Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days

The wonders of Peru are full of tourist attractions and sights that take your breath away. Ancient indigenous cultures, Spanish colonial influence, the quest for independence, cultural variety, and an astonishing geography have all shaped Peru throughout the centuries. For that reason:

• The beauty of the mountains is matched by the generosity of the people you will meet on this marvelous cultural tour great for families (Day 1 and Day 2).
• You will see the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Taking a dip in the hot springs of Lares, and taking advantage of its medicinal properties. Being surprised by the precious lakes and impressive waterfalls. Getting to know more of the Andean culture. ( Day 2)
• See the work of the shepherds who live at high altitude. Learning more about ancient Inca agriculture. This trek is full of culture where the farmers and local communities still keep alive rich traditions from the past, like weaving Inca textiles.( Day 3)

• Explore the astonishing Lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu and enrich your understanding of the Inca heartland on a guided tour ( Day 4)

• Create your unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu via PeruRail or Inca Rail Train (Day 4).

DAY 1: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES – HUACAWASI

Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation at approx. 6:00 am in Cusco or in Sacred Valley (7:00 am). Then you will begin the 3.5-hour drive to the trail head in Lares Hot Spring site.  But before you arrive at Lares, you will have breakfast in the sacred valley (Calca town). After that, we continue ascending on winding Andean unpaved roads which will give us fabulous views of the majestic Peruvian highlands. This last stretch travels to the town of Lares to enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs. After bathing in the relaxing thermal pools (optional) you’ll enjoy your lunch. Following this, you will hike uphill on a winding path for approximately 4.5 hours until you reach the campground and enjoy the remarkable views.

DAY 2: HUACAWASI – PATACANCHA

After a hearty breakfast, continue your walk through the valley. The major challenge of today’s journey is climbing the high Ipsay pass mountain pass situated at 14,600 ft (4,450 meters). Along the way you will appreciate some unique and traditional weaving villages, with different daily customs.

You will descend downhill and reach the lagoon Ipsay cocha very soon where we will have lunch, after a nap we continue to the town of Patacancha where we spend the second night.

DAY 3: PATACANCHA – PUMARCA- OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

After a healthy breakfast, you will hike uphill to Pumamarca for 4 hours, then you will visit Pumamarka archaeological site.   After that, you will carry on your walking toward Ollantaytambo for 2 hours or so, where you will have lunch nearby.  After having your lunch, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes town for your overnight stay and enjoy a good night’s rest.

DAY 4: Private Machu Picchu Tour. Return to Cusco.

Day 4 will be one of the more remarkable and busy days, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders of the world and thus you will need to wake up early and will go up to Machu Picchu sanctuary with your guide by bus. You will have a memorable walking tour through the “Lost City of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco.

Upgrade options:

Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.

MAP (Cusco, Calca, Lares, hot-spring, huacahuasi, ipsay pass, patacancha, pumamarca, ,ollantaytambo,  Aguas calientes-Machupicchu.).

INCLUDED

• Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel: Time to be determined by the Company.
• Private Accommodation: 2 nights camping on the Lares trek and 1 night of accommodation in three-star hotels. The hotel booked for you will be listed on your invoice. Upgrading hotels are always possible as well.
• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, Portable toilet tent, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by the horses).
• Inflatable mattress: Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick and add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
• Pillow, rain ponchos and duffel bag.
• Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 6:00 A.M., and brought to the trail head. A roundtrip bus ticket is included from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Inca City and return. The train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy will be on the Expedition Class Train and will be included in your trip (Day 4). You also have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4).
• Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
• Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
• Cargo Mules: On days 1, 2 and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On days 3 and 4, your duffel bags will be carried by car or train to your destination.
• 1 Saddle-horse or emergency horse: This service will only be available the first 2 days of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones.
• Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 4 Snacks, 3 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
• Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
• Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
• Entry ticket for Thermal bath (Hot Spring) in Lares.
• Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site and Lares trail.
• First-aid kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from Physicians and Doctors. Our guides will bring emergency oxygen bottles as well.
• Satellite Phones: Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While all our guides are prepared and trained to deal with most issues clients have on the mountain. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so Discover Satori has added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us anywhere in the world. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well.

NOT INCLUDED

• Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect against temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. ($20).
• Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like ($15 pair).
• Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
• Ollantaytambo entrance fee. (Just for the big archeological site). For the small one it is free.
• Travel Insurance.
• Tips for our staff:Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
• Additional costsor delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
• Wayna Picchu: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance, if you would like to add an extra hike. These hikes sell out. Please let us know at the time of booking.

OPTIONAL SERVICE:

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are the mountains that stand next to Machu Picchu Inca City. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is USD $75 each. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the inclement weather is out of our control.

This Lares trek is available most of the year, but closed in February because of heavy rain and landslides.  Also, Peru usually hosts annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on.  But even unusual events can happen, such as a Solar and Lunar eclipse, which would be a surprise experience for you.  This is why Discover Satori has guaranteed your departure dates. All we need to book your adventure is your confirmation that this is the trek for you.

CLICK here to check your availability for Annual Festivities, Events, Lares trek & Machu Picchu.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. This bag will hold the contents of your packing list and be carried by the horses/crew. You will also need a small daypack that you will pack lightly with essentials for the trek.  A light backpack is key to feeling great.

• Passport (very important)
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbacks or bottles are good for this trek.
• Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and sandals. (very important)
• 4 Wicking/Hiking T-Shirts & 2 hiking pants
• Nice shirts and pants for Choquequirao day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 4 set of socks.
• Bathing suits for the hot springs in Lares ( It is optional )
• Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
• Insect Repellent
• Personal first aid kit
• Camera
• IPhone/IPod for music
• Flashlight  or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips.
• TOILETRIES
• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medications

First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person, in order to book and secure any trek or city tour with Discover Satori. The deposit can be made by PayPal, which will incur a 5.5% merchant fee paid by the traveler, or by wire to Bank of America or Citibank (for free if you are a fellow account holder).

Please notify us if paying by wire transferor Paypal the address to send your deposit to is [email protected]. All deposits are fully non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event that you need to cancel your trip, cancellation fees will be assessed as outlined below under our cancellation policy. If canceling, you may not transfer your deposit to another person’s trek.

Bank Account Number: XXXXXXX (US DOLLARS)

Paying Bank:  Bank of America, TX

Account Holder: Discover Satori

Swift Code: XXXXX

NOTE. Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable Deposit

WAYS TO PAY

1) Credit card Visa, American Express. Diners Club, Mastercard payments will incur an additional credit card merchant service charge of 8%

2) Paypal payments will incur an additional merchant service charge of 5.5%.

3) Western union payments will need to be addressed as follows:

Receiver:

Full name: FREDY CUSI HUAMAN

Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú

Please don’t forget to send us the tracking code (MTCN) in order to pick up the deposit and confirm your booking.

Permit permitting, we are excited for this opportunity of a lifetime to guide you through the Lares trek and into Machu Picchu.

Please read carefully the following information as it will help answer all of your questions about our services and the Lares trek to Machu Picchu.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by one of our representatives and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board Discover Satori at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot come inside).

THE BRIEFING

Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details.  Our office is located at Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During Lares trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.  Please pack things you will only need during your Lares trek to Machu Picchu.

HOW TO BOOK LARES TREK TO MACHUPICCHU

FIRST, the following personal information is necessary when completing our booking form

1. Full Name (as it exactly appears on your passport)
2. Gender
3. Passport number
4. Date of Birth (DD / MM / YYYY)
5. Nationality

Note: We require copies of everyones’ passport as they are required when purchasing permits.

 SECOND, we require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person in order to secure your Lares trek. Paying by VISA or PayPal online incurs 5.5% service charge. Please pay to the following email address: [email protected]

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

The remaining balance will need to be paid at our office in Cusco no more than 2 days before your tour start date; cash is preferable (we accept both US dollars and Peruvian soles). There are several ATM machines in Cusco city center, otherwise, PayPal and Visa credit card is also acceptable, however, will incur 5.5% service charge.

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 to qualify for a discount.

Note: 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.

• 11 to 17 years old, the discount is $30 USD
• 6 to 11, the discount is $40 USD
• 0 to 2, they are free

All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to receive the student discount. Email us a copy at: [email protected]

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER MY TOUR HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED AND BOOKED?

Unfortunately the answer is NO. Discover Satori will have already purchased the necessary permits and scheduled and organized our crew for your trip before you have arrived in Peru. If you choose to cancel your Lares trek for any reason, your deposit will be forfeited.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE LARES TREK?

YES! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport you sent us to book your Lares trek to Machu Picchu and other reservations. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, during your hotel stays and to board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permits and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send a copy of your new Passport or updated Passport as soon as possible.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EASY, MODERATE, AND CHALLENGING TREKKING?

There is a grading system that classifies the difficulty degree of trekking trails.  Easy, moderate, and challenge. The reason we have categories is to help our client’s choose a trek in the Andes that is suitable for their level and don’t be exhausted. Clients are encouraged to have a good level of physical fitness and adequate physical training ahead of time is necessary.

Easy treks: It could be suitable for all people who love it outdoors this is for the hikers who do not have previous experience, or are not looking for a difficult physical, they typically involve walking up to 6 hours a day.

Moderate treks: Only for those who have previous experience in hike or outdoors activities, these treks usually vary from 1-3 days and can reach up to an altitude of 2,700m to 4,000m. This grade is recommended for any trekker looking for something a little more challenging than just a simple walk. These trekking areas are mostly Lares trek, Inca quarry trek, Huarocondo trek.

Challenging Trekking: We recommend to our clients that you have previous easy and moderate trekking experience.  Difficult treks include walking through rough trails for 8-10 hours each day and crossing high passes. Challenge treks are both long rugged terrain and altitude increases as you move higher through the scale. These are genuine expeditions where trekking skills, experience fitness and endurance is necessary (Ausangate 5days, Choquequirao to Machupicchu).

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as it is easier to adjust to the different climates.  Remember, we have only two official seasons in Cusco, rainy season from November to April and dry season from May to October.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is of 10 people.  Mostly our groups are between 2-6 people. Discover Satori specializes in small and private groups and provide a personalized service.

CAMPING TENTS SHARING

Please note, by default all Camping Tents are twin size.

Couples/partners: When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in a Camping Tents (unless you specifically request us not to). If you are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) the remaining traveler will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Single travelers: If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge – you will share a double tents with another passenger of the same gender. single travelers who wish to have a private tent, if you request in advance you are going to make helpful for logistic staff and then in return they will choose for you a comfortable gear and make you don’t be worried.

ARE WE GOING TO BE PICKED UP AND DROPPED OFF AT MY ACCOMMODATION AFTER THE TREK?

Absolutely, Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages. If you booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there.

WHAT TIME DOES THE TRAIN DEPART FROM AGUAS CALIENTES?

It will depend on the train availability 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 while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 3: 30 P.M. or 4:22 P.M. This train Schedule will allow you more than 7 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu!

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

If you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue or other reasons, Discover Satori will assist you in getting to the nearest town for medical assistance. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases it is highly recommended to head back to Cusco and take plan B, but you will cover your own expenses (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek. However, Discover Satori may provide you with car transportation. Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo or Cusco and if you recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (again cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary, it is of great significance for the staff who will take care of you during the trek.  It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Discover Satori destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you would like, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is just voluntary and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

Yes! We are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates 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, understand and respect the sacred places and the local people.