Lares Trek Via Yanahuara to Machu Picchu 4 Days

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4 Days – 3 Nights

Max Guests: 8

Max. Altitude: 2850 – 4400m

Act. Level: Formidable

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4d3n Overview
Lares Trek Peru

The Lares valley trek offers a combination of stunning scenery, traditional cultures, and Machu Picchu on the 4th Day. The trek will take you through stunning Mountain scenery, over high passes, and you will spend two nights near traditional Peruvian Villages. The fourth day you will see the treasures of Machu Picchu with your experienced guide.

Lares Trek via Yanahuara to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Lares Valley Trek Itinerary:

Altitude: 2850 – 4400 m. / 9350 – 14436 f.
High season: March to November
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Day’s Departure: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Day 1Cusco – Huaca Casi pass – Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi

At approximately 6hrs 30am we will pick you up at your hotel to set course to the village of Lares where we will start hiking. During this journey we will make a stop in the village of Calca, where you will be able to visit the local market and buy breakfast or other supplies you forgot. Your guide might advise you to buy some bread to hand out to the children you will meet during the trek.

When arriving at Lares we will visit the hot springs where you will be able to enjoy the hot water while our cooks prepare a wonderful lunch. After lunch we will start our hike towards the first campsite in Huacawasi (3600m/11811f).

During 4 hours you will walk gradually uphill so that you get a good training for the next day when we will reach the highest point of the trek. The first night we will spend the night at the house of our horsemen who are joining us on the trip. At arrival your tents will be ready and you will receive popcorn, sweets and some hot thee before having dinner.

Transport time: 4 hours

Hiking time: 4 hours

Climate during the day: Warm

Climate during the night: Cold

Day 2: Huacawasi – Sondor – Huacawasi C’asa Pass – Aruray Cocha – Yurak Cocha – Mantanay - Pucara

After a nutritious breakfast we will start hiking towards the highest point, the pass of Huacawasi C’asa at 4500m or 14763 feet. The hike will take about 4 hours and will be very steep uphill. Of course an emergency horse will accompany us so that everyone will certainly be able to reach the top.

During this trek you will be able to enjoy enormous mountains, a patchwork of agricultural lands and breathtaking views. Be aware that we will reach great heights and the weather can be very cold.

After reaching the highest point we will descend and pass beautiful lagoons and we’ll stop for having lunch. You will be able to recuperate while our cooks prepare a delicious lunch for you. Next we will descend further through a forest where you will be able to enjoy the “Queuñas” (Polylepis – a typical three from Peru), flora and fauna of this wonderful park.

Thereafter we will continue descending until we got our camping spot at Pucara (3000m/9842f), a private camping place where you will have tea time and some snacks upon arrival before having dinner.

Hiking time: 8 hours

Climate during day/night: Cold and warm

Day 3:Pucara – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today will be another spectacular day when walking through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A vehicle will bring us to Ollantaytambo (2850m/ 9350ft) where we will discover the last Inca town and the great Inca’s site known as Pinkulluna (Lord of Tunupa).

After having lunch, we will take a tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (2050m/ 6725ft) town where we will spend the night in a hostel.

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours

Transport time: Half an hour

Climate: Warm

Day 4Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own.

We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55 pm or at 6:10 pm. Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.

Climate: Moderate warm

Lares Trek Peru Gallery
Lares Trek Peru Inclusions

Included:

  • Pre-briefing time at 19hrs in our office 1 or 2 days before your date departure (It has to be confirmed at the booking time)
  • Private transport from the hotel to Valle de Lares
  • Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Collective tourist transfer from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the centre of Cusco (Plaza Regocijo / Few meters of Plaza de Armas or Marriott Hotel / Calle Ruinas, beginning of San Blas neighbourhood)
  • Entrance to the thermal baths in the Valle de Lares
  • Entrance to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
  • Hostel with private room and bathroom in Aguas Calientes (Included breakfast)
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
  • High quality camping equipment (professional tents Doite Himalaya 4, extra light/4.5kgs or Eureka tent for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
  • Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/Option vegetarian)
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Horseman and mules, for all camping and personal equipment (up to 4 kg)
  • Emergency horse (From Huacahuasi to Pucara)
  • First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not included:

  • Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Sleeping bag (if you don`t have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one)
  • Bus going downhill from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for 12 U.S. dollars or you could have the option to walk down which takes about 1 hour

What do I need to bring?

  • Backpack with rain shelter
  • Sleeping bag
  • Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket
  • Rain pants and lightweight pants
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs)
  • Woollen or synthetic socks and a sweater
  • Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts
  • Rain poncho and a hat
  • Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper
  • Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries
  • Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit
  • Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles
  • Since the weather can be very cold and moistly, your clothes - once gotten wet - won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change

Notes:

(1) From the Hot Spring of Lares village (Day 1) all luggage will be transferred to Huacahuasi community by car. From Huacahuasi to Pucara (Day 2) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 4 kg). From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Caliente town (Day 3) we continue by train. 

 

(2) Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu mountain requires to be booked long time in advance however we charge additional US $ 22.00 and then we’ll guarantee your entrance for Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law began since the 18th of July, 2011). 

 

(3) Camping sites: The camping sites on the journey to Machu Picchu can vary from those described in our itinerary. This is because some camping sites are already booked out otherwise can be our guide’s criteria and the group progress. 

 

(4) Altitude Advice: To avoid problems with to the altitude, we recommend that you arrive at least 48 hrs prior to departure of your hike. Please contact us as soon as you get to Cusco to organize the pre-departure meeting. 

 

(3) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.

Travel Info

Briefings

All briefings are done at our office at 7:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team.

Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

Pickups

Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through. They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage.

We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.

Huaynapicchu/Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.

Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM.

Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.

Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 2 hours to the top and another 1 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day treks, the Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.

Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.

Machu Picchu Entrance Times

 

ENTRY SCHEDULE

Entry time to Machupicchu (*)Grace period during months of regular visitor demand (**)Grace period during months of high visitor demand (from June 1 to
October 15 and December 30 and 31) (**)
06:00 amUntil 06:30 amUntil 06:45 am
07:00 amUntil 07:30 amUntil 07:45 am
08:00 amUntil 08:30 amUntil 08:45 am
09:00 amUntil 09:30 amUntil 09:45 am
10:00 amUntil 10:30 amUntil 10:45 am
11:00 amUntil 11:30 amUntil 11:45 am
12:00 pmUntil 12:30 pmUntil 12:45 pm
01:00 pmUntil 01:30 pmUntil 01:45 pm
02:00 pmUntil 02:30 pmUntil 02:45 pm
03:00 pmUntil 03:30 pmUntil 03:45 pm

* Entry time at the main gate of the Inca city of Machupicchu.

** Entry at the control points of Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, and
Huchuypicchu mountains does not have a grace period.

Health Concerns

You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first-aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

You are responsible for assessing whether Inca Trait to Machu Picchu is suitable for you. We recommend you to consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

Group Tours

Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.

Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

Strikes

Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.

Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

Lost Items

You are responsible for your items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.

Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whos it is.

Tips

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below.

For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.

Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

Weather

Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

Altitude Sickness

As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitudes, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.

For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.

With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.

Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca-tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee.

They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.

Getting To Cusco

The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic.

Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

FAQs

Does the Lares Trek go to Machu Picchu?

Yes, the Lares Trek can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek is a popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail, and it passes through the stunning Andean landscapes and remote Quechua communities. The trek ends in Ollantaytambo, where you can take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

There are several variations of the Lares Trek, and the exact itinerary and duration can vary depending on the tour operator and starting point. Some Lares Trek itineraries include a visit to Machu Picchu on the last day of the trek, while others may include an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.

Overall, the Lares Trek offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience that combines cultural immersion and stunning natural landscapes with a visit to one of the world’s most iconic historical sites.

How high is the Lares Trek?

Lares Trek is a high-altitude trek that reaches a maximum elevation of 4,450 meters (14,599 feet) at the Pachacutec Pass. It starts in the town of Lares, which sits at an elevation of around 3,200 meters (10,498 feet) and covers a distance of approximately 33 kilometers (20 miles) over several days.

The Lares Trek passes through stunning Andean landscapes, remote Quechua communities, and several archaeological sites, offering a unique cultural and trekking experience. However, the high altitude can cause altitude sickness, which can make the trek challenging for some hikers.

It is important to be well prepared physically and mentally before attempting the Lares Trek, including proper acclimatization, physical training, and packing appropriate gear. It’s also recommended to choose a reputable tour operator that provides knowledgeable guides, high-quality equipment, and proper safety measures.

How long is the Lares Trek?

Lares Trek is a multi-day trek that covers a distance of approximately 33 kilometers (20 miles) and typically takes 3-4 days to complete. The exact itinerary and duration can vary depending on the tour operator, starting point, and trekking pace.

The first day of the trek usually starts in the town of Lares and includes a visit to the Lares hot springs before camping for the night.

On the second day, the trek reaches its highest point at the Pachacutec Pass (4,450 meters/14,599 feet) before descending to the village of Patacancha, where you will camp for the night.

On the third day, the trek passes through several remote Quechua communities before camping for the night at the village of Huacahuasi or Ollantaytambo. Finally, on the fourth day, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.

It’s important to choose an itinerary that matches your physical abilities and time constraints and to properly prepare for the trek by acclimatizing to the altitude, physical training, and packing appropriate gear.

Where does Lares Trek end?

The Lares Trek typically ends in the town of Ollantaytambo, where hikers can take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo is a charming Inca town located in the Sacred Valley, approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Cusco. It is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and narrow cobblestone streets.

After completing the Lares Trek, hikers usually spend the night in Ollantaytambo before taking an early morning train to Aguas Calientes. From there, hikers can take a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu or hike up to the entrance.

The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of train and the departure time.

Ollantaytambo is also a popular destination in its own right, with several restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to relax and unwind after completing the Lares Trek before continuing on to Machu Picchu or other destinations in the Sacred Valley.

How difficult is the Lares Trek?

The Lares Trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek, with varying altitudes, rugged terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions. It involves several days of hiking at high altitudes, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,450 meters (14,599 feet) at the Pachacutec Pass.

The difficulty of the trek can depend on factors such as the individual’s fitness level, previous experience with high altitude trekking, and how well they are acclimatized to the altitude.

It is important to be well prepared physically and mentally before attempting the Lares Trek, including proper acclimatization, physical training, and packing appropriate gear.

Overall, while it is a challenging trek, it is also a highly rewarding experience for those who are prepared and up for the challenge. The trek offers stunning Andean landscapes, remote Quechua communities, and cultural immersion that make it a unique and memorable experience.

Is the Lares Trek worth it?

Yes, the Lares Trek is worth it for those seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in the Andes. The trek offers stunning landscapes, remote Quechua communities, and cultural immersion that make it a memorable and rewarding experience.

Lares Trek is a great alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, which can be overcrowded and heavily regulated. This four-day trek offers a more authentic and less-traveled route through the Andes, with fewer tourists and more opportunities to interact with local communities and learn about their culture and way of life.

Lares trek includes visits to hot springs, archaeological sites, and stunning mountain passes, providing a diverse and exciting trekking experience. The trek also offers the chance to visit Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic historical sites, making it a perfect combination of natural and cultural attractions.

Overall, the Lares Trek is a highly recommended trek for those looking for a challenging and rewarding experience that combines stunning Andean landscapes, cultural immersion, and a visit to Machu Picchu.

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