Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, 5 days from Cusco

We will pick you up at your hotel at 6:00 am, then drive for approximately 2 hours until we get to Huaran (2900 m). It is a small village in the Sacred Valley, and it will be our starting point for the trek. We will join at this time the rest of the team, including the llamas! We will start our magnificent trek through this fascinating valley, following the tranquil route of the high hills along the Cancha Cancha River. It will take us 5 hours to reach the picturesque village of Cancha Cancha, where we will set up our first camp.

After breakfast, we will start the climb to the Pachacuteq Pass (4458 m), the highest point of the trek. From up there you will be treated to a spectacular view of the snowy peaks, Pitusiray, Lac Pachacuteq and all around the Valley. After the Pass, we will continue walking down, this time, to the next valley to arrive at the village of Quishuarani (3700 m) where we will spend the night. Along the way, the landscapes will be breathtaking – with frozen lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. This region is also rich in bird species and it is possible to see the Andean ibises, Andean geese and flamingos among others.

We will have breakfast and leave for an ascent of about 3 hours to reach the Huillquijasa Pass (4200 m), the second highest point of the trek. The view is impressive and worth it! After that, we will descend to the village of Cuncani (3860 m) through beautiful turquoise lakes along the way. We will continue to cross several lands and we will meet Andean local families, where agriculture and textile expertise inspired by Andean gods and symbols is very famous in this region. Once the Qasa Cruz Pass (4100 m) past we will go to the community of Huacahuasi (3800 m). With this community you will have the opportunity to share a unique and authentic moment by learning more about their culture, customs, traditions and their daily lives. We will set up the camp near the community where you can explore the surroundings if the desire and time allow you.

Another beautiful day thanks to the different biodiversity that we will encounter on the Ipsaycocha Pass (4350 m), which will take us 4 hours to reach. To join it, we will pass by several communities, where we will be able to observe the Andean farmers and their experience in the culture of the land and their rustic and authentically Andean house. Farmers have a great deal of knowledge about nature and old farming habits, as well as expertise on old textile methods filled with colors inspired by Andean gods and symbols. After this pass, we will go to the village of Patacancha (3750 m), where our bus will be waiting to take us to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo (2700 m). From there you will experience the incredible train experience to Aguas Calientes with an outstanding panoramic view. The night will be in a hotel, comfortable, in the city of Aguas Calientes.

We will leave the hotel, after breakfast, at 5:30 to go to Machu Picchu (2400 m) with a tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, about the life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough free time to explore Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750 m) at your own pace. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train. In the meantime you will have time to have a lunch at Machu Picchu in the Sanctuary Lodge restaurant (optional) and enjoy the hot baths of the city of Aguas Calientes to relax and give you a 5-day walk.