Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Important Information

Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares Trek Peru- 

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

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

THE BRIEFING FOR THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm at our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210 office 207.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

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

HOW TO BOOK THE LARES TREK 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 the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Lares trek to 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

*** We will need each participant’s passport at the time of booking. They will be need, in order, to purchase tickets.

SECOND, we require a deposit of $200.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares trek Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

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

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

1. 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.
2. All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
3. For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
4. For children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
5. All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
6. Send us a copy at info@samtravelperu.com

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

Unfortunately the answer is generally No. Once the tickets have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any 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 Trek 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 you sent to us to book your Lares Trek, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. 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. They are very strict about this here!!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE LARES TREK PERU?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. You will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you dress in layers and good rain gear in your day backpack.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS 

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley , you will better acclimate.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you  for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness Cusco. 

We offer the Cusco City and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimating.  Check out our day tours on our Main Page.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specialises in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised 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 THE LARES TREK PERU

The evening before you start your trek, 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. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

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

The Lares trek is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,700mt. 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 (3,350m/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 lady trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! SAM Travel 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?

In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, SAM Travel 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.
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 OFF AT OUR HOTEL?

Absolutely!! Hotel drop off is included in your trek package. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!

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

HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?

The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is $67 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, the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the Lares trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru 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 not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a locally 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 and understand, respect the places and the local people.