For trekkers wanting to stay away from the well-known and common tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has had very little change in the last 500 years, then a trek through the spectacular scenery of the Lares valley is a must.
This remote and rarely visited region offers avid trekkers a truly deep insight of the real lives of the Andean farmers. We will have the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas, along with amazing landscapes and refreshing hot springs.
The trek itself is a moderate one; however, there are two passes over 4500 meters/14760 feet above sea level, so it is essential that you be well acclimatized to the altitude. If arriving from sea level then you should plan to spend at least 2 days in Cusco and its surroundings before taking on this amazing trek.
Duration : 4 Days / 3 Nights.
Next Departures in shared group: Every Tuesday and Saturday
Group Size : 4 – 12 persons.
Frequency : All year.
Service: Private & Shared
Day 1: Cusco – Calca – Quiswarani – Cuncani
We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning in our comfortable, private bus and then begin our exciting trip through the Sacred Valley. We will ride for around 1 and a half hours until we reach the town of Calca for a quick break and to buy any last minute things. Our trip by bus continues on to Quiswarani village, where we meet our chef, horsemen, and horses and then start our trek.
We go up until we reach the beautiful Queuña Qocha lagoon and then we will arrive at the Huillcapunku pass (4400 m.a.s.l.), after we reach this ass we will have lunch while we enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Then we will continue the hike until we reach our first campiste in Cuncani Village.
Meals: L, D
| Distance Quiswarani-Cuncani | 14 k. |
| Estimated Walking time | 6 hours |
| Calca | 2900 m.a.s.l. |
| Quiswarani: | 3700 m.a.s.l. /12150 ft |
| Highest point: | 4400 m.a.s.l. . (hualkakasa pass) |
| Cuncani Campsite | 3900 m.a.s.l. |
Day 2: Cuncani – Mantanay
This is the most difficult and gratifying day.
Early in the morning we wake up and have breakfast. Then our hike begins and we walk for approximately 4 hours until we reach Chaqchapata where we will have our lunch. After we eat, we will continue the hike for about 2 more hours until we get to the Aruray pass (4450 m.a.s.l.), here we will be able to see the beautiful scenery with snow-capped mountains and a truly amazing lake.
From this point we will go down to walk near two lagoon and a Polylepis forest. There is a significant change in the scenery before we arrive at our beautiful campsite in Mantanay after approximately 2 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
| Distance Cuncani-Mantanay: | 16 km. |
| Estimated Walking Time : | 8 hours |
| Chaqchapata: | 3950 m.a.s.l. |
| Aruraicocha-Highest Point: | 4450 m.a.s.l.(Aruray pass) |
| Mantanay Campsite: | 3900 m.a.s.l. |
Day 3: Mantanay – Yanahuara – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast we will descend to lower altitude until we reach Yanahuara village, which is part of the Sacred Valley, where we will have lunch and also meet our private transport to go to the Ollantaytambo train station so we can take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here we will enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable lodging.
Meals: B L.D
| Distance Mantanay-yanahuara: | 12 km. |
| Estimated Walking Time: | 4 hours |
| Yanahuara: | 2700 m.a.s.l. |
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu-Cusco
Early in the morning, after a delicious breakfast in our lodging, we will take the bus up to Machupicchu; covering a distance of 8 kilometers, and 30 minutes later we will finally arrive at the wonderful Sanctuary to start our guided tour which will last approximately 2 hours. We will then have some free time to explore this beautiful citadel on our own.
After that we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where we have free time until the departure of the train to get back to Cusco.
In the Poroy train station, our private transport will pick you up to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: B.
| Aguas Calientes: | 2040 m.a.s.l. |
| Machupicchu: | 2400 m.a.s.l. |
| Huanapicchu Mountain | 2700 m.a.s.l. |
| Machupicchu Mountain | 3150 m.a.s.l. |
- Campsites are subject to change according to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.
Included
| Information: Private & Shared| | Private Serv. | Shared Serv. |
| Transfer by bus from Cusco to Quishuarani | yes | yes |
| Machupicchu entrance ticket | yes | yes |
| Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes | yes | yes |
| Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco | Vistadome * | Expeditions* |
| Professional Guide | yes | yes |
| Cook (In charge of meal preparation) | yes | yes |
| Muleteer and mules to carry tents, food and cooking equipment | yes | yes |
| Emergency horse | yes | No |
| Mules can carry your backpack for a maximum of: | 10 kilos | 5 kilos |
| Meals: 2 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners | yes | yes |
| Double accommodation in Aguas Calientes | Hotel | Hostel |
| 2 people in each 3-person-capacity tent | yes | yes |
| Matress (sleeping pad) | Air | foam |
| Dinning tent, bathroom tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle. | yes | yes |
| Tranfer from Train Station to Hotel | yes | yes |
Not Included / aditionals
| Service | Price |
| Feather sleeping bag | US$5 per day |
| Syntetic sleeping bag | US$4 per day |
| Trekking poles rental | US$5 per day |
| Single accommodation | US$25 |
| Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes | US$20 |
Fixed Departures
- Every Tuesday and Saturday
