Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

We are delighted to present our 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, featuring our exclusive route that promises stunning scenery including majestic glaciers, vibrant blue lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and encounters with llamas and alpacas. Traverse remote indigenous communities for a unique cultural immersion. The journey concludes at the natural hot springs of Lares, offering a rejuvenating experience. Cap off this incredible adventure with a visit to Machu Picchu, the hidden Inca citadel that escaped Spanish discovery, preserving its ancient mystique.

Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu, beginning with an early 5:00 am pickup from your Cusco hotel. After driving to Huaran for breakfast and meeting our horsemen and horses, you'll gear up and start your gradual ascent towards Cancha Cancha, a scenic three-hour trek. Along the way, enjoy a riverside lunch prepared by our trekking chef, replenishing your energy for the journey ahead.

Located at 3,900m (12,800ft), Cancha Cancha is one of the region's most remote and traditional communities, maintaining self-sufficiency for centuries. Recently connected to electricity in December 2019, the community remains untouched by roads. Settle into your tents and enjoy afternoon tea before visiting a local family, where your guide will interpret and share insights into Andean village life. After dinner, experience a guided tour of the Inca constellations, vital for ancient agricultural practices and still significant today.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
  • Distance: 9kms / 5.6 miles
  • Time: 3.5hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani

Your guide will greet you with a steaming mug of tea or coffee as you awaken to a serene morning before breakfast. Energized and ready for our second day, we embark on a 7-hour hike heading northeast. The trail begins with a challenging ascent, leading us over high passes towards the pinnacle of our trek, Pachacutec Pass (4,500m / 14,800 ft). Along the way, majestic views of glaciers, remote lakes, herds of alpacas, rugged valleys, and stunning mountain panoramas will inspire you. Keep an eye out for Caracara falcons and Andean geese soaring above!

After reaching the summit, we descend for 3 hours until we reach our campsite near the Quiswarani community (3,700m / 12,139ft). Along this isolated trail, we'll encounter indigenous highland people in traditional attire, tending to their llamas and alpacas. You'll have the opportunity to interact with these locals in Quechua, the language of the Incas, with your guide serving as interpreter and offering insights into the culture. As you approach the spectacular Seven Waterfalls, you'll know you're nearing the campsite!

Upon arrival at the campsite, everything will be prepared for your comfort. Enjoy hot beverages and appetizers before a satisfying dinner, followed by a cozy night's rest.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
  • Distance: 12kms / 7.5 miles
  • Time: 7hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo

Your journey through the Andean landscape peaks with a memorable day starting at Willqaqasa Pass (4,200m/13,779ft), offering breathtaking views of mirrored mountain reflections in glacial lakes. Trekking through Puna grasslands, fertile agricultural sites, and pristine natural lakes, you'll descend to the Cuncani community, where interaction with local indigenous children adds cultural depth. Continuing through lush valleys adorned with fruit trees and vibrant flora like begonias and wild orchids, you'll reach Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/10,170ft). Here, indulge in a rejuvenating soak in natural volcanic waters, followed by lunch and farewells to your dedicated chef and horsemen.

Afternoon sees you travel by private transport to Ollantaytambo, where a hearty dinner awaits before boarding a train to Aguas Calientes. This charming town nestled in the mountains provides a comfortable overnight stay, setting the stage for your exploration of Machu Picchu the next day.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • 3* Accommodation: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
  • Distance: 15kms / 9.3 miles
  • Time: 6 hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel before catching one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the breathtaking sunrise. This iconic archaeological site is a must-see, where your guide will lead you on a comprehensive two-hour tour, showcasing key areas of the Citadel. Learn about Machu Picchu's division into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors, gaining insights into its historical significance.

After exploring Machu Picchu and soaking in its remarkable views, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you can enjoy some leisure time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs. Board the Expedition train at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, tracing the scenic Urubamba River with its narrow canyon and thrilling whitewater sections. Catch glimpses of Wiñay Wayna high on the canyon wall before arriving at Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle awaits to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. Expect to return by approximately 7:00 pm, concluding your memorable Machu Picchu adventure.

  • Meal included: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

Included:

  • Transfer from the Airport to Hotel (on any date)
  • Private transportation from the hotel to trailhead
  • Local Licensed guide, fluent in English
  • Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and return to Ollantaytambo with transfer back to Cusco
  • 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return
  • Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
  • Private guided tour in Machu Picchu for 2 hours
  • Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and breakfast included
  • 4 person EUREKA TIMBERLINE TENT
  • Comfortable foam mattress
  • Delicious gourmet meals during the trek
  • Chef and cooking equipment
  • Horseman and mules for equipment and personal items (7 kg allowance)
  • Emergency horse provision
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Boiled water to fill bottles
  • Transfer back to Cusco
  • Interaction with local communities
  • Backpack rain cover

Not Included:

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD (Please request when booking)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (Return Only)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when booking)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes