Lares Valley Trek
For those of you wanting to get off the well beaten tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has changed little over 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 the trekker an insight into the real lives of the Andean farmer, dressed in their traditional brightly colored ponchos. You’ll have the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. Inside the houses you’ll see guinea pigs running loose.
Day 1
Travelling by bus we make our way from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the town of Calca. From here we head up into the mountains past the communities of Accha Baja and Totora. Viewing the snow covered mountains we arrive to the Lares Pass at 4470ms for the drop into the Lares valley. We pass century plants, wild anis, mountain cara caras, alpacas, llamas and children on their way to and from school. Upon arrival to Lares the chance for a soak in the hot springs before an early lunch. While lunch is being served our horsemen prepare the equipment for our 27km trek. Todays trekking is short only 7kms to the ancient weaving community of Cuncani. We will camp near the village in the shadow of the glacier.
Day 2.
A nutritious breakfast to help us with our mountain experience. Today we will walk to the dizzy heights of 4,600ms and the mountain pass. The trek to the pass takes around 3 hours but we have a wonderful opportunity to stop walk on the way at the beautiful tarn. Todays walking is typical Andean scenery with lakes, snowy mountains, grazing alpaca and young farmer children. After a healthy lunch we continue onwards and downwards through waterfalls and creaks until our campsite beside the gently flowing river.
Day 3
Our last day of serious hiking around 3 hours all descent. As the altitude drops to 2,800ms the scenery is more lush with opportunities to see and hear humming birds, flickers and falcons among others. After 7kms arrival to the old church of Torrechayoc and our awaiting transfer to lunch.
NOTE:- If you wish to do only the 3 day we can leave you in Ollantaytambo or Cusco as you prefer.
A wholesome lunch will provide us the energy for out train ride to Machu Picchu.
The 3 pm train departs from Ollantaytambo following the course of the turbulent River Urubamba as it powers its way to Aguas Calientes.
We will settle into out hotel before dinner in a local restaurant and an early night.
B,L,D, hotel. (4 days)
B,L (3 day)
Day 4
An early start to take the first bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu and the continuation of our lessons on Inka civilisation, flora and fauna of the area.
We will have a complete 2 hours guided tour of the main areas of Machu Picchu before the chance to go with our guide to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. With a boxed lunch it allows more time to explore the intricate design of the city.
An afternoon train will return us to the city of Cusco for approx 8pm.
Included
Meals as stated.
Camping Equipment (based on 2 sharing)
High quality English and Spanish speaking guides with Wilderness Medicine.
First aid kit.
Oxygen bottle.
Chef.
Horsemen.
Pack horses and 1 spare horse.
Mattress for camping.
1 Hotel in the 4 day trip.
Entrance fees.
Transport.
Return train ticket in the 4 day.
Return bus ticket in the 4 day.
Zip Lock Bags.
Biodegradable soap.
Ashtray tins for smokers.
Not Included
Meals not stated.
Tips and other gratuities.
Flights.