Day 1: Cusco - Quiswarani (Lares) – Huacahuasi - Mantanay

From the city of Cusco, it will be the beginning of a new adventure in the mountains, our private minivan will come to pick us up at 05:00 am, ready for a small stop in the Sacred Valley, Pisac city that still lives with an unimaginable history by the scenes that gives us, Calca is one of the cities considered as the heart of the Sacred Valley, where is the last stop for your breakfast. Continue the journey to Quiswarani - Lares (3 700 m / 12.150 ft), Along the way you will see small Andean communities, spectacular mountain landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas, as well as peasants (people of the villages in the area) in colorful as traditional costumes. After 3 hours of travel, we will have a stop before we start our Trek at the thermal baths of Lares (optional) we will know our expedition team which will accompany us during our journey. The first part is walking will be very soft where you can appreciate the beauty and charm of the area, also you will see an important snow as Veronica (5700) mt, a sacred mountain  Apu (God), then we will rest for a magnificent buffet lunch, appreciating the beautiful landscape that saves this place, then gradually Ascend on a beautiful trail for 2 hours to get to our first base camp, – (4000 m. You will have a spectacular start to the day since our team will offer you a typical tea of the Andes, the first breakfast with our team will be under the foothills of the mountains with colorful landscapes, there are native families conducting their daily lives where we will have the last opportunity to appreciate their native animals of the area around the camping site we will see Guinea pig, alpacas, the llama and guanaco. Then we will start to walk on an Inca trail and along our journey to observe the main product of the area as the potato, chuño and moraya (dried potato) is herds of llamas and alpacas developed in this part of the Andes (part of the family Camelidae) and local communities of people who still live in houses made of rocks. Farmers in Wakawasi can be seen along the walk. Then we climb to our destination the continuous rise up to get the highest point of our Trek, Auroraccasa pass (4600 m, 15134ft) and observe the  Auroracocha lagoon part of this lake is the water supply for drinking and also are transported by aqueducts to the fields, the mountains glaciers naked and thick consumed by global warming, after the impressive view will have a stop lunch. Then descend through a valley of Queuña (a native tree) along our descent stage will change completely colors more green and striking, the climate will make an amazing change. We can appreciate the crops of corn, the colorful landscape that accompanies along the downhill until you reach our base camp called Mantanay (3900 mt / 12795 ft).

• Climate: cold and wind in the day / night cold
• Distance: 12 km
• Walking time: 8 hours
• Maximum altitude: 4000 mt / 13123ft

Day 2: Mantanay - Yanahuara - Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The second day we will wake up a little bite late to appreciate better the natural environment and mystery that keeps this place since rest of the single day is pure descent to lower altitude by a bridle path until reaching the Sacred Valley and enjoy stunning views of the archaeological complex of Moray and Maras (salt mines), the mountains, the Valley, Queuña forest. Following the road to the village of Yanahuara. Walk takes 5 hours to reach the picturesque village of Yanahuara, where we will enjoy the last meal of the walk and goodbye to our staff, horseman, cooks and helpers. Soon we take our private minivan, 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo train station.

• Walking time: 5 hours
• Distance: 10 km
• Climate: warm
• Maximum altitude: 4600m / 15134 ft

Day 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco

The last day to take the first bus to the sacred city of Machu Picchu, if the weather will be perfect we will be able to see the Sunrise, the climate in Machu Picchu is very varied because it is in the eyebrow of the jungle. Our Guiding tour lasts approximately 2:30 hours where you will make the tour of the most important places and discover the mysteries of the city, after to get the proper information, you can explore on your own and take additional walks that surround to Machu Picchu, you have the opportunity to explore Machupicchu and Waynapicchu mountain, but for this mountains you need to book in advance, afternoon return to Aguas Calientes place where you can have meals because our to return by train to Ollantaytambo takes a long way back (18:45 pm) and the transport by car for cusco to reach Hotel (22:00 aproxm).

• Climate: warm
• Maximum altitude: 2400mt / 10120ft

Included:

• Transport
• Transport from the hotel to Valle de Lares
• Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (ROUND TRIP)
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
• 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

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)
• Tips for Inca Footsteps crew.
• Extra drinks

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.

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 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. 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.

• 2 wicking t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 3 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.

• Cuzco distance: approximately 140 km.
• Ecological floor: Puna – Quechua
• Access: road and trail.

The remote and ancient Inca settlement Laris formed culture Lares in what today is the Lares district previously it seems that the capital or Center was not the current capital of the district because there is not any vestige of ancient cultures, or the urban formation which is completely Spanish in the walls and foundations of buildings, thought Lares Culture Center was the town of Choquekancha, already displaced from the Citadel of Antawala. In the Colonial era (1535-1824), throughout the area of Lares, thus Choquekancha, was not exploited by the Spaniards found in a fully-rugged terrain, only maintained relations for trade in some products. During Republican time (1824 to the present day), the region acquired its peak forming part of the province of Calca, Department of Cusco, etymologically the word "Lares comes from that one of Aymara origin Laris which means maternal uncle and sometimes, all relative by the mother. With the passage of time, it is no doubt that for reasons of diction and the law of the least effort, staying in Lares.

• Altitude: 2200 mt to 4600 mt
• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Tour Type: alternative trek to Machu Picchu - Cultural and Ecological
• Group size: Minimum two paxs to open group
• Difficulty degree of this hike: Moderate.
• Ideal for: Adventures, couples, families, nature lovers and Intrepid people.
• Season: April to December