Lares Trek - 15 Days
17th - 31st March
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Lares Trek Itinerary (Snapshot)
Day 1 Cusco/Sacred Valley Day 2 Sound Healing Moray Day3,4,5 Lares Trek/Urubamba Day 6 Ollantaytambo/Machu Picchu Day 7 Machu Picchu/Ollatatytambo/Cusco Day 8 Cusco Free Day Day 9 Saqsayhuaman/Inca Ruins Day 10 Cusco/Puno Day 11 Lake Titicaca/Homestay Day 12 Taquile Island/Amaru Muru Day 13 Puno/Lima Day 14 Caral Day 15 Lima Departure Day |
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Day 1 - Cusco/Sacred Valley
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Our spiritual adventure starts in the beautiful City of Cusco where will meet and learn about the journey ahead. From Cusco we will continue straight to the lower altitudes, warmer climes and more peaceful environment of the Sacred Valley. Here we will participate in a blessing for Pachamama Ceremony (A blessing for Mother Earth) in the Sacred Valley
Shortly after leaving the city of Cusco we will participate in a genuine Andean offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) ministered by an Andean Priest. The ceremony is a ritual where gifts are offerings to Pachamama, thanking her for the food and protection she provides, asking for abundance, a safe journey and releasing negative energies and apologising for any offence committed against the Earth. The gifts are charged with intention and love. After the offering to Mother Earth, the priest will take the package and gently place the package with all the offerings into the fire. It is a magical and spiritual scene - a blessing to participate! After the ceremony you will have the chance to purchase handmade items from the Andean Priest which have been made by family and other members of the community in support of their traditional way of life. Welcome Meeting 12pm at Villa Urubamba Included Meals Breakfast Villa Urubamba |
Pachamama Ceremony
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Day 2 - Sound Healing/Moray
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Our day starts with a beautiful Sound Healing in Urubamba with Tito La Rosa - Tito La Rosa is a descendent of Quechua Indians of the Peruvian Andes. For years he has been recovering and preserving, studying and intuiting the ancestral music of Peru. He is a Curandero de Sonido, sound healer, who enters into an altered state to bring forth sound that heals and balances. One of the highlights of last year's trip !!
About 35 minutes from here lies the spectacular sight of the Moray Inca Ruins - The Temple of Mother Earth - this amazing archaelogical site was built to merge with nature ! As well as having spiritual meaning, it was also thought to have been an agriculatural experimental centre in Inca times - shaped in a kind of amphitheatre with different levels of terraces, this place has three of these huge amphitheatres. With the breathtaking backdrop of the mountain we will take the opportunity to hike into its centre and connect with the amazing energy here After visiting Moray we will continue to Chinchero for lunch, visit the local weaving Community, and continue through the picturesque valley to our Retreat Centre in Urubamba at approximately 16.00pm Here we will have a chance to participate in some gentle yoga stretching in the yoga yurt and relax in the beautiful tranquil setting in the Sacred Valley. We will dine with the locals tonight and begin to experience the 'real' Peru! Included Meals – Breakfast Hotel Villa Urubamba |
Moray Inca Ruins
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Day 3 - LARES TREK BEGINS
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Ipsaycocha Lake
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Day 4 - Cucani/Huaca Wasi /Cancha Chancha/Hot Springs
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Cucani/Huaca Wasi /Cancha Chancha/Hot Springs
walking distance 9 hours 11km After an early start, we will our hike will take us past beautiful scenic views of lagoons and the snow capped Chicon Mountain are the highlights of today. Here, at the top of Sicllaccasa, we will take time to celebrate after reaching the highest point by making a traditional offering of cocoa leaves to the Andean Gods. Hike downhill through the Trapiche River Valley and on to the small village of Cuncani (3872m/12,703ft) After lunch we continue for another 2 hours and reach Chancachaca village (Quechua textile and herding communities) The people of this area produce beautiful, colorful textiles along the way we'll learn about the local weaving and have opportunity to buy ponchos, hats, jewellery etc It's also nice to bring along colouring books and pens to share with the local children. We finish today at the beautiful Lares Hot Springs, a great way to end the trek and soak in the soothing mineral waters surrounded by the amazing backdrop of the mountains! Camping at Lares Hot Pools Meditation/offering at high pass (Cuncani - Lares) Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner |
Sharing with the locals!
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Day 5 Cuncani/Lares Hot Springs/Urubamba
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After camping the night at Lares Hot Springs – and soaking in the beautiful mineral waters, famous for their medicinal powers, e will return tour Retreat Centre at Urubamba Take the scenic drive back through the Sacred Valley stopping briefly at the village of Calca for snacks etc. It's a three hour drive back from Lares to Urubamba. Along the way back you will be driving through small Andean Communities, spectacular mountain landscape and herds of Llamas and Alpacas. In the afternoon we will return to the Retreat centre in Urubamba for the night for a well deserved rest. Join us in the Yoga Shala for some sharing, meditation and streching giving us a chance to reflect on the amazing journey through the Andes. Meals included Breakfast/Lunch |
Lares Hot Pools
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Day 6 - Ollantaytambo/Machu Picchu
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This morning, after an early breakfast, we will travel to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Agua Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. This is a spectacular journey that starts in the Quechua highlands and slowly descends to lush tropical vegetation as we near Aguas Calientes. The duration of the train ride is approxiamtely one and half hours. Later in the morning, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu, and begin a complete spiritual guided tour of this amazing Inca citadel - after which you will have time to explore on your own
Machu Picchu (Quechua - old mountain) stands at 2,430 above sea level, in the middle of a tropical rainforest - it is a staggeringly beautiful setting. It was the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. Built around 1450 Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the 16th Century. It was discovered by Hiram Bingham after remaining hidden from the Spanish for many years. Following a day of discovery with our local guide, learn about Inca Traditions, and hear the stories about "the lost city" ! After exploring Machu Picchu we will have time to explore the charming town of Aguas Calientes. Choose from one of the many restaurants and wander through the local markets Included meal - Breakfast Hotel Terrazas de Luna/Inka Tower |
Beautiful Machu Picchu!
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Day 7 - Machu Picchu/ Ollantaytambo/Cusco
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For many people Machu Picchu is a dream come true so today we will have another opportunity to explore Machu Picchu from a different vista! It's an early start but well worth the hike up to the Sungate to see Machu Picchu rise up out of the early morning mist and see the sun rise bless this ancient site. Another option is to climb Wayna Picchu (also known as Old Mountain) where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the valleys below!
(Alternatives are to explore the town of Agua Calientes or visit Mandor waterfall which is close by) Take the train back to Ollantaytambo, one of the gems of the Sacred Valley, is the only continuously inhabited Inca Town that is still laid out to its original Inca design. Climb up to the top of the 'Wind Temple' and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views! In the afternoon we will travel by bus to Cusco (5.00pm) PLEASE NOTE : Machupicchu with Wayna Picchu is optional, additional cost of $85 USD PER PERSON (no guide, or bus ticket included) Also please note that the Waynapicchu tickets must be puchased at least 4 months in advance Hotel Taykipayla |
Agua Calientes
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Day 8- Cusco Free Day
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Cusco is a magical place with stunning views and a land rich in cultural heritage, it is known as the City of the Sun. Located at an altitude of 3,400m Cusco was built in the shape of an enormous Puma! A melting pot of history where the foundations of the buildings are the original Inca temples, now with the present day Spanish moorish style evident throughout the region
Today you are free to explore the streets of this beautiful city, visit the Cathedral, Coricancha, and have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the square. San Blas is very pretty and quaint and as you wonder the cobbled streets you can see all the different layers of history in the local buildings where the present day Spanish Moorish style has been built upon the foundations of the Inca Temple ruins Optional Activities to take during your stay in Cusco. Please choose 2 days in advance (book through Karen/Angel)
Hotel Taypikayla |
Cusco City
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Day 9 - Sacsayhuaman / Inca ruins
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This morning we will visit the Inca sites of Saqsayhuaman, and the temple of the water at Tambo Machay. Lying on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco lies the walled complex of Saqsayhuaman. The site is remarkable for its large stone walls with boulders carefully cut to fit together tightly without mortar(without the use of our modern tools) We will explore the intricacies and importance of Saqsayhuaman and these age-old sites with our guide to provide an explanation as to how each site fits into the greater plan of an amazing culture. (Opposite Tambomachay channelling crystalline spring water through fountains that still function today) The Incan King would visit here once a year (in the New Year) for a cleansing and purification ceremony and gain all the information he needed for the following year. As Cusco is full of great restaurants, we will go for dinner tonight as a group and appreciate some of the incredible flavours that the skilful Peruvian chefs are able to create. Included Meals – Breakfast Hotel Taypikala |
Saqysayhuaman - Inca Ruins
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Day 10 - Cusco/Puno
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Travel overland from Cusco to Puno stopping along the way at the impressive Inca site of Raqchi, the temple of Wiracocha and the largest structure to be found within the Inca state. Built in the 15th Century it is considered by the historians to be one of the most audacious Inca constructions. The remarkable Wiracocha Temple, 100 metres long and 20 metres wide is made of adobe walls built on top of volcanic stone foundations. The complex also includes a residential area made for Inca nobles. Enjoy lunch along the way and for our last stop we will visit the village of Pukara, famous for its pre-Inca culture and the ceramic bulls that adorn the roofs of many family’s homes in the highlands. Arrive in Puno between 5:00pm and 6:00pm and will be transferred to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Meals – Breakfast Lunch at Wiracocha Restaurant - a local inexpensive restaurant(not included) Hotel Sol Plaza Puno |
Mountain Vista
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Day 11 - Lake Titicaca
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This morning we visit the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, which according to legend, gave birth to the Inca civilization.
Here there are thousands of local inhabitants making a living fishing its icy waters, growing potatoes along its edge or herding llama and alpaca. The turquoise blue lake was the most sacred body of water in the Inca Empire and is now the natural separation between Peru and Bolivia. During our time here we will visit the Uros Islands, the floating islands of reed named after the people who live here. The Uros build canoe-shaped boats from tightly bundled reeds for transport and fishing. A well-constructed boat can carry a whole family for about 6 months before beginning to rot! We also visit the southern side of Taquile Island which still has an authentic feel and is much less visited than the northern side. Taquile was part of the Inca Empire and is still home to a number of Inca ruins, these people are known world wide for their weaving and knitting tradition. Included Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Homestay at Amanti |
Meeting the locals at Uros Floating Islands
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Day 12 - Taquile/Amuro Muro/Puno
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We will return to the mainland today but this time to the Chucuito peninsula and will continue south towards the border of Bolivia on our way to explore the AMARO MURU GATE, a pre inca doorway carved in solid rock near Lake Titicaca.
In the Quechua culture Amuru means snake which represents knowledge. The serpentine-like rock formations make this a special and magical place. There are different theories about why Amuro Muru exists but many agree that it is a gateway/portal to somewhere else as the energy of the area is very special. We will take advantage of this energy by spending several hours here participating in Ceremony and enjoying the peace and calm of the area on our last day in the Andes. Tonight we will return to Puno for dinner at a local restaurant. Included Meals – Breakfast, Lunch Hotel Sol Plaza |
Amuro Muro Gate
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Day 13 - Puno/Lima
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Today we will transfer to the airport in Juliaca, near Puno for our flight back to Lima
Lima has some fantastic award winning restaurants, Central Restaurante in Miraflores is voted number 4th best restaurant in the world. Also in Lima is Maido voted 8th best restaurant in the world! Also well worth a visit and only a short taxi ride away is Barranco, which has a more 'bohemian' feel than downtown Lima. Here local vintage bars and chic lounges feature art exhibits, film screenings and great live music by local acts. In your free time make sure you visit all the wonderful museums and churches such as Museo Larco (a short taxi ride from Miraflores), Monasterio de San Francisco ( a trove of centuries old catacombs), Museo de Arts de Lima, La Catedral de Lima. Included Meals – Breakfast Hotel San Antonio Abad |
Colourful Barranco
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Day 14 - Caral/Lima
Day 15 Departure Day Lima
Today it is time to say goodbye and reflect on the wonderful journey we have had together! A truly magical and transformational journey!
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home where services end If you have any extra time in Lima take time to try some of the fantastic award winning restaurants, Central Restaurante in Miraflores is voted number 4th best restaurant in the world. Also in Lima is Maido voted 8th best restaurant in the world! Join a cooking tour or a bike tour - there are many options available in Lima to explore! |
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What is included
- Sacred Valley and Moray/Moras/Chincero guided tour
- Lares Trek 3 Day/2 Nights Sacred Trek with cooks and porters
- Lares TrekTraditional Cuisine
- Machu Picchu guide tour
- Machu Picchu Entrance ticket
- Return bus tickets Agua Calientes/Machu Picchu hike
- Cusco and Sacred Valley ticket
- City Tour in Cusco (Saqysayhuaman)
- Sound Healing in Urubamba
- Floating islands of Uros visit
- Lake Titicaca guided tour and homestay Taquile Island
- Private Tour Caral
- A Spiritual Guide on all the tours Cusco, Moray, Machu Pichhu, Ollantaytambo,
- Puno, Lake Titicaca and Caral
- Private Transportation to all the mentioned Inca Sites
- Internal flight x 1 Juliaca/Lima
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and all meals on the trek and at the homestay
- 3 Star hotels (11 nights), based on double occupancy with private bathroom
- 2 Nights camping
- 1 Night Homestay
What is not included
- International Flights are not included (You will need to book your flight through to Cusco) and will need to be booked seperately either by yourself or your Travel Agent
- If you would like any assitance booking your flight please contact Karen
- Cancellation and Medical Insurance
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Cost to obtain a valid passport
- Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls
- Tips and gratuites
- Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or final itinerary
Accommodation
- 3 star hotels (11nights), camping (2 nights), local family (1 nights)
- Meals - 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners - Food allowance USD 330-430 FOR MEALS NOT INCLUDED
- Please Note - SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $69 USD PER NIGHT)
Extras
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Meals
- 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners. Allow US$330-US$430 for meals not included
Transportation
- Public bus, private van, hiking, plus one domestic flight
Staff & Experts
- Tour leader throughout on Lares Trek hike, local guides.
