Lares Valley Trek & Explore Machu Picchu
Tour Overview
Embark on the Lares Valley Trek & Explore Machu Picchu tour, a captivating journey through the cultural Andean valley of Lares, surrounded by stunning Nevados and lagunas. Experience the rich traditions of local communities as you camp in traditional villages. Enjoy a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, leading to the awe-inspiring ancient Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu. This adventure includes private transport, professional bilingual guides, and all necessary camping equipment. Delight in delicious meals prepared by a cook, and rest in a hostel in either Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes. This unforgettable trek promises breathtaking landscapes and a deep dive into Andean culture. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quishuarani - Cuncani
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Very early, as the sun begins to shine on the roofs Cusco, our guide will pick us up from the hotel and we will head in the direction of the Sacred Valley. The Calca market will be our last stop before losing contact with big cities. This is our final chance to buy any last minute things we may need for the trip. The road that leads to Lares and crosses the Amparaes pass at 4470m is a phenomenal drive which winds through arid landscapes, occasional rivers run across the road and the mountain views are breathtaking. Our final destination is the banos termales of Lares. From the thermal baths unfolds a small track, you'll pass through hand tilled fields and crops of quinoa and potato, amongst quaint stone houses. After a gradual climb of a few hours we will stop for a delicious lunch, before continuing on to the community of Cuncani, our camp for the evening. The night will be cold but charming. ...more ...less
Day 2: Cuncani - Lares - Huacahuasi
Location: Lares
Accommodation Name: camp
Cuncani - Lares - Huacahuasi
Day 3: Huacahuasi - Ipsaycocha - Pataccancha
Location: Ollantaytambo
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning will be our last on the trail and after breakfast, there will be a chance to take photos with our crew. From here the walk becomes easier down to the piscigranja (fish farm). You'll feel the climate changing, becoming warmer and more alive, with more variety in vegetation as hummingbirds accompany us on our journey. After a few short hours, you'll meet the private transportation that will go to Ollantaytambo.
Day 4
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: hostel
At the end of the trek, we finish near to a town called Ollantaytambo, at this point there are a couple of options. Then you arrive by around mid-afternoon in time for the afternoon session tour of Machu Picchu. This is a more tranquil & serene time to explore the citadel as it is less crowded.
What's Included
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Breakfast x 2
Enjoy two breakfasts during the trek.
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Lunch x 3
Three lunches are provided during the trek.
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Dinner x 2
Two dinners are included in the trek.
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Private Transport - collection & drop-off
Private transport is provided for collection and drop-off.
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Professional bilingual guide
A professional bilingual guide will accompany you.
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Cook
A cook is included to prepare meals during the trek.
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Horsemen & mules
Horsemen and mules are provided for carrying equipment.
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All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Walking sticks)
All necessary camping equipment is provided, including sleeping bags and walking sticks available for hire.
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Entrance to Machu Picchu, round trip bus tickets to Citadel
Entrance to Machu Picchu and round trip bus tickets to the Citadel are included.
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One night hostel in either Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes
One night accommodation in a hostel in either Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes is included.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
International airfare is not included.
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Hotels before & after (can be organised as part of trip)
Hotels before and after the trek are not included but can be organized as part of the trip.
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Tips for crew
Tips for the crew are not included.
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Any additional extras
Any additional extras are not included.
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Domestic flights (can be organised as part of trip)
Domestic flights are not included but can be organized as part of the trip.
Mode of Transport
Private transport for collection and drop-off, scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and round trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu Citadel.
Accommodation
Enjoy a night in a hostel in either Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes, and camp in traditional communities along the Lares Valley trek.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are provided during the Lares Valley Trek?
The tour includes breakfast for two days, lunch for three days, and dinner for two days.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour price does not include international airfare, hotels before and after the trek (which can be organized as part of the trip), tips for the crew, any additional extras, and domestic flights (which can also be organized as part of the trip).
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes one night in a hostel in either Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transport for collection and drop-off, as well as train tickets to and from Ollantaytambo/Cusco.
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Is there a professional guide during the trek?
Yes, a professional bilingual guide is included in the tour.
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What is the first day of the trek like?
On the first day, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and head towards the Sacred Valley. After a stop at the Calca market, you will drive through arid landscapes to the thermal baths of Lares. From there, you will trek through fields and stone houses, stopping for lunch before continuing to the community of Cuncani, where you will camp for the night.
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What is the experience like on the third day of the trek?
On the third day, after breakfast and taking photos with the crew, the walk becomes easier as you head down to the fish farm. The climate becomes warmer with more variety in vegetation, and you will be accompanied by hummingbirds. After a few hours, you will meet the private transportation that will take you to Ollantaytambo.
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Is camping equipment provided during the trek?
Yes, all camping equipment is provided, including sleeping bags (which can be hired) and walking sticks.
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What happens on the last day of the trek?
On the last day, you will finish the trek near Ollantaytambo and arrive in time for the afternoon session tour of Machu Picchu, which is a more tranquil and serene time to explore the citadel as it is less crowded.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For 3 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Always
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
This depends on the type of tour you've booked. If there is paperwork to be sent (i.e. domestic flights etc.) we will forward these to you ahead of time.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It can be possible in instances, a lot depends on the type of tour being run and it's accessibility
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We don't fund charities directly but we work with local communities where we can to support them and provide resources whenever possible. We utilise local resources with all of our trips so in that respect you are contributing to the local economy and the welfare of it's people.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we’ll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We’ll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we’ll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and ha
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you wold like to share facilities with someone this can be organised
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We have the flexibility to alter trips as necessary if there are travel restrictions in place. For all other changes please refer to our terms and conditions.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
This will depend if you have booked a private or group tour
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Low Deposit
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Terms and Conditions
Lares Valley Trek & Explore Machu Picchu
4 Days Starting in Cusco, Peru and ending in Machu Picchu, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Lares, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 15
Age range:
18-65
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Camping, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Private Available:
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