LARES – MACHUPICCHU.
1st day: LIMA – HOTEL.
Arrival to the city of Lima. Transfer from the airport to the Hotel. Contact with the Guide.
2nd day: LIMA – CUSCO – CITY TOURS 4 NEARBY RUINS.
Breakfast in the hotel. Flight to Cusco, Transfer to Hotel. In the afternoon city tour Visiting to the most attractive places in the city and naturally the four most important nearby ruins: Qenqo, one of the finest examples of a rock artfully carved on site showing complex patterns of steps, seats, geometric relief and a puma design. Puca Pukara, situated on a hill with superb views over the surrounding countryside Puca Pucara was more likely a tambo. Tambomachay, commonly referred to as the ‘Baños del Inca’ or Inca baths, Tambomachay was a site for ritual bathing and Sacsayhuaman, Inca fortress, which visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the beauty and monumental scale of this important Inca construction. Return to the hotel and lodgment.
3rd day: CUSCO – CALCA – LARES HOT SPRINGS – HUACAWASI
The transport leaves Cusco at around 6am (hour to be confirmed). It is a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Pisac and stopping for breakfast in the provincial town of Calca. Departing Calca around 08:00 we head off for the 3 hours drive to the town of Lares (3100m) which is the starting point for the trek. Along the way you will be able to observe small Andean communities, and spectacular mountain landscapes spotted with herds of llamas and alpacas. Before we start the trek we’ll visit the hot springs which are located in meadows just out of town. For those of you who remembered to bring your swimwear we will take a relaxing dip in the warm waters which are famous for their healing powers. Feeling fully refreshed, we begin a leisurely walk up the Trapiche River Valley. After about 2½ hours we will arrive at Vilcabamba village where we will stop and have lunch. We will then continue up the valley for another 1½ hours to the small village of Huacawasi (3700m) where we will set up camp and spend the night. Walking distance approx 12km (4-5 hours).
4th Day: HUACAWASI – ABRA IPSAY – PATACANCHA
Many of the houses that we see in this small village of Huacahuasi are built from stone and have thatched roofs. The people of this village produce beautiful colourful textiles. In the morning we will learn about the weaving techniques and be able to admire some of their high quality ponchos, chullos (wool hats) and other garments. After lunch we will climb for approximately 2 hours to the top of Ipsayccasa Pass which, at 4500m, is the highest pass along the trek. From here we get stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We will descend gently for about 1 hour until we reach the site of our second night’s camp beside the beautiful Ipsaycocha Lake. We may be lucky enough to see Andean Geese, Puna Ibis and other wetland birds. Walking distance approx 9km (6-7 hours).
5th Day: PATACANCHA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
Today is a much easier day. After an early breakfast we’ll walk gently downhill through a wide-open valley for about 2½ hours until we arrive at the village of Patacancha. The people from this area are known locally as “Huayruros” – the name of a red and black seed reminiscent of the colour of their ponchos. We’ll have a chance to view some textiles made by the people of this community – the high quality weavings are famous for their intricate designs reflecting aspects of their everyday lives and culture. We’ll walk slowly down the valley to Willoq, another Quechua village where the locals still wear their traditional dress and are proud to maintain their cultural identity. 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. Hotel in Ollantaytambo
6th Day: OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES.
We visit the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the Valley, and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes in the Lower jungle. The Fortress consists of a series of stepped carved stone terraces accessed by long staircases. Later on you can walk through the quaint streets of the nearby Town, and get a good idea of what this Strategic Military, Religious, and Agricultural Centre was like during the era of the Inca Empire.
In the early afternoon 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 where you’ll no doubt enjoy the opportunity to soak under the hot showers!! We will make it an early night to bed to prepare for your Machu Picchu visit the following morning Walking distance approx 7km (5-6 hours).
7th Day: OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Rise early around 4:45am to start walking up to Machu Picchu, or take one of the first buses at 5:30am You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and have some peaceful time alone to enjoy the sun rising from behind the mountains. Your guide will give you a tour of Machu Picchu telling you about Inca history and the significance of the major sites of interest. The tour takes about 2 hours, after which you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own or climb Huayna Picchu the mountain that overlooks the ancient Inca city (allow a minimum of 1½ hours). Most people are ready to take the bus back to Aguas Calientes around 1pm where you can have lunch in one of the many restaurants; train to Aguas calientes, there will be transport waiting for you in Ollantaytambo to bring you back to Cusco. Return train. Hotel
8th Day: CUSCO – LIMA.
Breakfast in the hotel. Flight to Lima, Transfer to Hotel. In the early afternoon we will visit the museum of the gold. End the services.