Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: A 4-Day Adventure Like No Other

Join us on a remarkable 4-day journey through the heart of the Andes, as we take you on the path less traveled – the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This expedition is a fusion of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and the grandeur of Machu Picchu, all in a compact and unforgettable package.

Explore Lares Valley

Begin your journey by delving into the cultural riches of the Lares Valley. This remote and pristine region is a living testament to the Andean way of life. Immerse yourself in the traditions, meet the locals, and witness their daily life. join us on an exhilarating trek that traces the paths once used by the Inca. Walk amidst towering peaks, meander through lush valleys, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Each step is a connection to history.

Marvel at the untouched beauty of the Andes. Majestic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and tranquil hot springs will surround you at every turn. Nature is your constant companion on this journey.

Machu Picchu – The Grand Finale

Your adventure culminates at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. As you enter this archaeological wonder, you’ll be transported back in time, connecting with the ancient Inca civilization and marveling at the architectural marvels.

Join us on this extraordinary 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, where every moment is a chance to create your own adventure story. Embrace the freedom of the open trail and let the spirit of exploration guide you

DAY 1: CUSCO – LARES – CUNCANI – QUISHUARANI

The excitement of your trip through Lares to Machu Picchu We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. The first part of our trip is approximately 2.5 hours to the community of Cuncani. Once here, we will have breakfast with beautiful views. Then we will begin our 3-hour ascent to the Hullkiccasa Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Here you will enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged Andean peaks, lakes, valleys and much more. Then, we will enjoy our gourmet lunch prepared by our trekking chef. Finally, we will descend for 2 hours to our campsite in Quishuarani, where we will appreciate incredible views of the area.

Our camp is in the community of Quishuarani, which is a very traditional village and still keeps its culture alive, especially with its agricultural practices.

We will enjoy afternoon tea with breathtaking views of the frozen Andean peaks and seven waterfalls. We will also have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture.

After dinner, our guide will show you the Inca constellations that the Incas depended on for agricultural guidance and that the villagers still use to this day.

• Meals: Breakfast /Lunch / Afternoon tea /Dinner.
• Lodging: Camping facilities.
• Distance: 12 km/7miles
• Time: Approximately 6 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 2: QUISHUARANI -PACHACUTEC PASS – CANCHA CANCHA

We will wake up to start our second day feeling refreshed after a good sleep and another delicious breakfast. We begin our 4-hour hike to the southwest, an intense and steep hike to the highest point of our trek known as the Pachacutec Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). The views from the summit are spectacular, filled with glaciers, alpine lakes, llama herds, steep valleys and rolling farmland. After some time to enjoy the 360º views, we will descend for 30 minutes, where we will have an exquisite lunch in the Andes.

After some rest, we descend for 2 more hours until we reach our campsite located next to the Cancha Cancha community, (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). We will take isolated trails, along the way we will see llamas and herds of alpacas. The local people will greet us with a bit of shyness and interact with us in Quechua (the Inca language). Our guide will act as your interpreter to translate and teach you some Quechua words. Cancha Cancha is one of the most isolated and traditional mountain communities, where you will have the opportunity to meet with a local family to learn about their Andean lives. Depending on the time you arrive at Cancha Cancha, you may have the opportunity to visit the school as well.

Once at the camp, everything will be ready. You will enjoy tea time and dinner, then you can relax for a comfortable night’s sleep.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon tea / Dinner.
• Lodging: Camping facilities.
• Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
• Time: 7 to 8 hours approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: CANCHA CANCHA – HUARAN – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

This day will be memorable. We start the tour with a hike downhill for 3 hours until we reach Huaran which is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here we will say goodbye to our team of muleteers, and then we will take our van to Ollantaytambo. Then we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Lodging: Accommodation in aguas calientes
• Distance: 9 kms/ 6 miles
• Time: 3 hours approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This day will be the most exciting of our adventure because we will visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. First of all we will start this great day with a delicious breakfast, at 5:00 am we will leave to take the first bus to the historic santuary of Machu Picchu, the duration of the trip is 25 minutes. Our first objective is to be the first to enjoy the great sunrise in Machu Picchu, feel the energy and magic that holds the ancient Inca citadel. Then we will make an excursion through the most important areas of the sanctuary, viewpoints, temples, residences, stairways, courtyards, sacred temples etc. all archaeological sites in which our professional guide, will delight you with his explanations of history, meanings and theories for a space of 2 hours, After the tour, you will have free time to explore and take some good pictures.

Optionally you can enjoy some of the following activities on your own (not included in the tour price):

• Hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain to appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu (Additional cost).
• You can also do the Inti Punku tour, 2 hours round trip or the Inca Bridge, 1 hour round trip (No additional charge).
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes such as visiting the local museum Manuel Chavez Ballon or visiting the thermal baths (general fee).
  

When you are ready, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, have lunch on your own and then board the train at 14:55 for the return trip to Cusco. From Ollantaytambo train station where our private transportation will be waiting to take you to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transportation: Ollantaytambo-Cusco
• Difficulty: Easy