Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Kiswarani – Blue Lake

Leave Cusco at 06:00 am, the start of your Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Drive for about 2 hours to the valley of Calca. Here, have a wonderful breakfast, before traveling to the highest pass of our journey at 4275 meters 13.891 feet. Observe wonderful views of the snowcapped mountains. Traveling on to Lares thermo-medicinal baths. The water is excellent for your bones, muscles, stress, and headaches; this is the perfect way to prepare for your hike! After soaking our bodies, we will enjoy breakfast in a beautiful location surrounded by the majestic Andean mountains.

Drive 30 minutes to the trailhead and start with a 2-hour hike to the Village of Kiswarani, where your chef will be waiting for a well-deserved lunch. The second part of the day is another 2-hour hike to the campsite on the shores of the Blue Lagoon at 3900 m (12795 ft). This afternoon while hiking pass picturesque landscapes, potato farms, and fantastic waterfalls. In the Lares region, villagers survive by farming potatoes and raising llamas and alpacas.

On reaching our campsite, your tents and a hot cup of tea await you. This is a perfect place to relax, stargaze, and learn about Inca astronomy.

• Campsite Altitude: 3900 m / 12795 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Blue Lake – Condor Pass – Cancha Cancha

Another early wake up with a piping hot mug of tea. To prepare for our longest day, you will need to fill up on the hearty breakfast the chef has prepared. We start with a 4-hour hike to Condor Pass at 4750m (15583 ft) – our highest point of this hike. Along the way, witness beautiful lakes where Wallatas (Andean geese or ‘love birds’) swim in the crystal-clear waters and pass the imposing Andean mountains of Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Qolquecruz, all of which are over 18,000 ft. At the summit of Condor Pass, enjoy a cup of coca tea, and a rest while your tour guide prepares a spiritual offering ceremony to the sacred mountains and to Pachamama. It is then over a 3-hour descent through breathtaking scenery to our second campsite.

Our campsite is at Canchacancha (3750 m / 12 303 ft) – the only Lares Valley village completely isolated from modern technology. This includes no drainage system, computers, internet connection, or cellphone service. Here they speak only Quechua – the ancient language of the Incas. You will have time in Canchacancha to meet and interact with the local people, visit a local school, and play games with the children.

The villagers will welcome any donations of food, school supplies, or anything else you would like to give to help support this isolated community’s health and education. With your guide visit one of the family’s homes late in the afternoon. Here you can experience their traditional lifestyles passed down from the Incas, sample traditional food, and see how they raise guinea pigs, llamas, and alpacas. Our chef will have prepared dinner to enjoy together before a well-earned night’s rest by the evening.

• Campsite Altitude: 3750 m / 12303 ft
• Distance: 16 km/ 910 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Day 3: Canchacancha – Salineras of Maras – Ollantaytambo

Start the day with a beautiful view of the mountains and a delicious breakfast while you prepare for the final descent from the highlands into the Sacred Valley. First, say goodbye to the villagers and thank them for their warm hospitality before setting off on our hike.

Along the way, observe different ecosystems – from the cold mountains, where only potatoes are grown, to the fertile soils of the Sacred Valley, where corn is the primary product. Our hike concludes in a small town of Huaran (2700 m / 8856 ft), from here we will drive to Ollantaytambo “Last Living Incan City.” Take time to explore these ancient streets and the water channels that has been in use since Inca time. Have dinner in a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo, before taking the train at around 7:00 pm to Aguas Calientes upon arrival, our guide will drop you off at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: 3* Hotel
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Aguas Calientes: 2000m / 6561ft

Day 4: Machu Picchu “The Lost City of the Incas” – Back to Cusco

Today is the final day of our Lares Trek, get up early, and prepare for the highlight of the tour: visiting Machu Picchu—the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served in the hotel, before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, see the city’s incredible views. On a clear day, we can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu.

On entering the Machu Picchu citadel, be greeted with spectacular views of the surrounding Andes. Our guide will take you on a 2-hour comprehensive tour of the city. We will explore Machu Picchu’s most remarkable places with a private tour guide, visit the important religious temples, palaces, royal residences and farming terraces, and learn about the city’s history. Marvel at the location on top of the mountain, built by the Incas many centuries ago. Feel the spirit and the energy of the Inca as the mountains wrap you in a warm hug.

After exploring Machu Picchu, you have the opportunity to hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked well in advance).

After the tour of Machu Picchu, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Have have time to explore the town, choose a restaurant of your preference, and buy souvenirs in the local market. Later in the afternoon, board the Expedition Train and bus back to Cusco. The WaynaTrekkers representative will meet you at the train station in Ollantaytambo, and you will be driven back safely to your hotel. Our arrival time to Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.

• Altitude: 2400 m / 7874 ft
• Duration: 2-3 hours tour in Machu Picchu
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability, confirm at the booking time.
• OPTIONAL extra tickets for Huayna Picchu costs $70 USD per person
• Early trains can be organized at the booking time.