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The whole trip was a fantastic experience and I'd like to thank Doug and Juan especially, for making the Cuzco/Machu Picchu part of the trip so memorable. We were very well taken care of and felt in safe hands throughout. We managed to pack in a great deal in a short time thanks to the fine schedule. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company to my friends. Thanks once again and remember you are welcome to drop by any time you find yourself in England!

Edna Crone, Andes Express, April 2007

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Lares Valley Trek
 

The Lares Valley is one of the most picturesque in the southern part of Cuzco, home to many traditional weavers and farmers.
The people live day to day, growing and knitting what they eat and wear.

In our journey through the mountains we visit ancient communities and walk in the hills with the children and alpacas.

At the end of our trek we board the train to Aguas Calientes for a full day visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 1. Travelling by bus we make our way from Cuzco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the town of Calca. From here we head up into the mountains past the communities of Accha Baja and Totora.

Viewing the snow covered mountains we arrive to the Lares Pass at 4470ms for the drop into the Lares valley.
We pass century plants, wild anis, mountain cara caras, alpacas, llamas and children on their way to and from school.
Upon arrival to Lares the chance for a soak in the hot springs before an early lunch. While lunch is being served our horsemen prepare the equipment for our 27km trek. Today's trek is only 7km to the ancient weaving community of Cuncani. We will camp near the village in the shadow of the glacier.
 

Day 2. We'll start our day with a nutritious breakfast to help us with our mountain experience! Today we will walk to the dizzying height of 4,600m at the mountain pass. The trek to the pass takes around 3 hours but we have a wonderful opportunity to stop walk on the way at the beautiful tarn. During today's walk, the scenery is typically Andean, with lakes, snowy mountains, grazing alpaca and young farm children. After a healthy lunch we continue onwards and downwards through waterfalls and creeks until we reach our campsite beside the gently flowing river.
 

Day 3. Our last day of serious hiking! It's around 3 hours and all descent. As the altitude drops to 2,800m the scenery is more lush with opportunities to see and hear humming birds, flickers and falcons. After 7km of walking, we arrive at the old church of Torrechayoc where we will wait for our transfer to eat lunch, the forge ahead to Machu Picchu.
 
The 3 pm train departs from Ollantaytambo following the course of the turbulent River Urubamba as it powers its way to Aguas Calientes.
We will settle into out hotel before dinner in a local restaurant and an early night.


Day 4. An early start this morning, when we catch the first bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu and the continuation of our lessons on Inca civilization, flora and fauna of the area. We will have a complete 2 hour guided tour of the main areas of Machu Picchu before the chance to hike the peak of Huayna Picchu. With a boxed lunch we are allowed more time to explore the intricate design of the city.

After a busy afternoon, we will catch the train to Cuzco, where we will return at about 8pm and have a chance to rest.