Departures 2008: (min. 2 participants)
Daily

Price per Person: US$ 450

Day 01
In the morning we are leaving Cusco heading towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas in our private vehicle. One and a half hours later we reach the village of Huaran (2,800 m), the starting point of your trek. Passing the abandoned property of the landlord of Huaran the trail leads you through the valley of the river Q'ochoq.

Grass-thatched stone houses and corn fields line the gently rising trail before you enter the mysterious "forest of the elves", whose stocky trees covered with mosses and bromeliads create a unique magical atmosphere. Further uphill the knobby trees give way to highland grass and after a five hour hike you will reach the small Andean community Cancha Cancha at the elevation of 3400m. Your camp for the first night will be on the border of the village, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Day 02
After an invigorating breakfast we will begin the second day with the ascent to the Pachacuteq pass at 4700 m. At your feet lie the glacial lakes Suirococha and Yuracocha, in whose surroundings you can observe many different types of birds. After a two and a half hour ascent you will reach the pass, which offers fantastic views of the glacial peaks Sahuasiray (5800m) and San Juan (5550m).

On the other side of the Pachacuteq pass you will descend to the village of Quishuarani, where your lunch is awaiting you on the banks of the river. Continuing to the valley of Lares, you are passing small settlements and impressive waterfalls until you reach the original market of Lares. The hot springs are only a short walk away, so you continue your way in order to relax in the hot water under a million of sparkling stars, surrounded by the fresh air of Andean nights. Camp next to the hot springs.

Day 03
In the morning you will have the possibility to take a relaxing bath in the hot springs again. After breakfast you will leave Lares and the hot springs. Today, a gently rising trail leads you along the valley of Lares with the soft rush of the river accompanying your steps up to Huacawasi, where you will arrive at lunch time. Surrounded by llamas and alpacas you are catered for with a delicious lunch. Passing the village, that is lining the banks of the river you will face the last ascent of the trip in the afternoon: the trail up to the Yanahuara pass (4,100 m). This night you will camp right before reaching the pass.

Day 04
After breakfast you will cross the Yanahuara pass at the elevation of 4,100 m. Now the long descent towards the Sacred Valley of the Inca is awaiting you. The trail leads you from the meager vegetation of the highlands along glacial lakes and waterfalls via the mysterious "forest of the elves" down to the fertile Sacred Valley, which has been extending to the horizon since we started the descent. The vegetation of the Lares Valley is getting thicker and thicker with every meter you descend, until you finally reach the Sacred Valley.

Service includes:
Private transport, three nights in camp, camping equipment, pack animals, porters, food, guide.

Recommended equipment:
- Binoculars
- Camera + extra batteries
- Flash-light + extra batteries
- Sunscreen lotion (SPF at least 30)
- Insect repellent
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long pants
- Hiking boots
- Sneakers/ sandals
- Rain suit
- Swimsuit
- Sleeping bag