Lares and Patacancha Valley (3D-2N)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Qorao – Taray – Pisaq – Calca – Lares
We’ll leave Cusco at 6:00am after a brief safety and informational presentation from our guide. First, we’ll cycle toward Qorao Mountain Pass at 3,450m above sea level, arriving around 8:30am. Here, the guide will once again make recommendations on the proper use of the bicycles. Then, we’ll descend along on a dirt path of medium difficulty toward the village of Qorao. In Qorao, we’ll change directions to follow a different road for about 15 minutes, then take a rest before we descend along a path of higher difficulty. Along the descent, we’ll cross streams, woods, and the beautiful natural surroundings of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which are ideal for photos. The paths and bridges will lead us to the village of Taray and finally, Pisaq, where we’ll end part one of our descents at 11:30am. In Pisaq, we’ll board our bus, travel to Calca for lunch. After a rest, we’ll begin a one-and-one-half hour bus ride to Lares Mountain Pass, where we’ll begin our second downhill ride of the day.


Already on the mountaintop at 2:30pm (4,400m.a.s.l.), we’ll listen to a brief presentation from our guide and undergo a complete checkup of the bikes. Then, we’ll ride along the road to the community of Lares (3,200m.a.s.l.), where there are several natural thermal springs. This approximately two-and-one-half hour downhill ride offers panoramic views of the highest snow-covered peaks in the Cusco region, as well as beautiful waterfalls with ice-cold water flowing from the region’s mountaintops and glaciers. We’ll also catch glimpses of local fauna, such as llamas and alpacas along the way. We’ll arrive in Lares around 5:00pm, where we’ll take a well-deserved rest while bathing in Lares’ fabulous thermo-medicinal waters. From the soothing waters springs, we’ll enjoy the valley’s pristine landscapes and the serenity of the Andean outdoors. Evening tea will be served at 6:00pm and an energy-packed dinner at 7:00pm. Following dinner, we’ll help you settle in to your respective tents or hotel (optional), thereby concluding our first day of adventure.


Day 2: Lares – Huaca Wasi – Patacancha Mountain Pass - Ipsaycocha Lagoon
At 7:00am, our staff will wake you in your respective tents with spiced tea or herbal tea hot and ready to sip, followed by breakfast in the dining tent. After breakfast, we’ll begin our uphill trek with bicycles and luggage loaded onto pack mules, ultimately arriving in Huaca Wasi at 3,600m.a.s.l. In Huaca Wais, we’ll make contact with the local inhabitants, and then resume our uphill trek for another hour to reach an altitude of 3,750m, stop for a rest and have lunch around 1:00pm. 


Having rested and replenished our energy, we’ll attack the next section of our trek on an uphill path spotted with lagoons on either side. We’ll finally arrive at our adventure’s high point, 4,400m.a.s.l, around 4:30pm. At the summit, we’ll enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of both valleys (Patacancha and Lares).


After savoring the view for a few minutes, we’ll descend to our campsite, where we’ll serve 5:00 tea at the most scenic site on Lake Ipsaycocha’s shores. At 7:00pm, we’ll have dinner and our guide will give us instructions for the next day’s downhill ride.


Day 3: Ipsaycocha Lagoon – Patacancha – Willoq – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast at 8:00am, our guide will provide us last instructions for the day’s ride. We’ll begin riding downward to the community of Patacancha located in a valley of the same name. At 11:00am, we’ll visit a small handicraft market. From that point, we’ll begin our downhill ride toward Ollantaytambo, where we’ll have lunch. Afterward we’ll spend some time visiting the archaeological complex in Ollantaytambo, and then return to Cusco, where you will be transferred you to your hotel.


Includes:
• Bilingual (English–Spanish) guide specialized in treks and mountain biking
• Cook and assistants
• Front-suspension bicycles (GT, Oxford, Scott and Aro) in several sizes
• Safety equipment (Helmets, gloves, specialized mechanic)
• First aid kit
• Two-person tents and dining tent
• Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
• One cold lunch per day
• Round trip private bus
• Pack horses to carry bicycles and luggage on the second day


Does not include:
• Breakfast on the first day
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress
Optional: One day extension to visit the Historical Sanctuary of Machupicchu


Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Having arrived at Ollantaytambo on day 3 (2:30pm), we’ll visit the archaeological complex at Ollantaytambo, and then take the 7:30pm train to Aguas Calientes, arriving at 9:45pm to settle in at our hotel.