Hiking whith Andean people to machupicchu by lares trek 4 Days / 3 Night

Altitude : 2850 - 4400 meters / 9350 - 14436 feet.
High season : Whole year.
Duration : 04 days - 03 nights
Level : Moderate.
*A minimum of 2 people is needed for this trek

Visiting the valley of Lares is establishing a real contact with the Andean life because we'll cross villages and meet people that still live the ancestral way of living or cultivating their lands. Furthermore they hold on to ancient traditions and wear very typical clothes. These colors mixed with the large variety of flora and fauna on a trek that breathes the traditional way of life makes this an unforgettable and out-of-time experience in these magical and enchanting landscapes that will take you all the way to Machu Picchu.

Machupicchu whispers mysterious secrets and lost knowledge to those wanting to listen to such point that the new seven wonder of the world, people even seems to float and hide between the mountains and clouds. More information about Machu Picchu, click here.

Program

1st Day - Cusco - Huaca casi paso - Thermal bathes de Lares - Huaca Wasi

Early in the morning we will leave Cusco. During the Bus trip we will pass some archeological sites and handcraft markets in the Sacred Valley of the Quechuas. This valley is one of the most fertile regions of South America, with the production of the corn, quechuas symbol in the Andean territory where we will change our route to ascent in the direction of Huaca casi paso (4400m / 14436f). Afterwards we will descend to the town of Lares (3250m / 10663f) to the thermal medical baths (3200m/ 10499f). Here we will have some relaxing time in the swimming pools which have a temperature between 28 and 36 degrees C / 82 and 97 degrees F. After lunch in the thermal baths we will walk towards Huacawasi (3600m / 11811f), the camping spot.

Time of bus trip: 5 hours; hiking time: 3 hours in a cold climate.

2nd Day - Huaca Wasi - Abra Ipsay - Patacancha

This day will be the most difficult, because of the ecological differences that we will undergo, for instance the Sipsay pass at 4400 metres (14436f), which will take us 4 hours. During this, we will pass through some communities to observe the Andean farmers and their experience in the cultivated grounds and their rustic Andean tradition houses. The farmers have a great knowledge of natural agriculture and old skills of colorful textile work inspired by the Andean gods and symbols. After this pass we will head down to the village of Patacancha (3650m / 11975f), the camping place.

Hiking time: 7 hours in a cold climate.

3rd Day - Patacancha - Willoq - Pumamarca - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes village

Also this day will be very spectacular; we will pass communities and small towns like Willoq (3400m / 11156f) and Pumamarca (3200m / 10499f). Going through the valley of Patacancha we will get to know indigenous towns with ancestral quechuas traditions and habits which in spite of all the years gone by have survived. After having visited this town for some hours, we will arrive at the town of Ollantaytambo (2850m / 9350f), where is also an archeological site from the Inca dynasty. From Ollantaytambp we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m / 6726f), where we will have an overnight in a hotel.

4th Day - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

It is recommendable to visit the new seven wonder of de world early in the morning; We will go by bus to Machu Picchu (2400m / 7874f), where a professional guide will explain the policy and ancestral technique in agriculture, astronomy and religion that our ancestors left us; within a wonderful city of the Incas. After this the participants have enough time to walk through Machu Picchu themselves before returning to the village of Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Cusco. The climate in Machu Picchu is warm with mosquitos.

What one needs to bring

Backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, sweater, trekking shoes and trousers, polo's/ t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, sun block cream, insect repellent and disinfecting alcohol and gel, bottle of water and sterilizing tablet, picture camera (wrapped in plastic bag), flash light and batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit, original passport, ´ISIC´-student card and extra money in soles.
Also the Practical information might be good to read.

Group service to Lares 4 days and 3 nights

Included:

Transport from the hotel to Valle de Lares (Auto)
High quality camping equipment (professional tents Doite, Cima 4, extra light / 4.5kgs for 2 persons. Air beds, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / Option vegetarian).
Professional guide (English or Spanish)
Cook and cooking equipment
Carriers and mules, for al camping and personal equipment (8 Kgs)
Emergency horse (for minimum of 3 persons)
Entrance to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Entrance to the thermal baths in the Valle de Lares
Bus up, from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope
Hostel in the village of Aguas Calientes (Continental)