Description

Stop and visit small Andean villages where the natives make their living by farming, fishing, and weaving. During the trek through the Lares Valley, varied flora and fauna can be seen as you hike through the magical landscape. Along the route you will meet farmers and weavers who will welcome you into their homes. Of course, the high point of your journey will be visiting the Incan archaeological sites of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo.

ITINERARY :

DAY 1 – Cusco – Lares – Huaca Wasi.

We will depart early from Cusco in our tourist van, and head south to the Sacred Valley. In the town of Calca (2940 masl.) we will turn off the main road and ride through the small villages of Rayanpata, Machacancha, and Amparaes (4580masl.) From there the road heads to the town of Lares where there are some very wonderful hot springs. After lunch and a good soak, we will begin hiking up to Huaca Wasi (3600 masl.) This is where we will camp for the night. (Traveling time: 5 hours on the road, and about 4 hours of hiking).

DAY 2 – Huaca Wasi – Ipsay – Patacancha

After an early breakfast at camp we will climb up a gently ascending slope until we reach the highest point on our journey, Ipsay Pass (4400. M.) All along the ascent there will be incredible vistas of the high Andes all around us. We will be able to visit remote communities where the inhabitants still dress in traditional homemade clothes. In the afternoon we will be walking downhill until we reach our second campsite at the village of Patacancha (3800 masl.) Walking time: approx. 7 hours

DAY 3 – Patacancha – Willoq – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After a great breakfast in Patacancha, we will continue mostly downhill until we come to Willoq (3,600masl.) and then, Pumamarca (3400 masl.) The residents here are well-known weavers who blend brightly colored home-spun wool into weavings which are truly works of art.

At Willoq our bus will be waiting for us. We can ride from there into Ollantaytambo (2850 masl.) Ollantaytambo is an important place. It is considered to be the last living Incan village. There are magnificent Incan constructions here which we will visit. Then we will be able to enjoy a wonderful lunch.

Toward evening we will catch the tourist train to Aguas Calientes which is the town at the base of Machu Picchu. There we can settle into our comfortable hotel and get a good night’s sleep.

DAY 4 – Aguas Calientes – The Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

We will wake up very early and have breakfast. After a great breakfast, we will board the bus that will take us up the Incan Sanctuary. After a guided tour of this incredible citadel, you will have the option of climbing up Huayna Picchu Mtn., or of hiking up to Inti Punku (the Gateway of the Sun.)

In the late afternoon it will be time to return to Aguas Calientes and catch the train that will take us back to Ollantaytambo and Cusco.

Included:

• Pre-departure briefing in our Office or in your hotel. one or two days before the hike.
• Pick up from your Hotel at 5:30 am Private transport (5 Hrs.)
• Horsemen
• Mules for camping and cooking equipment.
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
• Camping equipment, tents, insulation, tables, chairs, etc.
• Cook.
• 01 night hostel in Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Professional guide
• Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco.