Lares is located at the north of the Sacred Valley, covered with mysterious lands, whose ancient trails were used in Inca times to cross the eastern Andes. In Lares, we can see snow-capped mountains some of which whose waters give form to splendid emerald lagoons and others which feed hot springs. Since immemorial times, Andean shepherds and shearers Andean living in these areas have accompanied the grazing of their llamas and alpacas with the melodious sound of their flutes, dressed in traditional clothing and the respective colors that emphasize life en the mountain highlands. This is the place that is offered for travel, with high mountain peaks, unique lake formations, hot springs, wild animals, andean traditions and areas of diverse life.
Tour Details
Prices Includes
- Meeting prior to trekking.
- Transportation from Cusco to the starting point of trekking and back to your hotel.
- Professional local guide who speaks English, Spanish and Quechua.
- Tents for 2 people and basic foam mattress.
- Cook and kitchen equipment with a tent to prepare meals. Tent to eat with tables and chairs.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the traditional diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. Please let us know if you have a preference for a certain type of dish. If salads are served, wash them in boiled water.
- Horses (one for two people, for equipment and personal items) including horseman. These carry camping gear, food and cooking utensils. We provide canvas bags at our briefing for your personal items (up to 7kg / 15lbs per person).
- Emergency horse which can be mounted if you feel sick or if you go a little slower.
- First aid kit including with an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Sanitary tent.
Prices Excludes
- Breakfast in the first morning.
- Overnight, lunch and dinner of the last day.
- Sleeping bags (We can rent for you).
- Additional horses for passenger luggage.
- All other items not reported in this itinerary.
- Team service fee.
Itinerary
The times quoted in this itinerary are approximate. The hiking times will depend on the group and the guide can change the lunch places and camping sites, depending on the progress of the group. The region of Ausangate is very high, besides that they will be near a snow massif. Temperatures are cold and can drop below freezing at night. You should travel well prepared for low temperatures. Rent or carry sleeping bag for temperatures below zero (-15ºC or more). This region has limited tourist infrastructure and this trek makes use of the local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things can change or not go with the plan. All this is part of the adventure and visitors to Peru are encouraged to have an open mind and be open to differences in how to do things in another culture.
You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel early on day one, and we will travel by comfortable transport to Pisac and then onto the small village of Huaran, deep in the Sacred Valley, where we start our hike. We pass through pretty farmland while following a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking about 4 hours, we arrive in the traditional community of Cancha Cancha (3.800 meters / 12,467 feet) with many stone houses. After passing the village, we set up camp for the night, surrounded by imposing peaks.
Our hike takes us past the upper Cancha Cancha village, where children sometimes tend large herds of llamas. After a climb, 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 two hours to the first pass, Pachacutec (4.750 meters / 15,584 feet). Near the top, we are rewarded with views of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray and Chicon. The path continues for an hour along a narrow, barren ridge before dropping down into a beautiful secluded corrie filled with glacial lakes and rich in birdlife. We follow a series of nine cascading waterfalls to the village of Quishuarani (3.900 meters/ 12,795 feet) where we camp for the night.
We start early, and head west up a small valley until we arrive at a lake at the head of the valley and start a steep zig-zag climb up a narrow trail to the top of the second pass known as Abra Huillquijasa (4.200 meters / 13.780 feet) about three hours from Quishuarani village. Below are incredible sapphire blue lakes. We will continue on for about an hour to the village of Cuncani (3.750 meters/ 12,300 feet) where we will have lunch. After lunch, we will descend towards the town of Lares (3.200 meters/ 10,500 feet). Before arriving in Lares we will stop for a well deserved soak in the famous air hot springs. After a leisurely last dip in the hot springs, we will visit a meadery in Lares, and then take our transport , travelling back towards Calca and then return directly to Cusco.
You Must Bring
- A light backpack.
- Rainwear (jacket and pants if available). Plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco.
- Waterproof trekking boots. Extra socks can not be missed.
- Sandals are also good to giving your feet the opportunity to breathe at night.
- Warm clothing, including jacket, polar liners, gloves, scarf and hat. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping. Prepare for a wide range of temperature changes.
- Sleeping bag (we can rent it).
- Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries.
- Camera, rolls and batteries (batteries are consumed more quickly under cold conditions).
- Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain and cold.
- Sun block and cream for after sunbathing or moisturizing for face and body.
- Insect repellent (although no risk of malaria has been reported).
- Toilet paper, inside and outside the luggage.
- Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolates, fruit, granola, etc.
- Water bottle (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- We suggest you bring pills to sterilize the water in case you collect water from the creeks.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications you may need.
- Small towel and swimsuit, if you intend to take a bath in the hot springs.
- Trekking poles (we can rent them).
- Cash – enough for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
- Original passport and ISIC (International Student Identification Card) if you have one.
We Can Rent
- Extra mule to bring your things: USD10.00 per day of travel.
- Extra mule to ride and muleteer to carry: USD18.00 per day of travel.
- Sleeping bag suitable for -10°C: USD4.00 per day of travel.
- Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15°C: USD5.00 per day of travel.
- Individual tent, if you do not want to share the tent: USD25.00 per person.
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Important Notes
Difficulty Level: Hard Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights Total Distance: 41km | 25,4mi Low Altitude: 3.000 meters | 9843 feet High Altitude: 4.750 meters | 15584 feetWhy travel with Hike Ausangate?
We’ve been adventuring in the Andes since before adventure travel was invented. Our elite guides are unrivalled in their passion and experience. Our talented team of travel enthusiasts offer first-hand knowledge with personal service. Prioritizing sustainability since our inception, we offer big adventures with a small footprint.Get Started
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