1st Day: 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

The art of Andean textiles

The local tradition of weaving textiles in the Andes dates from ages ago. Numerous indigenous communities in the region, like the Huacawasi have preserved their knowledge and techniques of weaving textiles, as well as their ancient fashion. The weaving is done in a traditional way, using a weaving tool, consisting in 2 bars with a weaving thread in between. The local people take the wool from the lama’s to make their traditional cloting with. The woolfirst is first spun and then colored with natural dyeing such as flowers. Every community is distinguished by its proper colors and drawings, representing the daily activities of the local communities.

We will spend the afternoon accompanied by the local women of the community, which will teach us the secrets of the weaving, from the shaving of the lama’s until the fashionable clothes. This will be the perfect opportunity to buy a local, craft-made souvenir from your trip to Peru.

2nd Day: 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

3rd Day: 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

4th Day: 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

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.

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.

The Lares Valley is home of many traditional weavers and farmers and famous for homemade textiles. The indigenous people of this area speak Quechua and Spanish and will often give you a chance to weave something yourself.

The Lares trek is one of the main alternatives to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is slightly shorter and higher in altitude than the Inca Trail; it is accessible from Cusco. Unlike the Inca Trail, permits are not required to hike the Lares Trek.

Lares Trek via Yanahuara to Machu Picchu 4 Days

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