Best Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights

Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Our journey starts at 5am with a short 2 hour drive from Cusco to Calca. In Calca we make a quick stop at the local market for any last minute supplies. We then continue to the trailhead in Huaran (2,925m/9597ft). On arrival, we meet our chef, horsemen and horses and settle for a hot breakfast along the stream. After, we start our first and short day of hiking, continuing on a gradual incline towards the village of Cancha Cancha (3,750m/12,305). Depending on your speed, lunch will either be served along the way or on arrival at camp.

Once at camp, you have some time to explore the village and take in the unfamiliar scenery. Admire the gigantic snow-capped mountain peaks, a gushing river nearby and herds of llamas and alpacas. Your horsemen and cook will set up camp and serve afternoon tea, which is later followed by a scrumptious dinner.

The stillness of everything gives you an immediate feeling of peace and tranquility.

• Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with a building with clean flushing toilets
• Distance: 9kms / 5.6 miles
• Time: 3.5hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum elevation gain: 825m/2,707ft

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani

After our 6am hearty break, we start an intense climb to the highest pass of the entire trek. At the top of Pachacutec Pass (4,500m/14 800ft) we are welcomed by breathtaking vistas of glacial peaks, turquoise lagoons and of cause our great companions the llamas and alpacas. The skies here are also home to flocks of Caracara falcons and Andean geese.

We then start our descent, stopping to admire the seven waters waterfall (Qanchis Pacha Waterfalls) along the way. Just a short while later we arrive at camp located at Quiswarani Village (3,700m/12,139ft). At camp we are welcomed with everything already set up. Enjoy hot drinks and appetizers before tucking into another abundant and expertly cooked dinner.

One of the best highlights of this trek is that you get to interact with the locals dressed in colorful traditional outfits, still speaking their ancient dialect of Quechua (your guide can translate). Also available for sale is original alpaca and other wool textiles at more reasonable prices compared to some of the boutiques in Cusco.

• Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
• Distance: 12kms / 7.5 miles
• Time: 7hrs approximately
• Difficulty: challenging
• Maximum elevation gain: 750m/2,461ft

Day 3: Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares – Ollantaytambo

This is the last, most scenic and most relaxing day of trekking. We begin our ascent for 3 hours until we reach the Willqaqasa Pass (4,200m/13,779ft). The majestic Colquecruz (6,111m/20,049ft) and Pitusiray (4,991m/16,375ft) Mountains are in full splendid view for the majority of today´s hike. We are also privy to stunning views of farming terraces on the mountain slopes and turquoise glacial lakes, as we trek through Puna grasslands. We then descend for 2 hours to the Cuncani community.

Near the campsite is a local village school, which is an excellent opportunity to interact with the kids if you wish.

From Cuncani we meet our driver and ride down through a lush valley to the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/ 10,170ft). This is our lunch spot and we also have about an hour to soak into therapeutic waters. We then bid farewell to our horsemen and chef.

After lunch, we take our private transport for 2.5 hours to Ollantaytambo, where we have dinner. We then take the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night.

• Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
• 3* Accommodation: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
• Distance: 15kms / 9.3 miles
• Time: 6 hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum elevation gain: 500m/1,640ft

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today’s highlight is the amazing Machu Picchu!

The last day is completely set aside for your enjoyment of the citadel. The day starts at the crack of dawn, when we heard out to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu. On arrival, we are welcomed by the sun rise over citadel, illuminating its intricate stonework and majestic peaks of the surrounding Andes Mountains.

Then, enjoy a 2 hour guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Explore the ancient temples and plazas and learn more about the history and culture of the Incas.

Take more time by yourself to see as much as possible. If you have booked an additional hike of the mountains like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, than your extra hike is not guided and can be enjoyed at your leisure.

Once we´ve had our fill of the archeological site we go back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. On arrival, our private transport awaits to take us back to Cusco, scheduled to arrive around 7:00pm.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT:

You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.

Early trains can be organized on request and it has to be done at booking.