Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Cuncani – Kiswarani

The adventure begins with an early pick up at 5:00am from your Cusco hotel, making our way to our first market stop where you can buy snacks, water or some little gifts, fruits or bread for the Andean children we will meet along the way. Our journey continues to the community of Cuncani where our breakfast will be served with a spectacular view of waterfalls, mountain peaks and stunning view of the valley. After getting energized we will get our daypacks ready, give our duffel bags to the horseman, put our boots on to be ready to begin our first hike to Willqaqasa at 4,200m/13,779ft. While hiking, you get to experience the stunning scenery of the Lares valley and its glacial lakes.

After this pass, we will have a gourmet and hearty lunch prepared by our trekking chef. After lunch, we are only about 2 hours away from the first campsite! We will hike downhill till we reach, Kiswarani, our first campsite where we will experience the traditional lifestyle of the community. When you arrive at camp, hot drinks and snacks will be waiting for you to enjoy while admiring the Andean peaks and waterfall. Your tents will already be set up, so you can settle in before dinner. Our guide will then explain about the Inca constellations and celestial movements, an interesting aspect of ancient Inca beliefs, which are still followed by modern indigenous Quechua communities.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
• Distance: 12kms / 7 miles
• Time: 6hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Day 2: Kiswarani – Pachaqutec Pass -Cancha Cancha

Our second day awaits feeling restored with hot breakfast prepared by our trekker chef, getting you well energized for this day. We will begin our adventure to Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft. It is a somewhat intense walk, passing through small thatched stone houses, the transverse landscapes and high passes. We will be greeted by the fantastic view of Pachacutec lake and stunning views of the glacial mountain peaks. After this marvelous site, we will head down for another half hour, to have lunch overlooking several glacial lakes, herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep.

After resting and lunch we will continue our hike for another two more hours downhill till we reach Cancha Cancha which is one of the most isolated communities. Here at our second campsite we will experience a warm welcome from the Andean people in Quechua, the language of the Inca. Hot drinks and snacks will be waiting for you and again your tents will already be set up. You may also have the opportunity to visit the traditional Andean homes and interact with the locals, with your guide as interpreter. After learning the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people, dinner will be served with the view of the snow-capped mountains.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
• Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
• Time: 7 to 8hrs approximately
• Difficulty: challenge

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

This is the most relaxing day so far! After breakfast we will be visiting the local school of Cancha Cancha and explore the village a little more. Once we are set, we will begin our last walk of the Lares Trek. It would be an easy pace downhill along a small river, passing by more alpacas and llamas. You will see farmers harvesting potatoes and beans by hand, and see first hand the Peruvian agriculture and their traditions. Continuing our pace downhill, we begin to feel a little warmer, as the altitude begins to decrease upon reaching the Sacred Valley. When we arrive to Huaran, it is time to say goodbye and thank your amazing chef and horsemen for helping us making it through the Lares Trek! From here, they will be making their way back homes in the highland villages.

From Huaran we will be taking our private transportation through the Sacred Valley to the famous Salineras, the salt mines of Maras. Explore this fascinating Pre-Inca site and the we drive to Ollantaytambo / Cachicata arriving at the exclusive Veronica View Hotel. Time to get a well deserved rest, a gourmet lunch, swimming pool, hot sauna, gardens and much more. You can also choose from many spa options (not included).

After a full relaxation, gourmet dinner will be served. We will then take the evening train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where we will be spending the night before your amazing visit to Machu Picchu!

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

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The day has come! We will get up early to catch the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu! Once we pass the entrance gate, we will begin the 2.5 hour tour of Machu Picchu. Our guide will take you to the most important sites and explain the history of each section of the ruins. You will learn about the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, the House of Inca and much more! If you booked ahead of time, you may have the opportunity to do an extra hike after your tour!

• Huayna Picchu, the ‘Young Mountain’ in Quechua is the most well known for being part of the vast majority of the panoramic photos of Machu Picchu citadel. Climbing Huayna Picchu, you may see some archaeological sites, including the Temple of the Moon built in a natural cave. At the top of Huayna Picchu, there are small terraces and some buildings that were a part of an astronomical observatory and is a point of guardianship to the citadel.

• Machu Picchu Mountain is above the Sacred City of Machu Picchu with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, a unique sight like no other place in the world. The Quechua name translates to ‘Old Mountain.’ Machu Picchu Mountain’s summit was used by Inca priests to perform rituals high above their sacred citadel!

When we are all set, we will board the bus down to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included). There are many good restaurants in Aguas Calientes that you may choose from. We will be boarding the train which departs from Aguas Calientes at 14:55 or 15:20 to Ollantaytambo. At the exit from the train station, your driver will meet you to take you in our private transportation back to Cusco, arriving approximately 7:00pm at your hotel.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Transfer from the airport to hotel
• Private transportation
• Local Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua
• Exclusive access to our private swimming pool and sauna at the Veronica View Hotel
• 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 2.5 hours
• Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
• 4 person EUREKA tent for every 2 trekkers
• Comfortable foam sleeping pad and camping pillow
• Delicious gourmet meals at camp
• Chef and cooking equipment, dining tent, cooking tent and toilet tent
• 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 your bottles
• Rain poncho
• Interaction with the local kids and community people
• Backpack rain cover

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• 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)
• Spa services and drinks at the Veronica View Hotel
• Vistadome Train Upgrade -$57 USD per person (Return Only )
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain – $75 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes

OPTIONAL UPGRADES:

• VISTADOME TRAIN: $57 USD per person (Return Only)
• La Cabaña Hotel: $40 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 without hotel	$483 USD p/p
2* Hotel	$507 USD
3* Hotel	$567 USD
4* Hotel	$627 USD

***Minimum 2 persons required to  open up a new group – solo trekkers may join an existing group.
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs,  guided tour in Sacred Valley (Maras only) are included in the price and we will provide you with a duffel bag.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person 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 solo trekkers only)
• Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  -$57 USD per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43pm )
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain – $75 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Hotel single supplement -$35 USD 2* hotel for solo travelers

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

• TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
• DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
• EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p 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
• CAMPING PILLOW
• PLASTIC RAIN poncho made by Orange Nation is included
• GUIDED TOUR OF MARAS SALINERAS: Enjoy and explore the amazing Pre-Inca site, one of the famous in the Sacred Valley
• BEST ITINERARY operated by Lares Trek Machu Picchu specialist only

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

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

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 sandwich shop. We share a lobby with the Casona Corrales Boutique Hotel.

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?

Yes, but with some restrictions. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable.  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. 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. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

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

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 pack horses 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 pack horses 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.
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?

In the unlikely 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 14:55 or 15:20.

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 in your country, 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 as much as you feel appropriate, 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 (Please bring reusable, not disposable bottles)
• 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 pack horse which 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
• 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

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
• Insect repellent
• 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