Short Lares Trail to Machu Picchu (3D / 2N)

Description

Short Lares Valley Trail to Machu Picchu 3D/ 2N

This is a fantastic trek that takes you well off the tourist trails as you climb out of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and continue over into the valley of Lares. In crossing these mountains you have the chance to enjoy spectacular Andean scenery, including lakes and wildlife, and also visit traditional Andean villages and Incan ruins. Many of these people still dress in typical clothing and they can be seen far off in the distance in their red and black clothing while tending their sheep or llamas.

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Itinerary

Day 1

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4.30 am - 5.30 am and travel by bus for approximately 1 hour to Calca, where we stop to buy personal supplies and bread for children we will meet during our trek. From here we drive 3 hours further to Lares (3100m). Here you have the option of spending the morning in the hot springs and having lunch. Then, with horsemen and mules, we walk 4 to 5 hours to our first campsite at Huacahuasi (3850m).

Day 2

After having an early breakfast, we commence the most challenging day of the trek - hiking over the Ipsaycocha Pass at 4350m. We descend for half an hour past the breathtaking Lake Ipsaycocha and on to the village of Patacancha where we will have lunch. Along the route the scenery is stunning - there are glacial lakes, waterfalls and snow-peaked mountains. This area is also rich in birdlife and there is the possibility of seeing Andean ibis, Andean geese, flamingoes and more. From Patacancha we will travel by bus to Ollantaytambo where we catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes we have dinner and spend the night in a hotel.

Day 3

We get up very early today to get the first bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. After a walking tour of the ruins provided by the guide there will be free time to explore Machu Picchu independently. We need to be back in Aguas Calientes 30 minutes before the train departs back to Cusco.

The exact program, including the campsites, train schedule and pickup is subject to change, due to weather, the client's walking ability, and other unexpected circumstances.

Photos

Practical Information

Departure: Between 04.30 - 05.30 am from your hotel or other place in the city center, on day 1
Return: Between 08.30 - 09.30 pm, on day 3
Transport: Bus
Price: Contact us for more information.

Bring With You

Day Pack
Good Shoes
Rain Jacket or a Poncho
Water Bottle (preferably metal so it is more heat-resistant)
Hat or Cap to protect you from the sun or the cold
Sun Block
Insect repellent
Water and Snacks
Camera
Toilet paper
Swimming clothes (recommended for the hot springs)
Towel
Sleeping bag (can be rented with Dos Manos)
Plastic bag to store spare clothes
Personal medical kit
Flashlight with batteries, pocket knife, matches
Original passport (and old passport if applicable) and ISIC Card (if you have one). Photocopies are not acceptable.

Included

Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for trek until Ollantaytambo
Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for Machu Picchu tour
Cook
Transport from accommodation in Cusco to Lares and from Patacancha to Ollantaytambo
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back to Poroy/Ollantaytambo
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
Meals on the trail (there are exceptions, please see below)
Horses to carry food, camping equipment, and personal items (max. 5 kg)
Pre-departure orientation meeting (about 2 days before departure at the Dos Manos office)
Double occupancy tents (all new equipment!) with foam mattresses
Camping Equipment: kitchen tent, dining tent, chairs, tables, toilet at all campsites
1 night of basic accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double rooms)
Return bus ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
First Aid Kit with oxygen
Radios for communication in case of emergencies
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu