DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR
Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel
where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height,
will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest you have a light
lunch either at your hotel or in one of the surrounded; in the afternoon we
will depart on a guided city tour, where tourist have the opportunity to
visit 6 places (entrance to the archaeological centers and museums
including) we will visit the Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple
of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological
centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay,
tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main square in order you can take
dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight. (No
meals included)
NOTES:
*City tour: from 1.45pm to 6:30pm approx. (Pickup from the hotel starts at
1:15pm)
*Optional Buffet Dinner with Folkloric Show: Adding $30 per person
LARES TREK 4 DAYS
Unlike the popular trekkings in Cusco, walking through the Lares Valley
takes us to see real remote places, a destination still unknown by many. You
can say without doubt that this is a journey into the heart of the Andes
where few tourists have been encouraged to venture. This wonderful trail
will take you to beautiful natural landscapes with beautiful lakes, adorned
with stunning and breathtaking glaciers. This is a totally different world
from ours, an Andean paradise where the inhabitants of small villages still
use ancient forms of life. This wonderful trip also allows the Sanctuary of
Machu Picchu, voted one of the 7 wonders of our planet.
DAY 2: CUSCO - QUISHUARANI (LARES)-CUNCANI-YANACOCHA
At scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel by our
representative, then board a vehicle to take you to the community of Lares,
through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking a detour through the town of
Calca. The trip to Lares offers by the presence of interesting scenarios of
the Andean peoples that exist in the route. We recommend bringing a camera
always ready, as there are sections where the landscape presents views to
remember. It will be ideal bringing some food for this trip, since the trip
to the community of Lares takes about 3 hours. We recommend fruits and gifts
for children of these villages, it is certain that we will find them
welcoming us to the community of Quishuarani (3,700 meters above sea level),
which is the starting point for the walk. Throughout the tour, we visit
small Andean communities, spectacular landscapes and mountains, herds of
llamas and alpacas, and have the company of peasants (people from local
villages) in colorful traditional costumes. Carriers will have horses and
the help of travel assistants. Begin the beautiful hike through the Andes
with a gentle climb from 3700 to 4200 m, at which point you get to the lake
called Queuña Cocha, where you can see Mount Sawasiray (5400 m) and
Colquhoun Cruz (5600 meters) Here we will find a short climb, the more
pronounced in the first tranche. Hualcacasa (4400 meters), Mount Veronica
(5700 m, a sacred mountain to Apu in the Valley). It is frequent to see this
in the high mountains, after which it descends for 30 minutes to reach the
lunch place, located next to the picturesque "Seven Lakes". After lunch, we
will begin the descent, which will take about 30 minutes through community
Cuncani. Then, little by little, for two hours, we will ascend the beautiful
slopes in order to get to our second point, Qolqecasa (4200 m). After 30
minutes of descent, find beautiful lakes and waterfalls, to finally arrive
at approximately 16:30 pm at Yanacocha, where we will camp overnight. (B, L,
D)
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum altitude: 4200 M
Minimum Altitude: 3700 M
Distance traveled: 14km
Approximate Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.
DAY 3: YANACOCHA-WAKAWASI-MANTANAY
After breakfast, at 6.30 am, we will leave Yanacocha and gradually descend
for about 2 hours to Chaqchapata (3950 m).
We will be able to see the potato crops, herds of llamas and alpacas that
are developed in this part of the Andes (part of the camelid family), as
well as the local communities of people still in our time continue to live
in farmhouses made of stone. Along the slope can be seen Chaqchapata
farmers. 30 minutes later you will find Wakawasi. Then go up to about one
hour and a half for our lunch in “Hierba Esponjosa” (spongy grass). We will
also see a glacial stream, Champacocha.
After our lunch break, climb for about an hour to reach the highest point
our walk, Auroracasa pass (4600 m) where we can see the lagoon Auroracocha.
From Auroracasa we will descend to the two lagoons, where you will be
allowed to take pictures of this beautiful landscape, and then enter the
valley of Queuña. At this point it is inevitable notice a change of scenery
with beautiful mountains, before reaching our campsite after a journey of
approximately 2 hours. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum altitude: 4600 M
Minimum Altitude: 3950 M
Distance traveled: 16km
Approximate Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours.
DAY 4: MANTANAY-YANAHUARA
After breakfast, at 7:30 am, we will start our walk that will bring us a
much easier day, as we descend to lower altitudes and enjoy breathtaking
views of the areas of Maras Moray and Salineras, the mountains and the
valley Queuña. You will notice the sudden change of climate and environment,
and will see local farmers and agricultural crops in corn, potatoes and
vegetables. The tour takes about 4 hours, after which it reaches the
picturesque town of Yanahuara, where we will enjoy the last lunch together
on our trip before the departure of our staff, leaving the horses and
horsemen. A private bus will take us to the station of Ollantaytambo, where
we board the train for a 2-hour trip to the city of Machu Picchu, Aguas
Calientes. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum altitude: 3900 M
Minimum Altitude: 2700 M
Distance traveled: 12km
Approximate Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHUPICCHU-OLLANTAYTAMBO
Very early, at 5:30 am, after the breakfast we will depart to experience a
perfect visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu. You will need to leave early to
avoid congestion with other groups of tourists and enjoy the spectacular
view of sunrise over the mountains of Machu Picchu. To reach the ruins of
Machu Picchu, it is necessary to take the local bus. This short bus ride
takes only 20 minutes, and runs an unpaved track, very steep and winding
through a jungle and mountain features stunning views. Finally, we arrive at
Machu Picchu, where our guide will accompany us on a tour of the most
important sectors of this beautiful citadel. In Machu Picchu we will go 2
hours with our guide and visit the agricultural area, consisting of sets of
agricultural terraces, the urban area where the occupants lived and where
some of the main civil and religious activities.
We will also visit the Intiwatana of Machu Picchu, located on the top of the
citadel, the Temple of the Sun, the Condor and other major sectors. Later we
have free time to explore the city on our own account. Around 13:00, we will
be taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where lunch is scheduled. Next,
take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then we will be transported in a
comfortable tourist bus to Cusco. The trip to the Cusco will take
approximately 4 hours. Crews will pick up participants at the train station
and directs them to their hotels. (B,L)
Maximum altitude: 2400 M
Minimum Altitude: 2000 M
Distance: 0 km
Approximate time of Visit: 3 to 4 hours.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDED:
Briefing time one or two days before the trek.
Transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek
Professional English speaking guide.
Assistant guide from more than 9 passengers.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: breakfast L: lunch D: dinner)
High Mountain Tents
One inflatable sleeping pad per person.
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Cook and cooking equipment
Mules (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
Mules to carry personal gear up to a Maximum of 5kg per person (including
sleeping bag and sleeping pad).
Duffle bags for personal luggage, per person.
All camp waste is hauled out of the park
Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners + daily morning snack).
Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
One Textile Snack Bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that
contaminate our environment.
Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled
water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch
time if requested with enough time ahead.
Comprehensive first-aid kit including oxygen bottles
Train tickets
Transfer from the train station- hotel in Cusco
OUR SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:
Sleeping bag (can be hired at an extra cost in Cusco)
Extra Mules
Fourth Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Walking poles.
Admission Ticket to Huaynapicchu U$D 18
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the
trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from
the village center, entrance fee is s/10.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be
hired in Aguas Calientes.
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Dinner on the last day
Extra services not mentioned in the program
Tips for guides, porters or chefs and extra expenses
WHAT WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos
can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also
recommended, especially for sleeping
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold
conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been
reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is
very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients
being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in
our selection
Water container and water for the first morning.
Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed. Plastic water
containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from
streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled
water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
Original passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for
a student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to
damage the soil)
TRAIN SERVICES:
The Vistadome connect your senses through a sophisticated and sensory
travel experience; is the ideal train for those who want to be in contact
with the environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Picchu.
Surrounded entirely by glass and wagons with large panoramic windows
offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to capture
amazing pictures, Vistadome travelers feel connected and part of the
impressive landscape of Peru.
The Vistadome also has air conditioning and heating, leather seats that
adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the entire trip and
has a different service, which allows the visitor to be immersed and feel
the Andean culture through its landscapes, music, dance and even food
carefully prepared with local ingredients
The Expedition
is a travel experience with all the quality and
benefits at a lower cost. Is a service designed for the traveler’s comfort,
with four passenger seats located in front of each other, so you can share
your experience, and for the faithful backpack that is always with you we
offer racks placed above the seats. Also, this train has panoramic windows,
air conditioning and heating, and Andean music that creates a cheerful
atmosphere.
DAY 6: TRANSFER OUT
Breakfast and according time, transportation will be provided to go the
airport (B).
END OF SERVICES |
Click to enlarge
Cusco by Night
Ollantaytambo
ruins
Machu Picchu
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