Lares Trek, Cuncani to Machu Picchu

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

• Day 1: Walking Tour Cuzco City.
• Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Inkas Cusco-CALCA, Lares-Hot Springs – Cuncani.
• Day 3: Cuncani – Ipsaycocha.
• Day 4: Ipsayqocha- willoq.
• Day 5: Machu Picchu.
• Day 6: End of tour Cusco.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days

The Lares trek is definitely one of the best options for travelers. An alternative route to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but through a more authentic path without many tourists. The Lares trek combines Beautiful scenery views tranquility for some of you this would be the best tour to get off the noise of the big cities, Inca archaeological remains and tasty local native communities to teach their ancestral customs. Unlike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this route is less traveled and is available almost all year. This tour ends with a flourish, with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu.

Day 1- Walking Tour Cuzco City

Upon arrival in Cusco we will pick you up and take you to your chosen hotel. In the afternoon, we will tour the city walking the old cobblestone streets and visiting not only the most important places and some other points of interest but also markets, local and traditional neighborhoods. The walking tour is the best option to discover Cusco city as a tourist destination. You will have free time to wander around. In the afternoon we will pick you up from your hotel and we will start by visiting Cusco Cathedral which is one of the finest Colonial Cathedrals in the Latinamerica. Building started in 1560 and was completed in 1664. More than 90 years of sacrifice and effort Situated on the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral owes many treasures, history and mysteries in the Plaza de Armas every year there are celebrations can be cultural can be religious.

Qoricancha (from the Quechua word Qori Qancha meaning (‘Temple of the Sun’).one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire, it was built to the Sun the father of the INCAS in the 17th century when Spanish arrived every temple was destroyed to the ground but QORICANCHA has survived and still stands to the eye of the world on the side of Qoricancha there is Santo Domingo church Driving to Tambomachay. Situated at 3.700 m of sea level a Quechua word ( Tampu machay ) the place where people can rest a short period of time. it could also be the bath of the Ñusta ( the Inca princess) it is also believed the sanctuary to the cult of water. Next stop will be Puka Pukara Quechua word ( red fortress).

This is an Inca archaeological site it was a military and administrative site it was built to control, provide security and defend the Cusco city, as well as the control of the route to Calca that led to the Antisuyo (Forest County of the Inca). The route then goes to the carved rocks of the Temple of the Moon and through the maze of rocks and tunnels of the Temple of the Monkey before arriving at Qenqo. is believed to be a multifunctional religious site was also a place of Andean worldview where nature converges and the space around us and astrological observatory, commissioned by people specifically looking for the seasons, the wise INKAS this archaeological site is unique, here the carving of many animals can be seen in high relief were considered secondary gods in the time of the Incas, and consists of rests formed by rocks with stairs in a zigzag, and a main building similar to a circular amphitheatre where 19 window sills are located as a way of seats.

You then move on to one of the most important Inca sites in South America, the enormous fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Scene of epic battles between Conquistadores and Incas, brave inka warriors protecting the citadel against the Spaniards, an ancient Inca story of Captain Cahuide he remained more than three days fighting the Spaniards killing one of the pizarro brothers, after having been alone and no one else around, Cahuide bravely threw himself in one of the towers to avoid being killed by the hands of the Spaniards. this cannot fail to impress. While the high towers that once dominated the skyline were long since razed to the ground, the sheer scale of the zigzag stone walls is a sight to behold. Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of approximately 20,000 men. The stone was dragged from 20 miles away and still today we are not quite sure how they moved the huge megaliths into place. Some of its external walls exceed 30 feet in height and the largest stone weighs over 350 tonnes. From Sacsayhuaman we will head down to.

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Inkas Cusco-CALCA, Lares-Hot Springs – Cuncani

First stop Calca town where we can buy some food and some candies for the children during the route After sacred valley we go to the thermal baths of Lares Valley. After arriving we will meet the cooks and porters who will accompany us throughout the walk. Horses bear all food and camping equipment. The first part of the walk is 2 hours uphill to get to where Cuncani establish our first camp.

Day 3: Cuncani – Ipsaycocha

We woke up early for breakfast. Today is the longest and hardest day of the entire route , as you will walk between 5 and 7 hours at high altitude. We started walking in the direction of Huacawasi, Andean community producing high quality textiles and finesse ! We take here to learn about the people and why not see how they make their colorful ponchos and hats ! We walked through a demanding climb to the mountain pass Ipsayqocha ( 4,450 m), from where we enjoyed panoramic views that will leave us speechless. We see many snowy peaks such as Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Chicon and Veronica. From here we descend for about 1 hour to reach the lagoon Ipsaycocha place to camp tonight.

Day 4: Ipsayqocha- willoq

Today we walk downhill for 4 hours, through local communities like Willoq ( 3,400 m ) and Pumamarca ( 3,200 m ). Finally, we reach Ollantaytambo ( 2,850 m). Ollantaytambo, in here we will have one hour of guided tour after being at high mountain peaks in here we can be more confortable with the weather and enjoy the view of this incredibly national archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.

After we will take the train to Aguas Calientes ( 2,050 m), a small town that is a gateway to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We have the afternoon free to rest and prepare us for our visit the next day.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Early breakfast at the hotel and take a bus to the main entrance of Machu Picchu (2,400 m). We have a guided tour in which we show all the beauty of the Inca citadel, one of the known world. Intihuatana visit the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Moon, platforms, ceremonial fountains, the Puerta del Sol and other parts of this impressive building. In the afternoon we took the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then the train to Ollantaytambo (or Cusco), where we boarded our transport back to Cusco.

Day 6: End of tour Cusco

After breakfast we will take you to the airport for your flight to Lima.

What is included?

• Professional Guides: All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.
• Hotels: Included in this tour is a one evening stay in Cusco and a one evening stay in Aguas Calientes. We can easily add extra nights before or after the tour, if needed. Let our team know if you are interested in extending and we will give you a quote. Rooms are based on double occupancy. There is a surcharge for a single room. Upgraded hotels are always possible. We can also book the tour without any hotels, if you prefer to book them on your own.
• Transportation: All your transportation is included on this tour. We will pick you up from your hotel around 1 p.m., on the first morning, and will make sure you are escorted until your are brought back to your hotel around 8 p.m. the final evening.
• Train Tickets : Train tickets are in Expeditions tourist class , from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is at 7.00 pm and from Aguas Calientes to Ollanatyatmbo is at 4.20 pm, if you hoping to upgrade to Vistadome train then is $ 75 one way and $100 round trip, 3.37 pm from Ollantaytambo and 4.43 pm from Agaus Calientes to poroy.
• Professional TOUR Guides
• Briefing
• Porters & Horsemen
• Emergency Horse
• Hotel
• Transportation
• Equipment
• Food
• Water
• FirstAid

Does not include:

• Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep, if you are scared of heights. This is done without your tour guide, after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75 per person. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance, due to popularity. Please understand that weather is out of our control.
• Flights: Flying to Cusco can be tricky. Delays occur often and it is not uncommon for flights to be cancelled. Please be sure to arrive in the city at least two days before your trek start date. LAN Peru is the most reliable of the airlines. Avianca and Peruvian Airlines are acceptable companies, as well. You will not return from your trek until around 8 p.m. on day two, so be sure your flight is not until the next day, when leaving Cusco.
• Gratuities: Tipping is always appreciated and should be based completely on your satisfaction. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
• Travel Insurance: This is not required, but always recommended. For those of you who live at sea-level, landing in Cusco will take an adjustment period. Most people need one or two days to adjust. In case you have a hard time adjusting to the altitude, it is suggested to have protection for missed tours.
• Rentals

Every trekker needs a sleeping bag, when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional, but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:

• Sleeping Bag: $20
• Inflatable Air Mattress: $15
• Walking Sticks (Pair): $15
• Huayna Picchu $ 😯