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On this stunning 5-day trek through the Lares Valley, we can fully appreciate
the breathtaking scenery and traditional Andean way of life. Along the
way, we follow hidden Inca trail past glacial lagoons and cascading waterfalls
to colourful farming communities. Other trip highlights include hot medicinal
springs, abundant bird and plant life, and Inca archaeological remains.
| Jour |
Activité |
Repas |
Logement |
Notes |
| 1. |
Transfer Cusco to Sacred Valley, trekking to Cancha Cancha |
L,D |
Camping |
4 1/2 hours walking |
| 2. |
Hike Cancha Cancha to Quisuarani |
B,L,D |
Camping |
First pass 4,500m |
| 3. |
Trekking from Quisuarani to Lares |
B,L,D |
Camping |
Open air hot springs |
| 4. |
Trekking Lares to Epsaycocha |
B,L,D |
Camping |
Second pass 4,100m |
| 5. |
Epsaycocha to Ollantytambo and return to Cusco |
B,L |
No |
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Day 1. Cusco / Cancha Cancha
We leave Cusco early morning by bus and travel through the Sacred Valley
for approximately 1 ½ hours to Sayhuapata (2800m.) Our hike
begins here in a fertile valley and follows a small river up through
the mountain corridor. After walking roughly 4 ½ hours, we begin
to see the thatched-roof stone houses of the Cancha Cancha community
(3350m). Just passing the village, we set up camp for the night. L,D
Day 2. Cancha Cancha / Quisuarani
Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant
glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird
species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese. From the lakes, the
trail climbs steeply for about 2 ½ hours to the first pass, named
Pachacuti (4500m). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the
snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m) and Chicon (5500m). An original
Inca stone path will lead us along the ridge down into the opposite corridor.
We follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quisuarani,
where we camp for the night. B,L,D
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Day 3. Quisuarani / Lares Thermal Springs
Our morning is a short downhill walk through greener vegetation with
many species of flowers and hummingbirds. We reach the colonial town
of Lares and spend the rest of the morning soaking in the medicinal
hot springs. After lunch, we continue on a gentle path above a picturesque
valley for roughly 2 hours to the campsite. B,L,D
Day 4. Lares Thermal Springs / Epsaycocha
After continuing up through the valley, we arrive to the community
of Huacawasi. The people here produce some of the finest weavings
in Peru.
Here, we can observe their great skills and brilliant techniques
in the fabrication of ponchos and other garments. Passing the village
we begin
climbing up to Condor Pass, the second of the trip at 4,100m. From
here, we catch a stunning view of the renowned Mount Veronica (5,750m.)
Descending
gently for about one hour, we come to the beautiful Epsaycocha Lake,
our last campsite. B,L,D
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Day 5. Epsaycocha / Ollantytambo / Cusco
Today our trail leads downhill to an overlook facing a wide valley.
Descending into the valley, we eventually arrive to the community
of Huilloc from
where a bus will take us to Ollantaytambo. Situated in a fertile
river valley and sheltered by mammoth mountains, this ancient Inca
village
is considered one of the most important living museums in the world.
This is a perfect place to appreciate the vast archeological remains
and a wide variety of flower and bird species. After visiting the
complex, we return to Cusco in the afternoon by bus. B,L
Included
- Hotel collection and private vehicle to trailhead
- Professional English-speaking guide and camp staff
- Plentiful, nutritious meals (Vegetarian option available)
- High quality, double-occupancy tents and equipment (includes dining
tent, kitchen tent, and latrine tent)
- Pack animals (horses and llamas) to carry baggage and equipment
- Entrance fees to hot springs and Ollantaytambo ruins
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- First aid kit
- Zip lock bags
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo
- Ashtray Tins
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