Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

** Note: minimum of 2 travelers are required in the booking to operate the trek. **

This trip begins with an early-morning pick up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

This trek takes us into the Lares region of the Peruvian Andes, passing green valleys, tranquil mountain lakes and high passes, with breathtaking views of snow-capped Andean peaks rising to just under 6,000 meters. Our route takes us through many small village communities that offer a rare & fascinating insight into traditional Andean life. We’ll make our way by train to Aguas Calientes and continue on to Machu-Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. There we’ll have plenty of time to explore this fascinating site, climb to Huayna Picchu, and see the Sun Gate.

We start off our trek with scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Chincheros and stopping in the town of Urubamba, (2,700m). From there, we continue our drive to the beginning of the Pumahuanca Valley, known for its white corn crops and Chicha, the Inca´s favorite corn beer. This is where we will meet our horses, arrieos, and trekking staff. You will have the chance to visit the Andean village of P´accha, where you’ll be able to witness daily life for the people of the Andes. Then, camp by natural scenic waterfalls in Cuyoc (3,950m). Later on, we’ll climb along a dirt road with stone steps toward the Pumahuanca Pass, and see sacred “Apachetas” – stone cairns made by pilgrims as a symbol of gratitude to Apus (or ‘mountain spirits’).

We’ll have an opportunity to visit the house of our ‘arriero’. You’ll be able to witness his unique way of life; deep connection to nature, traditional customs preserved through agriculture, weaving, and use of medicinal plants. Afterwards, enjoy a soak in the natural hot springs of Lares!

We will conclude our tour on the last day by exploring Machu Picchu early in the morning. Our private guide will lead you on a two hour tour, then you will have time to discover the ancient city of Machu Picchu on your own. Machu Picchu is tangible evidence of the urban Inca Empire at the peak of its power and achievement—a citadel of cut stone fit together without mortar so tightly that its cracks still can’t be penetrated by a knife blade.

The complex of palaces and plazas, temples and homes may have been built as a ceremonial site, a military stronghold, or a retreat for ruling elites—its dramatic location is certainly well suited for any of those purposes. The ruins lie on a high ridge, surrounded on three sides by the windy, turbulent Urubamba River some 2,000 feet (610 meters) below.