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The Weavers’ Way to Machu Picchu: Lares to Patacancha and Ollantaytambo

Nowadays it is a little difficult to confirm spaces at the Inca Trail especially in August and September. Inkanatura travel has the pleasure to introduce an interesting alternative to the famous Inca Trail, The Weavers' way to Machu Picchu.

The Cordillera Urubamba in southern Peru is the last great range of snowcapped mountains before the eastern slope of the Andes falls away to the Amazon basin. Tucked behind this 40-mile chain of 18,000 ft.-plus peaks lies a region of high altitude valleys. Here the Quechua people maintain an ancient way of life, herding alpacas and llamas, farming the Andean slopes, and practicing a tradition inherited from their Inca ancestors: the making and wearing of superb textiles.

This short trek begins at the eastern end of this mountain chain, at the colonial village of Lares, with its delightful hot springs baths, and ends with a road journey to the famous “living Inca settlement” of Ollantaytambo. In between we follow a hiking route that skirts the northern slope of the Cordillera, crossing one high pass. We encounter villages where the colorful ponchos of the men vie for attention with the exquisite “manta” shoulder garments of the women, and each wear a distinctive local headgear that announces their origin from this part of Peru. The villagers along the way are generally friendly and welcoming, and some will offer to sell you their excellent weavings.

The Weavers’ Way to Machu Picchu: Lares to Patacancha and Ollantaytambo
Itinerary
Rated: Moderate

Day 1. To Lares/Huacahuasi
We leave Cusco in the early morning, driving to the provincial town of Calca in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and climbing northward to a spectacular high pass before dropping down to the village of Lares on the east slope of the Andes. Here we take a delicious dip at a hot springs in the meadows outside of town and then enjoy a picnic lunch. Then we begin a leisurely half-day hike up the valley of the rushing Rio Trapiche, before reaching the highland village of Huacahuasi, where we camp for the night.

Day 2. To Patacancha
We climb steadily, traversing an open, treeless landscape of ground-hugging plants and flowers among pastures of Andean bunch-grass scattered with roaming herds of alpacas and llamas. Reaching an altitude of 4,500m. we cross the pass of Ipsayccasa then descend into the Patacancha watershed, with the lake of Ipsaycocha to our right. We may see Andean Geese, Puna Ibis and other waterbirds in the wetlands here as we journey through the heartland of these Quechua people, who are locally nicknamed “Huayruros” – the name of a red and black seed reminiscent of the color combinations of the local textiles. We reach the village of Patacancha and camp nearby.

Day 3. To Pumamarca/Ollantaytambo
Our transport takes us downvalley to Pallata, where we begin a short, half-day hike to Ollantaytambo, via the scenic early-Inca site of Pumamarca (Puma town). This well-preserved Inca outpost was apparently a fort protecting the approaches to the Sacred Valley. From there we hike down a trail that winds gently across steep mountain slopes, through a stupendous series of agricultural terraces built by the Incas and now partially restored to agricultural use. At the village of Munaypata we rejoin the main road, where our transport makes the final short drive to Ollantaytambo. After lunch we visit the impressive ruins here, and tour the nearby village, where people go about their daily lives among original Inca streets and houses. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Day 4. To Machu Picchu/Cusco
We take the morning train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, and then ascend by bus to the fabled ruins of Machu Picchu.
Guided exploration, visiting the best-known features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cusco.

   View lares to Ollantaytambo map

What we include:

• A licensed, well-trained, English speaking guide, who visit the clients the evening before departure to explain the trek and answer any question.
• Camping Equipment: Spacious North Face tents, dinning tent, toilet ten, tables and chairs, oxygen bottle and cooking equipment. Trekkers need only bring sleeping bags.
• Chef preparing healthy, hearty meals cooked with fresh, local ingredients.
• Well-paid and well-treated porters. We supply the appropriate duffel for you to pack and them to carry. You carry a light daypack.
• Transportation from Cusco to start of the Lares trail, first class train-the Vista dome- Ollanta/Aguas Clientes (Machu Picchu)/Cusco.
• Entrance fees and roundtrip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary.
• Hotel accommodation at a comfortable hotel in the Sacred valley.
• Special offer: For the first 4 clients InkaNatura will provide our high quality North face Sleeping bags (Polarguard - SnowShoe OF -18C ) at not cost.

Important Notes:

1. Although the trek is rated as moderate, we strongly suggest spending at least two nights before start this trek to totally adjust to the altitude.
2. If you are interested to interact and help communities during your trip in Peru, this trek gives you an excellent opportunity to do it. You could bring some clothes and/or school equipment; the children that you will meet and InkaNatura travel will thank you very much.
3. If you are interested you can add an extra night in Machu Picchu to return to the inca citadel at dawn to see the ruins in perfect morning light. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners.

WEATHER.
The Andean weather can be unpredictable, despite the sharp divide between dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from May to October or November; the rainy season goes from December through April. Nevertheless, in the mountainous Cordillera Urubamba, showers can occur at any time of year. Therefore, even in the “dry” season, your daypack should always include full rain gear (both jacket AND trousers).

Daytime temperatures can vary greatly, with daytime highs ranging from 10ºC/50ºF to 25ºC/75ºF and nightime lows ranging from 10ºC/50ºF to a cold 0ºC/32ºF, though seldom much lower. Bring a swimsuit for bathing in the hot springs at Lares

   About our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and our chart space available