DAY 1: Cusco - Calca - Lares Hot Springs (optional) - Cuncani Village

Off to Andes Realm

Your Inca Footsteps Trek Guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am, next, we’ll drive to Calca town through the Sacred Valley where we’ll have a short stop to grab some breakfast and get some items for children along the trail. We’ll then keep driving to Lares hot springs crossing the Amparaes Pass (4,500m/ 14,764 ft) for 2 hours and 30 more minutes. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we’ll meet up with our local muleteers, horses, and get ourselves introduced to them, and make our rucksacks ready to get the adventure started.

Following the meeting, we’ll start our hike up the highland valley close by to local houses, as we’ll get hiking further, we’ll start seeing some llamas and alpacas close by, the perfect time to snap some great shots of course. The first section to the lunch spot on day 1 is basically gentle, the trail goes up gradually for 2 hours. Today, we’ll have lunch at a nice scenic spot (3,650m/ 12.139ft).

After lunch, we’ll still hike for 2 more hours to our first campsite located in Cuncani Village at an elevation of 3,850m/ 12,631ft. Upon our arrival at the campsite, our crew will welcome you, you will have time to take a rest and change into something warmer clothes before tea time. At this campsite, we will spend some time mingling with local children dressed nicely and colorfully. Later, we’ll enjoy our just-made dinner followed by a briefing for the second day. Lunch and dinner included.

• Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles.
• Hiking Time: 6 hours.
• Lowest elevation: 3,350m / 10,991ft (trailhead).
• Highest elevation: 3,850m/ 12,631ft (campsite).
• Meals: Lunch, tea time, dinner, and snacks with option for vegetarians.
• Highlight: Hiking in the Andean valleys with pretty scenic views, interact with local people (children), llama and alpaca herds along the trail, and camping in a highland village.
• Accommodation type: Tents (roomy 4-season tents, 3 people tents are used for 2 people) come with inflatable mattresses and a pillow.

Physical Level

Moderate

DAY 2: Cuncani Village - Sicllacasa Pass – Cuyuq

Reaching over 15,748 feet.

You’ll be woken up with a hot tea or coffee in the morning still in our tents and we’ll have a nutritious breakfast, which will make us ready for the toughest day. Next, we’ll start hiking up to the highest point for 4 hours, we’ll be rewarded with beautiful highland scenery of snow-capped mountains, llamas, and alpacas, we can even spot condors soaring overhead if we are lucky, an important symbol of the Incan people.

After strenuous hiking, we’ll reach the pass called Sicllacasa located at 4,800 m/ 15,748 ft, this place offers us some of the most stunning vistas in every direction. At this place, we’ll have time to rest and make some offerings to the mountain spirits and Pachamama (Mother Earth). After taking some pictures and resting, we’ll walk downhill for 1 hour to reach our lunch spot.

Following lunch, the trail comes all downhill until the next campsite for 3 hours. This evening we’ll stay at the campsite called Cuyoq (4,100m/ 13,451ft) where we’ll have our afternoon tea followed by a delicious dinner. All meals included.

• Hiking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles.
• Hiking Time: 9 – 10 hours.
• Lowest elevation: 4,100m/ 13,451ft (camp site).
• Highest elevation: 4,800m/ 15,748ft (pass).
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner, and snacks.
• Highlight: Llama and alpaca herds along the trail, reaching the highest point, beautiful lakes along the trail, and camping in a highland valley.
• Accommodation type: Tents (roomy 4-season tents, 3 people tents are used for 2 people) come with inflatable mattresses and a pillow.

Physical Level

Moderate to Demanding

DAY 3: Cuyuq - Pumahuanca Valley - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu Town 

Hike and train to Machu Picchu: Closer and closer to this iconic place.

After breakfast, we’ll walk downhill for 3 – 4 hours through Pumahuanca highland valley, passing many Queuña native trees towards Pumahuanca village located in the Sacred Valley, which is located at 2,950m/ 9,678 ft.

As we descend, we’ll see the change in flora, fauna, and temperature. When we arrive at the lunch spot, we´ll have the last lunch prepared by our cook. After lunch, we’ll say goodbye to our cook and muleteers, right after this farewell ceremony, we’ll settle in and scan the scenery for 30 minutes from the convenience of a private vehicle until the Ollantaytambo train station. Once at the train station, we’ll go aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the train ride to Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes Town) for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival in the town, we’ll walk to our hotel and make our hotel check-in. Later, we’ll have dinner at one of the local restaurants (this dinner is not included). Breakfast and lunch included.

• Hiking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles.
• Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours.
• Lowest elevation: 2,950m/ 9,678 ft (end of the trail).
• Highest elevation: 4,100m/ 13,451ft (last campsite).
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
• Highlight: Hiking through the highland forest, train journey to Aguas Calientes town, cozy hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
• Train schedule: It can be at 3:37 pm or a later train in expedition class (depends on the availability).
• Accommodation type: Hotel at a 3-star hotel.

Physical Level

Moderate

DAY 4: Guided Tour at Machu Picchu - Cusco 

Bucket list fulfilled!

After an early breakfast at the hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes Town), we’ll take the bus to Machu Picchu’s main entrance for 25 minutes, this morning, you’ll have a 3-hour private guided tour of this spectacular and mystical site.

This private guided tour includes walking through the different sections of the city like shrines, granaries, farming terraces, dwellings, solar observatory, and much more where you’ll learn the real significance of this unique place from your guide. If you have booked a permit for Huayna Picchu Mountain, you’ll either climb the mountain before or after the tour because the tickets are subject to availability.

In the unlikely event that Huayna Picchu tickets are not available for your departure date, you will climb Machu Picchu Mountain instead. If you are planning to hike one of these mountains, please let us know at the moment of booking to purchase an extra ticket. After Machu Picchu exploration, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes town where we’ll celebrate our Lares Trek accomplishment with some Pisco Sours or Inca Kola and why not with a roast guinea pig. We’ll eventually take the train to Ollantaytambo from Ollantaytambo, you’ll be transferred by private van to your hotel in Cusco city. End of the adventure. Only breakfast included.

• Highlight: The lost city of the Incas “Machu Picchu”
• Train schedule: It can be at 1:37 pm, 2:55 pm, or 3:20 pm or a later train in expedition class (depends on the availability).

Physical Level

Easy to Moderate

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