Lares Trek 4 days
Lares, known as the “weaver’s route”. This trek invite us to experience the live culture of the Incas. Its trails are full of culture and where the farmers and local communities still keep alive rich traditions from the past, like weaving Inca textiles. Lares is a trek of around 34 Km. a trail full of live history and archeological remains that will show you a bit of what once was the Inca Empire.
The trek is advised for those passengers that don’t want to do an extremely challenging trail. However, it must be considered that along the route there are two passes of more than 4,000 m.a.s.l. Therefore, it is recommended that those passengers that participate must be well adjusted to the altitude. Trekkers who don’t only like the trail but to know more about the communities along the way, alone travelers that would like to learn more about the culture of locals in this area, couple that feel intrepid and adventurous and groups of friends. All will enjoy the alternative trek to Lares.
Itinerary
We’ll have an informative talk about the hike and the opportunity to get to know the other travelers who will be sharing the trail with you
| *Your briefing is typically scheduled for one day before your trek. However if your trek starts on a Monday, your briefing will be scheduled for the Saturday before. Please take this into consideration when booking your flights. |
After breakfast, we will start with our trip in a private van that will take us through the Sacred Valley till the town of Calca (2,925 m.a.s.l) we will make a brief stop here to buy some products that we might need for the trekking. Later, we will go through the Amparaes pass (4,580 m.a.s.l.) from where we will see the mountain chain and beautiful valley of this area. We will descend to this valley, passing through Andean communities, groups of llamas and alpacas, e.g. Close to the town of Lares, we will find the Hot Springs*, where we can enjoy of a relaxing swim and rest after a long trip. We will also have lunch here and later in the afternoon we will start with our trek. We will ascend till the mountain town of Huacahuasi (3,750 m.a.s.l) this is a real Andean community where you will be able to see textiles full of color and traditional clothes. We will set out campsite for the night here.
* The entrance to the Hot Springs are included with the price
- Distance: 8 Km.
- Walking Hours: 3-4 hours
- Low Altitude: 2940 m. / 9645 Ft.
- High Altitude: 3750 m. / 12303 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 3750 m. / 12303 Ft.
Today we will ascend gradually going through a beautiful landscape with beautiful herds of llamas and alpacas. Groups of llamas and alpacas are usually found in this area too. After 2 ½ hours we will reach the Ipsayccasa pass (4,450 m.a.s.l.) with its impressive views of the snowy mountain Verónica (5,750 m.a.s.l.) and the snowy mountain chain that surround it. Afterwards, we will descend to the Ipsaycocha lake (4, 350 m.a.s.l.). This Andean lake hosts Andean birds such as Andean goose, ibis from the Andes, and other types of aquatic birds that live around the area. Here we will rest and have lunch. Later, we will continue descending till the town of Patacancha (3,750 m.a.s.l.). This is another Andean town that still shows their traditional clothes and Andean textiles. From this point, we will take a local bus to Huallata 30 min. ride approx. we will walk for another 45 min towards our campsite Pumamarka (3,750 m.a.s.l.) which is an archeological site located strategically between two mountains. Here we will set our campsite for the night.
- Distance: 13 Km.
- Walking Hours: 6-7 hours
- Low Altitude: 3750 m. / 12303 Ft.
- High Altitude: 4450 m. / 14599 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 3750 m. / 12303 Ft.
After breakfast we will visit the archeological site of Pumamarka “Puma Town” (3, 750 m.a.s.l.)Afterwards, we will descend to Ollantaytambo (2, 850 m.a.s.l.) through a beautiful valley we will be able to see part of the Inca Trail. There are smaller archeological rests along the way as well as flora and fauna typical from the area. Once we reach Ollantaytambo, town that is known as the Inca’s Living Town, you will see the streets, houses and different constructions in the city belong to the Inca’s time and are still being used by the local people.
After lunch and a well-deserved rest, we will get ready to take our train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m.a.s.l.) where we will spend one night in a hotel.
- Distance: 13 Km.
- Walking Hours: 6-7 hours
- Low Altitude: 2040 m. / 6692 Ft.
- High Altitude: 3750 m. / 12303 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 2040m. / 6725 Ft.
We will wake up early to take the bus to Machu Picchu (2,430 m.a.s.l.) where we will be among the first visitors of the day to enjoy the magic and mystery of one of the wonders of the world. We will have a 2-hour guided tour at the assigned time and route, enjoying the splendor of Machupicchu and the surrounding landscape, the exotic tranquility of the lost city of the Incas. By the afternoon, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Once in town, you will have free time to grab lunch and later on the day we will take the train to return, Perú Rail – Expedition*. Upon arrival to Cusco, our transfer will be waiting in our private van to take you back to your hotel.
