Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days

Duration

4 days

Difficulty

Challenging

Elevation

3150 msnm

Type trip

Trek

290 USD

LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

Embark on an exciting 4-day adventure on the spectacular Lares Trek, a hiking route that will take you through breathtaking landscapes and authentic communities in the mountains of the Peruvian Andes. Discover the cultural and natural richness of the region as you explore ancient Inca trails, interact with local communities and marvel at the beauty of high mountain lakes. This unique experience will allow you to immerse yourself in the history and daily life of the people of the Andes, all while heading to the majestic Machu Picchu. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure full of discovery and authentic connections!

BEFORE YOU GO

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE LARES TREK

  • Acclimatize before starting your trek, spend at least 3 days in Cusco before your Lares 4 Day trek.
  • June and July are the busiest seasons for the Lares trek.
  • Our Lares 4 Day trek is on a
  • 2 person basis.
    It is not recommended to do the trek in February because of the rains.
  • The Lares trek is flexible

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LARES?

The weather is one of the most important factors to take into account during a trek. You can check the weather forecast, but it is almost impossible to predict it accurately.
The best time to hike in Lares is the dry season (March to December). Normally, during these periods, the skies are clear from dusk to dawn. Clear blue skies provide the most spectacular views in Lares.

The dry season (March through December) is one of the best for hiking in Lares. As the hail and snow cease, perfect hiking weather emerges, and most hikers head to Lares during this time. The temperature rises to 20 degrees during the day and drops to – 0 degrees at night. This is the best season to enjoy the views. From December to February the weather turns frigid, and it starts to hail and snow. The weather around Lares is unpredictable, and the temperature can change very quickly, often within a few hours.

ACCLIMATIZATION

Acclimatization before high altitude treks in Lares is very crucial. As a general rule, you are at risk of altitude sickness if you exceed 2438.4 m (8000 ft). Please arrive in Cusco at least 3 days before, for acclimatization. Altitude sickness in high altitude travel is a common problem, but it is preventable and needs immediate treatment. However, if you ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness, it can get worse. Altitude sickness usually starts from 3,500 m altitude. Our trekking guides are very experienced and use oximeters to monitor your oxygen level and detect altitude sickness early.
Please take into account the adaptation time necessary to prevent altitude sickness and allow time for acclimatization. As a precaution, we also recommend that you drink plenty of water. However, you should not worry about altitude sickness, as our team takes care of your health and suggests ways to take precautions. In case of severe discomfort, the only effective remedy is to descend immediately.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM TREKKING IN LARES?

The Lares trek is not difficult at all, all it requires is endurance, a previous adaptation to the altitude and physical condition, it is a high altitude trek and altitude sickness changes are quite high, but with proper hydration, rest, and a well planned itinerary taking into account the acclimatization criteria will help you counteract these problems.

The trek is at a moderate pace and we try to cover short distances each day. Although the Lares hike is not dangerous, various factors added to the difficulty of the route, such as the terrain and the elements of nature, will test hikers.

Be prepared for extreme weather conditions, as the weather at high altitude is unpredictable. Dress appropriately to regulate body temperature and stay comfortable during the hike. When it is sunny, the weather can get quite hot and you may even have to shed a couple of layers on the first day of hiking, so even if you are having a good time during the day, be aware that sunburn can also be a problem, get the right gear to avoid it. However, from 16:30 onwards, the temperature drops rapidly.

BIGFOOT MACHU PICCHU LODGING FOR LARES TREK

Accommodations are located in the local communities along our trekking route.

MEALS

Ausangate is at a higher altitude, so your body needs sufficient carbohydrates and protein. The meals we provide on this trek are very comfortable and hygienic, but cannot compare to the options you have in the big cities. On the trek, we will provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner. We strongly recommend that you avoid dairy products and cheese, as well as alcoholic beverages, caffeinated products and hot chocolates, as experts recommend avoiding them on high altitude treks.

DIFFICULTY OF LARES TREK

The level of difficulty for the Lares Trek is moderate. This trek is physically demanding and requires some proactive preparation to be successful. Exercising and running regularly for a couple of weeks prior to departure is a good idea to build endurance.
Novice hikers with normal fitness can do the route. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. Previous hiking experience would be an added advantage, but no experience or technical knowledge is necessary. Participants who can walk 4 to 6 hours a day at a reasonable pace with a light backpack can complete this route. The trekking route traverses rocky mountains, with steep ascents and descents. To participate in the trek, all participants must be in good health. They should be in normal physical shape, have a positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination. People suffering from heart, lung or blood diseases should inform us or consult their doctor before booking the trip.

BIGFOOT MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL – TREKKING EQUIPMENT DURING THE LARES TREK

During the trek, our well-trained and experienced tour guide and Quechua team will accompany you to make your trip joyful and memorable. All our guides are well trained, licensed and have spent years doing trekking activities around Cusco.

Horses will carry most of your luggage. Our crew members come from local people, have great stamina and are well adapted to living at high altitudes. All members of our staff are very valuable to us, they are well paid and we take care of their insurance, clothing, food and accommodation for the duration of the trek. We provide basic accommodation, food and hot drinks to our guides, cook and rider.

LARES TREK SAFETY

Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel guarantees the safety, security and satisfaction of all our clients – Your safety is of utmost importance to us. We will carry all necessary gear, equipment and first aid kits for each trek. Our guides have received extensive first aid training. If a hiker becomes ill due to the altitude, we will go ahead and assess the situation and keep everyone safe. In case of emergency, our local families will always be ready to take you back to the city of Cusco. During the trek, all team members will be together for safety.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I CARRY DURING THE LARES TREK?

For the Lares trek, there is no weight limit, although we can calculate about 9 kg per trekker, we try not to overload our horses. However, each trekker will have to carry his own backpack or backpack (with valuables or anything important). Carry only the essentials. You can leave excess luggage safely either at your hotel or at the Bigfoot Machu Picchu tent free of charge. We will double check everything (luggage, equipment) during our briefing before the trek starts.

LAST MINUTE TREKKING IN PERU

It is best to book in advance, but if you are unable to do so Bigfoot Machu Picchu travel has a special arrangement for a last minute booking. In the case of a last minute booking, we must receive 100% of the trek payment 24 hours prior to the departure of the trek. We do our best to operate treks at any time. However, please note that delays may occur for reasons beyond our control. If you would like more information, please contact us by calling +51997643857 or emailing bigfootmachupicchu@gmail.com.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Age 11 years old
Experience in any high altitude trekking, at least 1 trek of 3,500m.
Trekker must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover at least 5km per day without stress.
The trekker must be able to carry a 12 to 16 kg backpack.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I CARRY DURING THE LARES TREK?

For the Lares trek, there is no weight limit, although we can estimate about 9 kg per trekker, we try not to overload our horses. However, each trekker will have to carry his own backpack or backpack (with valuables or anything important). Carry only the essentials. You can leave excess luggage safely either at your hotel or at the Bigfoot Machu Picchu tent free of charge. We will double check everything (luggage, equipment) during our briefing before the trip.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE IN PERU USD TO PERUVIAN SOLES

Sol or Peruvian soles is the local currency. 1 USD = 3.50 Peruvian soles, the exchange rate varies daily. You can exchange most foreign currencies through a leg money exchange.

LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS ITINERARY

DAY 1 LARES: CUSCO – LARES – CUNCANI – KISWARANI

The exciting trek from Lares to Machu Picchu begins. Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. The first stage of the trip takes us approximately 2.5 hours to reach the community of Cuncani. There, we will enjoy breakfast with breathtaking panoramic views. Next, we will embark on a 3-hour ascent to the Hullkiccasa pass (4,200 m), where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Andean peaks, lakes, valleys and much more. Afterwards, our experienced trekking chef will delight us with a gourmet lunch. Finally, we will descend for 2 hours until we reach our campsite in Kiwarani, enjoying beautiful views during the descent.

DAY 2 LARES: KISWARANI – PACHACUTEQ PASS – CANCHA CANCHA

After a good rest and a delicious breakfast, we will begin our 4-hour hike to the southwest, ascending steeply to the highest point of the trek, known as Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m). Experience the exhilaration of reaching the summit, where you will enjoy spectacular views of glaciers, alpine lakes, llama herds, steep valleys and rolling farmland. After some time to enjoy the 360º panoramic views, we will descend for 30 minutes and enjoy lunch in the Andes.

After a well-deserved rest, we will descend for 2 hours until we reach our campsite near the community of Cancha Cancha (3,700 m). During the hike, you will pass llamas and herds of alpacas, and have the opportunity to interact with the locals in Quechua, the language of the Incas, with the help of your guide as interpreter. Cancha Cancha is a traditional and isolated mountain community, where you can learn about Andean life. If we arrive on time, we can visit the local school.

DAY 3 LARES: CANCHA CANCHA – HUARAN – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

This day will be unforgettable. We will start with a 3-hour hike downhill to Huaran, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There, we will say goodbye to our muleteer team and take a van to the Maras Salt Flats, where we will learn about salt production by evaporation. Our guide will be there to give you interesting details. Then, we will continue to Moray, an ancient Inca laboratory, where we will have time to explore this fascinating place. Finally, we will head to Ollantaytambo to enjoy a delicious lunch. At 19:00, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 4 LARES: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

The fourth day is the most magical, as we will visit Machu Picchu. We will wake up early at 3:30 a.m. to take the first bus to Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise over the ruins. Your guide will give you a detailed explanation for approximately 2 hours about the highlights of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own and, if you have booked, ascend Huaynapicchu (separate entrance fee of $15 per person). At the end of the day, we will return to Aguas Calientes and take a train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you to your hotel.

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED 

  • You can carry up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings.
  • Official tour guide
  • Professional cook
  • Horses & Mules to transport the equipment.
  • Complete meals during the trek that combines traditional Peruvian cuisine with modern culinary creations and considers particular dietary requirements.
  • Boiled water and snacks
  • Dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery and kitchen tent.
  • Overnight tents and Thermarest
  • First-aid kit, including oxygen
  • Briefing prior to the trek
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • Round-trip train tickets Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo
  • Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Lares (starting point of the trek)
  • Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

EXCLUDED

  • Breakfast on the first day and final lunch in Aguas Calientes.
  • Individual trekking equipment including backpacks, trekking poles and sleeping bags. However, they can be rented through the company.
  • Tips for guides, cooks and muleteers.
  • Entrance to Lares hot springs or other recreational activities in Aguas Calientes.
  •  

PACKING LIST FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

  • A small Backpack to carry your personal staff 
  • Head torch
  • Waterproof footwear, make sure to try this in advance before using them
  • Water Reservoirs, not plastic type, metal ones are recommended or camelbacks type. Capacity of 1.5-2 liters
  • Fleece or warm mid-layer
  • Hat or cap 
  • Sun block of high protection 
  • Hydrating cream for face
  • Snacks, energy snack bars, candies, dried fruit 
  • Cash Soles or USD$
  • Hiking socks and lighter walking socks
  • Water proof backpack cover
  • Inflatable Pillow 
  • Large plastic bag, to help you organize stuff and keep things clean from dirt
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Lightweight down jacket
  • Lightweight trekking trouser
  • Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
  • Waterproof thick gloves
  • Wool hat
  • Sun hat
  • Trekking poles
  • Travel towel
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Sleeping bag 
  • Power bank
  • Hand gel 

WHAT TO BRING IN THE DUFFEL BAG

Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel provides a duffel bag at your briefing session. The duffel bag is carried by horses carrying up to 9 kg including your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing. This limit is set to protect the health of horses. 

  • 1 t-shirt 
  • 1 Hiking pant 
  • 2 Sets of undergarments
  • 2 Sets of hiking socks
  • 1 Rain jacket 
  • Couple fleece
  • Leggings
  • Warm clothing 
  • Hand gloves
  • Battery charger
  • Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain
  • Toilet paper/tissues

LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS PRICE  

Group service is USD $285 per person, you can book your spot with a pre-payment of USD $40, in advance and pay the remaining balance one day before your hike starts

  • Sleeping Bag – Additional $20 USD per person
  • Air Mattress –$20 USD per person
  • Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair

LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS video

Here is a complete video of the Lares Trek, with unpublished images!

ausangate trek 1 day
Play Video about ausangate trek 1 day

AVAILABILITY

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