Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Embark on your unforgettable Lares Trek adventure!

Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel at 5:00 am. After a scenic drive to Huaran, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet our trusty horsemen and their steeds.

Trekking into the Heart of the Andes: Lace up your boots and prepare for a gradual 3-hour ascent towards the remote community of Cancha Cancha. As we trek through breathtaking Andean landscapes, our trekking chef will prepare a delicious lunch by the riverside, refueling us for the adventure ahead.

Discovering Cancha Cancha: Nestled at an altitude of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet), Cancha Cancha is a truly unique and isolated community, preserving its traditions for centuries.

• A Glimpse into Tradition: After settling into our comfortable campsite and enjoying afternoon tea, we’ll have the privilege of visiting a local family. Through our guide’s interpretation, we’ll gain insights into their daily life, customs, and the challenges and rewards of living in this remote Andean village.

• Stargazing with the Incas: As night falls, our guide will share the ancient wisdom of the Inca constellations, revealing how these celestial guides influenced their agricultural practices and continue to hold significance today.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Accommodation: Comfortable camping facilities with bathroom building

Distance: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)

Trekking Time: Approximately 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Wake up to the invigorating aroma of hot tea or coffee, fueling you for another day of adventure. Today’s challenge: a rewarding 7-hour hike northeast, culminating in the breathtaking Pachacutec Pass (4,500m / 14,800 ft), the highest point of our trek.

A Feast for the Senses: Prepare for an intense climb, rewarded by panoramic views of glistening glaciers, serene lakes, grazing alpaca herds, rugged valleys, and majestic mountain vistas. Keep your eyes peeled for soaring Caracara falcons and Andean geese gliding through the sky.

Descending into Quiswarani: After savoring the summit, we’ll descend for 3 hours, following an isolated trail that leads us to the Quiswarani community (3,700m/12,139ft). Along the way, we’ll encounter indigenous highland people in their traditional attire, herding llamas and alpacas. Our guide will act as your interpreter, facilitating conversations and introducing you to the Quechua language, the ancient tongue of the Incas.

A Waterfall Welcome: As we approach our campsite, we’ll be greeted by the spectacular sight of seven cascading waterfalls, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Relax and Recharge: Upon arrival, our campsite will be ready to welcome you. Enjoy hot drinks and appetizers before indulging in a delicious dinner. Settle in for a well-deserved night’s rest under the Andean stars.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
• Distance: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
• Trekking Time: Approximately 7 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

Prepare for a day filled with breathtaking scenery, heartwarming cultural interactions, and rejuvenating relaxation!

Ascending to Willqaqasa Pass:

Our adventure begins with a 3-hour ascent to the Willqaqasa Pass (4,200m/13,779ft). From this vantage point, we’ll be treated to a truly unforgettable panorama: glacial lakes reflecting the majestic peaks of Colquecruz and Pitusiray Mountains, creating a mirror image of nature’s artistry.

Trekking Through Diverse Landscapes:

As we continue our journey, we’ll traverse the Puna grasslands, passing by productive agricultural sites and pristine lakes. After a 2-hour descent, we’ll arrive at the Cuncani community.

Connecting with Local Children:

Here, we’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local indigenous children, perhaps even visiting their school and sharing some special moments with these bright young minds.

Scenic Drive to Lares Hot Springs:

Bidding farewell to Cuncani, we’ll meet our driver and embark on a scenic drive through lush valleys adorned with fruit trees, vibrant flora, and native flowers like begonias and wild orchids.

Rejuvenation at Lares Hot Springs:

Our destination: the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/10,170ft), a natural oasis where we can soak in the therapeutic volcanic waters for an hour, savor a delicious lunch, and bid farewell to our remarkable chef and horsemen.

Onward to Aguas Calientes:

After lunch, we’ll take a private transport to Ollantaytambo (2.5 hours), where we’ll enjoy dinner before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes, our base for exploring Machu Picchu.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Accommodation: 3* Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu

Distance: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles)

Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Prepare for an unforgettable day as we explore the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and journey back to Cusco.

Sunrise at Machu Picchu:

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise over this ancient citadel.

Guided Exploration:

Our expert guide will lead you on a captivating 2-hour tour, unveiling the secrets of this remarkable site. You’ll discover how Machu Picchu is divided into three distinct sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious, gaining a deeper understanding of its history and significance.

Free Time to Explore:

After the guided tour, you’ll have ample time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace, capturing stunning photos and soaking in the magical atmosphere.

Return to Aguas Calientes:

When you’re ready, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you can enjoy some shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

Scenic Train Journey:

The Expedition train will whisk you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, following the winding course of the Urubamba River. Keep an eye out for the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins perched high on the canyon wall!

Return to Cusco:

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll arrive by approximately 7:00 pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Difficulty: Easy

Optional Huayna Picchu Hike:

For those who have pre-booked the Huayna Picchu hike, this will be done independently without a guide.

Train Upgrade Option:

You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure times (2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, or 4:43 pm) for an additional $67 USD. Early train departures can be arranged upon request and must be booked in advance.