DAY 1: Cusco - Huaca Casi Pass - Lares Hot Springs - Huacawasi
We will leave Cusco and head to Lares at 5:00 am by bus. During this trip we will pass several archaeological sites and handicraft markets in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will arrive in the province of Calca (2940m/9646f) first, and then we head to the Huaca Casi pass (4400m/14436f) to descend later to the thermal baths of Lares (3200m / 10499f). Here we will have some time to relax in the pools between 28 and 36 degrees Cº / 82 and 97 degrees F. After lunch we will continue our trek to Huacawasi (3600m/11811f), where our campsite will be located.
Weather: cold.
Duration of transport: 4 hours.
Walking time: 3-4 hours.
DAY 2: Huacawasi - Ipsay Pass - Patacancha
The second day is possibly the most beautiful. After breakfast we will start a 4 hour hike to the Ipsay pass (4400m/14436f). There we will visit some families who live from agriculture and textile design, inspired by the Andean gods. Afterwards we will head towards the village of Patacancha (3650m/11975f), where we will find our campsite.
Weather: cold.
Walking time: 6-7 hours.
DAY 3: Patacancha - Willoq - Pumamarca - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
The third day is also spectacular: we will visit several communities and indigenous villages, such as Willoq (3400m/11156f), Pumamarca (3200m/10499f) and Ollantaytambo (2850m/9350f) which is considered the last stronghold of the Incas. From there we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726f), where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Weather: moderately warm.
Walking time: aprox. 6 horas.
DAY 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head to Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour of the archaeological site, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train at either 2:55 pm or 6:10 pm. Until then you will have time for lunch at one of the restaurants. You will also enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, concluding our 4 day Lares trek to Machu Picchu.
Weather: moderately warm.
Walking time: 2 hours.
What To Bring?
- Backpack with rain coat.
- Sleeping bag. Clothing for warm and cold weather such as a waterproof jacket.
- Rain pants and light pants. trekking shoes, sneakers or sandals (for showers and thermal baths), wool or synthetic socks and a sweater.
- Rain pants and light pants. trekking shoes, sneakers or sandals (for showers and thermal baths), wool or synthetic socks and a sweater.
- Rain poncho and a hat. Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol disinfectant gel, water bottle and sterilization tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
- Camera (wrapped in plastic bag).
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Some selected snacks such as chocolate bar and dried fruits.
- Original passport, original ISIC student card (if you have one) and extra money in soles.
- Because the weather can be very cold and wet, your clothes - once wet - will not dry overnight. So bring some clothes to change into.
INCLUDES:
- Transfer from the hotel to the Lares Valley.
- Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
- Entrance fee to the thermal baths in the Lares Valley.
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
- Hotel with private room and bathroom in Aguas Calientes.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- High quality camping equipment (professional tents Doite, Cima 4, light/4.5kgs extra tents for 2 people. Mattresses, dining tent with table and chairs, toilet tent).
- Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / Vegetarian option).
- Cook and cooking equipment.
- Horsemen and mules, throughout the campsite and personal equipment (up to 7 kg).
- Emergency horse (minimum 2 people).
- First aid kit and oxygen balloon.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes.
- Bus downhill from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes $ 10.00 or you have the option to walk which will take approximately 1 hour.
- Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility to rent one).
Notes:
- From the first to the third day (from Lares hot springs to Ollantaytambo) we will be accompanied by muleteers and mules, who will carry all the camping equipment and private luggage of the passenger (up to 7 kg). From the village of Ollantaytambo all luggage will be transferred on the train with you.
- Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu requires to be booked well in advance, however we charge additional $ 15.00 and we guarantee your entrance to Huayna Picchu (This new state law started since July 18, 2011).
- Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters will also be very grateful for a small donation, e.g. clothes or school supplies for your children.