LARES  TREK (5D/4N)

ITINERARY

Day 01.- Huaran TO  Cancha Cancha

We depart from Cusco in the early morning and travel by bus through the Sacred Valley for approximately 1.5 hours (61 kilometers) until reaching our trailhead in the Community of Huaran, situated on the right bank of the Vilcanota River at a point where a tributary stream descending from the north flows into it. We follow the course of this river upstream, rising  through the ravine that it carves in its passage down the mountain. This consists of a beautiful Andean valley, in places wooded by old polylepis and chachacomo forestland, home to several varieties of hummingbirds, flycatchers, thrushes, tanagers and others. After hiking for approximately 5 hours, the thatched roofs of the stone houses in the community of Cancha Cancha (elevation 3900 meters .- approx 12,400 feet above sea level) come into view. We camp out in the vicinity of this community whose inhabitants maintain their ancestral customs and traditional lifestyle.

Day 02: CANCHA CANCHA TO  QUISHUARANI

We set off from Cancha Cancha, continuing our ascent until reaching the Abra (Pass) of Pachacutec (elev.: 4710 meters –approx. 15,000 feet). From the top there is a wide encompassing view of the Cordillera Urubamba, with the snow capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sahuasiray, Colquecruz, Chicon and Helancoma (all of them in the 18,000 feet+ category) among others. From Pachacutec pass we descend to the highland lakes of Condereancocha and Hatuncocha where we have lunch while appreciating the beauty of the surrounding landscape. We continue onward for another hour, observing herds of Alpacas, llamas, Sheep and, with luck, a view of the great Andean Condor. Eventually we reach  the home of Mauro –a friend of Terra Explorer Peru- located in the community of  Quishuarani (elev.: 3870 meters – approx. 12,350 feet). He will give us a friendly welcome and allow us to set our camp in the gardens facing his house

Day O3: QUISHUARANI TO CUNCANI

In the communities of Quishuarani and Cancha Cancha, time seems to have come to a standstill. The thatched roofed houses of adobe and fieldstone, the traditional homespun clothing and easygoing ways of the local folk hearken one back to an earlier, more tranquil  and far less stressful way of life and which is still carried on by the inhabitants of the  Andean highlands. Come morning we bid Mauro and his family farewell. To have come to know them and share in their life style, culture and customs constitutes a uniquely rewarding and truly unforgettable experience. We now head out to surmount the Abra  of Huchuycasa (elev.: 4415 meters- approx. 14,100 feet). Along the way we pass by the beautiful lake of Queñuacocha. We partake of our lunch close by two other highland tarns: the lakes of Willquicocha and Totoracocha –the latter named for the Andean reed (Totora) growing there- to then continue our descent until reaching our campsite at the community of Cuncani (elev.: 3821 meters – approx. 12,200 feet)

DAY 04: CUNCANI TO LARES

Today’s hiking is smooth and easy. One hour out of Cuncani we come upon the village of Tambohualla which welcomes and heralds our formal entry into the valley of Lares. From this point we trek a further 2 hours to arrive at the well known thermal hot springs of Lares. Here we enjoy our lunch and bathe in the deliciously warm waters.  Our private transport will take us from here to the town of Ollantaytambo where we shall lodge overnight in a local hotel.

DAY 05: OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHU PICCHU AND RETURN TO CUSCO

After an early breakfast, we get on the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival we board a bus which conveys up to Machu Picchu and then begin a complete guided tour of the fabulous Inca citadel lasting approximately two hours. Afterwards we have free time on our hands to stroll about, climb Huayna Picchu Mountai -where one can appreciate spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it as well as the impressive canyon of the Urubamba river- and visit the Temple of the Moon or hike to the area of the awe-inspiring Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we climb on the train headed back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.

Services Included:

• Transfer on private Transport from Hotel in Cusco to Trailhead at Huarán on Day 01
• English-Speaking Professional Mountain Guide (additional guide for groups exceeding 08 Participants.
• Camping and Logistical Infrastructure.
• Twin person accommodations in large capacity 4-person tents in order to provide greater loft, space and comfort as well as ample storage space for personal belongings and gear.  Our tents are 3-season, with not more than 2 years of usage and well maintained for optimum field performance.
• Dining and Mess Tent, including camp tables and stools.
• Separate Kitchen/Cooking Tent
• Professional Trail Cook, Staff, and all Commissary facilities and appurtenances 
• Toilet Tent
• Porters for  transport of all camping and commissary equipment
• Porters for transport of personal gear up to 9 kg. per pax (incl. sleeping bag and mat.)
• Separate accommodations and tents for Guides, Cooking staff and Muleteers
• All Meals and Commissary as stipulated ((04B, 04L, 03D + daily snack and tea service except on last day)
• Others:  Wake-up tea + Hot washing water every morning and every evening / water boiled to purification point for filling flasks and water bottles every morning and evening, as well as at lunchtime pending prior request
• One ticket  for hot springs  in Lares
• First aid support and oxygen.
• Train fare from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calinetes and from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker or Vistadome service, upon request)
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to  Machu Picchu ruins.
• Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco

Services Not  Included:

• Dinner in Ollantaytambo on day 04
• Lunch and Dinner on last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time for lengthier visit of the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense as well.