4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
This trek is an excellent alternative (one of the best in our opinion) for those who want to ‘walk a lot’ and have an insight into authentic communities whilst being surrounded by stunning mountain, lake and valley landscapes. It begins from a small village in the Sacred Valley and ascends to 2 passes over 4000 meters (13123 feet) passing through traditional, colorful villages relaxing hot springs in Lares and to finish with a visit of Machu Picchu on the Final day!
We pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 and travel by private bus for the 1½ hour ride to the village of Huaran (2840m) located in the Sacred Valley between Pisac and Urubamba. Huaran is the start of the trail. We’ll meet up with the horsemen and pack the horses. Leaving the Sacred Valley behind us we head northwards following a gently climbing trail that runs parallel to the small Cancha Cancha river. It’s a 4 hour trek to our destination, the small village also named Cancha Cancha (3800m) where we’ll spend the night. (L, D)
Leaving Cancha Cancha we continue north east up the valley, passing small thatched stone houses. After ½ hour the path flattens out before climbing steeply for the 2½ hour trek to the first pass, called Pachacutec Pass (4458m). From the pass you’ll be rewarded with superb views of Pachacutec Lake and the snowy peaks of Pitusiray. The path continues for an hour along a narrow ridge until dropping down into a beautiful valley with glacial lakes and rich in birdlife. The way descends into the next valley, following a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quiswarani (3700m) about 1 hours’. We’ll camp here for the night. (B, L, D)
Heading west up a small valley you’ll 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 (4200m), about 3 hours’ from Quiswarani village. Below you lay a series of stunning turquoise lakes. We’ll drop down and have lunch beside the lakes before continuing on the short trek to the next village of Cuncani (3750m) in the bottom of the valley (1½ hour from the pass). Arriving early to the village.
The trail follows the river valley down hill for about 3 hours to the town of Lares (3100m). ½ hour before arriving in Lares you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a soak in some open air thermal springs (bring a swimsuit). At about 1pm the bus will pick us up and leave for Ollantaytambo, there you will have sometime to explore and see this amazing site before going to Aguas Calientes by Train. (B, L, D)
We will have breakfast at 5.45am then catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.
You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Ollantaytambo. If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.) (B)
Please Note: Train times are subject to change depending on Peru Rail (Monopoly) timetables and availability.
NOTE: We can offer a US$15 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old.
Peru Cloud Forest Adventures
Cusco - Peru
e-mail: info@perucloudforest.net
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