Highlights
- Walk along a high Andean route with lower concentration of travelers than the most well-known trails in Cusco.
- He begins the tour in Huaran, within the Sacred Valley, and advances along a river towards the Cancha Cancha mountains.
- Observe herds of flames, alpacas and sheep in areas where animals move between grasslands and lagoons.
- Walk near Suirococha, Yuraccocha and other lagoons fed by rain and melt.
- See the Pitusiray, Sahuasiray and Chicon Mountains when sky conditions allow.
- Cross the Huillquicasa Abra before descending to Cuncani and the Lares valley.
Trip Details
- Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
- General route: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huaran – Court – Abra Pachacutec – Quiswarani – Abra Huillquicasa – Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Difficulty: High, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Maximum altitude: Abra Pachacutec, approximately 4,700 m / 15,420 feet.
- Estimated trekking distance: Between 35 and 42 km, depending on the camps and accesses employed.
- Accommodation: Two nights of camping and one night of hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Transported baggage: On horses or mules during the sectors enabled.
- Guide: Bilingual professional, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Food: Meals during trekking, except those indicated as not included.
- Departures: Upon confirmation of all services.
Itinerary
Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
Highlight of the day: Rise from the Sacred Valley to a community located between mountains and fields.
We will leave early from Cusco by tourist transport. During the tour we will cross part of the Sacred Valley before reaching Huaran, located approximately 2,900 meters above sea level.
In Huaran we will meet the support staff and arrange the luggage that will be transported by the cargo animals.
The hike will begin by a river that descends from the mountains. During the first hours we will advance along a path of land with a gradual slope, passing through agricultural areas, trees, small bridges and scattered housing.
The atmosphere will be temperate at the beginning, but the temperature will decrease as we gain height. Sometimes the ascent seems soft because it does not present too high steps; however, the constant inclination can tire the legs.
We will have lunch at a place chosen by the team according to the progress of the group and the conditions of the terrain.
In the afternoon we will continue to Cancha Cancha. On the way you will begin to see higher mountains and grazing areas.
We will reach an area close to the community, formed by rural housing built with materials from the region. Families maintain altitude-adapted crops and breed flames, alpacas, sheep and other animals.
The camp will be installed in an authorized space. After sunset, the temperature will drop rapidly and thermal clothing will need to be worn.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle from Cusco to Huaran.
- Reference distance: Between 9 and 12 km.
- Initial Altitude: Huaran, approximately 2,900 m / 9,514 feet.
- Final Altitude: Court, approximately 3,800 to 3,900 m / 12,467 to 12,795 feet.
- Difficulty: Moderate to high.
- Land: Earth, stone, bridges and progressive slopes.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Court – Lagunas Suirococha and Yuraccocha – Abra Pachacútec – Quiswarani
Highlight of the day: Crossing of the Abra Pachacútec and passing through glacial lagoons at almost 4,700 meters.
The day will start early with a hot drink and breakfast. This will be the day of greatest physical demand.
We will leave Cancha Cancha and ascend through puna land. The vegetation will be lower and will be dominated by ichu, resistant plants and grasslands used by animals.
We will pass near lagoons such as Suirococha and Yuraccocha. On its shores may appear huallatas, ducks and Andean ibis. Wildlife observation depends on the group’s silence, climate and season.
The trail will continue on the rise for about two and a half hours or more, depending on the exact location of the camp.
The last part before the Abra Pachacutec has a marked slope, loose stone and lower oxygen concentration. The guide will keep a slow pace and make short stops to control the group status.
We will reach approximately 4,700 meters above sea level. From the pass you can see lagoons and mountains such as Pitusiray and Chicón, as long as there is no haze.
We will not stay in the open too long because the wind can intensify the cold.
Then we will begin a prolonged descent by paths of stone and earth. Some sectors may correspond to ancient Andean roads, although they are not part of the regulated Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
During the descent there will be waterfalls, streams and new wetlands. The ground can be wet and slippery, especially during the rainy season.
We will arrive in Quiswarani, where we will set up the second camp.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Motorized transport is not used.
- Reference distance: Between 14 and 17 km.
- Initial altitude: Court, approximately 3,900 m.
- Final Altitude: Quiswarani, approximately 3,700 to 3,900 m.
- Difficulty: High, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Land: Stone, earth, steep slopes and wet sectors.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Quiswarani – Abra Huillquicasa – Cuncani – Aguas Termales de Lares – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Last mountain pass, descent to Lares and train trip to Aguas Calientes.
After breakfast we will begin the ascent to the Abra Huillquicasa.
The hike will cross grazing grounds, lagoons and ichu-covered slopes. From the high points you can see sectors of the Vilcanota mountain range and plots used by local families.
The ascent is usually less high than the previous day, but the accumulated fatigue can make you feel intense.
We will reach approximately 4,400 meters above sea level. Then we will begin the descent towards Cuncani.
During this part it is common to find flames, alpacas and sheep. There is also the possibility of observing vizcachas between the rocks, although it cannot be guaranteed.
Cuncani is a rural community located approximately 3,700 meters. From here we will continue to the hot springs of Lares, walking or combining the route with transport, according to the contracted operation.
The thermal waters of Lares are recorded by the tourist inventory of Mincetur at an altitude of approximately 3,250 m / 10,663 feet. The complex has several pools whose temperatures range from about 35°C to 48°C.
We will have time to have lunch and use the pools, provided that the train schedule allows it.
Then we will board a vehicle to Ollantaytambo. The journey crosses mountain roads, so the duration can vary by climate, traffic or maintenance.
In Ollantaytambo we will enter the railway station and board the train to Aguas Calientes. The trip usually takes between an hour and a half and two hours, depending on the service and the railway conditions.
Upon arrival, a representative will escort us to the hotel.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Walk, vehicle from Lares to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes.
- Reference distance: Between 11 and 15 km.
- Initial altitude: Quiswarani, approximately 3,700 to 3,900 m.
- Final altitude: Aguas Calientes, approximately 2.040 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate to high.
- Land: Grassland, earth, stone and prolonged descents.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Dinner must be confirmed according to the contracted service.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Guided tour of Machu Picchu and return by train to the Sacred Valley.
After breakfast we will board the bus to Machu Picchu at the time necessary to meet the assigned entrance.
The original program mentions the first bus and the entry of 6:00 a.m.; however, this schedule can only be confirmed when there is official availability and the ticket issued corresponds to that strip.
The bus ride takes about 25 to 30 minutes. When you arrive at the control you must present:
- Original passport, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Original university card, where applicable.
We will enter by the route indicated on the ticket. Machu Picchu works through three general circuits divided into different routes. Each entry allows to travel only the printed route and does not authorize free changes between circuits.
Our guide will develop an explanation of approximately two hours. The places included will depend on the acquired circuit, since not all routes pass through the same temples, terraces or residential sectors.
After the visit we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes.
You will have time to pick up your luggage and show up at the railway station. Lunch schedule will depend on the train assigned and is not included in the base price.
We will travel by train to Ollantaytambo. The Expedition service takes approximately two hours on the route Machu Picchu Pueblo–Ollantaytambo.
Upon our arrival, we will board tourist transport to Cusco.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Bus to Machu Picchu, return bus, train to Ollantaytambo and vehicle to Cusco.
- Guided tour: Approximately 2 hours.
- Hot Water Altitude: Approximately 2.040 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Land: Stairs and stone trails within the archaeological site.
- Climate: Tempered, humid and variable.
- Meals: Breakfast, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Pick-up and Return
The pickup is made from hotels located within the operating area of Cusco. Some downtown streets have slopes, stairs or restricted vehicle access. When transport cannot enter, a close meeting point will be established.
Pick-up and Return
After the train, transportation from Ollantaytambo will take the group to Cusco. The service can end at a central point or in hotels with vehicular access, depending on the passenger distribution and the contracted service.
Luggage
We recommend leaving the big bags in the hotel in Cusco. During trekking, cargo animals will only carry the confirmed weight. The passenger must carry with him: Passport.
Payments and Changes
A down payment is required to purchase: Entrance to Machu Picchu. These services may be subject to non-refundable conditions after being issued. The balance must be paid before departure, within the period indicated in the confirmation.
Availability
Availability is subject to the confirmation of all limited services involved in the tour. The following booking guidelines help travelers choose a realistic reservation timeframe and understand the factors that may affect final confirmation.
The Lares trek does not use the limited permits of the classic Inca Trail. However, the full program depends on:
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Circuit requested, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Entrance time, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Trains, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Buses, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Guide, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Cook, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Arrieros, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Cargo animals, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Ground transportation, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Conditions of the trails.
For this reason, we do not recommend stating that it can always be booked only two or three days in advance.
A late reservation may be possible, but Peceros Agency Travel cannot guarantee:
- Classic circuit, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Schedule from 6:00 a.m.
- Train requested, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hotel determined, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Private service, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Availability of personnel, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
We recommend booking up to six months in advance for high demand dates.
The passenger must choose a single route of Machu Picchu among the options offered. To request a specific circuit you must consult it before making the payment.
Machu Picchu Circuits
The official administration divides the visit into three general circuits and ten routes.
Circuit 1 – Panoramic
- Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Route 1-B: Upper Terrace.
- Route 1-C: Intipunku cover, only in high season.
- 1-D route: Inca Bridge, only in high season.
Circuit 2 – Machu Picchu Classic
Route 2-A: Route Designed.
Route 2-B: Lower Terrace.
Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty
- Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- Route 3-B: Royalty Designed.
- Route 3-C: Great Cave, only in high season.
- 3-D route: Huchuy Picchu, only in high season.
Each entry allows you to travel only the printed route.
Not all circuits include:
- Photography from the upper terrace.
- Intihuatana, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Temple of the Condor.
- House of the Inca.
- Residential sectors, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Huayna Picchu, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Intipunku, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Inca Bridge, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Information about trains
The program includes:
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
The base category is usually Expedition or an equivalent alternative confirmed by the agency.
The trip between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo requires approximately one and a half to two hours, depending on the service.
The passenger must:
- Present yourself in advance.
- Bring the original passport.
- Respect the baggage allowed.
- Take the assigned seat.
- Do not descend in stations not indicated.
- Follow the operator’s instructions.
Schedules can change without the agency having control over the rail decision.
Information about the accommodation
Camping in Cancha Cancha
The camp is located near a high Andean community.
The nights are cold and the facilities are basic. There may be animal noise, wind and humidity.
A sleeping bag is recommended for low temperatures.
Camp in Quiswarani
The second camp is located in a puna setting, near lagoons and grazing areas.
The temperature may drop below zero.
The service includes a shop, mat, dining room and kitchen equipment.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
The third night is in a hotel with:
- Double or double room.
- The confirmed room includes a private bathroom, subject to the selected accommodation category.
- Hot water is generally available according to the standards and operating conditions of the confirmed accommodation.
- Bed linen, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Breakfast or box breakfast, according to the schedule.
The single room and superior hotels have additional cost.
Transport information
The service combines:
- Tourist vehicle from Cusco to Huaran.
- Horses or mules during trekking.
- Transportation from Lares to Ollantaytambo.
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Buses between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Vehicle from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Times can change by traffic, rain, maintenance, landslides or rail decisions.
Travel restrictions
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are possible in Peru and can affect roads or railways.
When there is advance information, Peceros Agency Travel may:
- Overtaking the exit, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Change the transport, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Modify a camp, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Alter the connection point.
- Apply an alternative tour.
Where it is not possible to ensure security, the service may be suspended.
Changes will be coordinated by our operations department.
Lost objects
The passenger is responsible for his objects.
Before leaving a vehicle, shop, restaurant, hotel or train, you must verify:
- Carry the original passport used for the reservation, as it may be required for identity and ticket verification.
- Keep a charged phone available for operational messages, tickets and emergency contact.
- Carry a reasonable amount of cash in Peruvian soles for small purchases and services that do not accept cards.
- Carry any prescribed personal medication in an accessible part of your daypack.
- Bring a camera or phone protected from rain, dust and accidental impacts.
- Use a small, comfortable backpack for documents, water, clothing layers and personal essentials.
- Bring the necessary chargers for your phone, camera and other electronic devices.
- Clothing, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The company cannot guarantee the recovery of forgotten items.
Physical condition
This walk has high difficulty.
The route reaches approximately 4,700 meters and includes prolonged climbs and descents.
It is not recommended for unprepared persons, with recent injuries or severely limited mobility.
Older adults should have authorization from their doctor.
Bad height
Symptoms may include:
- Headache, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Dizziness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- nausea, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- tiredness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Lack of appetite, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Difficulty sleeping, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Accelerated breathing, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The effects can occur from altitudes close to 2,400 meters.
The passenger must inform the guide immediately.
Previous diseases
People with heart, respiratory, circulatory, neurological, or joint problems should consult with their doctor before booking.
The agency should know any allergies, medical conditions or relevant medication.
Pregnancy
We do not recommend this walk during pregnancy due to altitude, low temperatures and distance from medical centers.
Rain and climate
During the rainy season, they may occur:
- Mud, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fog, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hail, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Rivers grown, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Collapse, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fall of stones, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Temporary closure of trails.
- railway delays, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The guide can modify the route when a sector represents risk.
Use of emergency horse
The emergency horse only operates in sectors where the terrain allows its passage.
It does not replace a medical evacuation and cannot be used within Machu Picchu or in all parts of the trail.
Rules in Machu Picchu
It is prohibited:
- Get out of the circuit.
- Go up on walls.
- Touching structures, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Using drones without authorization.
- Enter with restricted objects.
- Wear canes without rubber protectors.
- Ignore the control staff.
- Re-enter after leaving, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Important information
The Lares Trek does not require a permit from the Inca Trail, but it does need prior coordination.
The difficulty should not be underestimated. The second day reaches an altitude greater than Machu Picchu and requires walking several hours in cold weather.
Camps are basic, communities have limited services, and the phone signal may be unstable or non-existent.
The value of this route is to walk with respect through an inhabited territory, observe how the mountain changes and reach Machu Picchu after having crossed on foot a little traveled part of the Andes.
Inclusions
- Information talk before trekking. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Check baggage and explanation of the route. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Pick-up from the stated hotel area or a nearby coordinated point when vehicle access is restricted.
- Tourist transportation in a vehicle selected according to the group size and route conditions.
- Train service according to the schedule and category confirmed in the reservation.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Kitchen staff. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Arrieros. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Horses or loading mules. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Emergency horse in enabled sectors. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Entrance ticket for the attraction specified in the booking confirmation.
- Bus transportation for the segment specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Camping accommodation and equipment according to the confirmed trek program.
- Accommodation in the category and location confirmed for the tour.
- Double or double private room. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Shop for two passengers. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Basic mat. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Tables and chairs. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Breakfast at a selected local establishment, according to the itinerary.
- Lunch at a selected local restaurant; dietary requests must be reported in advance.
- Dinner according to the program and the service available at the overnight location.
- Snacks during the walking days. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Vegetarian options with advance notice. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Hot water for basic toilet in the morning. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- A basic first-aid kit carried by the guide for initial assistance during the route.
- Emergency oxygen for initial assistance at altitude; it does not replace professional medical care.
- Operational assistance before and during the tour for the services included in the booking.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Sleeping bag rental unless it appears as included in the reservation.
- Canes.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Inflatable mattress.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Individual shop.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Single room in Aguas Calientes.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Entry to Huayna Picchu.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Entrance fees not expressly listed as included; these must be paid separately when required.
- Improve to train Vistadome.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Safe for high hikes.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Luggage exceeding the indicated limit.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Expenses caused by strikes, delays, weather or closures.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal photography equipment.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Services not expressly mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
Upgrades
- Optional service: Sleeping bag; Reference Price: US$ 15
- Optional service: Pair of canes; Reference Price: US$ 15
- Optional service: Inflatable mattress; Reference Price: US$ 15
- Optional service: Individual Shop; Reference Price: US$ 15
- Optional service: Machu Picchu Mountain; Reference Price: US$ 60
- Optional service: Huayna Picchu Mountain; Reference Price: US$ 60
- Optional service: Improvement to train Vistadome; Reference Price: From US$ 50
- Optional service: Additional Horse; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Additional baggage; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Single room in Aguas Calientes; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Superior hotel; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Textile activity coordinated with a community; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Additional Guide to Mountain; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Personalized Private Feeding; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Individual portable oxygen; Reference Price: Consult
Ticket prices, trains, hotels and external services may change without notice.
Discounts
- Students from 18 to 25 years old: discount of US$ 30. The college card must include photography, full name, university name and printed expiration date. A copy will be requested before the entry is issued.
- Children under 18: discount of US$ 30. A legible copy of the passport must be sent when booking.
- Under 11 years old: discount of US$ 40. A copy of the passport must be submitted before issuing the services.
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PeruRail Trains Comparison
| Feature | Expedition | Vistadome | Observatory | Hiram Bingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Standard Panoramic | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Large Classic Windows |
| Seating Layout | Seats facing each other with table | Leather seats, facing each other | Leather seats, spacious | Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables |
| Food & Drinks | Available for purchase | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar |
| Entertainment | Ambient Andean Music | Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) | Live Music & Cultural Show | Live Band in Bar Car |
| Special Features | - | - | Access to open-air balcony car | Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide |
| Estimated Price (One-way) | Desde $65 USD | Desde $85 USD | Desde $110 USD | Desde $490 USD |
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