#while it was 38 degrees and alternating heavy rain and heavy wet snow

[rulesforthedance]

I didn't even fall, this is just what running in Forest Park is like between late September and late May 😑

[cuscojourneys]

LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS 

Lares Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights,  is  Off the beaten track, stunning mountains scenery, High Mountain passes, quieter trails, local villages, women weaving, less tourists, Quechua speaking people, Hot spring, the route of the weavers, Andean communities with real descendant of the Incas, llama shepherds.

An amazing alternative to the Inca Trail and slightly easier than the Salcantay trek, this 3 day trek takes you off the beaten track in the Andes Mountains with a lot of opportunities to interact with the local people and the real Andean communities. The trek ends at the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu

ITINERARY DAY 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Spring – Wacawasi.

We depart early in the morning to Calca through the Sacred Valley of the Incas enjoying the stunning scenery. Then we ascend by bus towards the Hualcapunku pass (4,500m/14,847ft), once here we enjoy the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, rural communities and valleys with plenty of llamas and alpacas. After that we descend to Lares for breakfast and visit the natural hot springs, with temperatures between 28°c and 38°c. Here we have lunch before we start our trek with a moderate climb for 3 hours through unspoiled Andean valley to our fist campsite at Huacawasi (3,750m/12,377ft)

Meals: Lunch/Dinner.

Accommodation: camping facilities

Maximum Altitude: 4,500m/14,847ft.

Minimum Altitude: 2,900m/9,570ft.

Distance to walk: 11km approx.

Walking time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

Day 2: Wacawasi – Ipsaycocha Pass – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Many of houses that you can see in Waca Wasi are built of stone and have thatched roofs. Local people produce beautiful colourful fabrics. In the morning, we learn about weaving techniques while we can admire their high quality products such as ponchos, “chullos” (woolen hats) and other garments. We start trekking later today, it means after having lunch in the village. We climb for about 3 hours to reach the top of Ipsaycocha Pass (4,500 m), the highest point of the trek. There, we can appreciate stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Then, we descending gently for about 1 hour until getting to the place of our Lunch spot near the stunning Ipsaycocha Lake. If we are lucky, we can see Andean geese, Puna ibis and other wetland´s birds around the lake.  then we will continue downhill until Patacancha Community.

Our transport will be waiting for us to take us further down the valley to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo where we will rest and have Dinner. In the night we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. This is a spectacular journey that starts in the Quechua highlands and slowly descends to lush tropical vegetation as we near Aguas Calientes. Total journey time by train is about 1½ hours. We’ll spend the night in a hostal in Aguas Calientes. We will make it an early night to bed to prepare for your Machu Picchu visit the following morning.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel

Maximum Altitude: 4,550m/15,017ft

Minimum Altitude: 2050mt.

Distance to walk: 16km approx.

Walking time: 9 hours

Difficulty: Challenge.

Day 3: Aguas calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

After breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from the Lares trek;   will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own.

If you have booked Wayna picchu, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price):

Visit the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.

Hike to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adventure for your next Machu Picchu visit. However in this case, the adventure is a little less strenuous, but a lot more death defying, not for people with vertigo.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast

Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft

Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft

Included:

Pre briefing departure

Transport from the hotel to Lares-hot springs

English speaking professional mountain guide with degree in Archaeology

Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Caliente

Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas calientes

Admission ticket to Machu picchu archaeological complex

Hotel with private room and bathroom in Aguas Calientes

2 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable) and a roll pad mattress.

Delicious meals during the 3 days as indicated in the itinerary

Cook and cooking equipment

Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (8 kilos of your personal items such as

extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)

Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants

First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank

Boiled water to fill in your bottles

Private guided tour in Machu Picchu

Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent

Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn)

Oxygen Tank & First aid kit

All local taxes

Not Included:

Sleeping bag

Water on Day 1

Energy snacks which can very useful such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits

Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 3

Wayna Picchu Mountain $ 25.00 per person (Walk to the top without a guide. The trail is well marked.)

Tips: Guide, Cook, Porters

Bring for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

A good daypack: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack –appropriate packs to carry your personal belongings.

Original passport with the migration Peru card (for Trains, Machu Picchu Park, and Hotels)

Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required).

Swimwear for the hot springs of Lares

Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)

3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans): 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent before the trip.

Layers for variable temperatures especially at night

1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as – 5 degrees Celsius/41 degrees Fahrenheit. The rain jacket can be helpful, because there are rainy days even if we are in dry season!

1 warm/Winter jacket

Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, and woolen hat for cold nights.

3 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried). It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both really heavy hiking socks and lighter socks because the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or overheat.

3 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts

1 good sleeping bag liner that is super lightweight and easy to pack. Definitely does its Job!

Travel-size tissues and wet wipes–The air is cold and damp so your nose is going to run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues by the end of the trek. Also, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (if you even get a bathroom), so wet wipes are key.

Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.

Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).

Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoors is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so an anti-itch medication could be helpful.

Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel back

Water (only for first day hike). Then we will provide you with water throughout the hike.

Camera and film

A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries

Bandages or moleskin

Flip flops to change into at night–your toes will thank you!.

Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner, brush/comb, Vaseline (for feet great for potential blisters), feminine hygiene products, deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses and/or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses if required and supplies, hand sanitizer etc.–and whatever else you need, but pack light.

Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach. Some people get an upset stomach on the trek. With 8-10 hours of hiking each day, you need to get over whatever the day throws at you quickly, so bring some meds.

Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes

Something to read in the evenings

Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, & tips to your staff

Additional Notes

Gift for Andean children “Optional”

Lares Trek. We recommend bringing: Coloring books, crayons, pens, notebooks, pencils, stickers, clothes, toys, etc. but not candies or chemical products. . Children will love to receive these gifts when we pass through Andean communities which have schools.

[cuscojourneys]

LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

Web Site: http://bit.ly/2hFHdez

Lares Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights, is  Off the beaten track, stunning mountains scenery, High Mountain passes, quieter trails, local villages, women weaving, less tourists, Quechua speaking people, Hot spring, the route of the weavers, Andean communities with real descendant of the Incas, llama shepherds.

An amazing alternative to the Inca Trail and slightly easier than the Salcantay trek, this 4 day trek takes you off the beaten track in the Andes Mountains with a lot of opportunities to interact with the local people and the real Andean communities. The trek ends at the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco – Lares Hot Spring – Wacawasi.

We depart early in the morning to Calca through the Sacred Valley of the Incas enjoying the stunning scenery. Then we ascend by bus towards the Hualcapunku pass (4,500m/14,847ft), once here we enjoy the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, rural communities and valleys with plenty of llamas and alpacas. After that we descend to Lares for breakfast and visit the natural hot springs, with temperatures between 28°c and 38°c. Here we have lunch before we start our trek with a moderate climb for 3 hours through unspoiled Andean valley to our fist campsite at Huacawasi (3,750m/12,377ft)

Meals: Lunch/Dinner.

Accommodation: camping facilities

Maximum Altitude: 4,500m/14,847ft.

Minimum Altitude: 2,900m/9,570ft.

Distance to walk: 11km approx.

Walking time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

Day 2: Wacawasi – Ipsaycocha Pass – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Many of houses that you can see in Waca Wasi are built of stone and have thatched roofs. Local people produce beautiful colourful fabrics. In the morning, we learn about weaving techniques while we can admire their high quality products such as ponchos, “chullos” (woolen hats) and other garments. We start trekking later today, it means after having lunch in the village. We climb for about 3 hours to reach the top of Ipsaycocha Pass (4,500 m), the highest point of the trek. There, we can appreciate stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Then, we descending gently for about 1 hour until getting to the place of our Lunch spot near the stunning Ipsaycocha Lake. If we are lucky, we can see Andean geese, Puna ibis and other wetland´s birds around the lake.  then we will continue downhill until Patacancha Community.

Our transport will be waiting for us to take us further down the valley to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo where we will rest and have Dinner. In the night we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. This is a spectacular journey that starts in the Quechua highlands and slowly descends to lush tropical vegetation as we near Aguas Calientes. Total journey time by train is about 1½ hours. We’ll spend the night in a hostal in Aguas Calientes. We will make it an early night to bed to prepare for your Machu Picchu visit the following morning.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel

Maximum Altitude: 4,550m/15,017ft

Minimum Altitude: 2050mt.

Distance to walk: 16km approx.

Walking time: 9 hours

Difficulty: Challenge.

Day 3: Aguas calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

After breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from the Lares trek;   will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own.

If you have booked Wayna picchu, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price):

Visit the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.

Hike to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adventure for your next Machu Picchu visit. However in this case, the adventure is a little less strenuous, but a lot more death defying, not for people with vertigo.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast

Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft

Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft

Included:

Pre briefing departure

Transport from the hotel to Lares-hot springs

English speaking professional mountain guide with degree in Archaeology

Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Caliente

Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas calientes

Admission ticket to Machu picchu archaeological complex

Hotel with private room and bathroom in Aguas Calientes

2 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable) and a roll pad mattress.

Delicious meals during the 3 days as indicated in the itinerary

Cook and cooking equipment

Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (8 kilos of your personal items such as

extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)

Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants

First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank

Boiled water to fill in your bottles

Private guided tour in Machu Picchu

Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent

Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn)

Oxygen Tank & First aid kit

All local taxes

Not Included:

Sleeping bag

Water on Day 1

Energy snacks which can very useful such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits

Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 3

Wayna Picchu Mountain (Walk to the top without a guide. The trail is well marked.)

Tips: Guide, Cook, Porters

Bring for the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

A good daypack: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack –appropriate packs to carry your personal belongings.

Original passport with the migration Peru card (for Trains, Machu Picchu Park, and Hotels)

Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required).

Swimwear for the hot springs of Lares

Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)

3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans): 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent before the trip.

Layers for variable temperatures especially at night

1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as – 5 degrees Celsius/41 degrees Fahrenheit. The rain jacket can be helpful, because there are rainy days even if we are in dry season!

1 warm/Winter jacket

Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, and woolen hat for cold nights.

3 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried). It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both really heavy hiking socks and lighter socks because the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or overheat.

3 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts

1 good sleeping bag liner that is super lightweight and easy to pack. Definitely does its Job!

Travel-size tissues and wet wipes–The air is cold and damp so your nose is going to run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues by the end of the trek. Also, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (if you even get a bathroom), so wet wipes are key.

Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.

Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).

Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoors is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so an anti-itch medication could be helpful.

Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel back

Water (only for first day hike). Then we will provide you with water throughout the hike.

Camera and film

A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries

Bandages or moleskin

Flip flops to change into at night–your toes will thank you!.

Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner, brush/comb, Vaseline (for feet great for potential blisters), feminine hygiene products, deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses and/or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses if required and supplies, hand sanitizer etc.–and whatever else you need, but pack light.

Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach. Some people get an upset stomach on the trek. With 8-10 hours of hiking each day, you need to get over whatever the day throws at you quickly, so bring some meds.

Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes

Something to read in the evenings

Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, & tips to your staff

Additional Notes

Gift for Andean children “Optional”

Lares Trek. We recommend bringing: Coloring books, crayons, pens, notebooks, pencils, stickers, clothes, toys, etc. but not candies or chemical products. . Children will love to receive these gifts when we pass through Andean communities which have schools.