person per tents (new, spacious and comfortable).
A mattress.
Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs.
Excellent recommended tour Guide (2 guides for groups over 8).
Full board meals: 3 Meals per day, Tea time each afternoon.
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent.
Horses/mules to transport (tents, food, cooking equipment).
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes.
Boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning.
Vistadome Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Expedition Train return from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta and private transport to Cusco.
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes double accommodation.
Porterage for 7 Kg per person.
Bus ticket to/from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu.
Not Included:
Dinner on the last day.
Sleeping bags.
Energy snacks will be very useful as chocolate bars, dried fruits.
Tips for your crew: cooks, horse men, guides US$25-30 approx.
Packing List
We recommend that you bring:
Backpack or a daypack in case you booked a personal porterage.
A warm and good Sleeping Bag (Minus 8ºC) : (Can be rented at Pumadventures office).
Hiking boots (sneakers or running shoes are not recommended).
Trekking poles.
Warm clothes layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
Flashlight with extra batteries necessary.
Camera & Extra Film & Batteries / Charger.
Sun Protection : Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses.
Thermals, Wool Socks & Woolen Hat for cold nights.
Gloves, Scarf.
Insect Repellant for Valleys and Machupicchu.
Rain Poncho / Good rain jacket.
Toiletries, Toilet paper, small towel.
Bathing clothes for the hot springs.
Trekking pants or similar.
Water bottle, Water purification tablets.
Personal medical kit.
Original passport.
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips to your staff.
Optional:
Little presents for kids of Communities along the trail such as school supplies, second hand clothes, toys, etc. Add Extra Services (optional).
Huayna Picchu climbing (USD 50 per person).
Machu Picchu climbing (USD 40 per person).
Extra night in Aguas Calientes (from USD 80 single).
Hire Policy:
When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’.
If you hire equipment and break it – you are responsible for price of replacement /or repair. (Please do the right thing!).
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (these discounts are not cumulative).
Students: US$ 25.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid).
Teenagers: US$ 15.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings).
Children: US$ 35.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings).
To make a booking:
Please visit our Make a Booking page.
