VV Hotel & Tours will take you on its own exclusive scenic trekking route, which gives you the very best in cultural interactions with local indigenous people and the rugged scenery of the wild Andes Mountains! You pass through the most isolated indigenous communities, which are still keeping their traditional Inca culture alive. Our own unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. We are the only tour operator that includes exclusive access to our hotel with a PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL AND SAUNA in Ollantaytambo — NO ONE HAS A BETTER DEAL than VV Hotel & Tours for this trek!
Day 1: Cusco – Cuncani – Quiswarani
Pick- up is early at 5:00am from your Cusco hotel. The first part of our journey is a drive of about 2.5 hours to the Cuncani community. We make a pit stop along the way at a traditional Calca market to purchase some provisions and to give you the opportunity to buy potential gifts for the highland children you will meet along your trek. Breakfast is served high in the mountains, admiring the waterfalls, mountain peaks and awesome views of the valleys. Time to get our packs ready, put our boots on and begin our first 3 hours downhill walk to Willqaqasa Pass at 4,200m/13,779ft. You will enjoy the amazing views of rugged Andean peaks, glacial lakes, valleys and much more. Afterwards, we will relish our delectable lunch prepared by our trekking chef. Then, we just have a two hour descent to the next valley, where we complete our first day of trekking and arrive at our campsite!
Our campsite is at the Quiswarani community, which is still very traditional and follows ancient agricultural practices. Arriving at camp, your afternoon tea will be waiting for you, enjoy with striking views of the frozen Andean peaks and seven waterfalls in your background. You will also get to meet some of the villagers. This is a great opportunity to share some of the gifts that you brought. You might also meet a weaver selling her artwork. Buying directly from the person who raised the alpaca, sheared the wool, spun the yarn and wove the product is true Fair Trade! After dinner, our guide will show you the Inca constellations on which they depended on for agricultural guidance and still do to this day.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities with restrooms
- Distance: 12kms / 7 miles
- Time: 6hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Quishuarani – Pachaqutec Pass -Cancha Cancha
Your guide will wake you up with a hot cup of tea or coffee to enjoy in your tent before you step out into the chill of the morning air. We begin our second day feeling refreshed after a good night sleep and another delicious breakfast. Our second day starts with a 4 hour hike southwest, an intense walk accomplishing high passes to reach the highest point of our trek called Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Motivating you along the challenging hike are spectacular glaciers, alpine lakes, llama herds, rugged valleys and undulating farmlands. Embrace the feeling of total exhilaration and self-achievement when you arrive at the summit! After some time enjoying the 360º views, we make our way down for about 30 minutes. Lunch is served among llamas and alpacas with picturesque views of glaciers and the Lares Valley.
Take some time for photos and get a little rest before we start our 2 hour descent to reach our campsite located in the Cancha Cancha community, (3,700m /12,139ft). These trails are truly out in the wilds of the Andes Mountains! You will pass plenty of llama and alpaca herds. The local indigenous people will shyly welcome and greet you in the Quechua language (the Inca language). Your guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua words. Cancha Cancha is one of the most isolated and traditional mountain communities. There is no road to the village and they only got their eletricity connections in late 2019. You will have the chance to meet with a local family to learn about their Andean lives. Depending on the time you arrive in Cancha Cancha you may also have the opportunity to visit the local school .
At the campsite, everything will be ready. Enjoy afternoon tea, followed by a scrumptious dinner then snuggle in for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities with restrooms
- Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
- Time: 7 to 8hrs approximately
- Difficulty: challenging
Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Veronica View Hotel
Your adventure continues as you begin the relaxing day that you have definitely earned! After breakfast, you’ll have time to explore the village and visit the local elementary school, where Quechua is still taught. Once you are ready, you’ll begin the last leg of your Lares trek. It´s about 3 hours of gradual downhill walking, along a lovely river, where you will see even more llamas and alpacas. We’ll pass by farms where they still cultivate potatoes, quinoa, and many traditional crops, in the traditional Inca style. This is a great opportunity to learn about Peruvian agriculture because people still farm by hand with traditional Inca farming tools. On the third morning, we descend to the warmer area of the Sacred Valley. You will begin to feel the micro-climate changes and start seeing crops that are different from the ones in the high mountains. Finally, we arrive to Huaran, where we will say goodbye to our chef, horsemen, and horses, as they will be going back to their homes in the highland villages.
From Huaran, our driver will meet us with our private van and take us through the Sacred Valley on our way to Ollantaytambo where you will be welcomed at our exclusive Veronica View Hotel. You will enjoy a gourmet lunch and relax in our private swimming pool and sauna. Your view of the snow covered Veronica Mountain from the swimming pool is spectacular! Take advantage of the spa and beautiful gardens with native flowers and wildlife.
After a relaxing afternoon, enjoy another delectable dinner at Veronica View and head to bed early to prepare for an early start tommorrow.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Veronica View Hotel
- Distance: 9kms / 6 miles
- Time: 4 hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Veronica View – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! We get up early to take the 6:10 train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
After, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is truly an extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a guided tour of about two hours. You get to see the majestic Machu Picchu, how much of it you see depends on the number of circuits purchased, the tour only includes 1 circuit. (please review circuits) .
You may wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price):
- Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain– appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from above. These extra hikes sell out fast and must be requested at time of booking.
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (entrance fees )
When you are ready, you will take a bus down the winding roads of Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Once there have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the train at 14:55 for the return trip on the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will catch our private van back to Cusco. You can expect to arrive in Cusco at your hotel around 19:00.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
- Private transportation from Cusco to Calca and then to Cuncani (Trailhead)
- Local licensed guide, fluent in English
- Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and your transfer back to Cusco
- 2 round trip shuttle bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- One circuit admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archeological Complex
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu for 2 hours
- Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast
- 4 person EUREKA TIMBERLINE TENT for every 2 trekkers
- Comfortable foam mattresses
- Delicious gourmet meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
- An extra horse- In case of illness or any other emergency, to ensure the trek can be completed by all participants
- First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen tank
- Boiled water to fill your bottles
- Rain poncho
- Transfer back to Cusco only for our group
- Interactions with the local kids and community people
- Backpack rain cover
- Exclusive access to the Veronica View sauna and swimming pool
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD – (Please request when you book your trek)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade –$67 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm )
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Optional spa services at the Veronica View Hotel
OPTIONAL UPGRADES:
- VISTADOME TRAIN from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm: $67 USD per person
- La Cabaña Hotel: $45 USD per person
- Tierra Viva Hotel: $70 USD per person
- El Mapi Hotel: $120 USD
- Additional Night in hotel in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on choice and availability)
The best Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is available on request , it does however require a 2 person minimum.
| Price per Person | |
| Without Hotel | $513 USD |
| 3* Hotel (Veronica View Hotel) | $543 USD |
| 3* Hotel(not Veronica View Hotel) | on request |
| 4* Hotel | $627 USD |
***Minimum 2 persons required to open up a new group – a solo trekker may join an existing group.
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs and we will provide you with a duffel bag.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal Tent –$30 USD – (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade –$67 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm )
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
- Single Supplement –$40 USD extra in a 3* hotel for solo travelers
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the horse will carry your belongings up to 7kgs /15lbs like your sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
- BOILED WATER is included along the Lares Trek Machu Picchu
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the Lares Trek Machu Picchu
- EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price, which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
- CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS
- BEST ITINERARY operated by Lares Trekking to Machu Picchu specialist only.
Please read the following information carefully as it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares trek to Machu Picchu.
THE BRIEFING FOR THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
The evening before the tour you will receive a briefing at your hotel or in our office in Cusco.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT THE HOTEL?
ABSOLUTELY! During the Lares trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at the hotel in our secure storage facilities.
HOW TO BOOK THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
FIRST, to book your Lares trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Machu Picchu permit 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 a permit for the Inca Quarry Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make a deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbol on our 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.
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 Lares trek 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 Lares Trek Machu Picchu,or any other entrances 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. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
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 able to enter Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival in Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
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 of Cusco, you may want to spend a few days in the Sacred Valley when you first arrive.
DON’T DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN REST
If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. We advise that you take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.
STAY HYDRATED
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low protein and high carbs is advisable.
DISCOVERING COCA
No one knew the effects of high altitude better than indigenous people. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. You can try drinking coca tea, which is commonly found in hotel lobbies in Cusco.
However, if you have a drug test scheduled upon return to your own country, you should avoid coca tea (it contains a trace amount of cocaine). Lots of rest, water and ibuprofen also prevent the worst symptoms of altitude sickness.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. The Veronica View Hotel specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HIKING LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
The evening before you start your Lares trek to Machu Picchu, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 25 to 30L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Lares trek to Machu Picchu is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,700m/15,419ft). On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or join a gym in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
You will highly appreciate this aspect of our trek, especially if you are a person who prefers a private, clean and sanitary toilet! VV Hotel & Tours bathroom facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. We always set up our toilet a comfortabe distance from our campsite. If you need to use the toilet at night, it is readily accessible and clean.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, VV Hotel & Tours will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems and an emergency horse is always available for you to ride. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the Lares trek to Machu Picchu.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL?
Absolutely!! Included in the package, on the last day we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too! If you spend the night in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there!
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 to the people who will take care of you during the hike. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Tourist destinations and the VV Hotel. Of course you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
ARE WE 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.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
- Original passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Veronica View)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7kgs or 15lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing suit for the thermal waters
- Fleece/ thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery bank: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A bigger backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain poncho (provided by VV Hotel & Tours)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Valuables
