Day 01: Cusco City Tour (Overnight Cusco)

Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height, will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest you have a light lunch in either your hotel or in one of the surrounded; in the afternoon we will depart on a City tour (entrance to the archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q’enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight. (No meals included)

Day 02: Full Day Sacred Valley of the Incas (overnight in Cusco)

Breakfast. You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full day excursion to the Urubamba Valley visiting: the colorful Indian market in Pisac where a mixture of color and tradition will be able appreciated besides will have a good opportunity to try our bargain skills on the free time to interact with the local craftsmen to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. The Valley has a distance of 31 km (19 miles) of Cusco, and an altitude of 2,970 ms (9,700 p), Pisac is located to the entrance of the Sacred Valley and followed by Ollantaytambo, the older town continuously occupied of the American continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their channels that have not varied from the time Inca, evoke their ancestral inheritance, lunch in a typical restaurant and after we explore Ollantaytambo we take the transportation back to Cusco.

Lares Trek via Yanahuara to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Lares Valley Trek Itinerary:

• Altitude: 2850 - 4400 m. / 9350 - 14436 f.
• High season: Whole year
• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Level of difficulty: Normal / Moderate

Day 03: Cusco – Huaca Casi pass – Lares Hot Springs – Huacawasi

At approximately 6am 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 3 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. This is the perfect opportunity to know this little town a little better, as well as its Andean culture. At arrival your tents will be ready and you will receive popcorn, sweets and some hot thee before having dinner. You also have the chance to sleep in one of the typical houses.

• Transport time: 4 hours
• Hiking time: 4 hours
• Climate during the day: Warm
• Climate during the night: Cold

Day 04: Huacawasi – Mantanay.

Early in the morning we will be welcomed by local children in traditional clothing, on their way to school. After a nutritious breakfast we will start hiking towards the highest point, the pass of Mantanay at 4400m or 14435 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 a beautiful lagoon before having lunch next to the river. 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. This walk will take about 1 hour before reaching our campsite at Mantanay (3550m/11646f). A wonderful place in the middle of nowhere where you will receive hot thee and some snacks upon arrival before having dinner.

• Hiking time: 7 hours
• Climate during day/night: Cold

Day 05: Mantanay – Yanahuara - Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today will be another spectacular day when walking downhill through different forests. You will be able to enjoy the rich biodiversity and change of fauna and flora during this 3 hour walk that will end in the Sacred Valley of the Inca’s. Watch out, when walking in the forest there are lots of mosquitos. We will enjoy our last lunch in Queshuarchalloc where we will say goodbye to the Horsemen and cooks. After lunch we will take a local bus to get to Ollantaytambo. We will visit the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo before having dinner at a local restaurant. At 7pm we will take the train to reach our final destination of the day, the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a hostal or hotel.

• Hiking time: 4 hours
• Transport time: half an hour 
• Climate: Warm

Day 06: Aguas 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

DAY 07: FREE DAY IN CUSCO.

In this day after de trek you can relax and visit some museums in Cusco city and also youc and visit CENTRO QOSQO DE ARTE NATIVO (live show of typical dances from Cusco region).

DAY 08: Transfer to Cusco Airport (end of the service)

According to the flight schedule we will take you back to the airport for our last farewell.

LARES & MACHUPICCHU:

• Entrance to the thermal baths in the Valle de Lares
• Entrance to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
• Hotel with private room and bathroom in Aguas Calientes
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• High quality camping equipment (professional tents Doite, Cima 4, extra   light/4.5kgs 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 7 kg)
• Emergency horse (minimum 2 persons)
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
• Entrance to Machupicchu
• Tourist Train back from – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Bus Up & Down (From Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes)
• English Speaking Guide in Machupichu (02 & half hours Guided tour)
• Tourist Return Bus From Ollantaytambo – Cusco Hotel.
• Transfers

Hotel Nights ( breakfast included ) (Lodging)

• CUSCO: 04 nights of hotel accommodation
• AGUAS CALIENTES:01 night of hotel accommodation Cusco Tours: / City Tour & Sacred Valley
• City Tour: Includes Tourist bus & English Guide (Tourist Attractions to see:           Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay)
• Sacred Valley of the Incas (Awanacancha, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo & Chincheros)
• Transfers:
  • Private Cuzco Airport Transfers
  • All Transfers Hotel Terminal/Airport Transfers
  • INCA FOOTSTEPS T-Shirt.

INCA FOOTSTEPS COMPANY DOESN’T INCLUDE:

• International Airfares. (Please give us Details of you Flight Tickets to pick you up from the airport) Flight Number & Company Name.)
• All airport departure tax – Lima International Departure tax is approximately US$35 and Lima Domestic Departure tax is approximately US$8
• Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
• Meal Budget : Allow approx. US$10 US$15 for every meal not included.
• The Cuzco Visitor’s Ticket (known as Boleto Turistico – Tourist Pass 130 soles) – which includes entrance to the ruins in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in Cuzco.
• Sleeping bags US$5 per day & hiking poles US$ 4 per day (02 poles/black diamond or Leki) can be easily rented from us. Let us know.
• Tips for the guides, porters and other staff.
• Lunch and dinner whilst staying at hotels. City tours of Lima and Cusco.
• Alcoholic drinks, tickets for the hot springs at Aguas Calientes
• Travel Insurance and things of a personal nature – laundry and telephone calls, personal taxis, souvenirs etc.
• We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or after your trip: In Lima/Cuzco/Machu Picchu.

Travel and health insurance. (Bring copies with you please): INCA FOOTSTEPS COMPANY highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your   travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance. Inca Footsteps Company will assist in obtaining all necessary documents for you to be refunded by your insurance company.
Any unexpected situations occurred during the journey and which are beyond our control, including changes in scheduling trains or flights, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections, etc.. Shall be covered by the passenger as a whole. Also, if you for physical reasons of health cannot continue the trek or walk, and will need emergency evacuation then all charges incurred such as transportation, hotel, ambulance, doctors, medication, hospitalization, etc.. Will be at passenger’s expense.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

Please Note: Walking and journey times are approximate and the package includes LARES TREK TO MACHUPICCHU.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

• Original Passport (and some copies)
• Travel insurance (and some copies)
• Airline tickets (and some copies)
• US$ cash and travellers cheques
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera and films
• Rechargeable batteries and adapters
• Reading/writing material
• Binoculars
• Cover for backpacks
• Pocketknife.
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swim wear
• shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
• Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
• Sport hiking sandals
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
• Flashlight (head light recommended)
• Money belt
• Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
• Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
• Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
• Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us )
• Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
• Thermal underwear
• Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Whilst we expect that the tour will run as per the itinerary, participants should accept that there is the possibility of changes being necessary subject to local conditions e.g. strikes and natural disaster these changes may be at the discretion of your tour company.

Please, Note: All our Tours in Cusco & Lima are (Small Groups 02-06ppl – 08ppl Maximum) we are not going to pass you onto a Big Rushed Tour Groups. What most agencies do here.
We want you to have a Memorable Lifetime Trip!
 

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• 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 Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Remember you are packing for 13 nights.

. Porters will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 10 wicking t-shirts
• 6 hiking pants
• 7 sets of undergarments.
• 9 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing suit for Hot Springs
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

PassportValid, 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 Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

• Hire of sleeping bag 5 season                                    $25.00
• Walking stick highly recommended!                        $15.00
• Single supplement                                                      $60.00
• Additional night at 3 star hotel                                $85.00

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

Lares is the name of a small village to the North of Cusco, a beautiful place to make an Inca Trail to Machu picchu. We started in the Sacred Valley of the Incas coming towards the province of calca. We climb the narrow part and will have the opportunity to see stone houses with thatched roofs that were Inca settlements which still exhibit their usual surrounded by herds of llamas, alpacas and Guinea Pigs. The Lares trail has an incomparable landscape and especially the hike is moderate. This trek has two high points of 4000 meters above sea level (13,200 feet) is advisable therefore you need to spend 3-4 days in Cuzco before the trip in order to acclimatize.