Lares Trek To Machu Picchu

Day 1 CUSCO - QUISHUARANI (LARES) - 7 WATERFALLS - CAMPSITE

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco, heading towards the quaint Andean town of Calca in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is your final opportunity to purchase any essentials you might need.

We continue our journey by bus for an additional two hours until we arrive at the Lares hot springs. Here, you can indulge in a rejuvenating bath while taking in the surrounding mountain views (optional). Enjoy a well-deserved rest and the healing properties of these thermal waters.

Next, we proceed to the starting point of the Lares to Machu Picchu trek. We will hike for approximately an hour and a half to reach Quishuarani, situated at 3,700 meters above sea level, where we will stop for lunch. En route, you will be greeted by the sight of graceful alpacas and llamas.

Post-lunch, we will explore the 7 waterfalls, hiking around stunning lakes until we reach our campsite for the night. Dinner and overnight stay. Distance covered: 4.72 miles – Approximate walking time: 4 hours.

Day 2 CAMPSITE - CONDOR PASS – CANCHA CANCHA

After a hearty breakfast, our trek commences along an uphill path leading to the Condor Pass, located at 4,800 meters above sea level. Following a zigzag trail, we will make a traditional offering to the mountains with coca leaves to seek protection. This spot offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Sahuasiray, as well as local flora and fauna, including vizcachas.

Descending for an hour and a half, we will arrive at our lunch location, surrounded by picturesque lagoons and abundant wildlife, including llamas and alpacas. After a refreshing break, we continue along the Lares trail to Machu Picchu until we reach the community of Cancha Cancha, situated at 3,800 meters above sea level, where our campsite is located.

Before tea time, we will visit the local community to learn about their traditions. Dinner and overnight stay. Distance covered: 9.32 miles – Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

Day 3 CANCHA CANCHA - HUARAN - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES

Following breakfast, our departure is set for 07:30 am towards the town of Huaran, descending through awe-inspiring mountains until reaching an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. Experience the changing climate and observe fields of corn, potatoes, and vegetables.

Subsequently, transportation will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo in a one-hour journey. Explore this enchanting Andean town with a walking tour through one of the most beautiful towns in the Sacred Valley. Optionally, you can visit the Fortress of Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

Later, a bus will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, a two-hour journey. Upon arrival, we will head to the hotel for the night. Distance covered: 5.59 miles – Approximate walking time: 4 hours.

Day 4 AGUAS CALIENTES– MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

In the early morning, we will board the tourist bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu, finally arriving at one of the 7 wonders of the world. You will have the privilege of being among the first to arrive, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the site.

At sunrise, if timed perfectly, you will embark on a 2-hour guided tour, where you will uncover the secrets, stories, and fascinating facts of the Inca citadel. We will visit Intiwatana, perched on the peak of Machu Picchu.

Following the tour, you can opt to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains (optional). Experience the thrill of ascending the steps of Huayna Picchu for 2 hours to capture breathtaking views of this remarkable site.

We will then take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, where transportation will be waiting to return you to your hotel in the city of Cusco.