Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Cuncani – Kiswarani

The excitement of your Lares trek to Machu Picchu will help you arise early for your pickup at 5:00am whether in Cusco or Sacred Valley. Then, we drive for 2.5 to Cuncani community, Breakfast is served high in the mountains, looking down at the deep gorges with awesome views of the valleys. Time to saddle up put our boots on and begin our first 3 hours gradually ascending to Hullquijasa Pass (4,200m/13,779ft), enjoy the amazing views of lakes, valleys and much more. Then, we will have our lunch. Finally, we head down to Kiswarani community being the most isolated and self-sustainable community, traditional to the core. Make your connection with nature and the realness of life with the locals that share their homes. It would be well appreciated to share some toys, old useful clothes, notebooks, fruit or any items with the locals. Two hours later, we have completed our first trekking day and have arrived at our campsite. Boots off, time to enjoy afternoon tea with amazing views of the frozen Andean peaks and water fall. After dinner, our guide will show you the Inca’s constellations in which they depended on for their agricultural guidance and still do to this present day.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10km
• Time: 5 to 6hrs approximately

Day 2: Quishuarani – Pachaqutec Pass -Cancha cancha 

We wake up to begin our second day feeling refreshed after a good sleep a delicious breakfast, we begin our 4 hour hike southwest, an intense walk accomplishing the three high passes to the highest point of our trek called Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Embrace the feeling of total exhilaration and self-achievement for making the summit. Compensating for the intense hike, the views of the rigid glaciers, blue glacial lakes, llama herds, rugged valleys and undulating farmlands. After a time to enjoy the 360º views, we descend for 30 minutes, taking lunch with great views of glacier and with its picturesque views of the Lares Valley with plenty of llamas and alpacas.
After a siesta time, we descend for 2 hours until we reach our campsite located by the Cancha cancha community, (3,700m /12,139ft). Taking the back roads to Machu Picchu, where llama herders are readily available and the local indigenous people will open their hearts and interact with you in the Quechua language (Inca language). Your guide will act as your mediator to translate and teach you some Quechua language and then you get to enjoy the stunning waterfall.
At the campsite, everything will be ready. Enjoy afternoon tea time and dinner then snuggle in for a comfortable night sleep.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with comfortable tents, inflatable mattresses, blankets and pillows
• Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
• Time: 7 to 8hrs approximately
• Difficulty: challenge

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Salt mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Your adventure continues as you begin the most memorable day yet! After breakfast, you’ll have time to explore the village and visit the local elementary school, where the ancient Inca language, Quechua, is still taught. Once you are ready, you’ll begin the last leg of your Lares trek. It will be 3 to 4 hours of walking downhill, along this lovely path, where you will pass by more llamas and alpacas. We’ll pass by farms where they cultivate potatoes, fava beans, and many other traditional tubers, in the traditional Incan style. This is a great opportunity to learn about Peruvian agriculture because people still farm by hand with traditional, Inca farming tools. Now, we will start to descend to the warmer area, The Sacred Valley. You will begin to feel the micro-climate changes and start seeing crops that are different from in the high mountains. Finally, we arrive to Huaran, where we have our lunch and where we will say goodbye to your horses, horsemen, chef and porters, as they will be going back to their homes.
From Huaran, we will catch a van and make the short drive into the valley to visit the Salt mines, in the town of Maras. Here, at 11,000 feet above sea level, a salt water spring gushes forth and spills down the side of the mountain. Over 3,000 small evaporation chambers have been created and look as if they are tumbling down the mountainside. These have been in use since pre-Incan times. The salt is said to have healing properties because it is loaded with natural minerals, some of it even comes out pink. Local families each own one of these pans, and make their living supplying salt to the towns around the area. There is a small shop on site, if you care to take some salt home with you.
After visiting Salineras, we will climb aboard the van for a 45 minute drive, that skirts along the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is the only living, intact Inca village. It still has many Inca water channels, houses and walls. Your guide will take you around to view this small town until it is time for dinner, which will be at a local restaurant. We’ll then catch the 7 p.m. train for Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu (train times may vary, depending on availability). Upon your arrival to Aguas Calientes, you will check-in to your hotel

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
• Distance: 9kms / 6 miles
• Time: 3 to 4 hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Full of excitement on your final day, we take the first bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every crevice of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, what an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, you can wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of Inca wisdom, as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Or you can stay still and find the peace within as you sit in the pure delight of the moment.

If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own you can (not included in the price):

• Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu
• You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs.

When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the train at 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Station, where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and arrive at your hotel around 8pm.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

• Transfer from the Airport to Hotel (it can be done on any date)
• Private transportation from the hotel to Pisac Inca ruins and then Huaran (Trailhead)
• Local Licensed & Fluent English speaking guide ( 2 guides for more than 8 people)
• Entrance tickets for Pisac Inca Ruins
• Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and a transfer back to Cusco
• 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes 
• Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
• Private guided tour in Machu Picchu for 2 hours
• Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
• 4 person EUREKA TIMBERLINE TENT
• THICK COMFORTABLE FOAM MATTRESS
• Delicious gourmet meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
• Chef and cooking equipment
• Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
• Provision of a horse in case of emergency – In case of illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Boiled water to fill in your bottles
• Rain poncho
• Transfer back to Cusco only for our group
• Interaction with the local kids and community people
• Backpack rain cover

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?  

• Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent- $30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  –$57 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm )
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  –$35 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain –$30 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes

OPTIONAL UPGRADES:

• VISTADOME TRAIN from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm:$57 USD per person
• La Cabaña Hotel:$45 USD per person
• Tierra Viva Hotel:$70 USD per person
• El Mapi Hotel:$120 USD
• Additional Night in hotel in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on choice and availability)

The best Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is available on any date that its best for you.

	Price per Person
Without Hotel	$483 USD
2* Hotel	$507 USD
3* Hotel	$567 USD
4* Hotel	$627 USD

***Minimum 2 persons required to  open up a new group – single trekkers may join an existing group.
*** This price includes the extra personal porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs,  guided tour in Sacred Valley (Pisac Inca ruins only) are included in the price and we will provide you with a duffel bag.
***We provide large Eureka 4 man tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

• Under 11 years old:$40 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Group of 5 or more:$30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

• Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal Tent –$30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
• Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  –$57 USD per person (For the return toPoroy at 4:43pm )
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  –$35 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain –$30 USD per person  (Please request when you book your trek)
• Single Supplement –$30 USD 2* for single travelers

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

• TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
• DUFFEL BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price!
• EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14lbs like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
• BOILED WATER is included along the Lares Trek Machu Picchu
• OXYGEN TANK will be available along the Lares Trek Machu Picchu
• EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
• SMALL PILLOW
• PLASTIC RAIN poncho made by Orange Nation Peru is included.
• GUIDED TOUR INTO PISAC INCA RUINS: Enjoy and explore the amazing Inca city of Pisac which is one of the most important Inca cities of the famous Sacred Valley.
• BEST ITINERARY operated by Lares Trekking to Machu Picchu specialist only.

Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares trekking to Machu Picchu

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange board reading Orange Nation Peru at the arrival terminal.

THE BRIEFING FOR THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Calle Santa Teresa  Nº383 ; 303 (second floor) we are next to SUBWAY restaurant.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

ABSOLUTELY! During the Lares trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your Lares trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Lares trek Machu Picchu permit without the following information:

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Gender
• Passport number
• D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares trek Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of orangenationperu@gmail.com. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

• According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
• All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
• For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
• Children under the age of 2 are free.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
• Send us a copy at oragenationperu@gmail.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased.  Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.  If you cancel your Lares Trekking to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT 

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Lares Trek Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person.  We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you.  You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter Machu Picchu or the train.  If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train.

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS 

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. Walking one block could feel like walking ten blocks carrying a backpack full of rocks. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. If you do not feel like chewing leaves (which can be bitter, apart from numbing your mouth), you can try drinking coca tea, which is most commonly found in the lobby of hotels in Cusco.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons.  Our groups are between 2-6 persons. Orange Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

HIKING LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

The evening before you start your Lares trek to Machu Picchu, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.  A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Lares trek to Machu Picchu is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,700m/15,419ft). On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms  a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by female trekkers who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! ORANGE Nation Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.”  Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.  At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
There are hot showers and hot water pools to soak in and relax on the 3rd day of your trek at the Lares Hot Springs. Be sure to bring your bathing suit.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

This has never happened but in the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, ORANGE Nation Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the Lares  trek to Machu Picchu.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL?

Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!   If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you we usually book the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu

VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE; HOW MUCH IS IT?

The upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is$57 USD per person which includes the transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome, all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the Lares trek Machu Picchu. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many ORANGE NATION destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel it, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

• Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
• Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage:  2-3L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

• 2 t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants at least
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
• Couple Fleece/ Thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
• Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
• Swimming Suit

TOILETRIES

• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

• Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool Hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Coca leaves
• Rain plastic poncho (provided by ORANGE)
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips