SUMMARY
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days
Why Choose the Lares Trek.
The Lares Trek stands out as one of the most spectacular trails in the region, showcasing the very best of the Andes.
Throughout this journey, you’ll traverse vibrant landscapes adorned with colorful lagoons, majestic snow-capped peaks, and rugged valleys. The trail offers stunning panoramas and an intimate glimpse into the
diverse Andean wildlife, including chinchillas, Andean foxes, and majestic condors. You’ll encounter
charming herds of alpacas and llamas daily, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the local communities.
A Glimpse into Andean Life
The Lares Trek is not just about stunning scenery; it’s also an opportunity to witness traditional Andean life in action. You’ll see local residents cultivating their crops using age-old methods, dressed in vibrant,
traditional clothing, and living in stone houses with thatched roofs. Their animals, including llamas and
alpacas, graze on the lush mountainsides, with some even serving as pack animals to assist with the trek.
Your Ultimate Andean Adventure
The trek culminates in a full day of exploration at the iconic Machu Picchu, allowing you to soak in the majesty of this ancient Incan city at your own pace. With fewer trekkers choosing this route, you’ll have a more serene and personalized experience.
Discover the Lares Trek via Pachacutec and immerse yourself in a trekking journey that combines breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural experiences. This is your chance to explore the Andes like never before and make the most of your adventure holiday
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days tour:
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers a unique experience that culminates in the majesty of Machu Picchu. During this journey, travelers have the opportunity to explore not only the breathtaking natural landscapes but also to immerse themselves in the life of remote villages in the region and get to know the local people, enriching themselves with the deep Quechua culture.
Throughout the trek, you traverse scenic trails winding through picturesque valleys, passing through charming villages that have preserved their ancestral traditions. During the journey, travelers can interact with the local communities, learning about their customs, traditional cuisine, and agricultural techniques passed down through generations.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Lares Trek is the opportunity to get up close to the daily life of the people living in these mountainous regions. This includes learning about the crafting of Andean textiles, the raising of llamas and alpacas, and the spiritual connection with nature that plays a fundamental role in Quechua culture.
As the trek progresses, travelers encounter dreamlike landscapes, such as crystal-clear lagoons and snow-capped peaks. Finally, the journey culminates with the arrival at Machu Picchu, where the archaeological beauty of this ancient Inca city combines with the cultural richness that travelers have acquired throughout their experience on the Lares Trek.
In summary, the Lares Trek offers a comprehensive experience that goes beyond the exploration of Machu Picchu. It allows adventurers to immerse themselves in the culture and life of local communities, enriching their journey with a deeper understanding of the region and its people.
OVERVIER
Day 1: Cusco to Calca – Huarán – Canchacancha – Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Departure from Cusco: Begin your journey with a departure from Cusco, heading towards the picturesque town of Calca.
Travel to Huarán: Continue your journey to Huarán, the starting point of your trek.
Start Trekking: Embark on a 3-hour hike through stunning landscapes, breathing in the fresh Andean air.
Lunch Stop: Enjoy a scenic lunch prepared by the culinary team at a picturesque spot.
Arrive at Canchacancha: After approximately 2 more hours of hiking, arrive at the community of Canchacancha.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with local inhabitants, learn about their traditions, and participate in their customs.
Evening Tea and Dinner: Relax with a comforting tea, followed by a delicious dinner at your cozy campsite.
Quechua Language Learning: Optionally, learn some Quechua words before dark.
Camp Setup: Set up camp around 5:00 p.m., followed by a “happy hour” with hot tea and dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Starlit Night: Enjoy the enchanting starlit sky before bed.
Day 2: Canchacancha – Pachacutec Pass – Lago Coyalayo – Quiswarani – Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Early Start: Wake up at 5:00 a.m. with a hot drink, followed by a hearty breakfast.
Hike to Pachacutec Pass: Begin your challenging 2-hour hike to the Pachacutec Pass, located at 4,700 meters above sea level.
Admire the Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of lagoons, snow-capped mountains, and grazing alpacas and llamas.
Traditional Offering: At the pass, perform a traditional offering to the mountain gods.
Descent to Lago Coyalayo: Descend for about an hour to Lago Coyalayo for a lakeside lunch amidst serene surroundings.
Hike to Quiswarani: Continue hiking for 1.5 hours to the campsite in Quiswarani, passing charming waterfalls along the way.
Relax in Quiswarani: Enjoy warm tea and a delicious dinner, and rest at your campsite at 3,700 meters above sea level.
Evening Stargazing: Relax under the starry sky with the soothing sounds of nature.
Day 3: Quiswarani to Lares Hot Springs and Aguas Calientes
Morning Tea and Breakfast: Wake up at 5:00 a.m. with coca tea, followed by a nutritious breakfast.
Hike to Cuncani Pass: Begin the final hike around 6:00 a.m. to the Cuncani Pass at 4,200 meters above sea level.
Enjoy Panoramic Views: Relish panoramic views of the Cuncani Valley with colorful lagoons and majestic mountains.
Spot Wildlife: Look out for Andean wildlife, including chinchillas, Andean foxes, and alpacas and llamas.
Descend to Cuncani: Descend for about 2 hours to the community of Cuncani for a delicious lunch.
Relax at Lares Hot Springs: Transfer to Lares Hot Springs to unwind and rejuvenate in the medicinal waters.
Travel to Ollantaytambo: Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have dinner.
Train to Aguas Calientes: Board the train to Aguas Calientes, and check into a cozy hotel in preparation for Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 4: The Magic of Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Early Departure: Wake up early and enjoy a nutritious breakfast before taking a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu: Aim to arrive by 6:00 a.m. to witness the magical sunrise with minimal crowds.
Guided Tour: Participate in a 2.5-hour guided tour to explore the Lost City of the Incas and gain insights into its history.
Free Exploration: After the tour, explore on your own. Visit the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge for additional views, or, if pre-booked, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes: Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant.
Train Back to Cusco: In the afternoon, take the train back to Cusco.
Transfer to Hotel: We’ll be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for a comfortable end to your epic journey.
This itinerary provides a structured yet adventurous experience, blending exploration, cultural immersion, and relaxation with breathtaking natural beauty.
ITINERARY
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days tour:
Day 1: Cusco to Calca – Huran – Canchacancha – Lares Trek to Machu Picchu .
Get ready for a day of exploration and authentic connection with the local culture! We will depart from Cusco heading towards the picturesque town of Calca, then continue to Huarán, and finally venture into the charming trail that leads to the community of Canchacancha.
Our first leg, about a 3-hour walk, will allow us to enjoy stunning landscapes and breathe the fresh air of the Andean mountains. At a particularly scenic spot, we will stop to savor a lunch meticulously prepared by our culinary team, while admiring the beauty of the surroundings.
After lunch, we will continue our journey for approximately 2 more hours until we reach the community of Canchacancha. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily life of the local
inhabitants, learn about their traditions, and participate in their customs. To warm up after the hike, we will offer you a comforting tea, and in the evening, we will enjoy a delicious dinner along with all the comforts of a cozy campsite.
Before night falls, if you wish, you can learn some Quechua words, the ancient language of the Incas. Our team will set up camp around 5:00 p.m., followed by a “happy hour” with hot tea and dinner around 7:00 p.m. And when the sky darkens, you can marvel at a starlit sky that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. A first day full of magic and discoveries awaits.
Day 2: Canchacancha – Pachatutec Pas – Lago Coyalayo – Quiswarani -Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Get ready for an epic day on your adventure- The second day will take you through stunning landscapes and challenge you with an exhilarating ascent, making it an unforgettable experience.
At 5:00 a.m., our team will wake you up with a hot drink to start the day with energy. After enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by our chefs, you’ll embark on a challenging hike beginning around 6:30 a.m. We’ll head towards the majestic Pachacutec Pass, situated at 4,700 meters above sea level.
During a 4-hour ascent, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas: from crystal-clear lagoons and snow-capped mountains to llamas and alpacas grazing in the vast expanse. The views are simply spectacular, and the fresh mountain air is invigorating.
Once at Pachacutec Pass, you’ll marvel at the surrounding landscape and have the opportunity to pay homage to the mountain gods with a traditional offering. After the ritual, we’ll descend for about an hour to the picturesque Lago Coyalayo, where we’ll enjoy lunch by the lake, surrounded by the serenity of this magical place.
After lunch, we’ll continue our hike for another 1.5 hours to reach the campsite in Quiswarani. Along the way, you’ll pass charming waterfalls and observe the local people preparing for dusk in their community.
Upon arriving in Quiswarani, a warm tea will await you to relax after an intense day, followed by a delicious dinner.
You’ll have the opportunity to rest and enjoy the starry sky from your campsite, located at 3,700 meters above sea level, with the soothing sounds of nature in the background. This day will leave you with lasting memories of your Andean journey.
Day 3: Magic of Quiswarani to the Lares Hot Springs and the Charm of Aguas Calientes –
Prepare yourself for a day filled with unforgettable experiences and natural wonders- This day is the culmination of your adventure, offering a perfect blend of scenic beauty and relaxation.
At 5:00 a.m., we’ll wake you with a revitalizing cup of coca tea, and after a nutritious breakfast, we’ll start our final hiking stage around 6:00 a.m. Our destination is the impressive Cuncani Pass, located at 4,200 meters above sea level.
The final hike will take approximately 2 hours uphill, but the reward is unparalleled: panoramic views of the Cuncani Valley, dotted with colorful lagoons and surrounded by majestic mountains.
Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by Andean wildlife; if you’re lucky, you might spot chinchillas, Andean foxes, and certainly, many alpacas and llamas. Don’t miss the chance to capture these unique moments with your camera.
Once we reach the pass, we’ll descend for about 2 hours to the community of Cuncani to enjoy a delicious lunch. After replenishing your energy, we’ll transport you comfortably to the famous Lares Hot Springs. Here, you’ll have free time to relax and rejuvenate in the medicinal hot springs, enjoying a well-deserved rest in a stunning natural setting.
Afterwards, we’ll drive for approximately 2.5 hours to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll have dinner before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you’ll stay in a cozy hotel, preparing for the exciting visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
This day is designed to cap off your adventure in style, combining the splendor of the Andes with the comfort and convenience of your stay in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: The Magic of Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
The final day of your adventure promises to be simply epic! After an exhilarating journey through the Andes, the grand finale will take you to the heart of one of the world’s wonders.
You’ll wake up early to enjoy a nutritious breakfast that will energize you for the day ahead. Then, we’ll take a bus to Machu Picchu, a 25-minute ride that will culminate at the main entrance of the archaeological site. Our goal is to arrive by 6:00 a.m., to experience the magical sunrise at Machu Picchu with an almost exclusive view and without the crowds.
Once inside, we’ll provide a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours. This tour will immerse you in the history and grandeur of the Lost City of the Incas, offering you a profound perspective on the incredible civilization that built it.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. We recommend visiting the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge for additional views and to capture unforgettable photographs. If you’ve booked in advance, you can challenge yourself with a hike up the impressive Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, adding an extra dose of adventure to your experience.
At noon, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the cozy local restaurants. In the afternoon, you’ll take a train back to Cusco, where we’ll be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
This final day encapsulates the essence of your trip, combining cultural exploration with comfort and a return to everyday life, but with unforgettable memories of your experience at Machu Picchu. A perfect ending to an epic journey
INCLUDED (NOT)
Included in the Package:
- Transfers In / Out
Transportation Cusco – Lares Village. (Start walking)
Professional bilingual tour guide English / Spanish.
Assistant tour guide (for groups of 9 or more people)
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners. ” Vegetarian (vegan) food on request at no extra cost!
Cook. (Professional)
Drinking water along the Lares Trek, only on meal times.
Dining tent with tables and chairs
1st Aid Kit
01 Oxygen Ball
Horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) and Horse man
Quadruple & waterproof Camping tent “02 people only”
01 Sleeping Mattress per person “thermal rest”
Train in Touristic Service to Machu Picchu R.T.
01 night tourist hostal in Aguas Calientes
01 bus ticket to Machu Picchu inca city
Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu.
NOT INCLUDES
1st Breakfast, Last Lunch
Other not mentioned
What to Pack
- A backpack
A hat or ear warmer
Sun hat
Scarf
Gloves
A medium-weight sweater
A long-sleeved T-shirt
1-2 T-shirts
A light sweater or vest
A pair of long pants
Hiking shoes
An extra pair of shoes
2-3 pairs of wool socks
A jacket
A small towel
Rain gear
1-2 pairs of shorts
Sunglasses
A small headlamp
Water bottle
A toothbrush and other personal toiletries
Toilet paper
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
DOCUMENTS TO BRING WITH YOU
Original passports
Original international student ID card (in case you have applied for a student discount)