 |
Difficulty | moderate/difficult |
| Aproximate distance hiked per day: | 10 Kms. | |
| Highest point: | 4600 m/15100 ft. a.s.l. | |
| Acclimatation suggested: | 2 days |
Lares trek 4d/3n
Day One:
Our trek begins this morning, in a fertile valley, then follows the Huaran River up through a mountain corridor. After walking for about 4 hours we arrive at Cancha Cancha community with its thatch-roofed stone houses. (11,000'). We make camp outside of town.
(B+L+D)
Day Two: 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 and Bio Bio Expeditions- 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.
(B+L+D)
Day Three: 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 enjoy our lunch close to two other highland lakes: Willquicocha and Totoracocha – the latter named for the Andean reed (Totora) that grows there and then continue our descent until reaching our campsite at the community of Cuncani (elev.: 3821 meters – approx. 12,200 feet).
(B+L+D)
Day Four: Cucani 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 Lares Valley. 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 to Cusco.
* We can overnight at Ollantaytambo and visit Machu Picchu on thenext day !
