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(526)
Easy
4 Days
Lares Trek is one of the treks to Machu Picchu, an alternative to the Inca Trail. Going off the beaten track with visits to authentic Andean communities while surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys, this fabulous trek offers a real insight into the life of the people of Cusco as it was before. The route we offer starts in the village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley and ends at the hot springs of Lares with a visit to the village of Cuncani on the way. On day 3 of the trek you take a bus from Lares to Ollantaytambo and then continue by train to Machu Picchu.
An exceptional alternative to the Inca Trail is Lares. This trail is off the beaten path and has hardly changed since Inca times.
Hidden within the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Andes, it is part of Peru, where it has all the appeal of the Inca Trail as a magical mountain landscape and the legacy of the Incas, but without the crowds of tourists.
An exceptional alternative to the extremely busy Inca Trail, the Lares Valley is so far off the beaten path that it has changed little in the last 500 years. With original Inca trails, spectacular and diverse landscapes, and the promise of a glimpse of life as it used to be in Peru, it is surprising that the area is untouched by tourism. Yet somehow it retains an authenticity unlike anywhere else in Peru. Travel here and you will meet Andean peasants dressed in brightly colored traditional ponchos, wandering through markets trading as they have done for centuries, see stone and adobe houses with thatched roofs, and herds of llamas and alpacas roaming free.
The Lares Valley is especially known for its brightly colored, high quality weavings and distinctive hats, and many of the most popular tourist markets are supplied from here. There are variations on this hike according to how much time you have available.
Although there are always people in this area not far away, they often do not speak Spanish. If you wish to bring mules or porters and a guide, you should probably arrange this through one of the agencies in Cusco.
The trek itself has a moderate rating, similar to the Inca Trail. However, there is a pass of over 4000 meters, so it is essential that you are well acclimatized to the altitude. If arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 days in Cusco and the surrounding area before undertaking the trek.
Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we drive to the provincial town of Calca, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and climb north to a spectacular high pass before descending to the village of Lares on the eastern slope of the Andes. Here we take a delicious dip in a hot spring in the meadows outside the town and then enjoy a picnic lunch.
We then begin a leisurely half-day hike through the valley of the Trapiche River, before arriving at the village of Huacahuasi, where we camp for the night. Huacahuasi (3,600 m / 11,800 ft) is an authentic Andean community located in an impressive valley. Here you can observe the typical constructions of the Quechua communities that live at high altitude.
We climb steadily, crossing an open landscape, covered with plants and flowers hugging the ground, among Andean grass pastures scattered by herds of alpacas and llamas.
Reaching an altitude of 4,500 m (14,760 ft), we cross the Ipsayccasa pass. The pass offers impressive views from La Veronica Mountain (5,750 m / 18,864 ft) and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. We then descend to Ipsaycocha. We may see Andean geese, ibis and other waterfowl in the wetlands as we travel through the heart of this Quechua village, which are locally nicknamed “Huayruros”. These jungle seeds have two colors: black and red; similar to those of the villagers’ dress.
We arrive at the village of Patacancha, a well-known Andean textile community that still preserves the ancient Quechua traditions and dress code. We set up our camp nearby and spend the night in the middle of a breathtaking landscape.
Our transportation takes us through the valley to Pallata, where we will see the Inca ruins of the Inca site of Pumamarca (Puma people). After arriving in Ollantaytambo, from here we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Tonight you will have accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes.
Early breakfast, then we will visit Machu Picchu. You will have free time to explore, take pictures and of course if you have the energy, choose to climb Huaynapicchu mountain which has the best view of the city to offer. This will take approximately 2 hours up and back, you should also arrive early as there are only 400 people per day that can walk.
After free time you will have a guided tour of 2 hours, then it is time to go by bus to Aguas Calientes, then return to Ollantaytambo by train, at the train station the bus will be waiting for us to return to Cusco.
All our travel experiences can be customized with one of our exclusive accommodations in Ollantaytambo. Before reaching Machu Picchu, you can enjoy spending the night with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. Ask our travel expert about one of these two options.
At StarDome Peru, the unparalleled mountaintop views are combined with authentic immersion with our native family, the local Quechua culture, and the spiritual history of the Valley. Through connection with Mother Earth, StarDome offers a deep dive into personally curated, once-in-a-lifetime adventures and cultural experiences in the Sacred Valley.
Our suites have a structure made of glass that will allow you to have a privileged view of 360°. Each of them includes a private bathroom with bathrobes and organic amenities for your care. Also, they have a private balcony and a view of the Andes Mountains, you will see sightings of Andean condors in their natural habitat.
Remember that you are packing for 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). From us, these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
Backpacks can be of any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed inside. If they are larger, they should be stored outside the gates of the citadel.
Valid passport, STUDENT CARD Immigration card (issued on the plane when entering Peru) Good backpack (the smaller the better) Water storage: water reservoirs such as Camelbacks are recommended, but enough for at least 2-3 liters. light with good soles)
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