See the highlights of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and hike the rugged Lares Valley on your way to Machu Picchu! This is the perfect itinerary for those who want to see the archeological wonders of the Inca Empire and also the wilds of the Andes Mountains. You will see the most important wonders of the ancient Inca culture and also learn about modern Quechua people, who still follow many of the cultural practices of their Inca ancestors. This itinerary takes you deep into the connections between ancient Inca and current Quechua culture. Live the Lares Trek Experience in video !
DAY 1: TRANSFER + CITY TOUR
Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Our guide will give you a short briefing and you will have the rest of the morning to acclimatize. In the afternoon, we will begin the tour of the Imperial City of Cusco, a living example of the mixture of Andean and Spanish culture. Continuing your trip, you visit the Convent of Santo Domingo that was built ontop of the remains of the Inca Koricancha temple, which was an ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun Inti.
Our tour continues through the incomparable and fascinating archeological site of Sacsayhuaman and its Inca military architecture, which dominates the city. Finally, we explore the archeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, located to the northeast of the city. We will return to your hotel in Cusco early in the evening.
3* Accommodation: Waman Qoricancha or Maytaq Wasin Hotel
DAY 2: CUSCO – PISAC – HUARAN – CANCHA CANCHA
The tour starts with your pick-up at 5 am from your hotel in Cusco, then we heard to the town of Pisac. Continuing with our trip we will visit the archeological site of Pisac where we will have beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. Our guide will share with you the history of the ancient Inca Citadel of Pisac. After visiting Pisac, we will have some delicious breakfast prepared by our chef at our private guesthouse. Then we will drive to Huaran, with a quick stop at the Calca market on the way. At the trailhead, we will meet our horseman and horses. Now get ready, lace up your trekking boots and give your duffel bag to the horsemen. The pack horses will carry your personal gear, so you only have to carry a light daypack on the trek! It’s time to start our 3 hour hike , a gradual downhill until we reach Saqra Machay.
During the hike, we will observe, rivers, mountains and enjoy beautiful views all around us. We stop at Saqra Machay, where our lunch is prepared by our chef and will be ready to be served on arrival! We will replenish our energy for the next section of the hike. After lunch our hike continues to our campsite in Cancha Cancha.
Here, you have the opportunity to visit the homes of some of the local families in the Andean village. Your guide will be your interpreter as you learn from the local indigenous people who speak Quechua. If you have some small gifts or fruit, these families who welcome us to their homes appreciate it a lot. Some families may also have things to sell. Buying from the woman who raised the alpaca, sheared the wool, spun the yarn and wove the product is true Fair Trade! After this memorable experience, we will continue for another 2 hours till we reach our first campsite. Hot tea or coffee with appetizers will be ready when you arrive before tucking into your scrumptious dinner. Our guide will then explain about the Inca constellations, which are still used today by the Quechua people to guide their agricultural cycles.
- Meals included: Breakfast- Lunch- Tea- Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Distance: 12kms / 7 miles
- Hours: 6hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 3 : CANCHA CANCHA – QUISHUARANI
Energized after another hearty and delicious breakfast, we will then be ready to begin our 7 hour uphill hike, going over the Pachacutec pass. The intense walk and all the high passes will be worth it, as you experience the views of blue glacial lakes, llama herds, and of course the stunning mountain vistas. We descend for another 30 minutes before having lunch with fantastic views of the Lares Valley.
After being mesmerized by the glacial view of the mountain, we will make our way down for 3 hours towards our campsite. You will encounter local farmers with their traditional clothing, guiding their alpacas. The seven waterfalls are now only a short distance away. We then arrive at our second campsite, where our trekker chef has some hot tea and a delicious meal prepared for the night. Fully satisfied, it’s time to get some rest beneath the stars.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch- Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
- Hours: 8hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Challenging
DAY 4: QUISHUARANI – CUNCANI – LARES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
The adventure continues, at the beginning of the most memorable day so far! We begin our 3 hour hike until we reach the Hullkiccasa Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), where we will have magnificent views of the reflections of the images of the glacial lakes. Time to descend for 2 hours through high Andean farmland and small cirques to the community of Cuncani. Connecting with local indigenous children, we will visit the Andean school and share quality time with them.
After this memorable experience, we will head to Veronica View Hotel in Ollantaytambo where you will be taking a well deserved rest after the intense hike. You will enjoy the comfort of our sauna and swimming pool, with optional spa treatments, massages and much more. Refresh and revitalize yourself with the stunning views of Veronica Mountain and glacier.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodations: Veronica View Hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 5: OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO
Rest for the night becuase our tour begins early the next day. After breakfast will be transferred to the train station where will be board the train which departs at 6:10 to Aguas Calientes. Get ready to enjoy the train ride with views of white glaciers, formed valleys and layers of ancient Inca terraces. The sacred Vilcanota River will be our companion until our arrival in Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the train station in Aguas Calientes at 7:30 am and transfer you to the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. This guided tour will take you to the magical Machu Picchu. Your guide will walk you through the rediscovery of these enigmatic ruins. Returning to Aguas Calientes, you will have time to have lunch and take the afternoon Expedition train at 4:22 pm to Ollantaytambo, From there we will heard back to Veronica View Hotel to have dinner and another round of relaxation.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Dinner
- Accommodations: Veronica View Hotel
- Difficulty: Easy
DAY 6: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MORAY – MARAS – CHINCHERO – CUSCO
Waking up early today, after breakfast we will be visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the archeological site of Moray, also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas.” The levels of the terraces are carved in a huge bowl, part of which was excavated by the Incas for their crops. The terraces have varied microclimates according to the depth of the basin, so it is believed that the Incas have used them to experiment with hybridization and discover the optimal conditions for their different crops. We will then head to the colonial city of Maras, where you will see the Salineras. Thousands of salt pans have been used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of water heavily laden with salt, which is diverted to the salt flats and evaporated to produce a high quality salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt! Finally, we go to Chinchero, where you will see the historic colonial adobe church, from the early seventeenth century which was built on the foundation of an Inca temple or palace. The interior is covered with beautiful floral and religious designs. In addition, you will discover the Inca archeological ruins and agricultural terraces. After this fascinating tour, we will head to Cusco City and take you to your hotel.
- 3* Accommodations: Waman Qoricancha or Maytaq Wasin Hotel
- Meal included: Breakfast
DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the remaining time in the city of Cusco. We recommend visiting the San Pedro market and Plaza de Armas. In the afternoon, we will take you to the airport for your departure to Lima.
- Meal included: Breakfast
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE LARES TREK PACKAGE?
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE LARES TREK PACKAGE?
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE FOR LARES TREK PACKAGE
***The Sacred Valley & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of two participants.
Price:
$637 USD per person without hotels
$737 USD per person with 2 nights 3* Cusco hotel + 2 nights Veronica View
$867 USD per person with 2 nights 4* Cusco hotel + 2 nights Veronica View
***Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8!
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the cardis required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Single Supplement: $40USD 2* and $60 USD 3*, $100 USD 4* for solo travelers
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully as it will help answer all of your questions about our services and the Lares Trek Package
WELCOME TO CUSCO!
You will be welcomed at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel in Cusco. Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange Veronica Group sign at the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The evening before the tour you will receive a briefing at your hotel in Cusco.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT THE HOTEL?
Of course! During the Lares trek Package, your main luggage can be stored at the hotel in our secure storage facilities.
HOW TO BOOK
FIRST, to book your Machu Picchu Tour Package, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW. on our homepage or click on this link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase your Inca Trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page or booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. There are many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address veronicaviewhotel@gmail.com to make the payment.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
- According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need universty cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
- Students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
- Children aged 0 to 2 are free.
- All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
- Send us a copy at veronivaviewhotel@gmail.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is generally No. Once the Machu Picchu tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Tour to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your ticket for Machu Picchu, train ticket,or any other tickets and reservations.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON LARES TREK PACKAGE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you always dress in layers, which makes it easier to adjust to the different microclimates you will trek through.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as follows: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, Quechua for high-altitude sickness.
The Veronica View Hotel, and all of the Sacred Valley, are at a lower altitude than Cusco. If you are concerned about the altitude in Cusco, you may want to spend a few days in the Sacred Valley when you first arrive.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Veronica View Hotel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel is appropriate, depending on your perception on the quality of the service and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes! Veronica View Hotel & Tours is a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know, understand, and respect the places and its local people.
The Sacred Valley & Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Package includes an extra packhorse for your personal gear on the Lares Trek. Please read about the weight limits below.
What you have to take with you for the Lares trek Package?
- Original passport (it has to be the same as the one used when booking your trek)
- Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (25-30 liters)
- Water storage: 2-3L reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags
- 2 t-shirts
- 1 hiking pants
- Warm undergarments
- Hiking socks
- Polar or sweater
- Jacket if cold season
- Waterproof gloves – rainy season
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Wool hat if cold season
- Rain gear – rainy season
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or dry fruit
- Rain poncho
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
