The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is a great alternative to reach Machu Picchu instead of the classic Inca trail.
It is ideal for those who want to get off the beaten path and get an insight into authentic communities while being surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys landscapes.
The trekking starts at a small village located in the Sacred Valley and climbs over 2 passes at 4,000 meters, passing through traditional, colorful villages, relaxing at the hot springs in Lares and finishing with a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day.
If you are looking for a different challenge, we highly recommend to hike along the Lares Valley.
Pick up from centrally located Cusco city hotels
We will pick you up from your hotel located in the city of Cusco to go towards the Andean town of Calca at the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once there, we have the last chance to buy anything you think you might need.
We continue the tour by bus, for 2 more hours, until reach the Lares hot springs, where you can take a nice bath and chill while you admire the mountains around (optional). Have a well deserve rest and enjoy the healing properties of these hot pool waters. Then we are going to get the starting point of the trekking Lares to Machu Picchu. We will hike like one hour and a half until reach Quishuarani (3,700 meters above sea level), to the lunch spot. Admire beautiful alpacas and llamas around.
After lunch, we will visit the 7 waterfalls hiking around wonderful lakes until we will reach our campsite to spend the night. Dinner and overnight. Distance traveled: 4.72 miles – Approximate time of walk: 4 hours.
After a warm breakfast, the trek will start along an uphill path until we reach the Condor Pass located at 4,800 meters above sea level. Taking a zig zag path, we are going to make an offering to the mountains with coca leaves to ask for protection. This place has wonderful views to the snowy Sahuasiray, and you will see local flora and fauna such as vizcachas. Going downhill for 1 hour and a half, we are going to arrive to the lunch spot. You will admire beautiful lagoons and wildlife in their habitat such as llamas and alpacas all over around. After a rest, the Lares trail to Machu Picchu continues until we reach the community of Cancha Cancha located at 3,800 meters above sea level. Our campsite is located in this place. Before the tea time, we will visit the local people to know their traditions. Dinner and overnight. Distance traveled: 9.32 miles – Approximate time of walk: 7 hours.
After breakfast, we will depart at 07:30 am to go to the town of Huaran, we are going downhill around incredible mountains until reach the high altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. You’ll feel how the weather changes, and you will have the opportunity to see agricultural crops in corn, potatoes and vegetable.
Then, the transport will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo in a journey of 1 hour. Explore this magical Andean town with a walking tour around one of the most beautiful towns in the Sacred Valley. If you wish, you can take a tour to the Fortress of Ollantaytambo (optional). Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Later, a bus will take you to Ollantaytambo train station, to board the train to Aguas Calientes in a trip of 2 hours. Upon arrival, we will go to the hotel to spend the night. Distance traveled: 5.59 miles – Approximate time of walk: 4 hours.
Very early in the morning, we will take the tourist bus (optional) to the entrance of Machu Picchu, and we will finally be in one of the 7 wonders of the world. Machu Picchu will be all yours because you will be the first to arrive there. Once there, if you are at the right time, you will enjoy the sunrise and begin the guided tour of 2 hours, where you will learn each secret, each story and each fact about the Inca citadel. We are going to visit Intiwatana, located on the top of Machu Picchu. After that, you can decide whether to climb the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains (optional). Feel the adrenaline climbing the steps of Huayna Picchu for 2 hours and get the best views of this incredible place.
We will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, to then take the train to Ollantaytambo where our transport will be waiting for you to drop you off at your hotel located in the city of Cusco.
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All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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