Lares to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Starting from only USD 470/person.
This trek combines beautiful lakes, local Quechua farming and weaving communities
who are still living in the stone houses almost like on the Inca time. The trail
goes over the highland communities with unforgettable views of the magnificent mountains,
herds of llamas, and alpacas and finally arriving to Yanahuara-Ollantaytambo for
lunch on the third day of the trek, in the afternoon the group take the train from
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and the last day we go up to
Machupicchu to see the sun rise and explore the Inca site.
Level of difficulty (low, medium, high): medium
Required fitness level (low, medium, high):midium
DAY 1: CUSCO TO QUISHUARANI (12 km, 5 – 6 hours)
Pick up time from your hotel will be at 6:00 am. Our private bus will then leave
Cusco at 7:00 am we will be driving through the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas
for about 1 hour. Our first stop will be at Calca to have breakfast and we will
also have opportunity to by any last snacks, drinks etc. From here we will continue
with our bus for 2 hours and then reach Quishurani (3’700m) which is the starting
point for the trek. Along the way we’ll be able to view at beautiful mountains and
observe herds of Lamas and Alpacas. We will start the trekking by walking up a small
valley for around 1 ½ hours that will lead us to a beautiful lake. Here we will
have our first lunch and some rest. For the next 1 ½ hours a steep, zigzagging and
narrow trail will lead us to the top of the first pass - Abra Huillquiqasa (4’200m).
A magnificent view with many other lakes on the other side of the pass will reward
you for the strenuous climb. A 2 hour gentle descent where we pass the lakes, a
big waterfall and if you are lucky some Chinchillas will bring us to our first camp
side Cuncani village (3’750 m).
DAY 2: CUNCANI VILLAGE - WACAHUASI – MANTANAY (15 km, 7 – 8 hours)
Around 07:00 am, shortly after breakfast, we will start walking gradually up for
around 1 ½ hours to the second pass on this trail known as Abra Qollqe Cruz (4’000
m). A 2 hour descent will bring us to the valley of Wacahuasi (3’900 m). Many of
the houses that we will see in this area are built from stone and have thatched
roofs. People from this village make beautiful and colorful textiles and we will
be able to admire some of their high quality ponchos, chullos, wool hats and other
garments. Here we will have lunch and take some rest. From here it will take us
2 ½ to climb up to the top of Au Roray Qocha pass which is at 4’600 m of altitude.
It is the highest pass along this trek and from here we get stunning views of the
surrounding mountains and lake Auroraycocha. We will then gently descend for approximately
1 ½ hours and reach another beautiful lake which is known as Ruraq Cocha (white
lake). With some luck we may see wetland birds like Puna Ibis or Andean Geese. After
another hour of easy hiking we’ll get to the second camp side Mantanay at 4’100m.
DAY 3: MANTANAY - OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES (7 km, 3 hours)
After an early breakfast we´ll walk down through a beautiful vegetation of polilepis
inca (qeuña), polilepis resinosa (chacahcomo), merciantes etc. It’s an easy hike
and after around 3 hours we arrive at the village of Pucara y Anahuar (3’300m).
Our bus is already waiting for us to take us further down in the valley to the Inca
town of Ollantaytambo (2’800m). Here we will rest and have box lunch. In the early
afternoon we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes. It takes us 1 ½ to reach Aguas
Calientes by train and you will get there at around 2:00 pm. We will spend the night
in a hostal and one of the first things you probably want to do is take a hot shower.
You will now have time to either stroll Aguas Calientes and see its many shops,
restaurants and bars, or treat yourself with a relaxing bath in the hot springs
of Aguas Calientes.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHUPICCHU AND BACK TO CUSCO
This last day starts very early. We will wake you up at around 04:30, have breakfast
and then take one of the first buses to Machupicchu. There are two good reasons
to be at the entrance of Machupicchu very early: 1.) It is well worth the effort
to get up early as the Inca city is quietest in the early morning and you will have
plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the sun rise over Machupicchu. 2.) Only
400 people (the first 400) are allowed to hike Waynapicchu per day. Our guide will
give you a tour around Machupicchu telling you about the history of Machupicchu
and the most important buildings. Of course he will also take you to the classical
post card picture spot (Funerary Rock Hut), this vantage point offers a terrifc
view of the whole complex. If you would like to climb Wayna Picchu please check our FAQ for further details. Once
you feel that you have seen every corner of Machupicchu you will take a bus down
to the village of Aguas Calientes to have lunch. Usually we take the bus at around
1:00 pm. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes and your guides will give you the
ticket. Make sure that, before you leave Machupicchu by bus, the guides give you
time and location of the restaurant where the group meets in Aguas Calientes. You
will get your train and bus tickets back to Cusco in the restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
INCLUDED:
- Transport: Bus from Cusco to start of the trek in Quishuarani (Lares). Bus from
end of trek Pukara (Yanahuara) to Ollantaytambo. Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas
Calientes. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu. Bus from Machupicchu to Aguas
Calientes. Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus from Ollantaytambo
to Cusco (your hotel).
- Accommodation: Hostal in Aguas Calientes on the 3rd night (based on 2 people sharing
one room)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners. Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups,
fresh fruits, chicken, fish, meat, rice, pasta and hot drinks including coca leaf
tea which is very effective against altitude sickness. Tea time every afternoon
(tea, coffee, biscuits and popcorn). Every morning and afternoon warm water to clean
yourself up. We can also provide vegetarian meals and special diets. Just let us
know in advance or during the briefing on the evening before the trekking.
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish). Always 2 guides for 8 people.
- Horsemen and horses to carry the tents, food, cooking equipment and your personal
equipment such as mattress, sleeping bag and clothing to change. A maximum of 6
kilos per person. An emergency horse in case someone needs help and is not able
to continue walking.
- Camping equipment. 2 people will always share a spacious 4 people dome igloo tent
with plenty of space for your backpacks. Blow mattress, chemical toilet, cooking
equipment, dining tent, kitchen tent, first aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Entrance fees to Machupicchu.
EXCLUDED:
- First breakfast at Calca (day one).
- Last lunch at Aguas Calientes (after Machupicchu
- Sleeping bag (15 US$ to rent)
- Tips and the extra spending