HIGHLIGHTS.
- Hiking in the most remote places off the beaten path.
- Free transfer airport Pick up
- Panoramic train on the way back to Cusco
- Learn and interact with our native Tour Guides
- Meet our multicultural team
- 2% of the price you pay goes to support our Social Projects
- Extra duffle bag is included for your personal stuff (8 kg duffle bag, most tour companies charge you for this extra service).
Pre-Trek Briefing:
The tour guide will meet you at your hotel one day before your tour to give you a briefing. They will tell you all about your tour and answer any questions you may have. It is important to us that you ask any questions you may have so the tour guide will get you ready for your amazing tour.
TREKKING WITH THE BEST TEAM
You will hike with the best team made of our guides, our chefs and porters. You will be proud of the people in our team for their hard work. We treat our team very well and provide them with everything they need to work well and respond to your needs. We have the best equipment to camp in each camping sites.
What makes us different?
Runas Expeditions is owned by locals and based in Cusco-Peru. Runas Expeditions has the best professional staff, we work hard to provide a high-quality service, RE organize all kinds of tour packages and we are ready to answer your questions, we arrange your tour according to your needs and we are very flexible. And the most important thing for us is your safety in each tour, you are in good hands, we take care of you from door to door.
- 100 % local tour company
- Passion for the essential and details
- Passion for Peru Tours
- Small groups and _customized experiences
- Authentic experiences
- Safety standars
- Experienced Tour Guides
- Committed to social projects
Equipment
Every camping tour includes a spacious 4 man tent that will be shared by only two people so you can spread out a bit. These are all King Camp Tents made for all seasons Our rentals are top of the line: Black Diamond Adjustable Walking Sticks, the Thermarest Air Matts can be rented at our office. Sleeping Bags rented from us are mummy style down bags for -15C and liners are always included.
Food
Every trek includes a chef that has been trained in culinary school. They have learned the magic of mountain cooking and you will be amazed. You will enjoy full breakfast, lunch and dinner all served hot and tasty. We also include Happy Hour with snacks and some hot tea before dinner. The key to feeling good on a trek like this is eating well and staying hydrated.
Meals are all served family style – large plates for everyone to take what they like. And all food restrictions are honored. No matter if you are vegetarian or gluten free, you will always be well fed.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4days/3nights.
- Distance 35km / 22 miles.
- Distance And Average time of hike per Day
- Day1 7km/4ml 5 hours.
- Day2 14km/8ml. 8 hours.
- Day3 8km/5ml 3 1/2hours.
- Day4 MachuPicchu and back to Cusco.
- Type of Trek Nature and Cultural, History and tradition Adventure.
- Elevation 2000 meters / 6561ft.
- Elevation 4750 meters / 15519ft.
- Weather From April to October dry season, from November to March wet season.
- HuaynaPicchu Mountain Optinal, If you have the tickets, you can climb it.
- Hot Spring Day 1 you will have awesome moment at Hot Spring.
- Train Service: Expedition train journey
- Hotel: 3star in Aguas Calientes
- Departure: Depend on your booking time
- Note: It will be better if you Book in advance.
Optional items:
- Vistadome Train (one way): $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (round trip): $130 per person
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –tickets cost an additional $75 per person. To get this ticket, you need to book far in advance; climbing takes 2 hours round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – tickets cost an additional $75 per person. To get this ticket, you need to book far in advance; climbing takes 3 hours round trip.
DAY 1: CUSCO – HOT SPRING LARES – PUNTA CARRETERA – QUISHUARANI – BLUE LAKE.
We will pick you up at 5:00am from your Hotel to start with our Lares Trek (we pick up from any Hotels, condo, apartment, if it is located in the sacred valley is not a problem we still coming up). Afterwards we drive 2 hours and 30 minutes to the Lares Hot Spring (which are divided into various pools from freezing cold to boiling, they are all composed of pure volcanic water which is medicinal good for your bones, stress, muscles and headaches).
We will stop at Calca Town to get more supplies (water, coca leaf, etc) and also on the way driving you will have spectacular views like llamas, alpacas, the Lares Valley and much more to see it. Once we get the Lares Hot Spring you will enjoy for around 1 hour and after that you have the first breakfast accompanied in the same place by the Hot spring with spectacular views, once we have done we will continue driving for 30 more minutes to the starting point of trek Punta Carretera (3300m/ 10500ft), and also it is the place to meet up your horses and horsemen.
we will start to hike around 9:30am from Punta Carretera, we will hike little by little to the gradual uphill for 2 hours to get lunch spot, the beginning of the trek you will see a nice forest and nice Mountains, this section of trek is considered the potatoes valley which is very organic, you will arrive at lunch place around 12:00pm called Quishuarani village(3800m/12400ft),you will enjoy the delicious lunch in the mountains, after lunch you will go to visit one of the farmer houses and see what they have as a tradition and you will learn about the lifestyle and ancient traditions of the local people. If there is still time to visit the local school where the kids still speak Quechua their native language we can do that. If you would like, you can bring some toys, notebooks or any type of school supplies to share everything is welcome to these kids.
then you will hike 2 hours and half more to get the camping place which is still up hill called BLUE LAKE (4200m/13751ft), on the way you will see llamas, alpacas and the most beautiful waterfall, you will get the camping site around 4:00pm. And our porter will be waiting for you we camp around the blue lake.
By the way the first camp, it’s the coldest camp site but the views to see star is the best.
Trip overview:
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, Lunch, happy hour, Dinner.
- Hot water bottles for the night.
- Lowest Elevation: 3000 m/ 9600ft
- Highest Elevation: 4200 m/ 13440 ft
- Distance of walking: 8 km/ 4 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Area: Dry Mountain.
- Weather: Cold.
DAY 2: BLUE LAKE – CONDOR PASS – CANCHA CANCHA VILLAGE.
This is our challenging day; it’s the hardest and the longest day, we get up at 6:00am with our service of hot drinks to your tent. we will start to hike around 7:30am, and having the incredible views of quiswarani valley and the colorful lake, from the camping place to highest point CONDOR PASS (4700m/15419ft) takes 4 hours up hill, you will be at the top around 11:00am, a horse will go with us in case we need as an emergency, at summit our amazing porters will provide coca tea and also you will be resting and taking your pictures at top and sometimes this place is cloudy, the views are astounding, in front you will be by the incredible Mountain (PITUSIRAY 5700 m /18240 ft).
afterwards we will start going down for 2 hours in order to have lunch (4100m/13200ft), with fantastic views of many lakes, then we will trek 2 hours more to get the camping site called CANCHA CANCHA village (3800m or 12400ft this village does not have any modern technology); and also this village still practice the real traditions of the Incas their houses is very original ancient construction, made of stone with thatched roofs etc. The village does not have electricity or cars transportations; if we have have some time to visit another different local family and also to provide school supplies. We invite you to join us to have this experience life time and see what it’s going go in the mountains. This is also the day where you will see more Llamas and Alpacas and you will meet local people along the way.
Trip overview:
- Meals: breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, happy hour, Dinner.
- Hot water bottles for the night.
- Lowest Elevation: 3850 m/ 12320 ft
- Highest Elevation: 4750 m/ 15200 ft
- Distance of walking: 14 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 9 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging.
- Area: Dry Mountain.
- Weather: Cold.
DAY 3: CANCHA CANCHA – HUARAN – MARAS SALT MINE – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN.
Today is our short day of hiking but it has several adventures. We will trek only 3 and half hours from camping place to HUARAN town located in the sacred valley of the Incas, which is downhill (2900m/ 9280ft), and it is the end of our trek. And of course we are still giving you a hot drink in you tent and have breakfast. Just right after we start to hike and this part of the trek has more vegetation and also plantations like maiz, potatoes and much more it is a good chance to learn all about Peruvian agriculture and also the Inca agriculture. At this place Huaran our chef will make the last delicious lunch and then you say goodbye to your chef, portes and horsemen.
Afterwards we take a van to go in direction to Maras Salt mine for about 1 hour of driving once you get there you will be visiting salt mine around 45 minutes and having a tour with Tour Guide, this place was already used by incas there are over 3000 pools of salt, if you want to purchase some salt you can do in hare, after that you go back to the van to drive 45 minutes more to Ollantaytambo train stations. Ollantaytambo town is the only intact inca town, it will be a good chance to visit the Inca town so you can explore in your free time while you are resting. Dinner will be at the same town
Afterward you will take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes for around 1 hour and 45 minutes, at Aguas Calientes your Tour Guide will take you to your Hotel.
Trip overview:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snack, Dinner.
- Hotel in aguas calientes***
- Lowest Elevation: 3850 m/ 12320 ft
- Highest Elevation: 4750 m/ 15200 ft
- Distance of walking: 8 km/ 4 miles
- Approximate walking time: 3 1/2 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Nice day.
- Area: Dry Mountain.
- Maras Salt Mine
- Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon and there is mosquitoes.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.
Day four will be your magical day: MACHUPICCHU Inca Site. In order to catch the first bus which is at 5:30am. We will get up very early having breakfast at hotel, and also it’s that the only way to see sunrise over the Inca city. The guiding tour will take for around 2 hours, to visit the most important like temples, palaces, altars, etc. And also, the Tour Guide will get you the place to take the classic pictures of Machupicchu.
And after your tour, you will have free time to visit by yourself, so you can do sun gate or Inca bridge or the Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. Once you have done with Machu Picchu, you will meet up your tour guide at Aguas Calientes town to provide your train ticket buy also it could be in Machu Picchu.
Your transportation back in Cusco, it will be by train and bus. From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo town, it will be by train, which will take 1 hour and half, after that from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, it will be by our private van, which will take 2 hours. All transportation back in Cusco will be to your hotel.
Trip overview:
- Meals: Breakfast
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,400 m/ 7,800 ft
- Weather: warm and humid.
If you want to do Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu Mountain or to do any upgrade let us know please, we’ll be happy to help
Accomodation:
Trekking Accomodation: This amazing alternative trek provides the best camping spots which are pretty much private. Every camping tour includes a spacious 4 man tent that will be shared by only two people so you can spread out a bit and also we included pillow with Sleeping mattress (foam).
Hotel 3start: The last night is spent at a Hotel in the Aguas Caliente Town, rather than camping. This 3 star hotel is included in the trek cost, and is based on a shared room (Double occupancy). We are the only tour Company who provides 3star Hotel.
If you would like to upgrade your hotel, or prefer a single room, there will be an additional cost.
- First night: Camping
- Secong night: Camping
Third night: Hotel 3 start in Aguas Calientes town
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY RUNAS EXPEDITIONS?
RUNAS EXPEDITIONS is an experienced travel company, we are experts doing tours and you are our motivation; to show you our culture; You will have your best adventure and experience ever in PERU. We will work together to do your trip, hiking through the Andes to reach MACHUPICCHU or any other tours.
Peru is one of the countries that has so many things to do as an adventure, so we offer you the best experiences ever in your lifetime. Whatever is your tour you will have the best adventures. All our tours are only and strictly operated by RUNAS EXPEDITIONS with our professional staff. we are located and based in Cusco, working more than 10 years in the tourism industry, we believe that we are in advance than any others tour companies because we really practice and educate the people to protect the environment and we really help to local people with giving jobs, and giving donations to the local children. And we really care about our employees guides, chefs, porters, horsemen and all our staff. Runas Expeditions contributes to the Peruviangovernment with 19%taxes on all sales (overseas companies are exempt from paying this so do not contribute to the Peruvian economy in this aspect).
All our tour guides are from university who speak English; they are very professional with a lot knowledgeable and a lot passion to their work.
DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Well all the treks Ancascocha trek, Inca Quarry Trek, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Ausangate trek or whatever trek are moderately difficult, at least you need to train like go running, gym, hike a little bit or do any exercise. On the trail you will have enough time do anything, if you are hiking slow on the way that’s not problem take your time enjoy yourself because our tour guides will be ready to help at any times.
Please when you will be going high altitudes, go slowly and steady and drink a lot water and of course drink the magical coca tea.
How long in advance should I book for this Trek?
For the alternative trek or any Machu Picchu tours: Ancascocha Treks, Inca Quarry Trek, Lares trek, salkantay, Huchuy Qosqo etc. You can book three months in advance before doing the trek or any tour to Machu Picchu.
How can I proceed to book a reservation for the altervative treks?
The same as the Inca Trail, sending your departure date and backup date:
You must provide us a main date and a backup date. By providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek classic, you automatically authorize Runas Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Runas Expeditions within the next 24 hours, we will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek and also you have to do a deposited of 200$ usa or 20% of the total price of the trip.
How many days in advance is recommended to BE in Cusco? How far in advance must one check in at the ROYAL ADVENTURE Office to guarantee the reservation?
All the hiker from any treks, we high recommended to be in Cusco 1 or 2 days before doing the trek or any tour in order to acclimatize with high elevation. The last details about your trek (to pay the remaining balance) should be at the Runas Expeditions office at least two days prior to departure.
HOW TO MAKE A DEPOSIT?
We are Unable to accept any bookings without completed booking form and deposit sent to Runas Expeditions. All deposits are $200 per person and are non-refundable.
We accept payments through PayPal and Visa, they do charge 6% so the total per person is $212 and should be sent to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on our page or you need to log into your Paypal account and send the money to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
NOTE: The client will assume all transaction fees.
CAN I BOOK GROUP SERVICE OR PRIVATE SERVICE.
When you book as Group Service, you will meet people from different nationalities, different ages, and different culture minds, while you are hiking you don’t have to wait for the last one but you will wait at lunch place and camping site because you will share the same food, the same sleeping tents etc.
When you book as Private Service, you will definitely have exclusive service with more details and surprise to you. You will travel just yourself not with other people to share thing, it will selected just two people for honeymooners, for family or a group of friends and normally the groups are small but they could be a big group.
Is there a meeting before the trek?
Of course there will be a meeting at Runas Expeditions office before doing any tours, where you will meet your tour guide, the rest of your group, and be provided with a clear information about your trek or any tours.
Can i rent equipment from Runas expeditions?
Yes, You can. Here you can rent sleeping bag, sleeping tens, trekking poles, inflammable matrass or air mattresses but we don’t rent hiking boots, rain jackets or other personal clothing.
CAN I RENT AN EXTRA PORTER AND HOW MUCH WILL THEY CARRY FOR ME?
Runas Expeditions, you don’t have to pay for extra porter, we included in all our tour extra porter to carry 8 kilos per person (duffle bag), so we are the only tour company who provide this. You will carry just a small daypack.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
We strongly advise you to get travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including rescue and air ambulance. We also recommend that it covers bad weather tour cancellations, loss of luggage, etc. Please forward a copy/ policy number to our offices.
How many people will there be in my group?
According to Peruvian laws and regulation on the Inca Trail, the maximum group size is 16 hikers and 2 tour guides. After 9 hikers there will be 2 tour guides, and from 2 hikers to 8 hikers there will be a tour guide. At many times of year, the group size will be smaller.
IF I am travelling by myself. Will I have to share THE SLEEPING tent?
The sleeping tents for all our treks are 4 man tents but we only designed for two people in each thus allowing you more space and comfort. If you are travelling alone and there is an even number of people in your group, you will share the tent with somebody else unless you rent an extra single tent.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE WAY?
On the Inca Trail there are toilets at every lunch spot and every campsites. The type of toilets are squat toilets and sometimes will be busy, they may become slightly dirty.
We will provide chemical baths on the Inca trail and alternate treks, as these baths are more hygienic
WHAT KIND OF FOOD ARE THERE ON THE TRAIL? Can I GET my dietary needs?
You should not worry about the food; our meals are just amazing and plenty for everyone, the type of food that we provide are buffet so you can eat as much as you want. And definitely we have the best food, by the way you will have four meals per Day Breakfast, Lunch, Happy hour and Dinner.
Runas Expeditions is able to accommodate many types of needs upon request at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian or any specially diet or any specific allergies, it will not be a problem for. Our international chefs will be able to give you a surprise at every meal and you will have variety of dietary needs.
WILL I GET WATER ALONG THE WAY?
We will provide you boiled water. At Every morning, you will get plenty water from us, and after every lunch you will get more water from us, even if you need water at night just let us know.
Is there a student discount?
Runas Expeditions gives student discounts of %25. You only need to send us your scanned student card at booking time, and your price will be adjusted accordingly.
WHAT TIME WILL I GET BACK TO CUSCO?
We give you all the chance to enjoy more the Inca city Machu Picchu. Our transportation back to Cusco is not early and not late. That’s why we have to book in advance too, because the Train Company Peru Rail provides us all departure times. You will get back to Cusco between 7pm to 8pm.
WHAT TIME WILL I ARRIVE AT MACHUPICCHU?
When you are coming from the Inca Trail, you will arrive to MachuPicchu around 7:30am. But if you are doing any others tour you will arrive to MachuPicchu between 6:30am to 7am or depend on your bokking time.
IS THERE ANY OTHERS THINGS TO DO AT MACHUPICCHU?
After the guiding tour you will have plenty of time to visit by yourself. If you book for the extra climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Macho Picchu Mountain you can do it, or you can go to the Inca Bridge or you can go the Sun Gate or you can just explore at the Inca city.
WHY AND HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP THE PORTERS?
Runas Expeditions fully complies with the porter’s Law (27608) requirements of payment and insurance. However, tipping is a tradition on the Inca Trail or any trek that has been taking place for the 20 years as a way of showing the porters your gratitude. Generally the groups prepare a collective tip which is shared out between the cook, head porter and porters. Suggested amount to tip is 90 soles to each porter and 250 soles the cook, from the whole group not from each tourist.
Please Note: to tip to the porters is a personal decision and it is optional.
SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDE?
Tipping the guide is again a personal decision. If you decide to tip we recommend that it is according their performance, knowledge and skills while on the trail. Guides are tipped individually at the end of the trek and tipping depends on their performance!
WHAT HAPPENED IF I GET SICK DO I NEED TO TURN BACK?
We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trek. Our priority is to help you complete it; all our guides are properly trained and carry a first aid kit and a bottle of oxygen for emergencies. Please do not think about this, be positive mind and definitely you are in good hands.
In the exceptional case that a trekker decides to head back once they have started the trek, they must pay additional expenses such as food, lodging and transportation. On the last day the tourist will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
No refund will be given.
What KIND OF MONEY is used in Peru?
Peruvian Soles are the national currency.
What type of money is most commonly accepted?
Soles are accepted everywhere in Peru. However, at tourist sites you are often able to use American dollars and money exchanges are easy to find it.
