Lares Trek Information Sheet “This trek is totally fantastic and for me equal or better than the Inca Trail. I really don’t know how to say it, but there is total silence in these mountains. It’s like being on top of the world and looking down through never ending stunning valleys. The people, villages, scenery, and friendliness are totally out of this world and you will see so many wild llamas and alpacas. This place is definitely one of South America’s best kept secrets…” Graeme Peek, Tucan Travel, Latin America. We also offer the Inca Trail trek across all 5 travel styles. For full details of how to book the Inca Trail or Lares Trek (and prices in your currency) see our current brochure or visit the Getting to Machu Picchu page on our website. Equipment and facilities Accommodation & meals Group size Extras Please note: Day 3, Marcacocha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes Day 4, Machu Picchu – Cuzco Fitness Meals Tipping Sleeping Bag *Please note; if you are travelling in winter and you do not wish to invest in a 4 season bag you may want to consider purchasing a 3 season bag plus a sleeping bag liner and bringing additional clothing. Weather Footwear Luggage Storage & Load Limits IMPORTANT NOTE
In this handy information sheet you'll find:
What is the Lares Trek?
The Facts
Lares Trek Itinerary
What You Need to Know
- Country Dossiers
- Fitness
- Altitude
- Staff & Support
- Meals While Trekking
- Tipping
- Sleeping Bag
- Weather
- Footwear
- Luggage Storage & Load Limits
Packing Checklist
Important Note
What is the Lares Trek?
Hidden within the magnificent snow capped Andes is a part of Peru where you have all the appeal of the Inca Trail – like magical mountain scenery and the legacy of the Incas – but without the tourist crowds. An exceptional alternative to the extremely busy Inca Trail, the Lares Valley is so far off the beaten track that it has changed little over the last 500 years. With original Inca trails, spectacular and diverse scenery (even more so than the main Inca Trail) and the promise of a glimpse of life the way it used to be in Peru, it is amazing that the area has remained untouched by tourism. Yet somehow, it has slipped from view and retains an authenticity like no where else in Peru. Travel here and you will meet Andean farmers dressed in traditional brightly coloured ponchos, wander markets trading as they have done for centuries, see thatched stone and adobe houses and watch herds of llamas and alpacas roam free.
The Facts
Inclusions
All meals, camping equipment, entry fees, transfers (minibus, bus and train), English speaking guide, porters and cook
All equipment is supplied for camping (except sleeping bags) and cooking. Facilities while camping are basic (shower on the last night and some toilets). See section below for more details.
2 nights camping (two person tents) with all meals provided, 1 night hotel.
The group size will vary depending on demand, however the trek group is subject to a maximum of 16 passengers (per guide).
Please budget for extra drinks (i.e. soft drinks and alcohol), tips and lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 4.
You will be required to pay a single supplement if you are the only one trekking. This is only payable at the time of booking. However, if additional group members join your group after you have booked, the supplement will be refunded in Cuzco.
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Lares Trek Itinerary
Day 1, Cuzco – Lares – Wacawasi – Sondor.
We depart Cuzco early in the morning and travel to the township of Calca (2900m) in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visiting an ancient bakery there’s a chance to snack on delicious freshly baked bread and watch traditional cooking methods. We also visit the principal local markets selling a multitude of Andean crops including colourful corns, seeds and spices. The markets are a fantastic place for authentic photographs or simply to spend a while soaking up the atmosphere of life – and everyday trading – totally untouched by tourism. Continuing on from Calca we drive to the highest point of the day passing Inca burial tombs, local farms and herds of wild llama en route. Stopping for a short guided walk we visit the vast pre Inca ruins of Ascasmarca with stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains. From here we make our way down into the Lares Valley to the small community of Lares, stopping for a short time to buy last minute supplies, before continuing on to Chancachaca, for lunch and the starting point of our trek. Although throughout our trek we are supported by an experienced team of porters to tend to our constant daily needs, all of our required equipment will be carried by a herd of Llamas. This makes our trek more authentic and within the tradition of the area.
Wacawasi , located at 3800 metres and one of the largest Villages of direct descendants of the Incas, will be our first stop. We will see the unspoiled traditional daily activities of the local way of life. Continuing on, we follow the ancient trail to arrive at Sondor; at 4220 metres, this is our first campsite and home for tonight.
Day 2, Sondor – Marcacocha
This morning we cross our first high pass of Wacawasi, at 4520 metres, which is located on the shoulder of the holy Pumahuanca mountains. Following on, we cross the second high pass of Wayruruyoc at 4520 metres. We see spectacular views of Aruraycocha Lake, situated at 4280 metres. We also see the surrounding valleys and the Andean farmers dressed in their traditional, brightly coloured ponchos and head-wear, tending their crops and alpaca/llama herds. This is a remote and rarely visited region and our time here makes for an unforgettable experience, and supreme photographic opportunities. We will stop for a well-deserved lunch, at Hatunwayqo, and this afternoon we continue on to our second camp site of Marcacocha at 3400 metres.
We have an early morning start today as we set off for Ollantaytambo. We stop to visit the dramatic Inca site of Pumamarca, which dominates the entire valley. From Pumamarca an original Inca trail carries us down the lush valley among Inca terracing to Ollantaytambo. After a relaxing lunch (not included) we board the train, and following the Urubamba river we arrive at the small but well-known township of Aguas Calientes - the starting point for tomorrow’s visit to the astounding lost Inca City of Machu Picchu and our home for tonight. Aguas Calientes is named after its nearby hot springs. There is time here to relax in the soothing pools and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner (not included).
Rising early we take the first bus up to Machu Picchu (6.30am) to beat the thronging crowds which arrive mid morning. If members of your group have spent the past three days following the Inca Trail, your early arrival will allow time to catch up and share stories of your respective treks before a full guided tour of the site. You will then have free time to explore this mystical Inca city, perhaps climb the vertiginous Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain) which overlooks the site or visit the Inca Bridge. Returning to Aguas Calientes by bus we then catch the late afternoon train back to Cuzco.
What You Need to Know
Country Dossiers
This Lares Trek information sheet is designed to be read in conjunction with our Peru country dossier which you can download from our website or obtain from your booking agent. The country dossiers contain essential information about visas, arrival transfers, spending money and costs, taxes and tips, climate, local food etc.
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The trek involves days of walking. You will be accompanied by a team of porters, llamas, a cook and an English speaking guide. You can walk entirely at your own pace as your guide will be at the front and either a porter or tour leader at the back with the last person. The second day is the hardest with two very high passes to cross (4560m and 4520m). The trail is certainly not easy but you DO NOT need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness naturally is important, but if you really want to do it and you have a positive attitude then you will be fine. Surviving a trek such as this is really all about how you walk it. You MUST take it slowly and simply wander along at your own pace. If you find you are short of breath and can’t talk normally then slow right down and take very small steps (it can actually be quite hard to change from your normal walking pace but it is very important to try to slow down as much as possible). Don’t let yourself get swept along in a race with the group, just plod along and do your own thing and give yourself time to take in the scenery. It’s really important not to stop and sit down all the time. We recommend you buy a bamboo walking stick in Cuzco for only a dollar or so, and then when you need a breather you can stop and lean on this for a few minutes. It is best to only stop and sit down to rest every hour or so.
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Altitude
Altitude can affect anyone at moderate to high altitude (generally anything over 3,000 metres). Altitude sickness is caused by the lack of oxygen which can be up to a third less than at sea level. No one understands why some people are affected and others not and age, level of fitness and strength is no indication of how well you will fare. Be aware that altitude sickness can be serious, so if your guide advises you to rest or descend, please do as instructed. As the trek is a mixture of ascents and descents, altitude sickness is often short term and suffering from it does not necessarily mean you will be unable to complete the trek. Drugs are available to combat the effects of altitude sickness, for more information please ask your doctor before you travel.
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Staff & Support
The trek will be led by an experienced guide with extensive local historical and archaeological knowledge. You will pass many Inca ruins along the way and your guide will conduct short tours wherever it is possible to do so. A team of porters will carry all equipment leaving you with just a small daypack to carry. The cook will prepare three meals a day (while camping) plus provide hot drinks and snacks.
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Your cook and porters will prepare three meals a day on the trek usually consisting of bread, eggs, tea and coffee for breakfast; soup, guacamole, cheese, tomato, cold meat and rolls for lunch and a two or three course dinner usually accompanied by rice, pasta or potatoes. There is usually a constant supply of coca tea and coffee and meals will be supplemented by tea breaks with biscuits and fruit. Meals are not included in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. It is a good idea to bring a large bottle of water and some additional empty bottles (depending on the weight you wish to carry) to the start of your trek. After this you will refill your empty bottles from boiled water provided by the porters and carry them yourself. Boiled water will be provided during the trek when it is possible to make camp.
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Your porters, guides and cook have amazing strength, stamina and skill and you would almost certainly not be able to complete the trek without them. It is therefore commonly accepted that the standard combined tip for guides, porters and cook is US$30 per trekker.
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You will need a good warm sleeping bag. Where possible we recommend you bring your own sleeping bag, however adequate ones can be hired locally (for approx US$12) but we can take no responsibility for the standard. If you are planning to hire a bag it is a good idea to bring a silk sleeping bag liner to use inside for added warmth and comfort. A four season* (or -10) bag is recommended for the winter months. At other times you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5) bag although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only. Roll mats are provided however for greater comfort and warmth, Thermorest style mattresses can also be hired in Cuzco for US$10.
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The weather in the Andes can be very unpredictable and you should be equipped for bad weather. Peru is located in the southern hemisphere meaning the winter extends from June to August. In the summer months daytime temperatures can be extremely hot and humid, but the nights can be very cold. During winter it can be cold during the day and particularly cold at night. It is usual to encounter some rain all year round so a poncho is ideal along with thermal underwear if you really feel the cold. (Cheap ponchos which fit over everything including your day pack can be bought in Cuzco for approx US$1).
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Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well worn in pair!
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During the trek your main luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your briefing (which will be held the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group. You should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag must not weigh more than 7kg (15lbs) which is to include your sleeping bag. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7kg, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra amount together with your day pack.
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It is very important that you check the Latest News section on our website before you travel. This page contains information about any natural disasters, political unrest, travel advice and regulation changes that may affect your tour.
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