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Lares to Machu Picchu
4 day Trek - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does the Lares to Machu Picchu
trek compare to the traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
A1: The Lares trek is slightly shorter than the Inca Trail. The
trekking part of the 4-day tour actually finishes around midday on
the 3rd day in a small village called Patacancha. The group then
takes the bus down to Ollantaytambo for lunch and a short rest.
The group then takes the train for the 90 minute ride to Aguas
Calientes where the group spends the night in a hotel. On the 4th
day of the tour the group takes an early bus up to Machu Picchu
for a guided tour. Usually the group arrives at Machu Picchu for
around 6:15am. The standard Inca Trail trek, in contrast, starts
further along the Vilcanota Valley just beyond Ollantaytambo and
treks all of the way to Machu Picchu. Trekkers on the Inca Trail
arrive at Machu Picchu around 8:30am. The Inca Trail is famous
because it passes many Inca archaeological sites along the route
of the trail and also passes through a large variety of
eco-systems such as high mountain puna (grassland), cloud-forest
and sub-tropical vegetation. The Lares trek takes us through small
village communities in the mountains. The Lares trek is a more
culturally rich trek as it allows us to see Quechua farmers
working in the fields, tending their herds of llamas and alpacas.
In these mountain regions the local people are still proud wear
traditional dress. We will camp in the grounds of the community
and have the opportunity to see locally-produced weavings and
handicrafts. The scenery along the route of the Lares trek is
spectacular with many snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. On
the Inca Trail porters are used to carry the equipment whereas on
the Lares trek horses and llamas are used to transport the load.
The Inca Trail is still much more popular than the Lares trek. For
this reason the government has restricted the number of trekkers.
Trek permits are required and these permits can sell out many
months in advance. There is currently no restriction on the number
of trekkers on the Lares Trek and permits are not required
although this may change in future years. There are still a lot
less people on the Lares trek particularly the route that we
offer. Overall it is still hard to beat the traditional 4 day Inca
Trail but the Lares Trek is certainly offering an excellent scenic
and cultural alternative.
Q2: How far in
advance do I need to make a trek reservation?
A2: Trek permits are
not required for this trek so in theory you could just turn up in
Cusco and book this trek a day or two in advance. However the
train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back to
Ollantaytambo at the end of the trek are becoming more and more
difficult for us to purchase at short notice and it is highly
recommended that these tickets are bought at least 2 weeks before
trek departure. Space within the group is also
limited so if you don't have much time in Cusco and you really want
to do this trek then we would recommend making a trek booking as
far in advance as possible.
Q3: What are the best months to do the Lares trek?
A3: The best months to do the Lares Trek are during
the dry season from April to October. Outside these months it is
possible that some of the high passes along the trek may become
blocked by snow which is why we only offer this trek from April to
October.
Q4: What about
payment, do you need a deposit?
A4: After we have confirmed your trek booking
you will need to pay a trek deposit of US$150 per person. The deposit can be paid by
PayPal (preferred method as it is quick and relatively cheap), Western Union money
transfer or by bank transfer. UK clients can also pay their
deposits into our UK Lloyds TSB account (no transfer fee).
The remaining trek balance needs to be
paid in our office in Cusco at least 2 days prior to the trek departure date,
before 7pm. Unfortunately
we are no longer making any exceptions to this policy
even if our clients pay in full, in advance and have already been
at high altitude prior to arriving in Cusco. We are strict on this
point ! .
Payment of the trek
balance is
to be made in cash (US dollars or local currency) or by American
Express travel checks (3% commission charged).
When we confirm your trek booking we will send you details about
how to pay the trek deposit.
Q5: Is the trek
difficult, do I need to be fit?
A5: The Lares Trek is a 39km hike through mountainous regions. The maximum
altitude reached is 4500m
above sea level. You
should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have
to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. Try walking 15km
in a day or go to the gym in the months leading up to the trek. It
is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to
spend 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3400m) prior to starting the trek.
This time can be put to good use visiting the city of Cusco,
nearby Inca ruins and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Q6: Is there a minimum or maximum
age limit for the trek
A6: As a responsible
trekking company Peru Treks does not accept reservations for
children under the age of 7 years old and adults over the age of
65. All children under 18 years old must also be accompanied by an
adult. For
trekkers over 60 years old we also ask you to bring a letter from
your doctor confirming that you are fit to participate in the trek. Unfortunately if you fail to bring
a letter from your doctor we cannot allow you to start the trek
and your trek deposit cannot be returned. We do not accept
bookings from single trekkers over 59 years old (i.e. trekkers
travelling on their own), sorry.
Q7:
Having paid my trek deposit can I turn up in Cusco the day before
to pay the balance?
A7: No. We require
everyone to be in Cusco at least 2 days prior to starting the
trek, although 3 days is even better. Therefore if your trek
departs on a Monday you must come to our office before 7pm on
Saturday to pay the trek
balance. This ensures that everyone in the group is well
acclimatized to the high altitude. Unfortunately we are
no longer making any exceptions to this policy even if our clients
have already been at high altitude
prior to arriving in Cusco. We are strict on this point ! (Please
note the trek balance needs to be paid in Cusco, and cannot be
paid in advance of your arrival).
Q8: What do I need to
bring on the trek?
A8: Backpack,
sleeping bag, double-thickness foam mattress (we will provide you with this), rain
jacket, strong footwear, one complete change of clothing, sweater,
jacket (something warm), water bottle (metal or nalgene
type) and sterilizing tablets
(Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in
Cusco), flashlight and batteries, broad-brim or peaked cap,
sunblock, insect repellent, toiletries and toilet paper, selection
of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc, camera and spare batteries (nowhere to charge your camera during the
trek). You also have to bring your original passport with
you on the trek. Otherwise you will be unable to go on the trek. Photocopies are no
longer acceptable.
Q9: What do I need to
carry?
A9: We include horses to carry all
the other items such as tents, food and cooking equipment.
Horses are also provided to carry your personal items such as
sleeping bag, mattress and change of clothes up to a maximum of
6kg per person. You will need to carry a daypack with items such
as rain jacket, water bottle, camera, sunblock, snacks, valuables
etc.
Q10: Do I need
to bring walking boots?
A10: Walking
boots are recommended as they provide support to the ankle which
reduces the risk of injury. However it is important that your boots
are comfortable and well worn-in and not brand new. Many people
prefer to trek in tennis shoes but extra care should be taken. We
do not recommend trekking in sandals or using new boots or hiring
boots prior to the trek. Make sure the shoes are sturdy enough for
the duration of the trek and will not fall apart.
Q11: Can I use
trekking poles / walking sticks on the trek?
A11: Many
people like to hike with trekking poles or walking sticks. Unlike the Inca Trail there are no
restrictions
on the use of trekking poles. Metal trekking poles and wooden walking sticks can be purchased in
Cusco. Metal poles can also be hired in many
equipment hire shops in Cusco for about US3 per day.
Q12:
Where can I store the bags that I do not need to take on the trek?
Q12: Any bags that you
don't need to take on the Inca trail can be left at your hotel in
Cusco. Nearly all hotels have a luggage deposit and rarely charge
for this service as long as you are returning to the hotel after
the trek. You can also leave valuables in the hotel safe,
but remember to bring your passport and some emergency money.
Q13: What is the
weather like on the trek?
A13:
Average weather
conditions in Cusco and on the trek
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J
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F
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M
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A
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M
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J
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J
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A
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S
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O
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N
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D
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Av. Max Temp
ºC
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20
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21
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21
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22
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21
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21
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21
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21
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22
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22
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23
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22
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Av. Max Temp ºF |
68 |
70 |
70 |
72 |
70 |
70 |
70 |
70 |
72 |
72 |
73 |
72 |
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Av. Min Temp
ºC
|
7
|
7
|
7
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4
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2
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1
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-1
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1
|
4
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6
|
6
|
7
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Av. Min Temp ºF |
45 |
45 |
45 |
40 |
36 |
34 |
30 |
34 |
40 |
43 |
43 |
45 |
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Wet days
/ month
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18
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13
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11
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8
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3
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2
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2
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2
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7
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8
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12
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16
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Q14: How warm are the sleeping
bags that your rent?
A14: Our sleeping bags
are rated to temperatures as low as -11ºC but are more suitable for temperatures of about
-7ºC. Since you won't find temperatures as low as this on the Inca Trail we rate
them as very warm and cosy! We charge US$15 per
person for the 3 day/2 night trek
(you won't need them for the 4th day of the trek when staying in Aguas Calientes. We will give you the sleeping bag one day in advance. In the afternoon of the 3rd day of the trek the cook will
have instructions to collect the sleeping bag and bring it back to the office.
Our sleeping bags are synthetic (easily
washed) and weigh 2.5kg.
Q15: Are there toilets
on the trek?
A15: We will carry a
toilet and toilet tent with us on the trek.
Q16: What is the
maximum group size?
A16: The maximum size of our Lares to Machu Picchu
4 day group service is only 12 persons.
Q17: Is there a
minimum group size and what happens if Peru Treks does not meet
the minimum size?
A17:
We require just 2 persons to depart. Even though we need a group size of at least
6
persons just to break even on the trek we will still guarantee to
depart with a group of just 2 people!! If we depart with just 2
people we won't ask you to pay anymore and the service will be
just the same.
Q18:
What do we do for water
along the
trek?
A18: At
meal times we will give you teas, coffees etc to drink. If the
group size is small we will have enough gas to boil up water for
you to fill your water bottles. However this should not be relied
upon and during the trek you may have to use local water sources. You'll come
across a
mountain
spring, fountain
or small stream approximately
every 2 hours along the trail where you can fill up your water
bottle. Take a bottle of at least 1.5 liter capacity per
person. Although the water looks clean it is always
safer to use
sterilizing tablets
or a water filter.
The sterilizing tablets can be bought in most pharmacies
in Cusco.
With these tablets you have to wait between 60 and 90
minutes before drinking. Many people complete the
trek without ever having to use water taken from streams etc, but
sterilizing tablets are recommended for emergencies.
Q19: If I am travelling alone can I
have my own tent?
A19: If you are
travelling
alone and are willing to share a tent with a member of the same
sex, then there is no additional cost. If, however, you would like
your own tent then there is an additional supplement of US$20.
Q20: Can I come back
on a different train than that included in the trek?
A20: If you
are not flexible with your return time or you prefer to return on
a different service such as the Vistadome train (either to
Ollantaytambo or all the way back to Cusco) then you are best to
make this booking directly with Peru Rail yourselves using their
website www.perurail.com We
will deduct the price of our train ticket from Aguas Calientes to
Ollantaytambo (US$31 in 2009) and the price of the bus from Ollantaytambo
to Cusco (US$5) from the price of your
trek. However you must advise us that you do not want us
to include the train ticket at the time that you pay your trek
deposit. You can easily make a booking online
using secure online payment using your VISA credit card. Peru Rail
gives preference to its direct clients rather than trekking
companies such as ourselves so if you want to book anything
slightly different from what we can offer you then it is best to
book directly with Peru Rail. If you are looking at the Peru Rail
website you will notice that there are very few trains from Aguas
Calientes all the way back to Cusco, most of the services only run
between Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo (which is in the Sacred
Valley) so you will need to look at their web page: Routes &
Timetables > Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu page for details of
their services. From Ollantaytambo you can take a bus back to
Cusco (cost approx US$5 per person) or a taxi (around US$40).
Q20: If I come
back on a different train from that arranged by Peru Treks will
you still send a bus to Ollantaytambo to collect me?
A20: If you decide
to book your return train yourself our decide to change your
return time from that arranged by Peru Treks once you arrive in
Cusco then unfortunately we won't be able to send a bus to meet
you in Ollantaytambo and take you back to Cusco. However not to
worry since if you let us know before you start the trek, we will
refund you the transport costs of US$5 per person so that you can
take a bus back to Cusco. There are many buses waiting at the
station in Ollantaytambo to meet the train. Alternative you can
take a private taxi back to Cusco which costs in the region of
US$40
per taxi which works out
fairly reasonable if there are 4 of you, US$10
per person. Max 4 persons per taxi.
Q21: Can I stay an
extra night at Aguas Calientes, what is the cost?
A21: If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes after
the trek
this can easily be arranged independently by yourselves. We will purchase your
train ticket to return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo the following day. You need to let us
know at the time of making the trek reservation so we can reserve
your train tickets in advance. You must advise us before
paying the trek deposit. Obviously if you stay an extra
night then you will have to pay for your accommodation,
meals etc You can
find a list of recommended hotels and contact details on the web
page
www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/hotels/machupicchu You can make a
reservation in advance (recommended May to Sept) or simply turn up in Aguas Calientes and
book a room. If you return to Machu
Picchu the following day then you will have to pay for the return
bus fare up to the ruins (US$7 each way)
and pay another 122 Peruvian Soles (about US$40)
entrance fee. If you stay an extra
night in Aguas Calientes we won't be
able to send a bus to
Ollantaytambo especially to pick you up so we will refund the
price of the bus ticket (US$5) and you
can simply catch a bus when you arrive in Ollantaytambo, for Cusco.
There are plenty of buses waiting in Ollantaytambo to take
passengers back to Cusco. Alternatively you can return in a taxi
(approx cost US$40 per taxi which works out
fairly reasonable if there are 4 of you, US$10 per person. Max 4
persons per taxi).
Q22: Do you recommend staying an
extra night at Aguas Calientes?
A22: The website
www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/gallery/photos_aguas_calientes_machu_picchu_peru.html
has some good photos of Aguas Calientes and also of the thermal
springs. The advantage of staying the night in Aguas Calientes is
that you can spend all day at Machu Picchu. Most people leave the
ruins at about 2pm to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to
have lunch or visit the thermal springs. Machu Picchu is therefore fairly
quiet between 3pm and 5pm. You will have to check the time of the
last bus back to Aguas Calientes but it is usually about 5:30pm.
Staying an extra night at Aguas Calientes also gives you the
opportunity to return to Machu Picchu early the following day.
This is particularly useful during the wet season (December to
March) when you are more likely to encounter rain and Machu Picchu
enshrouded in mist and clouds. During this type of weather Machu
Picchu has an almost mystical atmosphere, but if you are looking
for photos of the "Lost City" in the sunshine then the extra day
spent at the ruins helps to improve your chances. The decision as
to whether to spend an extra night at Aguas Calientes may depend a
lot on how much time you have in Peru. From our experience
however, many people who had planned to stay an extra night in
Aguas Calientes usually end up trying to change their train
tickets to return to Cusco straight after the trek (this is
subject to availability and often quite difficult). Machu Picchu
is fairly small and 4 or 5 hours is usually sufficient for most
visitors. Many people are surprised by the beauty of Cusco and
would prefer to spend more time discovering this city than
revisiting Machu Picchu for the second time.
Q23: What happens if I arrive at
Machu Picchu and then decide to stay an extra night, can I change
my train ticket?
A23: It is still possible to make
changes to your return train ticket if you decide to stay an extra
night at Aguas Calientes. You will have to take your train ticket
personally to the train station in Aguas Calientes and ask them to
change the return date of your ticket. You will probably be asked
to pay an extra US$10 administration fee and changing the ticket
will be subject to availability of spaces on the train on the following
day.
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