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The Lares trek with the short Inca trail is a great alternative if you want to enjoy the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to interact and being part of the local communities along the way, the Lares hike also offers a magnificent view of the Vilcanota mountain range with many farmlands, andean camelids grazing and the Pitusiray glacier right in front, this hike sends most hikers to a true connection with nature and show the traditional Quechua lifestyle, before to continue with the Inca trail is moment to relax in the hot springs of Lares. The fourth day we will start the Inca trail and explore Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna Inca sites then we will encounter plenty of great vistas comprising snow-smothered peaks and emerald valley where is running the sacred river of the Incas, as well a lots of flora and fauna with more than 200 species of birds and a similar number of orchids. Also present on the trail – though less forthcoming – are the rare spectacled bear. The part of the Inca Trail that sends most trekkers starry-eyed, however, is the moment when we arrive at the Sun Gate and first fix your eyes on the mysterious ruins below. the last day you will be in one of the new seven wonders in the world, Machupicchu and your guide will complement it with the Inca history.
Cusco – Lares hot springs – Ollantaytambo – Wiñayhuayna – Machupicchu
Visit some local communities, hike the Short Inca trail and have the chance to interact with locals!
We will meet at 5:00 am. at your hotel, then we will drive for 1 hour to the sacred valley of the Incas, place where we will have our delicious breakfast enjoying the beautiful scenery of this valley also the ancient remains of this awesome Pisac Inca Citadel. Your guide will share with you also the history of ‘Pisac Inca Citadel’. Then driving 1 more hours next to the sacred river or ‘Wilcamayu’ onward to ‘Huaran’ (2,700m./8,858 ft.) where we will start this amazing trek, here we meet our horsemen and horses, once we are ready we begin our first 3 hours gradually ascending up to ‘Canchacancha’, here we will replenish our energy for our trek ahead with a delicious lunch prepared by our trekking chef. Canchacancha being the most isolated and self-sustainable with no bus roads, no modern technology and this is a perfect place to make your connection with nature and the realness of life in the Peruvian andes with the locals that share their lifestyle, their homes and It would be of much appreciation to share some toys, old useful clothes, school supplies, fruit or any items with them. After 2 hours we have arrive to our first campsite. So here time to enjoy the great views of the glacier with a cup of hot tea, then we will have a delicious dinner, actually this is a good place to enjoy the fascinating Inca constellations in the southern hemisphere sky.
We will be woken up around 5 am. with a ‘room service’ a cup of hot coca tea, this is going to be one of the most beautiful days in the trek. We will see the ‘Pitusiray’ glacier ahead in the distance, also the spectacular views of the mountains, some local people herding the llamas and alpacas also taking them to the mountains. After an energetic breakfast we begin our 4 hours’ uphill hike until we reach to the highest point of our trek called Pachacutec pass. (4,700 m./15,420 ft.) once here if you take your eyes off of the ‘Pitusiray glacier’ (5,700 m/ 18,700 ft.) you will be able to enjoy the astonishment Vilcanota mountain range in all its beauty with waterfalls, lagoons in the distance, snowcapped peaks, at the bottom the farmlands. After taking a great pictures and enjoying our cup of coca tea provided by our porter, we start to descent for 1½ hours towards our lunch spot (3,850 m./1,2631 ft.). After a satisfying lunch we start our next two hours hiking downhill until ‘Quiswarani’ campsite. On the way we will be able to see the organic potatoes valley, and the llamas working there, how come? In the Inca´s time the llamas were considered sacred and fundamental to the economy also they were the main transport for the products, and here the people continue the tradition of the Incas. After siesta we will have afternoon tea time and dinner then a comfortable night sleep.
Today we start to climb uphill for 3 hours towards the ‘Huillkiccasa pass’ (4,200m./13,779ft.) here another spectacular views of the glaciers and the lagoons in the distance. We start to hike downhill for 2 hours through the beautiful valley until ‘Cucani community’. Where again we will see more farmlands, and as well we will have the opportunity to expend time with the indigenous children in the break at their school perhaps teach them some English expressions and share an unforgettable time. A little further on we will arrive to ‘Lares hot spring’, here we will enjoy of this hot spring which are divided into various pools with different temperatures, also this water is medicinal and is considered good for your muscles, bones and headaches. After lunch and relax we will drive for 3 hours until ‘Ollantaytambo’. (2,792m./9,160ft.) Where we will have our dinner in a touristic restaurant and expend the night in our hotel.
After an early breakfast in our hotel (by 5 am) we will go to the train station where we will take the train at 6:10 am. towards ‘Chachabamba’ or Kilometer 104 (2,100 m./6,890 ft.). Here we will have our first control point as well we will show our tickets and passports. After few minutes we go to the first archeological site known as ‘Chachabamba’, where we will have time to explore this beautiful place surrounded by the local green vegetation. Afterward we go up hill for along 4 hours until ‘Wiñaywayna’. On the way we will be able to enjoy the Urubamba valley and all its beauty with the sacred river at the bottom as well the first view of ‘Machupicchu mountain’, finally we reach to ‘Wiñaywayna’, 2,650m./8,700ft. (eternally young) another amazing Incan site, here we will have as well the option to explore this amazing Incan site as well your guide will continue explaining you the history of the Incas. Still 20 minutes to reach to the lunch spot and to the next control point (average time to stay there is 1:00 pm). from here we will join to the classic Inca trail path, afterwards one hour following the andean flat to reach to ‘Inti Punku’ or (Sun Gate), on this way still the green scenery with the sounds of the local birds are living in this national park, the spectacular views of the mountains and again the Urubamba river at the bottom. From the Sun Gate (2,720m./8,923ft.) we will have the first view of Machupicchu in all its majesty. Plenty time to enjoy the views! then 45 minutes downhill reaching directly to Machupicchu, exactly where we can take the classic postcard picture. Finally, by bus 30 minutes until Aguas Calientes (2,040 m./ 6,691 ft.) and check-in at your hotel.
Today we will wake up very early, due to is Machupicchu´s day!!! breakfast will be organized in your hotel and then we will walk 10 minutes until the bus stop and wait there until 5:30 am. when the buses start to go to Machupicchu archaeological park, is 30 minutes to reach there, then enjoy the sun rise (if weather allows).
We will have 2 hours a private walking tour. In case you have Machupicchu mountain or Waynapicchu mountain You will organize with your guide and he/she will take you to the gate where you will check in, then you continue on your own over 3 hours’ round trip.
Afterwards again by bus to Aguas Calientes, where your guide will be waiting for you in a local restaurant to enjoy the last lunch (this lunch is not included). You should be 30 minutes in advance at the train station and wait for the departure time, 2 hours by train till Ollantaytambo station then by our private van 2 more hours until Cusco directly to your hotel.
We recommend a small backpack 30L – 40L for hiking, Big backpack will not be allowed inside Machupicchu. Big ones can be stored outside citadel gate.
We will hand out to you a duffle bag at your briefing time and of course we will explain you what to put inside. Also include a porter wo will carry up your personal items to 7 kg. or 14 pounds including your sleeping bag and air mattress (these 2 items are 3.5 kg.)
Note: Beside the main briefing done the night before the trek. Your guide will explain you every night about the activities to do and what to bring in your backpacks next days.
Briefing:
Professional guide:
Tickets:
Transportation:
Accommodation and hotel:
Chef:
Wranglers and horses:
Emergency horse:
Camping equipment:
Duffle bag:
Meals:
Water:
First aid:
Extras: