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The Lares Trek - Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Wonderful best option Instead the Classic 4 days inca trail
(A great hike from Lares to Quishuarani – Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes Town and final day includes a full day tour of Machu Picchu Inka city)
Lares to Machu Picchu
THIS IS FOR YOU: We have a great 4 days program option, ending at Machu Picchu, having on the last day a full day time between 7 a.m. till 2 p.m. to completely enjoy the great Inkan City, that means you will see Machu Picchu before the crowded trains arrive, good for pictures of the scenery without all those people and enough time for those looking to climb the holy mountain of Huayna Picchu (1:40 minutes round trip approx.), or a quiet hike to the temple of the Moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu (1 hr 50 min. round trip approx.).
Introduction
Trekking in this area takes you into the remote and rarely visited Lares Valley with the spectacular backdrop of the Urubamba Mountains. The Urubamba range lies to east of the Sacred Valley. It stretches for 30km, and has several snow-capped peaks, the best know of which is Veronica (5,750m), the most prominent snow peak that can be seen from the Machu Picchu train. The Urubamba range in its entirety is seen at its best from the road between Cusco and Urubamba. This is one of my all time favourite views. The Lares Valley lies to the east of the Urubamba range and its easily accessible from Cusco. The Area offers moderately strenuous trekking, though small mountain villages, crossing passes of over 4,000m with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Chicon. The trek, described here, gives you the rare snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Chicon. The trek, described here, gives you the rare opportunity to see how the Quechua-speaking Indians of the high mountain villages live by farming potatoes and oca, and herding llamas and alpacas on the inhospitable flanks of the towering peaks.
The Lares Valley is particularly well know for its very high-quality, brightly coloured weavings and characteristic upturned hats, many of the popular tourist markets being supplied from here. There are several variations on this trek which you can do according to how much time you have available. Even in the dry season be prepared fro bad weather. Although in this area always people not far away, they often don't speak Spanish. If you want to take mules or porters and a guide you will probably have to organise it through one of the agencies in Cusco.
(From Peru and Bolivia, The Bradt Trekking Guide)
The trek itself is rated moderate, similar to the Inca Trail. There are, however, One pass over 4000m so it is essential that you are well acclimatized to the altitude. If arriving from sea level then plan on spending at least 2 days in Cusco and the surroundings before undertaking the trek. Welcome to the Lares Trek through the Sacred Valley – a stunning trip designed to avoid the crowds found on the traditional Inca Trail, with ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, meeting locals, and immersing yourself in ancient surroundings.
Please Note: We do offer two options of Services:
1.-Private One
2.-Shared Service
Please find the differences below, thanks.
1.- Lares Valley to Machu Picchu Private Service 4 days (LMP405)
Departures are available throughout the year. However, due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is between March - November.
Lares - Llamas
Prices are per person 2008: 2 persons US$455, 3 persons US$430, 4 persons US$410, 5 - 7 persons US$370, 8 - 12 persons US$350, 13 - 16 persons US$330, more than 16 persons US$310.
We can offer a US$15 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old.(University ID or Youth Travel cards NOT valid)
Group Size: Please note that this is a private group trek. This means
that if there are just two of you interested in doing this trek, the trek will
be organized just for you i.e. US$455 per person. Obviously with more people in your group the cost per person becomes more economical. We do not add other people to you trek and unfortunately it is not possible to join another group
Departures: To suit group requirements March - November
Minimum 02 passengers at the time of departure (actually we are o.k. if you are 02 people, we can leave any day which is fine for your plans)
Payment details: We will require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$150 per person payable within
06 days of Andean Life confirming your trek booking. The deposit is to be paid by Our VISA Payment On-Line, Western Union money transfer and Mail Order System, these are our fastest & most secure form of payments in Peru.
Further details of how to send the deposit are included with our trek booking confirmation email. The remaining balance is to be paid in our office at least two days prior to your trek departure date. Payment can be made in cash US$, local currency (Peruvian Soles), or American Express Travel Cheques (3%)or by VISA (6% surcharge - VISA's cost not ours).
For a trek deposit Payment On-line by Amex and Master Credit Cards, please let Us know by email and we will send ASAP further details about how to proceed with it, thanks.
2.- Lares Valley to Machu Picchu Shared Service 4 days (LMP406)
Prices are per person 2008: US$410.
Minimum 02 passenger at the time of departure
We can offer a US$15 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old.
Group Size: Please note that this is a shared service group trek and offers visitors the most economical method to trek the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu. A Shared service is basically a group that you can just join. You'll be trekking with like-minded hikers from all over the world, a great chance to meet new friends and travel companions
*If you would like to leave on another dates, please take our Lares Valley trek to Machu Picchu Private Service 4 Days (LMP405), as with this option you can depart on any day of the week that suits you best including Sundays.
Payment details: We will require a non-refundable trek depositof US$150 per person payable within
06 days of Andean Life confirming your trek booking. The deposit is to be paid by Our VISA Payment On-Line, Western Union money transfer and Mail Order System, these are our fastest & most secure form of payments in Peru. Further details of how to send the deposit are included with our trek booking confirmation email. The remaining balance is to be paid in our office at least two days prior to your trek departure date. Payment can be made in cash US$,
local currency (Peruvian Soles), or American Express Travel Cheques (3%) or by VISA (6% surcharge - VISA's cost not ours).
For a trek deposit Payment On-line by Amex and Master Credit Cards, please let Us know by email and we will send ASAP further details about how to proceed with it, thanks.
What is included: (in both options,1,2, Private Service and Shared Service)
Collection from your hotel in the morning
Transportation by bus to the start of the trail (Lares - Pascana)
English speaking professional guide
Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space
for your backpacks
Double thickness foam mattress
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes (while hiking)
Accommodations: 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel
Cook and Cooking equipment
Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude
We supply boiled water to fill in your water bottle all the time, if requested
with enough time ahead (while hiking)
Teatime the first two days (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Horses days 1-3 (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Accommodation for our crew
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Bus from Machu Picchu ruins up and down to the village of Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu entrance fee
Train ticket (Backpackers service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Transfer from the train station to your hotel.
What is not included: (in both options,1,2, Private Service and Shared Service)
Breakfast on the first morning.
Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes
US$4
Sleeping bags (4 season) can be hired in our office for US$12 for the 3 day trek.
Tips for the guide, cook and porters
Personal equipment
What you need to bring/carry: (in both options,1,2, Private Service and Shared Service)
Backpack,
Sleeping bag 4 season suitable for temperatures down to -5C (can be hired from
our office for US$12 for the 3 day trek)
Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
Strong, comfortable footwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
Sweater and jacket (something warm)
Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen (boiled drinking water will be provided)
Torch / Flashlight and batteries
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream)
Insect repellent
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc,
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries, cash in soles and US$
Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek)
Optional: walking Poles /sticks (rubber covers necessary)
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail.
Options: (in both options,1,2, Private Service and Shared Service)
(1) Personal horse for riding while on the trek with and extra cost of US$40, you can have a personal horse to ride any time you may need.
(2) Single room at Aguas Calientes town (evening on day 3) the accommodations at Aguas Calientes on the 3th night is based on double or triple occupancy
(DWB or TWB). If a client would like to have a single room, need to add US$15.00 to the base price of the tour. You must decide if you want to have a single room in advance and let Us know when making your trek reservation since we need to purchase the hotel booking in advance as well. You cannot decide it at a later date or once you arrive in Cusco.
(3) An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged for you if required. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. It is best to make your hotel reservation directly. The web page www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/hotels/machupicchu has some good recommendations and contact details.
(4) Vegetarian Meals. We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets with no extra cost. Just let us know at least 2 days prior to trek departure.
(5) Sleeping bag hire. If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the the to Peru with you then we have sleeping bags in our office for rent. The price is US$12 per person for the 3 day trek.
Reservation details: All trek reservations must be made at least
6 days in advance (however 15-20 days in advance is recommended especially during the months of June, July,
August and September)
Other information: (in both options,1,2, Private Service and Shared Service)
(1) Luggage storage. When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco. Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at our office. (2) Time of arrival in Cusco. Unless you plan to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you will return to your hotel in Cusco for approximately 9pm on the 4th day of the trek.
This tickets are subject to
availability and at times of high demand we may have to change your departure to
an alternative service / departure time without prior notice departing on the
someday as stated in your service voucher. This alternative service may run
only as far as Ollantaytambo, in which case we will provide transport for you
back to your hotel in Cusco. If the service is more expensive Andean life will
pay additional cost. This applies to return by train only and Andean life will
not be responsible for additional costs associated wit returning to Cusco in any
other form. If it is your decision to change to a different service or different
date you must inform us at the time of purchasing the trek and pay any
additional cost yourselves.
(3) Very Important: Exchange Rate.
The Lares trek to
Machu Picchu
price of US$410
is based on an exchange rate on the 01 January 2008 was 1 USD = 2.95 Peruvian
Soles. Although we accept payment for the trek in US dollars the majority of our
expenses are in Peruvian Soles (trek permits, wages, food, taxes). Andean Life
will absorb any change in costs up to 15 points difference from 2.95. i.e. if
the exchange rate falls to 2.80 we will not ask you to pay any additional
surcharge. If however the value of the US dollar falls below 2.80 we will ask
you to pay a US$15 surcharge, if the value falls below 2.70 we will ask you to
pay a US$20 surcharge, below 2.60 we will ask you to pay a US$25 surcharge etc
etc. Of course exchange rates can go both up and down so if the value of the US
dollar increases against the Peruvian Sole we will refund you the following
amounts: exchange rate greater than 3.10 we will refund US$10, greater than 3.20
we will refund US$15, greater than 3.30 we will refund US$20 etc etc. Andean Life will have to show any
calculations to clearly justify such surcharges.
If any of
the third party costs listed above change to increase the cost of the trek we
will immediately update the trek price listed on our website (apart from the
exchange rate which can continue to go up and down throughout the year so the
website will not be updated to reflect these cost changes). Clients will be
liable for paying any increased cost of the Inca Trail trek upon arrival in
Cusco.
(4) Trek Itinerary: For a detailed description of our 4 day trekking itinerary see below.
Andean Life Trek Cancellation Policy (in both options,1,2, Private Service and Shared Service)
1. The trek deposit must be paid prior to the date shown on the trek
confirmation email. Clients must email Andean Life to confirm
that they have paid the deposit. Failure to pay the deposit and/or inform us of
the deposit payment details before this date will result in automatic trek
cancellation.
2. The trek balance must be paid in the Andean Life office prior to 8pm, at
least 2 days prior to trek departure. Failure to pay the trek balance prior to
this time will result in trek cancellation.
3. Trek cancellations made between payment of trek deposit and 8pm, 2 days prior
to trek departure date: Return of all payments made, less the trek deposit of
US$150 per person, less any costs associated with
receiving and returning the payment.
4. Trek cancellations made after 8pm, 2 days prior to trek departure: No cash
refund. However we will give to your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, your bus
ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and your round trip
train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
and back to Cusco (approximate value US$150).
Please note that the client will be responsible for changing the dates of any of
these tickets (if necessary) and any costs associated with such changes.
In all instances of trek cancellation by the client Andean Life will provide
written confirmation of the cancellation and details of any payments lost so as
to be used in the event of any insurance claim made by the client.
Trekking Itinerary 2008
Day 1.- Cusco - Calca - Lares village (3100 m.a.s.l.) - hot springs - Quishuarani, (3700 m.a.s.l.)
We will leave from Cusco, by early morning. and then we will travel by bus to Calca, there we take a bus up to Lares Valley.
Once we get the town you will have the chance to enjoy the great hot springs and have a good break for about 1: 30 minutes (Aprox.) refreshing yourself. Lunch is provided there as well.
Then we will go by bus again (20 minutes travel aprox.) to the beginning of the trip know as Pascana and there we will start the hike to Quishuarani (2.30 hours hike aprox.) there we will set up, our campsite, here there is nice chance to meet the locals “campesinos” and share some time together getting weaving exhibition and lessons about its ancient techniques.
This is a beautiful day with stunning views and great landscapes and the experience to visit along the path several Andean villages, and have a chat with the local people. (L/D)
Day 2 .- From Quishuarani to Cancha Cancha (3800 m.a.s.l.)
Early wake Up, breakfast, and start the hike. This Second Day is going to be the
largest day (7 hours hike aprox.) with of course a midday lunch break.
We start our ascent to the highest point of the circuit, of course at your own speed and own pass, The climb is pretty hard until the pass of Pachacutec (4450 m.a.s.l.) but with an indescribable panoramic views of snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Chicon and the surrounding snow peaks plus stunning landscapes from the summit are definitely worthwhile, after the pass we hike down hill for about 2.30 hours. Lovely day and chance to see Andean Wild Life and Flowers, Camp at Cancha Cancha. (B/L/D)
Day 3 .- From Cancha Cancha to Huaran and then Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes Town by train (2000 m.a.s.l.)
After a delicious breakfast we start our easy hike, down hill for about 5 hours (approx.) hiking to Huaran, there we will take a transport as far as Ollantaytambo, where we will take the train (by 12:55 p.m.) in order to get Aguas Calientes town (14:40 min. travel approx.), overnight in a hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 4 .- Machu Picchu (2400 m.a.s.l.) - Cusco (3400 m.a.s.l.) :
Early wake Up (by 05: 30 a.m.), Breakfast and after to leave our Luggage at the
Hotel, we will take the early Tourist bus Up to Machu Picchu, of Course with a guide English speaking, Usually we use to get Machu Picchu by 6: 50 a.m., so from this time we will be able to visit Machu Picchu of course at this time Machu Picchu is pretty empty and we will have the best chance to enjoy the beauty and the magic of Machu Picchu, because at this time is quiet.
A guided tour of about 2: 30 hours, and then you will have "happy hour time", to explore by yourself the whole site for about 3 hours and there is time as well to climb Huayna Picchu mountain and get the best view over Machu Picchu it takes 1: 40 minutes round trip time, or option to go to the temple of the moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Then We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu that you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes by 14:00 at the latest (assuming train departs at 15:55). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times.
Getting Cusco city by 8:20 p.m aprox,( these can change) there we will provide transfer to Your Hostel, End of the services.
Lunch can be taken at Aguas Calientes town before to take the tourist train back to Cusco
Optional stay 01 extra night in Aguas Calientes. Cost of Hotel : 15 - 20 u.s. per person.
