Lares Trail Peru & Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights
Review
Lares trail Peru& Short Inca Trail 2 days, one of the most spectacular treks in the Urubamba range takes us through the Andean landscape and the home of the Incas direct descendants. In these communities we will be able to observe local customs and animal husbandry methods unchanged since Inca times. During this 5-day experience well see archaeological and cultural wonders, Machu Picchu and the spectacular Lares Trek Valley with its cascading waterfalls, crystal clear streams and abundance of plant and wildlife. Relax in the outdoor thermal pools near the colonial town of Lares and visit the unique town of Ollantaytambo, the one remaining example of Inca urban planning still in use today. The trip ends with an unforgettable visit to the jewel in the Inca crown, the fabled Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Tour Location: This tour is located in the district of lares, province of Urubamba and department of Cusco.
Type of tour: This tour is a combination of trekking and culture of 5 days. It will pass through the Urubamba mountain range among the native communities of Lares and culminating in the short Inca Trail of 2 days, with nights of camping under the stars.
Recommended: For those who enjoy long treks, between families and children.
Difficulty: Moderate, challenging.
Considerations: Permit required (Altitude Experience will book it for you). An emergency horse will be assigned along the way and a permit is required for the short Inca Trail. This tour is an alternative trekking to the routes in Cusco, with views of amazing landscapes and a lot of culture. If you are planning to do this magnificent trek, check out the details of the itinerary we have for you. “We look forward to taking responsibility for your next adventures in Cusco.”
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Cuncani Community – Quishuarani
We will pick you up from your hotel and travel by road from Cusco through the town of Pisaq and Calca, from here we start driving along the gorge of Machacancha, we past a several villages like Totora, we can see a stone Inca path before we arrive to Quellopuyto pass where we have a spectacular views of Collque Cruz mountain (5,818 mt / 19,083 ft.) a short stop and we continue down to Valley of Lares, where will enjoy the nearby natural thermal pools. From here we will begin our mule / llama assisted trek to campsite at Quncani (3,700mt/12,136ft.).
Camp Elevation: 3,850 meters / 1,2631 fort Trekking
Weather: Cold
Distance: 10 km/ 6.21371 miles
Day 2: Quishuarani Community – Cancha Cancha
On our second day we will trek to the high pass at Uchuycasa (4,400 mt/14,432 ft), in the way up we use a part of the Inca trails system and observe the water fall of crystal water, lakes with large number of Andean birds like Puna Ibis, Andean Goose, perhaps a Condor flying near of the mountain clefs, after arrive to the pass downwards to Quishuarani valley on meddle of Puna vegetation and typical forest of Qeunas (polilepys ssp), we arrive near of the village of Quishuarani (3700mt/12,139ft). A challenging views of the snow cape mountains, then descends to yanacocha lake and yuraccocha lake with the views of Chicon Mountain (5,530 mt/18,138 ft.) a friendly alpacas and llamas shapers, time for lunch before continue our hike down to our campsite at grass roof and stone houses of Cancha Cancha village (3,900mt/12,792 ft). Time to share a experiences with a local families, buy some of the weaving offer us well, where we will spend the night.
Camp Elevation: 12,303 ft / 3,850 meters
Weather: Cold
Elevation Gain: 2,750 ft / 870 meters
Walking Distance: 15 km
Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras salt Mine – Ollantaytambo
We will wake up very early, to start our day and have a good breakfast, as this day will be an amazing day with many breathtaking views of the most remote places of the city of the Incas. After breakfast, we will continue with our walk to reach the small town and visit the local school, where the ancient teachings are still maintained, this day will be beautiful, we will pass through roads where there is a lot of flora and fauna, we will have an intercultural change with the communities,they will teach us to grow potatoes, beans and other crops, we will learn so much that you will take an unforgettable memory. Already continuing with the walk we will have to decenser towards the sacred valley, where the ecosystem changes are different, different types of cultivation and agriculture, where you will end your walk in the community of huaran located 2700 m / 8,858. Here will be our last day with our travel team. We will take our private transportation and head towards maras, 11000 feet high, maras has been used since pre-Inca times, salt mines that are still preserved and are of great importance to our communities, they say that the salt that is extracted has minerals and healing properties. Visiting this place will make you ski many years ago, then we will continue to our destination ollantaytambo where we will spend the night and get ready for the next day that will be an unmissable day.
Ollantaytambo Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,562 ft
Weather: Cold
Walking Distance: 6.2 miles / 7 km
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes
This day will be great, we will get up very early to take the first tourist train heading to kilometer 104. As soon as we get to this point, we will cross a bridge to the registration point. Then we will continue with our walk to the ruins of chacha bamba, altar of stones for the sun. After a visit to chachabamba we will continue the Trail to where we will begin to climb the mountain. After walking for 3 hours, we will arrive at a beautiful waterfall. Where you can enjoy a short break to continue with our trek to Wiñaywayna where you can see Inca trails, tambos and resting places and finally arriving at Inti Punku (sun gate) from the highest you can contemplate and observe this wonderful place and incredible views towards Machu Picchu, you will have time for many photos , to then descend to Machu Picchu and take our bus that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes where We will spend the night in a hotel with an amazing view of the city and have dinner at a local restaurant so we are ready for the next day.
Elevations: 2,500 m / Sun Gate 2,720 m
Weather: Humid
Walking Distance: 14 km / 9 miles
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55 pm. Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.
Meals Included: Breakfast Only
Altitude in Cusco
People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than there is at sea level, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.
You could initially experience the illness or a hangover when suffering from altitude sickness. You can get headaches, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty breathing while exercising. Please get in touch with our office if any of these side effects worsen, and we’ll assist you find a doctor.
These symptoms will typically be slight. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.
The coca plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that assist your body absorb oxygen and ward off the effects of altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.
They will make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke. Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.
To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.
Getting to Cusco
All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.
The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.
Weather
Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.
Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.
Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.
Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.
Luggage Storage
Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.
While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the ALTITUDEXPERIENCE PERU deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.
First Aid
ALTITUDEXPERIENCE guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.
In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.
Environmental Impact
ALTITUDEXPERIENCE carries all of our trash back to Cusco and uses biodegradable soap. Our staff are taught to maintain the trail and collect any trash left by other groups. Additionally, we employ chemical portable restrooms that allow us to pack trash out. Leaving no trace is something we highly support.
Lares Trail Peru & Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights
per person
46 km/28 miles
All year
For All
Permit Required
History, adventure
Student discount: The student discount applies only for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of your university ID. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport for the reservation.
