DAY 01 LARES/HUACAHUASI
We leave Cusco in the early morning, driving to the provincial town of Calca in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and climbing northward to a spectacular high pass before dropping down to the village of Lares on the east slope of the Andes. Here we take a delicious dip at a hot springs in the meadows outside of town and then enjoy a picnic lunch. Then we begin a leisurely half-day hike up the valley of the rushing Rio Trapiche, before reaching the highland village of Huacahuasi, where we camp for the night. (L/D)

DAY 02 PATACANCHA
We climb steadily, traversing an open, treeless landscape of ground-hugging plants and flowers among pastures of Andean bunch-grass scattered with roaming herds of alpacas and llamas. Reaching an altitude of 4,500m. we cross the pass of Ipsayccasa then descend into the Patacancha watershed, with the lake of Ipsaycocha to our right. We may see Andean Geese, Puna Ibis and other waterbirds in the wetlands here as we journey through the heartland of these Quechua people, who are locally nicknamed “Huayruros” – the name of a red and black seed reminiscent of the color combinations of the local textiles. We reach the village of Patacancha and camp nearby. (B/L/D)

DAY 03 PUMAMARCA/OLLANTAYTAMBO
Our transport takes us downvalley to Pallata, where we begin a short, half-day hike to Ollantaytambo, via the scenic early-Inca site of Pumamarca (Puma town). This well-preserved Inca outpost was apparently a fort protecting the approaches to the Sacred Valley. From there we hike down a trail that winds gently across steep mountain slopes, through a stupendous series of agricultural terraces built by the Incas and now partially restored to agricultural use. At the village of Munaypata we rejoin the main road, where our transport makes the final short drive to Ollantaytambo. After lunch we visit the impressive ruins here, and tour the nearby village, where people go about their daily lives among original Inca streets and houses. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. (B/L)

DAY 04 MACHU PICCHU
We take the morning train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, and then ascend by bus to the fabled ruins of Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco in the afternoon and transfer to hotel. (B/L)

Casona Yucay

Casa Andina

What's Included
A licensed, well-trained, English speaking guide, who visit the clients the evening before departure to explain the trek and answer any question.
Camping Equipment: Spacious The North Face tents, dinning tent, toilet ten, tables and chairs, oxygen bottle and cooking equipment. Trekkers need only bring sleeping bags.
Chef preparing healthy, hearty meals cooked with fresh, local ingredients.
Well-paid and well-treated porters. We supply the appropriate duffel for you to pack and them to carry. You carry a light daypack.
Transportation from Cusco to start of the Lares trail, first class train-the Vista dome- Ollanta/Aguas Clientes (Machu Picchu)/Cusco.
Entrance fees and roundtrip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary.
Hotel accommodation at a comfortable hotel in the Sacred valley.
Special offer: The first four clients in each booking will receive at no cost our high quality The North face Sleeping bags (Polarguard - SnowShoe OF -18C )


Important Notes
1.- Although the trek is rated as moderate, we strongly suggest spending at least two nights before start this trek to totally adjust to the altitude.
2.- If you are interested to interact and help communities during your trip in Peru, this trek gives you an excellent opportunity to do it. You could bring some clothes and/or school equipment; the children that you will meet and InkaNatura travel will thank you very much.
3.- You can add an extra night in Machu Picchu to return to the Inca citadel at dawn to see the ruins in perfect morning light.