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ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Cuncani – Quiswarani
The excitement of your Lares trek to Machu Picchu will help you rise early for your pickup at 5:00am from your Cusco hotel. The first part of our journey is a drive of about 2.5 hours to the Cuncani community. We will stop along the way at the traditional Calca market to buy some provisions and to give you the opportunity to buy anything you might want to gift to the highland children you will meet along your trek. Breakfast is served high in the mountains, admiring the waterfalls, mountain peaks and awesome views of the valleys. Time to get our packs ready, put our boots on and begin our first 3 hours ascending to Willqaqasa Pass (4,200m/13,779ft). You will enjoy the amazing views of rugged Andean peaks, glacial lakes, valleys and much more. Afterwards, we will relish our gourmet lunch prepared by our trekking chef. Two hours descending to the next valley, we have completed our first trekking day and have arrived at our campsite.
Our campsite is at the Quiswarani community, which is still very traditional and follows ancient agricultural practices. It’s time to enjoy afternoon tea with amazing views of the frozen Andean peaks and seven waterfalls. You will also have an opportunity to meet some of the villagers. It would be appreciated if you were able to share some toys, old useful clothes, notebooks, fruit or any items with the locals. After dinner, our guide will show you the Inca’s constellations on which they depended on for their agricultural guidance and still do to this day.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
- Distance: 12kms / 7 miles
- Time: 6hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Quiswarani – Pachaqutec Pass -Cancha Cancha
We wake up to begin our second day feeling refreshed after a good sleep and another delicious breakfast. We begin our 4 hour hike southwest, an intense walk accomplishing 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. Motivating you along the intense hike are spectacular glaciers, alpine lakes, llama herds, rugged valleys and undulating farmlands. After a time to enjoy the 360º views, we descend for 30 minutes, having lunch with great views of glaciers and with its picturesque views of the Lares Valley with herds of llamas and alpacas.
After some time to rest, we descend for 2 hours until we reach our campsite located by the Cancha Cancha community, (3,700m /12,139ft). We take isolated trails, walking past llama and alpaca herds. The local indigenous people will shyly welcome you and interact with you in the Quechua language (the Inca language). Your guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua language. Cancha Cancha is one of the most isolated and traditional mountain communities. There is no road to the village and they were only connected to electricity in December, 2019. You will have the opportunity to meet with a local family to learn about their Andean lives. Depending on the time you arrive in Cancha Cancha you may have the opportunity to visit the school also.
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 bathroom building
- Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
- Time: 7 to 8hrs approximately
- Difficulty: challenge
Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo – Aranwa Hotel
Your adventure continues as you begin the most relaxing 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 about 3 hours of walking gradually downhill, along a lovely river, where you will see even more llamas and alpacas. We’ll pass by farms where they still 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 be descending 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 will say goodbye to our chef, horsemen, and horses, as they will be going back to their homes in the highland villages.
From Huaran, our driver will meet us with our private van and take us through the Sacred Valley on our way to Ollantaytambo where you will be welcomed at our exclusive Aranwa Hotel. You will enjoy a gourmet lunch and relax in our private swimming pool and sauna. Your view of the snow covered Veronica Mountain from the swimming pool is spectacular! Take advantage of the beautiful gardens of native flowers and wildlife.
After a relaxing afternoon, enjoy another gourmet dinner at the Aranwa Hotel and got to bed early to prepare for your early wake up tomorrow morning.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Veronica View Boutique Hotel
- Distance: 9kms / 6 miles
- Time: 4 hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 4: Aranwa Hotel– Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! We get up early to take the 6:10 train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Next we take the bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny 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! On your 2.5 hours private tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the enigmatic ruins and its most important sites. You will see the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, the House of the Inka, the urban areas, agricultural terraces and many different types of architecture.
You may wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price):
- Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain– appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from above. These extra hikes sell out and must be requested at time of booking.
- You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate, also called Inti Punku. (No additional fee)
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (entrance fee)
When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the train at 14:55 for the return trip with the Vistadome train to the Poroy train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
WHAT’S INCLUDED LUXURY LARES TREK?
Included
- Transfer from the Airport to Hotel (it can be done on any date)
- Private transportation from the hotel to the Trailhead
- Local Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua ( 2 guides for more than 8 people)
- Entrance tickets for Pisac Inca Ruins
- Exclusive access to our private swimming pool and sauna at the Veronica View Hotel
- Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and Vistadome train 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 tent for every 2 trekkers
- Thick comfortable foam sleeping pad and pillow
- Delicious gourmet meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
- 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
- Transfer back to Cusco only for our group
- Interaction with the local kids and community people
- Backpack rain cover
Not Included
- Personal tent -$30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Spa services and drinks at the Aranwa Hotel
- 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
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
- Additional night in hotel in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on choice and availability)
PRICES
- US$1997 PER PERSON
The best Luxury Lares Trek to Machu Picchu around is available on any date that is best suited for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
***Minimum 2 persons required to open up a new group – single trekkers may join an existing group
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos, guided tour in Sacred Valley (Pisac Inca ruins) 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
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: $20 USD. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Personal Tent -$30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
- 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)
- Single Supplement -$35 USD 2* for single travelers
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the horse 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
- SMALL PILLOW
- PLASTIC RAIN pocho made by SAM Travel 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 Trek Machu Picchu specialist only
Important Info
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
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
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. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 207, Casa de mi Abuelo.
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 $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 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?
- 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 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
- For children from the age of 0 to 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 info@samtravelperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is 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 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 you sent to us to book your Lares Trek, 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.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as it is more easier to adjust to the different climates.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
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.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised service.
HOW MANY COOKS and PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
HIKING THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
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/14lbs. 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 4,700mt. 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/9 miles in a day or working out 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 ?
This has been appreciated by most of our clients, especially by women 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 TO MACHU PICCHU?
In the unlikely 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 VISTADOME TRAIN DEPARTURE?
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. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes.
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 to Machu Picchu. 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.
Packing Check List
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student 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 SAM Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG
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
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 stop. Please bring your water bottles.
- 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 SAM)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitiser
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
