Lares and Machu Picchu 4 days

Program

1^st Day - Cusco - Huaca casi paso - Thermal bathes de Lares - Huaca Wasi

Early in the morning we will leave Cusco. During the Bus trip we will pass some archeological sites and handcraft markets in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This valley is one of the most fertile regions of South America, with the production of the Maize, Inca symbol in the Andean religion. We will enter the province of Granary (2940m / 9646f), where we will change our route to ascent in the direction of Huaca casi paso (4400m / 14436f). Afterwards we will descend to the town of Lares (3250m / 10663f) to the thermal medical baths (3200m/ 10499f). Here we will have some relaxing time in the swimming pools which have a temperature between 28 and 36 degrees C / 82 and 97 degrees F. After lunch in the thermal baths we will walk towards Huacawasi (3600m / 11811f), the camping spot.
Time of bus trip: 5 hours; hiking time: 3 hours in a cold climate.

2nd Day - Huaca Wasi - Abra Ipsay - Patacancha

This day will be the most difficult, because of the ecological differences that we will undergo, for instance the Sipsay pass at 4400 metres (14436f), which will take us 4 hours. During this, we will pass through some communities to observe the Andean farmers and their experience in the cultivated grounds and their rustic Andean tradition houses. The farmers have a great knowledge of natural agriculture and old skills of colorful textile work inspired by the Andean gods and symbols. After this pass we will head down to the village of Patacancha (3650m / 11975f), the camping place.
Hiking time: 7 hours in a cold climate.

3rd Day - Patacancha - Willoq - Pumamarca - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes village

Also this day will be very spectacular; we will pass communities and small towns like Willoq (3400m / 11156f) and Pumamarca (3200m / 10499f). Going through the valley of Patacancha we will get to know indigenous towns with ancestral Incan traditions and habits which in spite of all the years gone by have survived. After having visited this town for some hours, we will arrive at the town of Ollantaytambo (2850m / 9350f), where is also an archeological site from the Inca dynasty. From Ollantaytambp we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m / 6726f), where we will have an overnight in a hotel.

4th Day - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

It is recommendable to visit the lost city of the Incas early in the morning; We will go by bus to Machu Picchu (2400m / 7874f), where a professional guide will explain the policy and ancestral technique in agriculture, astronomy and religion that our ancestors left us; within a wonderful city of the Incas. After this the participants have enough time to walk through Machu Picchu themselves before returning to the village of Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Cusco. The climate in Machu Picchu is warm with mosquitos.

What one needs to bring

Backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, sweater, trekking shoes and trousers, polo's/ t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, sun block cream, insect repellent and disinfecting alcohol and gel, bottle of water and sterilizing tablet, picture camera (wrapped in plastic bag), flash light and batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit, original passport, ´ISIC´-student card and extra money in soles.

Also the Practical information might be good to read.