All trek Machu Picchu Package: Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights Type: Culture, ecotourism and Adventure Group Size: To suit group requirements Difficulty degree of this hike: Challenging due to the altitude: we recommend a period of at least 2 days for acclimatization in Cusco or over 3000m/9840ft Departures Day: - Daily departures are available along the year although due to weather    conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to October. -  All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.         DESCRIPTION This trek offers an outstanding combination of amazing mountain and valley scenery in a remote area, the visit will really get an in-site into the Authentic Quechua Communities and see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas, and even guinea pigs running loose inside the houses. This hike starts in the Lares Valley and village of the same name, where you can enjoy a night dip in its relaxing hot springs, to then follow to the Andean communities of Huacahuasi, Patacancha and Willoq, reaching the village of Aguas Calientes on the third night, after a 2-hour train-ride from Ollantaytambo. Finally, the fourth day is devoted to visiting the impressive Inca citadel of Machupicchu. ITINERARY Day 1: Cusco - Lares (Hot Spring) We leave Cusco at 6:00am in a private transport and drive for an approximated 4h through part of the Sacred Valley to then head towards Lares (3100m/10168ft), a little rural village located in the beautiful valley of the same name, hosting some well-known hot springs. Upon arrival, we leave our equipment and continue towards Choquecancha, an impressive archaeological site with amazing views of the neighboring valleys. After our visit, we hike back to Lares, where we can enjoy an evening dip in its hot springs before or after our dinner is served. Our camp will be set next to the thermal baths and access is free the whole night. Meals: L, D Day 2: Lares (Hot Spring) - Ipsaycocha After an early wake up and breakfast, we meet our horsemen and horses and leave our campsite at around 9.00am to walk along an ascending path that will lead us to Huacahuasi, (3600m/11808ft). This remote Andean community is located in an impressive valley, where the typical lifestyle and house constructions of the Quechua communities living at high altitude can be appreciated. We stop to visit a typical house and family, before we enjoy our lunch. In the early afternoon, we continue our hike ascending toward the mountain pass of Ipsay (4450m/14596ft/3h), walking across little communities and Andean flats (pampas) with the presence of llamas and alpacas. The pass offers impressive views of Mount Veronica and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Just half an hour from this point is Ipsayqocha, a beautiful lagoon next to which we set our camp and spend the night, amidst awesome scenery. Meals: B, L, D Day 3: Ipsaycocha - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes After two full days of hiking today is much easier. After an early breakfast we walk downhill through a wide-open valley for about 2½ hours until we arrive at the village of Patacancha. We will have a chance to view some textiles made by the people of this community - the high quality weavings are famous for their intricate designs reflecting aspects of their everyday lives and culture. After we also get the chance to walk slowly down the valley to Willoq, another Quechua village where the locals still wear their traditional dress and are proud to maintain their cultural identity. From Patacancha we will take our transport further down the valley to Inca town of Ollantaytambo where we will rest and have lunch, then catch our afternoon train to AguasCalientes. This is an amazing journey that starts in the Quechua highlands and slowly descends to lush tropical vegetation as we near AguasCalientes. Total journey time about 1½ hours. Tonight we stay in the small quaint town of Machu Picchu. Meals: B, L, D DAY 4: Aguas Calienties – Machu Picchu - Cusco 5am breakfast then at 5.30am we get the bus to Machu Picchu. We need to depart early so those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu will need to sign up before the 2 hour guided tour. During your visit to these ancient ruins you will see clouds fly past and Machu Picchu will disappear with in them, so make sure you take pictures whilst the ruins are visible. After the tour you will have free time to explore the mountain of Huayna Picchu overlooking all of Machu Picchu - by far the best view! Huayna Picchu will take approximately 2 hours return trip. It is now your choice to enjoy lunch just outside the ruins or take the bus back to AguasCalientes to explore this small and quaint village. The train back to Cusco departs late afternoon so your estimated time of arrival is approximately 9pm. Meals: B What is Included: Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Lares, starting point of the trek. Entrance fee Machu Picchu. Horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and 6kgs of personal items). 1 emergency horse every 6 persons. Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, 3 Lunches (food includes: pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. Hot drinks: Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, including coca leaf tea that is excellent for altitude). English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people). Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Train from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes/ Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo. First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle. Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in private Transport. What is Not Included: Sleeping bag rent: US$ 15.00 / 3 days. Our sleeping bags are –18ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips Lunch on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu Entrance to the Hot Springs in Lares and Aguas Calientes Tips for guide, cook and Horseman Drinks What we recommended that you to bring: Original Passport Passport and ISIC card if you are a student (originals required) A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco). Sleeping bag for up to -8 degrees Celsius (available for rent at $4 per day) Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp A down jacket is especially recommended for this trek since it runs at high altitude and temperatures may easily drop below freezing in the evening and at nights Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions) Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold Sun protection (hat, sun screen, sun glasses) Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack. Swimsuit (if you wish take a dip at the hot springs along the route) Cash in soles and/or US$ for souvenirs, drinks and tips (easier in smaller change) Insect repellent -minimum recommended 20% DEET (no malaria has been reported Personal medical kit Walking poles if you think you will want them Options and Rentals: Extra night in Aguas Calientes $35 (or email us for alternate options). We will just need to arrange your train back to Cusco for the following day. Please tell us before final booking process. Sleeping bag rent: US$ 5.00 per day. Our sleeping bags are –8ºC-comfort (0ºF) They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. Personal horse and horsemen for riding or carrying extra personal belongings while on the trek. Extra cost is $50 for the trek. Therm-a-rest inflatable sleeping pad rent: US$ 5.00 per day Students: Take advantage of our $20 USD discount for students if you hold a valid International Student Identity card (ISIC). You must send us a scanned copy of this when making your reservation and present the original to the entrance control office. Failure to do so will result in a loss of permit and denied entrance to the Machu Picchu. Prices Information: Trek prices are not stated on this website due to forever changing government and park fee prices. Please email us for more information.