Lares Trek To Machu Picchu Tour

You will leave Cusco early in the morning in a private transport toward Huaran, the starting point of our trek, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On this day, you will walk for approximately 5 hours following an uphill path that starts in a valley with lush vegetation and that will take you to the first campsite in Cancha Cancha, a small farming community in the middle of spectacular mountain scenery. You will stop for lunch along the way. Once you get to Cancha Cancha, we set our camp and get to know the local people and their way of living.

Hiking Details: 12 km / 6 hrs / 4-5 difficulty / max altitude of 4250 masl

After breakfast, you will leave the campsite and start the ascent (approx. 3 hours) leading to the first mountain pass of the trek, the Abra Pachacutec (4,400 m.a.s.l./14,488ft). Along the way you will enjoy have spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains in the area, such as Colquecruz, Minas and Sirijuani. And, upon reaching the top, you will be granted some even more fantastic views onto glacier lagoons and surrounding valleys. After the pass you will enjoy lunch and then continue descending towards Quiswarani where we will immerse yourself in a native forest of the Andean tree called “Queuña”. Birds like the Royal Cinclodes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant and “Cucarachero Inca” feed from the nectar of the Queuña’s flowers. Since these species are endangered, this area was declared a Private Protected Area, with the goal to protect them. From the Quiswarani community you will continue following an uphill path, until reaching the Queuñacocha lagoon, your second campsite. If lucky, the night will grant you some of the most spectacular starry skies you would have ever seen.

Hiking details: 14km / 8 hrs / 4-5 difficulty / max alt. 4400 masl

On day 3 you will hike up for around 2 hours to the second mountain pass, the Abra Willkiccasa.  From the top you will have impressive views of both sides of the pass, especially of the Colquecruz and Pitusiray mountains. The trail continues along changing “puna” landscapes, lakes and agricultural areas with random sightings of roaming deer and other animals until arriving in Cuncani, another small peasant community. From there you will follow a path down to a fertile valley with more vegetation, crops and agricultural communities. Along the trail you may see native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids. Finally, after a couple more hours, you will arrive in Lares, capital of the district with the same name, a large village know for its natural hot springs, where you will have the chance to recover energies after the trek.

After a dip in the local hot springs and a delicious local lunch, your private transport will drive you to Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board a late afternoon train that will take you to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at the accommodation you will have previously selected.

Hiking details: 16km / 7 hrs / 4-5 difficulty / max alt. 4100 masl

After an early breakfast, you will board a bus to go up to Machu Picchu, where you will enjoy a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately three hours. You will then return to the town of Machu Picchu, where you will have some free time for lunch and to explore the town. Finally, you will head to the train station to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. A private transport will be awaiting you to return to Cusco.