LARES
TREK
Invigorating thermal baths, welcoming local communities and picturesque andean villages surrounded by green hills and snow-capped mountains are only a few of the things you will experience on this alternative route to Machu Picchu. The Lares trek will give you a unique insight into authentic rural life in the peruvian Andes, as we will be spending time with a local family.
Because the people we meet along the way still live like they used to do hundreds of years ago, you will learn about authentic traditional culture and customs straight from the source.
ITINERARY
Duration: 4 days
Activity level: Moderate
Season: All year
Day 1 – Cusco – Lares – Wakawasi
We will depart from Cusco to Lares in the morning and drive through through the Sacred Valley for approximately 3 hours. On our way to Lares we will stop in the picturesque village of Calca and purchase some gifts at the market for the local families. After this we drive to Lares While lunch is being prepared, we enjoy the invigorating properties of the natural hot springs. After lunch we have lots of energy and walk for 4 hours to the village of Wakawasi. On the way we will see llama herders, agricultural landscape and see how traditional weavers work - all surrounded by spectacular landscape. We make camp in Wakawasi and have a delicious dinner.
Day 2 – Wakawasi – Patacancha
After breakfast we will start trekking uphill for 4 hours until we reach the Ipsayccocha Pass (4400m). This is the highest point of our trek, and we will learn about anciant inka history and feel the energy from the Apus - the holy mountains. From here we will walk for another hour and have lunch next to a beautiful glacial lake. After lunch we walk another four hours to Patacancha, where we will camp for the night. Patacancha is a beautiful rural village where they produce textiles amidst rich farm country.
Day 3 – Patacancha – Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Today we have the opportunity of taking part in the traditional andean life. Villagers will share their extensive knowlegde in texile colouring and weaving, corn and potato farming as well as animal keeping. Forget about modern machines - here land is cultivated and textiles are produced the way of their ancestors, and by taking part of this trek we are supporting the existence of this important cultural heritage. We will share a delicious peruvian meal with the host family. After lunch we drive to Ollantaytambo where we will take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. Here we will check in to our hotel, have dinner and go to bed early.
Day 4 – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollyantaytambo - Cusco
Today is the day! We will get up very early in the morning, have a light breakfast and wait for the bus to take us up to the main gate of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes 25 minutes, and we will try to be first in line when the gates open at 6am. For around two hours, one of our passionate guides will show you around the city of Machu Picchu and talk about its fascinating history and significance. After the tour you have time to explore Machu Picchu at your own leisure before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus. From here you will take the train to Ollyantaytambo where a bus to Cusco will be waiting for you.
This package is an outline of how one trip may be like. Of course we can customize this trip to match your specific needs. We are flexible during the trek, so that we may make changes to the itinerary along the way if that suits you better. Contact us for more detailed information on options and we will work together on creating the perfect experience for you!